1 Men in great places1 are thrice servants: servants of the sovereign or state, servants of fame, and servants of business. 2 So as they have no freedom, neither in their persons nor in their actions nor in their times.
3 It is a strange desire to seek power and to lose liberty; or to seek power over others and to lose power over a man’s self.
4 The rising unto place is laborious, and by pains men come to greater pains; and it is sometimes base,2 and by indignities men come to dignities.3
5 The standing is slippery, and the regress4 is either a downfall or at least an eclipse
1places: offices
2base: low, wicked
3dignities: offices
4regress: withdrawal

Which of the following is the best description of Bacon’s chain of reasoning in this passage?

He justifies his claim that seeking “great office” is not worthwhile by linking together examples and other evidence that support the claim.
He justifies his claim that seeking “great office” is not worthwhile by linking together examples and other evidence that support the claim.

He offers facts to justify his claim that people who seek “great office” should first prepare themselves for the sacrifices such an office requires.
He offers facts to justify his claim that people who seek “great office” should first prepare themselves for the sacrifices such an office requires.

He asserts the contradictions between the reasons people desire “great office” and the actual experience of obtaining and holding such an office.
He asserts the contradictions between the reasons people desire “great office” and the actual experience of obtaining and holding such an office.

He uses a thought experiment to show that seeking “great office” is a good way to serve others and advance one’s own interests at the same