[From Manx Soc vol 3 - part 1 Letter of James 7th Earl]

CHAPTER III.

1.-The Earl's comings very opportune, 2-who made a good lieutenant (Capt. Greenhalgh) there, or else the Island had; been lost-Cautions about favourites. 3.-The Lieuteant's politic management to prevent a mutiny. 4.-The Master's understanding discernible by the choice he makes of his servants-Many great families undone by bad servants.

THE Almighty sent me in good time hither; for by most it was believed a few days had ended the happy peace which this island had so long enjoyed.

2. When the people knew of my coming they were much affected with it; as all strange and new things usually do please the common sort. This good I found, that my lieutenant, ere my coming, had most wisely managed the business and exercised his patience, seeing so general a disorder among the people, who he knew were to be won as you tame wild and sturdy beasts-by scratching and clawing; not too violently wrestling, lest they know their own strength and turn. And who so powerfull a prince that, if a multitude do set against him) being alone or with a few, can well be able to resist? As it is not therefore good that the common people know their own strength, so is it safest to keep them ignorant of what they may do, and give them daily occasion to admire the power of their lord. And this is to be done when he often exercises his justice and his mercy: the one, Without too much rigour, and still according to the laws; the other, without softness, and upon fit objects also, to make it ever his own act. For, an act of grace, or whatever is good and pleasing, must come immediately from yourself. And therefore let it never be known that such a particular one hath power, or needs persuade you to what is good. And, for this purpose, if you be jealous that the world thinks such a one your adviser, be sure sometime to deny that man something; that all men may take notice thereof, and that reason is your ruler. If anything prove harsh, of that let any bear a share. And when you deny or afflict, let another's mouth pronounce it.

3. The captain, before My coming, when he thought to terrify the people by imprisoning a saucy fellow in the face of the rabble, observed them very resolute; and some spoke it aloud, that they all would fare as that man did; which he warily did not seem to hear, but then only threatened that man to lay him by the heels, and, if he continued in that saucy manner, he would punish him severely; knowing very well that, if he had imprisoned him at that time, then the rest had rescued him; which would have made them see their own power, and how little his staff of office could annoy them. He then, therefore, broke up the court, adjourning it to another time; wishing them, in the meanwhile, to set their complaints in writing; and, with good and fair words (as he can well do it), promised to redress all their just grievances as for as lay in his power, and for that purpose would send over immediately to me on their behalf, without whom, he told them, no law could be changed. Whereat, for the present, they were well satisfied, and so went every man to his home.

4 Hereby you may observe, first, the benefit of a good governor here. And so indeed is it of any servant in any office of trust. For the first conjecture one usually will give of a great man and of his understanding is, upon sight of his followers and servants, whether they be able and faithful; for then is he reputed wise, as having knowledge to discern. I know many great families of England ruined, that when I have asked the reason, usually the answer was, " In good faith, it is great pity: he is well born- hath hail many gallant gentlemen of his own name; he himself is an honest gentleman-very kind natured, and very liberal; but hath ill servants." He might as well have said, in short, His lordship is a very fool, and his men be knaves.