A Credit to His Country, by François de Callières

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He should take a pride in knowing the history of the country, so that he may be able to give the prince pleasure by praising the great feats of his ancestors, as well as for his own benefit to interpret current events in the light of the historical movements of the past. When it becomes known that the negotiator possesses such knowledge and uses it aptly, his credit will certainly rise, and if he is adroit enough to turn his conversations at court to those subjects of which he is a master, he will find that his diplomatic task is greatly assisted, and that the pleasure he gives to those around him is amply repaid to him in the smoothness of negotiation.

by François de Callières 1645-1717

From ‘The Practice of Diplomacy’ (1919), a translation by Alexander Frederick Whyte of ‘De la Manière de Negocier avec les Souverains’ (1716), by François de Callières (1645-1717).

Précis

It is particularly important, he went on, for a diplomat to acquaint himself with the history and national heroes of the people among whom he is working. Few things can contribute more to the esteem in which his own country will be held, and he will find his proposals much more warmly received.

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.

Précis

Questions for Critics

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