XLIX. Of Suitors.
Many ill matters and projects are undertaken; and private suits do putrefy the public good. Many good matters are undertaken with bad minds; I mean not only corrupt minds, but crafty minds, that intend not performance. Some embrace suits, which never mean to deal effectually in them; but if they see there may be life in the matter by some other mean,[1] they will be content to win a thank,[2] or take a second[3] reward, or at least to make use in the mean time of the suitor's hopes. Some take hold of suits only for an occasion to cross some other; or to make an information[4] whereof they could not otherwise have apt pretext; without care what become of the suit when that turn is served; or, generally, to make other men's business a kind of entertainment[5] to bring in their own. Nay some undertake suits, with a full purpose to let them fall; to the end to gratify the adverse party or competitor. Surely there is in some sort a right in every suit; either a right in equity, if it be a suit of controversy; or a right of desert, if it be a suit of petition. If
- ↑ Mean. Means.
- ↑ Thank. Expression of gratitude. Now plural. "For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? For sinners also love those that love them." Luke vi. 32.
- ↑ Second. Secondary; inferior.
- ↑ To make an information. To inform one's self.
- ↑ Entertainment. A preliminary occupation; spending (of time). "Sir Nathaniel, as concerning some entertainment of time, some show in the posterior of this day, to be render'd by our assistance, at the King's command, and this most gallant, illustrate, and learned gentleman, before the Princess,—I say none so fit to present as the Nine Worthies." Shakspere. Love's Labour's Lost. v. 1.
