A king, when he presides in counsel, let him beware how he opens his own inclination too much, in that which he propoundeth; for else counsellors will but take the wind of him, and instead of giving free counsel, sing him a song of placebo.

君主主持议事、提出问题时，应避免过多流露自己的倾向；否则顾问只会看风向行事，不再坦率献策，而是唱起迎合之歌。