A Word of Advice

Advice that is not based on honesty, humility and deep reflection is mere craft.

1630s

King Charles I 1625-1649

Introduction

Ben Jonson’s Timber: or, Discoveries was not published until 1641, four years after his death. It took the form of a series of reflections on subjects from personal morality to literary criticism, written by a keen and principled observer of life in the theatre and also at Court. In this extract, he discusses the giving of advice.

by Ben Jonson 1572-1637

Spelling modernised.

The two chief things that give a man reputation in counsel are the opinion of his honesty and the opinion of his wisdom: the authority of those two will persuade when the same counsels uttered by other persons less qualified are of no efficacy or working.

Wisdom without honesty is mere craft and cozenage.* And therefore the reputation of honesty must first be gotten, which cannot be but by living well. A good life is a main argument.*

Next a good life, to beget love in the persons we counsel, by dissembling our knowledge of ability in ourselves, and avoiding all suspicion of arrogance, ascribing all to their instruction,* as an ambassador to his master, or a subject to his sovereign;* seasoning all with humanity and sweetness, only expressing care and solicitude.* And not to counsel rashly, or on the sudden, but with advice and meditation. Dat nox consilium. [Night giveth counsel.] For many foolish things fall from wise men, if they speak in haste or be extemporal. It therefore behoves the giver of counsel to be circumspect; especially to beware of those with whom he is not thoroughly acquainted, lest any spice of rashness, folly, or self-love appear, which will be marked by new persons and men of experience in affairs.

by Ben Jonson 1572-1637

Spelling modernised.

From ‘Timber: or, Discoveries, Made Upon Men and Matter’ (1641), by Ben Jonson (1572-1637).

* To cozen someone is to dupe him, to trick him, especially by flattery, coaxing or deceit. Cozenage is trickery.

* ‘Main’ here carries the sense not only of ‘chief’ but also of ‘powerful’. It comes from the Old English word mægen, ‘force’. For Jonson, ‘living well’ means living an honest and upright life.

* See also Joseph Addison on giving Sweet Counsel.

* See also French diplomat François de Callières on the ambassador who is A Credit to His Country.

* See Samuel Johnson on Sweet and Sour.

Précis

In his diary of Discoveries, Ben Jonson wrote that without honesty, advice is only a stratagem. The sincere adviser is also careful to efface himself and speak humbly, letting others feel that they are always in control. He will speak only after long thought, said Jonson, and confine himself to advising people he knows well.

Questions for Critics

1. What is the author aiming to achieve in writing this?

2. Note any words, devices or turns of phrase that strike you. How do they help the author communicate his ideas more effectively?

3. What impression does this passage make on you? How might you put that impression into words?

Based on The English Critic (1939) by NL Clay, drawing on The New Criticism: A Lecture Delivered at Columbia University, March 9, 1910, by J. E. Spingarn, Professor of Comparative Literature in Columbia University, USA.

Sevens

Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.

What did Jonson believe was the strongest argument a counsellor possessed?

Suggestion

To be known for an honest man.

Jigsaws

Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.

People say he isn’t honest. I can’t trust him.

See if you can include one or more of these words in your answer.

IConfidence. IIReputation. IIIRumour.