Good advice causes a man to be looked upon as a troublesome fellow, so
that he no longer enjoys that confidence which he had secured by an
artful subservience. In short, we always see that the art of courtiers
aims only at taking advantage of the foibles of the great, at cherishing
their errors, and never advising them to do things which they dislike.
EL. These maxims may do well enough for a time: but reverses of fortune
have to be dreaded. A gleam of light may at last penetrate the minds of
the deceived nobles, who will then justly avenge themselves on all such
flatterers for the length of time their glory has been dimmed. Meanwhile
I must tell you that you have been a little too frank in your
explanations; if a true account of your motives were laid before the
Prince, it would but ill serve you in making your fortune.
LOP. I could deny having told you those truths I have just unfolded, and
that without being gainsaid; but I know very well that Eliza is too
discreet to divulge this private conversation. After all, what I have
said is known by everyone; what actions of mine have I to conceal? A
downfall may be justly dreaded when we employ artifices or treachery.
But what have I to fear? I, who cannot be taxed with anything but
complaisance, who by my useful lessons do but follow up the Prince's
natural inclination for jealousy.
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