CBC had an interesting program tonight on Francis Bacon and his frustrated political ambitions.
Politics under the first Elizabeth differed from politics today under our Elizabeth -- it's unlikely I'll be beheaded should the Conservatives win a majority next time -- but some things, specifically allegiance to great men, remain the same.
Bacon was a follower or friend of Essex, unlike many of Essex's men who were paid and paid well by Essex.
As a result when Essex fell Bacon fell with him and got no benefit -- he neither achieved office nor fame nor even pay for services.
Had Essex succeeded Bacon would have triumphed. Since Essex failed Bacon's ambitions merely looked absurd; but absurdity is a result of failure only. Who would reasonably have viewed Obama as a credible candidate early on?
To rise politically one must commit to a team -- should the team succeed success follows -- should the team fail failure is just as certain.
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