The Jesuits - James Aitken Wylie

a war, for example--the issue of which is doubtful,
they are to be at pains so to shape their counsel in
the matter, that if the affair succeeds they shall
have all the praise, and if it fails, the blame shall
rest with the king alone. And, lastly, when a
vacancy occurs near the throne, they are to take
care that the empty post shall be filled by one of
the tried friends of the society, of whom they are
enjoined to have, at all times, a list in their
possession. It may be well, in order still more to
advance their interests at courts, to undertake
embassies at times.
This will enable them to draw the affairs of
Europe into their own hands, and to make princes
feel that they are indispensable to them, by
showing them what an influence they wield at the
courts of other sovereigns, and especially how
great their power is at that of Rome. Small services
and trifling presents they are by no means to
overlook. Such things go a great way in opening
the hearts of princes. Be sure, say the Instructions,
to paint the men whom the prince dislikes in the
same colors in which his jealousy and hatred teach
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