too fast upon the majesty of kings. A numerous nobility causeth poverty and inconvenience in a state; for it is a surcharge[1] of expense; and besides, it being of necessity that many of the nobility fall in time to be weak in fortune, it maketh a kind of disproportion between honour and means.
As for nobility in particular persons; it is a reverend thing to see an ancient castle or building not in decay; or to see a fair timber tree sound and perfect. How much more to behold an ancient noble family, which hath stood against the waves and weathers of time. For new nobility is but the act of power, but ancient nobility is the act of time. Those that are first raised to nobility are commonly more virtuous, but less innocent, than their descendants; for there is rarely any rising but by a commixture of good and evil arts. But it is reason[2] the memory of their virtues remain to their posterity, and their faults die with themselves.[3] Nobility of birth commonly abateth industry; and he that is not industrious, envieth him that is. Besides, noble persons cannot go much higher: and he that standeth at a stay[4] when others rise, can hardly avoid
- ↑ Surcharge. An extra charge.
- ↑ Reason. A matter agreeable to reason; the idiom is from the old French, il est raison, c'est (bien) raison.
- ↑ Compare the turn of this thought as twice expressed by Shakspere.
"The evil that men do lives after them;
The good is oft interrèd with their bones."
Shakspere. Julius Caesar. iii. 2.
"Men's evil manners live in brass; their virtues
We write in water."
Shakspere. King Henry VIII. iv. 2. - ↑ Stay. Standstill; at a stay, that is, at a standstill.
