CHAP. XXXVII.

The Conclusion of the former Discourse, with some Aduer∣tisements for Kings and Fauourites.

ALL those that write of the qualities of a good Prince, doe agree in this, that he ought to haue his will free, independent, subiect onely to God, and his diuine Law; without subiecting, or submitting it to any other loue. For it booteth little, that he be Lord of many kingdomes, if he be a slaue to that which hee extremely loueth. That he ought to bee of a good courage, and of a sound and setled iungement, not suffering a superiour, or equall in his gouern∣ment. For (as wee said in the beginning of this Discourse) kingdomes are by so much the more sustained, and augmen∣ted, by how much the more neare they approach to the go∣uernment of one. Whereas on the contrary, they runne much hazard, when the reynes of the Empire are diuided, and put into seuerall hands. The Romanes neuer enioyed so much peace and plenty, as after that Augustus Caesar was declared sole Lord of the Empire, without dependance on any other. Which aduise (amongst many other good in∣structions) the Emperour Charles the fifth gaue likewise vn∣to the King his Sonne, to wit, That he should be a very pre∣cise louer of Truth; That hee should not giue himselfe ouer vnto Idlenesse; And that he should alwayes shew himselfe a free and independant King; not onely in apparence, but in substance. For it is very proper vnto Kings to rule, not to be ruled. And to administer their kingdomes themselues by their owne will, and not by anothers. For he will not be said Page  429 to be a King, who being to command, and correct all, should easily suffer himselfe to be led away, and gouerned by others. And therefore it is fit, that hee should alwayes stand vpon his owne bottome, and in none of his actions expresse him∣selfe to depend on the aide and opinion of others. For this were to acknowledge a Superiour, or a Companion in go∣uernment, and to discouer his owne weaknesse. Infirma enim est potentia (saith Patritius) quae alienis viribus nititur:* That's but a poore power, that must bee vnder-propt by the strength of others. In stead whereof, I would haue him to fit in Councell, and to treate and communicate businesses with such persons to whom it appertaineth, as heretofore I said. Saying onely now, That that King is in a miserable and la∣mentable case, that must depend on anothers helpe. Vpon a certaine occasion, Alexander the Great said; Se malle mori, quam regnarerogando: That he had rather die, then raigne by supplicating and intreating. And no otherwise doth that King raigne, who shewes himselfe a Coward, and suffers the excellencie of his courage to bee ouerwhelmed and carried away with the current of hard and difficult things, which many times offer themselues, leauing the resolution of all to the mercie and fauour of others, by whose helping hand it seemeth that he liueth and raigneth. This (said the Empe∣rour Vespasian) is to dye standing. And as that King is dead, which leaues that to another which hee can doe him∣selfe, and which doth properly appertaine vnto his office; and as he shall not truly cumply with his obligation, if he should go about to draw solely to himselfe the gouernment of his whole kingdome; much lesse in like manner shall he cumply therewith, if hee should cast off all care from himselfe, and relye wholly vpon others. For Extreames, in all things, are ill. And an extreme thing it were, that hee should take vpon himselfe the whole weight and burthen of businesses, and to haue all things passe through his owne hands; it being likewise no lesse, if he should shift off all from Page  430 his owne shoulders, and put his hand to nothing, as did Vi∣tellius, and Iouinianus, who did in such sort dis-loade them∣selues of their offices, and ridde their hands of all matter of gouernment, that all was ordered and gouerned by other mens arbitrement, and none of theirs. Of the former it is re∣ported, that he forgot that hee was Emperour. And of the other, that hee intended nothing but eating and drinking, gaming and whoring. So that both of them came to such miserable ends, as their retchlesse and carelesse kinde of liuing had deserued. Childericke, King of France, and third of that name, is (and not without iust cause) condemned by the writers of those times, for that hee did wholly quit him∣selfe of businesses, and led so idle and vnprofitable a life, that he tooke care of nothing, recommending all to his great Fa∣uourite Pipine, who did rule and gouerne him as hee listed. And there was not any meeting or conuersation through∣out the kingdome, wherein men did not mutter and mur∣mure at it. For their nimble and actiue nature could by no meanes indure, that their King should be but the shadow of a King, and stand for a Cypher, sheltering himselfe vnder the shade of another. Which could not choose (considering how vsuall a thing it is) but put spirit into Pipine, and adde met∣tall to his power. For it is very proper to the condition of men, the more high they are in place and dignitie, to desire the more honour, and the more wealth. There are but few of your great and powerfull persons, which are not hydro∣picall, and doe not thirst after new honours, and new ad∣uancements; And some haue proceeded so farre in their pre∣tensions, that they haue presumed (as this Fauourite did) to quit the King of his Crowne. Willingly hearkening vnto those flatterers about him, which did whisper this in his eare, and egge him on vnto it. It likewise began to bee treated of amongst the great Lords of that kingdome, How much bet∣ter command and rule were in one Head, then in two: And how that all kingdomes had euermore a desire to haue but Page  431 one Prince; And that all prudent and wise men, haue (in reason of State) held this gouernment to be the best and su∣rest; and that it was not fit, that the vniforme body of a com∣monwealth, or kingdome, should bee subiect and obedient to two Heads: To wit, that one should enioy the name and title of King, and the other possesse the power. And that it were better that all should obey one, that had wisedome and experience, and that had beene bred vp in businesses, and the mannaging of State-affaires, whereby to gouerne them in peace and Iustice. And sithence, that in Pipine these qualities did concurre, and that on him all the businesses of impor∣tance did depend, it were good that hee should bee their King, and that Childericke should take his ease and pleasure. Hereupon they treated with Pipine, who though hee gaue eare vnto what they said, yet would not rashly aduenture himselfe to accept of the Crowne, vnlesse Pope Zacharias might first be consulted therein. Whereupon they sent their Embassadours, who had instruction to render such reasons to the Pope, that might moue him to approue thereof, and iudging Childericke to bee vnfit for the gouernment, might absolue the French of their oath which they had taken, and that obedience which they ought to their King, and that he should depriue him of the kingdome, and further declare, That since Pipine did rule and command all, and had so many good indowments, that hee might likewise be inuested with the title of King. And the Archbishop of Maguncia was the man, that was nominated to set the Crowne on his head, and to declare him to bee King of all France. Being thus back't, they summoned a Parliament, degraded the poore seely king, and thrust him into a Monastery, and Pipine was sworne and proclaimed King of those so many kingdomes and Sig∣nories, as were then subiect to the Crowne of France.* Hence had it's first beginning, and that hand and power giuen vnto Popes, in so great a businesse, as the setting vp and pulling downe of Kings; and which is more, of creating new Empe∣rours, Page  432 and depriuing the old ones of their Empire. Whereof there are many examples. And that which this Pope did with that King, who had no more then that vmbratill, and apparent power, other Popes afterwards did the like with Henries and Fredericks, and other Tyrants of great puisance and power. The one offend in the more: the other in the lesse. The one, out of the ambition that they haue to bee Kings, that they may command, and doe all, loose all, and so go to hell. And the other go the same way, for that they will not bee (as they should be) Kings, but giue themselues wholly vnto idlenesse. It was the Emperour Galba's vtter ouerthrow, that he had put the whole gouernment into onely three mens hands, which he brought along with him, possessing them with so much power, that hee was not Master of himselfe, depending still vpon their wil, and through that great autho∣ritie which they had, they ouerthrew all whatsoeuer their King did ordaine, thrusting their armes (as we say) vp to the elbowes in all affaires, and making vse of their present for∣tune, And for that this vnfortunate Emperour could take no∣tice of no more, then what hee had from them; for none (without their permission) could, or see, or speake with him, they made him to do that, which that other Potter did, who going about to make a pot, to boyle meate in, made a larre, to put drinke in. And he thinking to substitute Iudges, that should administer Iustice, appointed theeues in their place, which robbed the Commonwealth. All which was imputed vnto him. And for that Vanity is the mother of so many vi∣ces, all this their great fauour serued to no other vse, but to cause their Soueraigne to commit many actions of iniustice, and indiscretion, and of vnheard of, and vnthought of wrongs, violently breaking through the ordinary course of Iustice. By which exorbitant proceedings, this imprudent Emperour grew to be hated and abhorred of all, and not be∣ing able longer to beare with him, they depriued him at once of his life, and Empire. And these kinde of Caterpillars (said Page  433 the Emperour Sigismund) make those Kings vnfortunate,* that put their affiance in them. At this carelesse ward, liued at first Agesilaus, King of the Lacedemonians, though after∣wards (like a wise Prince) hee did rectifie this errour. And the case was this; Hee let his friend and Fauourite Lisander carry a great hand ouer him, and did honour him in all that he could, expressing alwayes much loue vnto him; Lysander puft vp herewith, tooke great state vpon him, being attended with a great traine, and manifesting in his very gate a kinde of extraordinary grauitie and Maiestie, and all did so farre forth serue and obey him, that it seemed he had vsurped the dignitie royall, and the Empire, leauing good honest Age∣silaus onely the bare Titulary name of King. Which his Maiestie taking into his consideration, to the end that the people might not say, that hee raigned by Lysanders helpe, he withdrew the dispatch of businesses fromforth his hands, and would not remit any thing vnto him, and if he spake to him touching this or that businesse, he made as if he did not heare him, or not well vnderstand him, dispatching all him∣selfe, to the good contentment of his Subiects. Hereupon Lysander began to cast vp his accounts with himselfe, and forbore from that time forward to conferre fauours, or to promise Offices; and told such suiters as came vnto h•m, that they should go themselues to petition the King, and would by no meanes permit, that they should accompany him to Court, as before. And yet notwithstanding all this, he assist∣ed very carefully in all such seruices, as were by his Maiesty recommended vnto him, without any the least shew of dis∣contentment. Within a while after occasion was offered vnto him to speake with the King; and talking with him, hee told him; O King, how well hast thou learned to make thy friends lesse? yes (quoth the King) when they will make themselues too great. The King played his part well, so did the Fauourite, and all ought to doe the like. Kings must bore a hole in that ship with their owne hand, to stop it's course, Page  434 when it hoyseth it's sayles too high, and goes with too still a gale. For the taking notice of their Fauourites ambition, is that ballast, which doth secure them against those their windes, and puffes of vanitie.

Let then the first aduice, and which is of greatest impor∣tance for Kings and Christian kingdomes, bee that which (amongst other) the Catholicke King of Spaine, and Empe∣rour Charles the fifth, left vnto his sonne King Philip the se∣cond, wherein with many indeared and effectuall words, he recommends vnto him the obseruing, augmenting, and de∣fending of the Christian faith, in all his kingdomes, States, and Signiories, seuerely punishing with all rig•ur and iustice, without exception of persons, all such as should bee either suspected or found culpable in points of Heresies, Errours, and depraued Sects, contrary to the Catholicke saith. For therein consisteth all our good words, all of them, worthie consideration, and worthy so Catholicke a Prince, esteemed, approued, and perpetually obserued by his most happie sonne (howbeit to his great cost.) As one, that knew very well, that in the obseruance of Religion, and Catholicke faith, all the happinesse that we can hope for in this or that other life, dependeth thereupon, and hath it's sure ground and foundation.* And therefore Saint Paul calls it Substan∣tiam rerum sperandarum, &c. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the euidence of things not seene, &c. For it is the foundation whereupon is built in our soules all our spiri∣tuall good: insomuch that the selfe same Apostle said, Sine fide, &c. Without faith it is impossible to please God. And seeing it is a Iewell of such great worth and value, Kings are to make that esteeme of it, that they doe not onely retaine it, but maintaine and defend it, especially in their owne kingdomes, and in all other places, where they haue any power. For besides the obligation, which they haue, as Christian Kings, it concernes them likewise in their owne proper interest. For in giuing way to their Subiects, that they Page  435 be not faithfull vnto God, it will pull that punishment vpon them, that they shall not be loyall vnto them. And most cer∣taine it is, that they who shall not cumply with the greater obligation, shall easily faile in the lesser. And this is made cleare vnto vs in the sacred History of the Kings; where, whosoeuer shall diligently obserue the same, hee shall finde, That after Ieroboam,* King of Israel, had set vp those Idolls in Dan, and Bethel, of purpose to withdraw the people from the true worship of God, were commenced and continued (as there wee may reade) the treasons and rebellions of the Subiects against their Kings. For this vnfortunate Prince thought with himselfe, that for to settle and secure himselfe in the kingdome by those ten Tribes, which had rebelled, and made choice of him for their King, that it would be a good meanes to induce them to his deuotion, to draw them to for∣go the adoration of the true God, which they were wont to performe in the holy Citie, and Temple of Ierusalem, and to humble and prostrate themselues before those Idolls. But the iust vengeance of God ouertooke him; for instantly there∣upon he lost his eldest sonne, who dyed a violent death. For Baasha, the sonne of Ahijah, of the house of Issachar, conspi∣red against him, and smote him at Gibbethon, and anon after all the house of Ieroboam, not leauing vnto him any that breathed. And not onely hee, and his, did miscarry, but the whole kingdome was laid waste and desolate for that sinne, and led away captiue. And as when one man hath receiued from another some extraordinary great wrong, he can hard∣ly forget it: so, vpon all occasions, wherein mention is made of the sinnes of the Kings, which afterwards succeeded, and of the punishment which they deserued for them, still is the remembrance reuiued of this most grieuous sinne of Ierobo∣ams, and are attributed vnto him, as being the first that open∣ed the gappe vnto them. And all those troubles which are there particularly set downe in those sacred bookes, befell that kingdome for a punishment to them, and a warning to Page  436 all Christian Kings, that by how much the greater light they haue for to know the excellencie of Faith, and the truth of Christian Religion, so much the lesse are they to be obey∣ed, and the more seuerely to bee punished, if they should be wanting to so great and so apparent an obligation. Let Christian Kings therefore know, that if they shall conti∣nue firme in the faith, and cause all their subiects to continue constant therein, God will protect both King and people, and will establish their kingdomes, and all shall obey and feare them; but if they shall faile therein, all runs to wracke, and vtter ruine. So that, as a naile, if you will haue it to hold, must be fastened in some other thing that is firme and strong, lest it, and all that hangs thereon, come tumbling downe to the ground, So in like manner, if a King will vphold himselfe firme and sure in his power, Maiestie, and greatnesse, hee must be firmely fixed to the faith, strongly vnited with God, and close wedged to his diuine will: but if he begin once to sinke, or shrinke in this, all his kingdomes, or whatsoeuer de∣pend thereon, come tumbling downe to the ground, with a sudden and fearefull fall. For nothing doth more vphold a so∣ciable life, a Monarchie, and kingdome, then Religion linked with Iustice. Noah for his Religion and Iustice, was after the Flood obeyed by all. The Romans, for the vpholding and in∣larging of their Empire, held not any meanes comparable to that of Religion and Iustice, wherein they surpassed all of those times. The Emperour Seuerus being at the point of death (which is a time for men to speake truth) ended his life with these words, Firmum impe•ium filijs meis relinquo, si boni erunt; Imbecille, si mali: A strong Empire leaue I to my Sonnes, if they proue good; a weake, if bad. For the grea∣test force and strength of a kingdome, both for the present, and the future, is the vertue of it's king. So that with no lime and sand are the walls and foundations of States more firme and surely setled for lasting and continuance, then with a Kings vertue and goodnesse. Which is that recompence and Page  437 reward which God promised to his most faithfull seruant Dauid, for his vertue. Firmaboregnum eius, & stabiliam thro∣num regni eius in sempiternum: I will establish his kingdome, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdome for euer. That is, the title and dignitie of a King should bee continued and confirmed vnto him, tanquam in vsum & proprietatem, for euer and euer. This firmnesse in the faith, and this obser∣uance of Religion and Iustice, are those strong pillars and columnes, which being truly cumplyed withall, do not one∣ly vphold for the present, but doe likewise increase and per∣petuate kingdomes.* If good King Iehosaphat had not entred into league and amitie with King Ahab the Idolater, it had not fallen out with him so ill as it did, nor his life beene put to that danger as it was.* Iudas Machabeus heard tell of the great and famous deeds that the Romanes had done in feates of Armes, being a stranger-Nation to Gods people. Where∣upon he sent his Ambassadours vnto them, to make a perpe∣tuall league and confederation with them. Wherewith God was much displeased, and so hurtfull vnto them was this ami∣tie and alliance, that many haue obserued, that after this Peace was concluded betweene them, Iudas neuer after obtai∣ned any victory ouer his enemies, but was flaine in the first battell that he fought. And some say, the like succeeded to both his brothers, Ionathan and Simeon.

Let vs draw then from this discourse and sound aduice of this Catholike Emperour, how much it importeth Kings to maintaine their faith and Religion, and to conserue and vp∣hold the same in all their kingdomes and dominions. Now for to conserue the faith, it is likewise requisite, that there be great care had in procuring, that the commonwealth be pur∣ged and cleansed of it's vices and sinnes. For (as the Apostle Saint Paul saith) when vices grow to that head and rank∣nesse, that they come to make men to be of a bad and corrupt conscience, they go disposing such to suffer shipwracke in the faith; as it hath happened in these our times, in many parts of Europe.

Page  438 The second aduice that I shall giue vnto Kings, is, that they carry themselues so in the dispatch of businesses, that notice may not bee taken, that they are dispatched by any other arbitrement, but their owne. For most certaine it is, that if it come to be knowne, that all the Orders that come forth, passe through the Fauourites hands, and as hee shall giue direction, they loose much of their force and efficacie; and the King much of his reputation and credit. His subiects will grow to contemne him; and strangers will make little reckoning of him; and many other mischiefes will ensue thereupon. Amongst the Romanes it was held for a great affront and dishonour, that the Emperour should dispatch (as they say) porcarta-pacio, by a note booke, or some penn'd thing for him; or (like some young practitioner in physicke) by his Masters Recipes. And therefore in those generall pro∣cessions, which they made, they besought God that hee would not punish them, by giuing them Princes, which had need to be ruled and guided by Gouernours and Tutors. For they knew well enough, that when God is angry, offended with the sinnes of the people, he punisheth them, by sending them Princes without knowledge and wisedome; that are not able to gouerne of themselues, but to doe as others shall ad∣uise them. Wherein they did confesse and acknowledge, That to be a King, consisteth in being knowne and reueren∣ced of all; to be an independant Lord, not relying vpon any other; whose Mandates and Decrees all should subscribe vn∣to and obey; whom all should seeke vnto, with whom all should negociate, that are pretenders; from whose liberalitie, resolution, and will, they onely should acknowledge all the graces and fauours that are done them, and from no other hand. For if they should giue way thereunto, their Subiects will bee induced easily to beleeue, that together with this, they will giue away their greatnesse, and minister occasion to loose that common loue and respect which solely and proper∣ly is due vnto them. For Subiects vsually honour no other Page  439 Sunne, but that from which they receiue their light. They naturally abhorre that man, that does them hurt; and loue that person, who does them good, bee he what hee will be, good or bad, all is one. They call God Optimum maximum, because he both doth, and is able to do them good. And he himselfe doth glory therein, as being vnwilling that men should acknowledge the good they receiue, from any other. What wisedome then can there bee in that King, that shall suffer a Fauourite to haue all the thankes, and all the honour and glory of those fauours and rewards, whereof he is the owner and donor? Reseruing for himselfe nothing but the scorne and contempt of his Subiects, then the which there is no miserie can be greater? God forbid that Kings should per∣mit any such lessening of their power and authoritie, which is the necessariest thing that can bee, for the conseruation of their estates and kingdomes. Likewise in regard of their owne proper particular, it will be a very good lesson for them; for if their subiects are beholding for the good they receiue, vnto another, they will loue him more then them; and when oc∣casion shall serue, will not sticke to shew it, though it bee to their owne hurt. Examples hereof, there are good store amongst those ancient Kings and kingdomes of elder times, that by this meanes haue beene ouerthrowne and brought to ruine. We finde it storied, that the Emperour Claudius, at the intercession and instance of Agrippina, made such a one Generall of his Army; Cornelius Tacitus toucheth vpon this Mysterie, and saith of him, that hee was a man of much fame and renowne, and very expert in militarie discipline; yet knowing very well withall, by whose good will and fur∣therance, that command was conferred vpon him, he could not (when occasion should offer) bee behinde hand for so great an honour done vnto him, but recompence it to the vt∣most of his power. Such great places of imployment ought to be bestowed by no hand, but by Kings, and that imme∣diately, lest another may go away with the thankes. And he Page  440 shall doe well, if hee take the like course in all other Offices that are in his gift; for (if it were possible) it is fit that all should stand bound and obliged to him.

Let Kings likewise bee aduised, that they carry a watch∣full eye ouer those that are ambitious, which are either so na∣turally, or by conuersing and communicating with others, are made so (for this is an infectious disease) and the more, the more it taketh hold on great persons, and men of an ex∣traordinary spirit; for they are as dangerous as theeues, where there is store of treasure to bee had. For questionlesse such kinde of men do vsually labour to increase their estate. For it is very naturall to this passion, as to those other affections, neuer to giue ouer, till they come to the end and full satisfa∣ction of that which their appetite or desire representeth vn∣to them: neither the Law of God, nor of thankfulnesse, suf∣ficing to moderate their mindes, and to keepe them within the due and lawfull bounds of their dutie. In that houre, and in that very instant of their rising, nay, before they come to that greatnesse, there is little trust to be giuen vnto them; for nothing workes vpon them, but their proper honour and profit. And all the rest they esteeme as nothing, in compari∣son of bettring their owne fortune. But if of necessitie some must bee raised to honour;* Si quem extollere oporteat (saith the Philosopher) non tamen eum, qui sit moribus audax. Nam huinsmodi homines aptissimi sunt ad inuadendum circa res omnes: Let them not be of base and meane condition, nor such as are naturally proud and haughty, for being vainely transported with their fauour and priuacie, they thinke with themselues, that they haue already clapt a nayle in fortunes wheele, and that they cannot fall from the top of their feli∣citie. And being thus blinded with their ambition, there is not any thing which they dare not aduenture on. Let Kings therefore well weigh and consider with themselues, what manner of men they put into great places, and neare about their persons, that they may relye more on the goodnesse of Page  441 their nature and disposition, then on the Law of obligation and thankfulnesse; for these are but weake bonds, and easily broken. And because I know not whether I shall hereafter come to light vpon the like occasion, I will here propose that Question, which is disputed and doubted of by some (and may likewise serue for an Auiso vnto Kings) whether it be better that the great Lords should be farre off from them, or neare about them? The Emperour Charles the fifth (of fa∣mous memory) amongst other Aduertisements which hee gaue to his sonne Philip, one was, That he should not let the great offices of the kingdome, nor places of great command rest any long time in one mans hands, nor should put his Grandes and great Lords into them, but Gentlemen of good qualitie, such as were creatures of his owne making. And as for his Grandes, hee should honour them with some places and offices neare about his person, which would be a greater grace both to himselfe and his Court.

Others are of a quite contrary opinion, and alledge reasons for the maintenance thereof. Great men (they say) if they be not like those little ones, which Christ speaketh of, are ordi∣narily of an extraordinary spirit, and endeauour, all they can, increase of honour, till they come to occupie the highest place. And then will it bee seene, of what little esteeme are those great fauours which they haue already receiued. There is not that friendship, that kindred, nor any other bond, be it neuer so strong, which is not broken, through the greedy ambition of ascending to some higher throne. For to bee a King (saith Euripides) all Law is broken. For this Appetite is of that force and strength, that it breaketh all Lawes, both Diuine and Humane. For proofe whereof, they cite many examples, which I purposely omit, that I may not offend, and tire out the Reader. All of them admonishing Kings, that they should throughly weigh and consider where, and in what places they put them. For if they be neare about their royall person, it is the torment of Tantalus vnto them, to see Page  442 the water and the fruit so neare their mouth (that great∣nesse and power I meane) and not to enioy it; Which will but prouoke a more hungry appetite in those which doe not possesse it, and will breake through hedge and ditch, and runne (as they say) through fire and water transported with this so faire and beautifull a prize, as is set before their eyes; neuer being at quiet till they come to enioy it. For there is not that loue to any thing here vpon earth, which doth so much alter, suspend, and seaze on the minde and h•art of man, as that of ruling and commanding, and to grow great therein. And when they see things succeed not according to their minde, yet at least in satisfaction of their enuie, they will be well content that the waters should be troubled, and the world be turned topsie-turuy, taking pleasure therein, though it be to their owne hurt. And what King can secure himselfe, that such ambitious persons, being neare about him, will not at one time or other attempt their ends. For greatnesse (say they) after that it is once possessed, quits the memory of the meanes, whereby it came to bee so great, and findes a thou∣sand excuses for it's weaknesse in offending. And the rather, for that ill vse hath taught all men this lesson; That the repu∣tation of an honest man is not to be preferred before his pro∣per profit and greatnesse. Lastly, they say, That he that ouer∣commeth, and makes good his clayme by his sword, needeth not to study excuses, and to make Apologies; let those doe that, that haue the worst end of the staffe, and stand at the mercy of the Conquerour. In conclusion, they resolue this question thus; That it is very fit that your great Noble-men should rather liue farre from Court, then neare about their King. For all of them will be of good vse, for the gouernment of Prouinces and Armies, whereby both the one and the other will be secured. And when they cannot content them in all that they would haue, they may entertaine them with these, which will be a good meanes to diuert their thoughts, and to bridle those Prouinces that are committed to their Page  443 charge, with whom the Maiestie and greatnesse of their Go∣uernours will be able to doe much. And there they are not of that danger. For in kingdomes by succession, and well set∣led, and where there is no colour of wresting the Scepter out of the bloud-royall, there is no feare of trusting the Grandes, and great Noblemen with these kinde of Gouernments, but it is rather requisite that it should be so. For, like vnto starres in heauen, and their influences on earth, they serue for orna∣ment and conuersation in those kingdomes and Prouinces, wherein there are ancient and noble Houses, for which they are to seeke out men of Noble bloud, and good qualitie, and of knowne greatnesse, to bee conuersant amongst them. For the Nobilitie of those kingdomes and Prouinces will thinke themselues not well dealt withall, if they shall haue but an or∣dinary man set ouer them to be their Gouernour, be he neuer so wise, or neuer so valiant. For being that they are to attend all at the gates of him that holdeth that place, they may esteeme it as an iniurie to see themselues obliged, to acknow∣ledge homage vnto him, whom out of that place they would scarce vouchsafe him their companie. Besides, that greatnesse and largenesse of minde and heart, that knowes not how to shrinke, or be deiected with aduerse fortune (a thing so ne∣cessary in him that gouernes) will sooner bee found in these, then men of meaner ranke. For (as Saint Ierome saith) hee that owes much to his bloud and familie, will alwayes beare that obligation about him, and neuer faile therein. Againe, he that is borne to command, will be lesse insolent in his go∣uernment, as hauing that noble qualitie from his cradle; And the people on the other side will more willingly obey him, whom they haue alwayes knowne to haue liued in honour and greatnesse: And his example will bee of greater impor∣tance, to reforme the disorders and abuses that shall there be offered.

Ouer and aboue, they further adde, That your Grandes and great Noblemen, may, and haue obligation to content Page  444 themselues with their present estate, if they will but weigh the difference of that it was, with that which it is now, did not men that are now in honour grow forgetfull of their former meane condition. That grieuing them more, which falls short of their desire, then that doth please and content them, which fortune hath with so liberall a hand bestowed on them. For no man rests contented with his present estate and condition; nor doe we esteeme that so much which wee possesse, as the lacke of that we desire, doth torment vs. And therefore doe they say, that they are not so good to be about Kings, and more particularly those which are so qualified; for they are like a lingring kinde of Calenture, or aguish Fe∣uer, which makes an end of vs before we are aware of it, wor∣king it's effect, before wee can looke into the cause. Or like vnto the hand in a Clocke, or Dyall, which tells out the houre, and strikes, without perceiuing how it moues or goes. Or like vnto those plants of your tallest trees, which grow to their full height, whilest neither our eyes, nor our vnderstan∣ding can scarce comprehend, how this comes to passe, so in∣sensibly doth it sproute and shoot vp. This is the question, and these, in briefe, the conueniences, which (for mine owne part) I know not what they are, vnlesse such conueniences as are proper to euery one in their owne estate. But be it as it may be, and let them say what they list, let Kings resolue by the illumination of that light which they haue from hea∣uen, on that which shall be best for them. That which I say, is this, That it will well become them to liue with a great deale of warinesse and circumspection, and not to trust or re∣lye too much vpon fortune. For this Lady, howbeit some∣times shee suffers her selfe to bee commanded by them, yet now and then she ouerrules them, as she doth the rest. And therefore it shall bee good discretion and prudence, to feare both her, and her frequent mutabilities and changings, as it behoueth euery man to doe the like. For she, without any respect or distinction of persons, will oftentimes lash out Page  445 from that way and course wherein she is, and runne a quite contrary bias, and commit the current of those effects to time and Nature.

Let Kings likewise take heed, that they doe not put offen∣ded persons into such places, where they may reuenge them∣selues; For a receiued wrong or iniurie leaues still some roots behinde, which, when occasion is offered, will bud forth most bitter and venemous plants. Nor are there any rewards, or benefits, be they neuer so great, that can blot out the print of that impression, which an iniurie stampeth in the minde and heart of man. Courtesies are soone forgotten by them; for it seemeth a troublesome thing vnto them, to endure the weight and burthen of so great a debt and obligation; but a receiued wrong or iniurie, that shall euer be remembred, be∣cause they hold reuenge to be the character of courage, and the badge of a noble minde and braue spirit. Puluere, qui lae∣dit, scribit, sed marmore laesus: He that does a wrong, writes it downe in dust; but he that receiues it, in marble. Tacitus teacheth vs to know this minde of man, and it's passions; telling vs that the greatest and strongest inclination in man, is to receiue satisfaction of the iniuries done vnto them, for thankfulnesse lyes as a heauy loade vpon them; whereas they make light of those benefits they receiue. Esteeming the latter to be a diminution of their greatnesse; and the former, to wit, reuenge, to bee a great gaine vnto them; for they imagine, that they gaine thereby in their authoritie, in their reputa∣tion, and in the manifestation of their valour, when the world shall take notice that they haue righted themselues. Such as these can neither bee good as they are Fauourites, nor as they are Councellers. For out of the desire and pleasure they take in reuenge, they will rather aduise that which shall seeme conuenient for the execution thereof, then for the authoritie and profit of the Prince, whom they aduise. They will aduise him (I say) to venture himselfe vpon some voyage, to enter into a warre, to go himselfe into the field with a royall army, Page  446 or to vndergo some dangerous enterprise, for the better effe∣cting of their designes, plotting a thousand mischiefes to bring him vnto ruine. And let them say what they will, yet shall they neuer perswade me, that this proceeds out of the loue which they beare vnto their King, and his increase of honour, but out of hatred to his person, & their owne proper satisfaction, thinking that by that meanes they may worke their reuenge. And hereunto I adde, that no man can bee found of so perfect a minde, of so temperate a nature, and so vertuous, but that in the first place he will treate of his owne businesse; and that treating of this particular, the eye of his thought still ayming to hit this white, will not sticke to ad∣uenture any danger in hope of reuenge. And therefore I shall aduise Kings, that of necessitie must sometimes giue eare and credit to these or the like persons, if they chance to bee preferred to great places, that they be very carefull how farre forth they trust them, for they are a dangerous kinde of peo∣ple, vnsafe, and more couetous of their owne priuate interest, then carefull of the publike perill, or common hurt. For this loue vnto themselues, and hatred vnto others, couered and strewed ouer with the cloud and ashes of iniuries and offen∣ces, either receiued or conceiued, doth reuiue and quicken the coales by those blasts of fauour and greatnesse that are blowne on them; procuring (though to others cost) to vp∣hold themselues therein, and to ingage Kings in that which they pretend for their reuenge and satisfaction. God shield and protect Kings from such persons, as shall with the snake take vp their poyson againe, to vent the venome of their ran∣cour and reuenge vpon an old quarrell; and let them likewise take heed, how they imploy their forces, and their power, in countenancing and protecting those whom they haue offen∣ded and discontented.

This (saith the said Emperour Charles the fifth) is an ad∣uice of great importance, for the safetie, quietude, and good gouernment of kingdomes, States, and Signiories; which Page  447 for that they are so many, so great, and so farre distant one from another, it is impossible that they should be visited by your selfe in person, so often as is requisite: And therefore I aduise you, that you haue a great care that your Viceroyes and Gouernours that shall be sent thither, be such, and of such parts, as shall conuene for such an imployment, men of expe∣rience, and conscience, of wisedome, prudence, and discre∣tion, and well seene in matters of State and Gouernment: Well disposed, and free from couetousnesse, briberie, and corruption; seeking out rather men for Offices, then Offices for men. Lastly, let them be such persons, from whom you may receiue that good satisfaction, that by their residence there may bee found no misse of their Kings presence; For this is properly to bee Vice-royes. Moreouer, you must in∣struct them in that which appertaineth vnto them, for the good gouernment of the Commonwealth, and those Sub∣iects which are committed to their charge, maintaining them in equall iustice, and good manners, giuing them good ex∣ample by their owne blamelesse conuersation. There is no∣thing that doth so much oblige Vassals and Subiects to keepe the Statutes and Lawes which are ordained, as to see them well kept and obserued by their betters; And so it is, that it is vniustly commanded, which hee that commands keepes not himselfe, if that which is commanded be good. And be∣ing good, why should it not be good for him to keepe it, that commands it?* For (as Baldus saith) though the King be not lyable to the Law, yet is hee lyable to the rules of reason. This pious Emperour goes on, and willeth his sonne, that he should strictly recommend to his Vice-roys charge, the pro∣tecting, sheltring, and relieuing of the poore, the defending of the fatherlesse and widow, and those that are destitute of friends, and haue none to helpe them. Whom some, that are in place and authoritie, are wont (and I feare is too ordinary amongst them) to disfauour and disesteeme them, making little or no reckoning at all of them. Being ignorant how vile Page  448 and base a thing it is, and how heroycall the contrary, and how much in imitation of God, to put forth a charitable and pitifull hand to him that is brought low, and fallen into mi∣serie, assisting him in his afflictions and troubles, freeing him from wrongs and iniuries, whose shield and buckler, he that gouernes, ought to be. And he closes vp this aduertisement with wishing him to be very carefull, that his Viceroys and Gouernours exercise their offices as they ought, and not to exceed the instructions that are giuen them, nor to vsurpe beyond their authoritie, giuing them this prouiso, that in do∣ing the contrary, he shall thinke that he is ill serued by them, and that hee giue order to haue it remedied and amended, by his displeasure, and their punishment. And howbeit it be true, that he ought not to giue credit to all the complaints which are made against such his Ministers (which are sel∣dome wanting) yet in no hand that he should refuse to heare them, and vnderstand them, in forming himselfe fully of the truth. For the not doing of it, will but minister occasion vnto them, to be more absolute, and to the Subiects to grow des∣perate, seeing themselues oppressed by iniustice and vncon∣scionable dealing.

Likewise when Kings send an Embassadour to another Prince, they must looke well into the qualitie of the person whom they send. For in such an Embassage he doth not one∣ly treate of the businesses for which hee goes, but likewise of the honour and authoritie of the King, which sends him. And therefore it is necessary that the persons that are nomi∣nated and declared to go on Embassage, haue many of those qualities, which we haue mentioned in Vice-roys and Coun∣cellours of State. For if they shall not fill that place with the greatnesse of their good abilities, it will be a great lessening to the credit and reputation of the King, and the businesses will receiue much hinderance, if not vtterly bee ouerthrowne. The Romanes did make a mocke of the Teutones, counting them no better then fooles, for sending an Embassadour vn∣to Page  449 them that was a block-head, and of little or no expe∣rience.

Kings and great Princes, all that, from which glory and greatnesse resulteth vnto them, they ought to doe it without any the least shew of vanitie, accompanying it with such cir∣cumstances and consequencies, that it may seeme onely to bee done for the common good, the exaltation of the Com∣monwealth, and the reputation of their Crowne. In all times and places they must represent much authoritie, grauitie, and Maiestie in their persons, and in their Treaties, mixing it with affabilitie and courtesie. To the end, that by the one they may cause feare and respect, and by the other quit and remoue that feare. It is reported of Octauian the Emperour, that all the Embassadours that appeared in his presence, stood astonished betwixt feare and admiration; but no sooner spake he vnto them, but they were wonderfully taken with his words, and did not then so much feare, as affect him. For albeit the Maiestie wherewith hee receiued them, was excee∣ding great, yet was his carriage towards them very affable, and very courteous. In these two vertues, did excell that Ca∣tholicke King of Spaine, Don Philip the second, whom for the representing of Maiestie, and regall authoritie, none did excell, and few equall. And in the carriage and composition of his person, there was no defect to bee found. Vpon any accident that befell him, were it good or bad, fortunate or vnfortunate, there was neuer any man that could perceiue in him so much as a discomposed countenance, or any other the least alteration. And hee may be truly said to be a man, who is not proud in prosperitie, nor impatient in aduersitie. For it is a great signe of Noblenesse, and the vndoubted marke of a royall minde, and Princely courage, not to loose himselfe in his aduerser fortunes, but to sh•w himselfe con∣stant against fortune, and to raise vp his spirits, as this King did, being neuer deiected with any outward Crosse or mis∣fortune, tha befell him. He did neuer (being therein like vn∣to Page  450 Xenophons Cyrus) shew an ill countenance, or speake an ill word vnto any man. Hee was not so affable and familiar with his Fauourites, that any of them all durst presume to pe∣titio• him in any thing that was vniust; nor yet so austere and feuere towards others as to make them to forbeare to preferre a iust suite vnto him. To his owne Subiects he was kinde, to strangers noble; but withall, reseruing still his au∣thoritie and greatnesse. For Kings ought not to bee so harsh and intractable, as to make themselues to bee abhorred; nor so kinde and courteous, as to cause themselues to be contem∣ned. Indeauouring all they can, not to fall into the extreames, by shewing too much loue to some, and little or none at all to other some. For too much seueritie ingendreth hatred, and too much familiaritie breedeth contempt. Let them general∣ly beare themselues in that respectiue manner towards all, that they honour the better, loue the meaner sort, and despise not the rest; but as farre as they are able, extend their grace and fauour vnto all. For that being but little, which they haue to giue, in comparison of the many that are sutors, and the great rewards which they pretend, they rest better satis∣fied with those good words, and mannerly answers, that are giuen them, then with those fauours that are done them. For the generous hearts, modest countenances, and ingeni∣ous dispositions of those noble spirits which follow Princes Courts, much more risent the disfauour that is done them in receiuing courtesies with disgrace, then if they were denyed them. And therefore it is good wholesome counsell, and much importing Kings, to returne a faire and equall answer vnto all, according to each mans qualitie and merit, and that they carry the same euen hand in the conferting of their fauours, and in the manifestation of their loue. And if they shall in a more particular manner, expresse the same to some one par∣ticular person, let him likewise more particularly deserue it. For neuer shall that loue be stedfast, where deserts are want∣ing in the partie beloued.

Page  451 I shall likewise aduertise Kings, that they doe not make such vse of this their great both office and power, as to assume vnto themselues to be absolute, and to cumply in all things with their affections and desires, nor to exercise any other personall passion. For the vse and custome of absolute power is dangerous for Kings, odious to the subiect, and offensiue both to God and Nature. And for that the last Kings of the Romanes vsed this power, the name of King grew so hate∣full, that those that afterwards succeeded in the Romane go∣uernment, durst not take vpon them the name of Kings, but that of Emperours. Which is by so much the more absolute, by how much Imperare doth differ from Regere. Yet not∣withstanding the people of Rome did not so much feare this name of Emperour, as that of King, because those, that last bore that name, exercised on them this their absolute power. So that it is not the name, nor the office, but the ill vsing thereof that makes it odious. For it is neither the Title, nor the Man, that moueth or altereth the honest meaning minde of the plaine downe right subiect, but deeds and actions, that are done contrary to all right and reason. Whereas on the contrary, good vsage, and good treatment keepes them in loue and peace, and drawes them after him as it were in a string, and to offer vp for his sake a voluntary sacrifice of their liues. Let Kings consider that the Crowne speakes as much, which they weare on their heads in forme of a Spheri∣call round figure, which signifies limitem, or terminum, a li∣mit or bound, or rather that Circle, out of which it is not lawfull for them to go, no not one steppe. The Crownes (I say) that they weare, are Circles and Limits, seruing to put them in minde, that their power is limited and measured out vnto them, that they may not passe the bounds of reason, nor doe any thing, but what is iust and lawfull. Let the great Kings and Potentates of the earth moderate themselues, and refraine from making themselues Gods, by exercising this their absolute power; let them acknowledge ouer them a Page  452 God, as well on earth, as in heauen. That hee may not grow wearie of their Monarchies and their gouernments, as he did of that of the ancient Romanes, and vtterly ouerthrow them, prouoked and incited thereunto by the abuse of humane power.* For (as Seneca saith) Quod non potest, vult posse, qui nimium potest. But the God of heauen is very nice and tender in admitting companions in any kinde of manner whatsoe∣uer, but much more daintie in matter of iurisdiction and ab∣solute power, punishing the same with grieuous chastise∣ments, and many demonstrations of his fearefull anger and displeasure. Aristotle saith, that through the gouernment of those that are too absolute in their rule and command, the go∣uernment is changed, kingdomes altered, and petty Princes rise vp against them, who in such sort abate and bring downe their pride, that they come to serue those, whom before they did command. Tully tearmes them, of all other, the most mi∣serable, which make their will a Law, and thinke that they may doe all that they can. Nero did then leaue off to be cruell, when he vnderstood that he was permitted to doe what hee listed; and that many did approue all his actions for good. It is the ancient language of adulation, to speake absolute power vnto Princes, and to perswade them to follow their owne free will. But this is a very dangerous thing, if they once giue way thereunto, and l•t such flatteries dwell in their eares; for the resolutions of such a power, will not suffer themselues to be so subiect, as they ought, to the iudgement of reason, nor humane discourse. In such a case, a power from heauen is more needfull. And this errour is now come to be in such re∣quest, that to agree in all things with the will and pleasure of Kings, is now made in the minds of some, not onely a meanes of hope, but esteemed as a great seruice, and pledge of merit, to receiue honours and rewards. But this deceitfull meanes, whereby they thinke to thriue, shall (when God shall see it fit) be the onely knife to cut their throates; for such kinde of men neuer escape punishment, and most commonly receiue it Page  453 from their Kings owne hand. In strange and extraordinary cases, and vpon iust occasions, and iustifiable meanes, Kings may somewhat inlarge the limits of their power, so as they doe not go beyond that which reason and Christian pru∣dence permitteth. Plato saith, that Prudence and power are to embrace each other, and to walke hand in hand. Qualities which ought to concurre in a good King, signified in that Scepter with eyes, which Ieremy saw, power being in the one, and wisdome in the other. And in that other old ancient por∣traiture of a good King, being a Lion placed on the top of Mercuries Mace, which is a Scepter with two Snakes twi∣ning about it; This, signifying prudence, and wisedome, and that fortitude; which should neuer be separated from a King. By his power, he is feared, respected, and obeyed; he com∣mands, prohibites, and executes. By his wisedome, he auer∣reth the truth of his actions, and doth nothing, but what is lawfull. Wisedome tempereth power; and both together vp∣hold the world. But if power forsake the fellowship of wise∣dome, it growes to be absolute, and runnes into a thousand indiscretions, and commits as many wrongs and iniuries, wherewith it desolateth and destroyeth euen the greatest States. For, there is not that ill, wherein power doth not ex∣ceed, if it haue not wisedome for it's bridle. And for that a powerfull hand is so dangerous a thing, Nature hath ordai∣ned, and so ordered the businesse, that the braine where wise∣dome hath it's residence, should bee placed ouer it. Which those ancient Doctors amongst the Gentiles did point at, when they placed Minerua, the Goddesse of wisedome, vpon Iupiters head, who, of all the Gods, is the most powerfull. And therefore it was well said of him, whosoeuer hee were that said, Que vale mas saber, que auer, y poder: Wealth and power are not comparable to wisedome. Which saying is confirmed by the holy Ghost,* Melior est sapientia, quam vi∣res. Et diuitias, nihil esse duxi in comparatione illius. Wise∣dome is better then strength. I set more by her, then by king∣domes, Page  454 and royall seates,* and count riches nothing in com∣parison of her. The aduantage whereof, is signified in that Hierogliffe of the Cocke,* who with his crowing, makes the Lion to flie. As Saint Ambrose, and Aelian haue well ob∣serued.* And that wise and iust man Iob, doth much commend him for his knowledge and vnderstanding. And Saint Gre∣gory declareth, that by him, is to bee vnderstood a wise, and prudent man, who taketh hold on a fit and conuenient time for businesses, and not onely aduiseth of, but preuenteth all dangers, and whatsoeuer hurt may befall.

The particular and generall experience which we haue of Histories, teacheth vs, how much it importeth for the con∣seruation and augmentation of a great Empire and Monar∣chie, that he, that is Lord and Master thereof (if it lye diui∣ded through diuers parts of the world, by seas, and enemies, in the midst thereof) should striue and indeauour by all pos∣sible meanes to make himselfe likewise Lord and Master of the sea: for thereby shall he come to bee Lord and Master of the Land. And an absolute dispenser of those things, where∣with we sustaine our selues, and liue. For by the helpe of Na∣uigation, we passe from one part to another, and communi∣cate of what they haue by way of commerce or otherwise. And by this meanes is made of many Prouinces and king∣domes, yea, euen of the whole world, one sole Citie and commonwealth. This was the counsell of Themistocles, and Plutarch makes it good, saying, Let no man deceiue him∣selfe, in imagining with himselfe, that Armies will suffice for to conserue himselfe, and to make himselfe Lord of those kingdomes and Prouinces, that haue the Sea to friend. For if he be not likewise prouided, and well furnished with a strong fleete at Sea, howbeit hee may with a Land-armie ouercome the naturalls of those kingdomes or Prouinces; yet it is im∣possible for him, without the other, to make an intire con∣quest, and to go through with that which hee pretendeth. That disposeth the Land to his will, and giueth Lawes there∣unto. Page  455 The Carthaginians (saith Polibius) were not ignorant of what great consequence this was, for all kinde of busines∣ses, and therefore aduiseth, That that which a Prince ought to procure, whereby to come to be a great Monarch, is, by a strong Nauy, to make himselfe Lord of the Sea. For there are not any forces that worke such strange and great effects, or so much import, as these. And all your Ancients held it for a Maxime, that without the command at Sea, there was nothing safe or secure on the Land. Archidamus a great Captaine, and King of the Lacedemonians, was wont to say; That those that are to deale with a strong enemie, being powerfull at sea, need not to put themselues vpon the fickle∣nesse of fortune, but to place all their care in maintaining their Nauie; for with this alone, will they be able to wearie out the enemie, to quit him of the succour of their friends, to debarre him of Nauigation, and of the commodities there∣of, and vtterly by this to vndoe him. And (which may seeme a thing impossible) be able to beleaguer and girt in a whole kingdome, and to take it (forcing it by famine and other wants) as if it were onely one single Citie that were besieged. For that (as Tacitus saith) a strong fleete at sea, is the Castle and Magasine of victualls. And therefore the Empire and Signiorie of the Sea, by a powerfull and commanding Nauy, is held to bee of much more power and safetie, then your Land-armies or Citie-garisons, which of force must in the end yeeld vnto him, which shall become Master of their ports, and thereby hinder them of all commerce and traf∣fique, and humane communicat•on.

And this was the aduice which that great Monarch and Emperour Charles the fifth gaue likewise vnto his sonne, to whom hee left so many and such great kingdomes, so farre distant and diuided one from another, with such large and deepe seas. Hee (saith he) that is or will bee Master of them, must haue his fleetes still in a readinesse, well fitted and fur∣nished, as well with good tall ships, well rigg'd and mann'd, Page  456 and all other necessary prouision, as with store of Gallies, for the safeguard and defence of his subiects, as also to resist and offend Turkes, Moores, and Pyrats, because he cannot repose any confidence or assurance in those Leagues and Truces which he shall make with them. With this shall hee keepe them all in awe, when they shall see his great forces at Sea, by which he may (as it were in an instant) from all parts send succours and reliefe, and whatsoeuer else shall bee needfull. And it will bee no lesse then a hard rayne, and cruell strong curbe, for to bridle and restraine the sinister intents and vaine pretensions of such as shall plot strange proiects, dangerous designes, and scandalous attempts. And vtterly to dis∣courage them from vndergoing any enterprise, or to vnder∣take any action of aduenture, with hope of recouering such Townes or Prouinces as they haue lost, or by landing of their men to encroach vpon new. And say they should serue for no other vse, saue to hinder the excursions of Pyrats, and Sea-rouers, in these our seas, onely in regard of that, it could not choose but bee a matter of mighty consequence, and of wonderfull great importance, considering the daily incursi∣ons, losses, flaughters, the continuall captiuatings, and rob∣beries, which they vsually commit vpon these our Coasts; so that if there were not a fitting preparation, and sufficient de∣fence of ships and Gallies, it were impossible for vs to oc∣curre against those necessities, and to bee prouided against those new and strange accidents which may offer themselues in those Estates, kingdomes, and Signiories, Seas, Coasts, frontiers, ports, promontories, Castles, and forts, which we hold in them. Which by this our continuall nauigation, and prouision of good shipping, are well man'd and victualled, and sufficiently prouided of armes, munition, and whatsoe∣uer else is necessarie, in fit and conuenient both time and manner against all occasions. Whereby the enemie percei∣uing how well they are prouided for them, dare not ap∣proach those places, nor touch vpon them. Besides this easie Page  457 and short aduice, there are many other causes that may moue vs not to be wanting herein. In a word, it will put the enemy into a continuall care, and driue him to take a different reso∣lution in those his ill-grounded motiues and pretensions: And howbeit it be true, that the charge is great, so likewise great losses are thereby excused, and some such sometimes as can neuer bee repaired. So that, there is no passing to and fro without nauigation, and the vsing and maintaining of these fleetes.

They are the words of that victorious Emperour, which no King for want of experience should dis-esteeme.

And for the better and fuller prouision in this kinde, it is very fit that these Fleetes should haue their particular rent approprietated vnto them, and that it should not, vpon no occasion whatsoeuer, be spent or laid out in any other thing. For a set and deputed treasure for this purpose, or the like, is that which most importeth for the good dispatch of busines∣ses, and that they may bee done in their due time, and with lesse charge, and more profit. This course did the Grecians take; and after them, the Romanes. And of Augustus Caesar, both Suetonius and Dyon report, that he was the first inuenter of a perpetuall militarie treasure, raised out of a certaine kind of Tributes, which out of his owne curiositie he had sought and found out. For Souldiers and warlike prouisions, in your great Empires, require a particular treasure, wherewith to be payed; which must not in any hand be otherwise imploy∣ed, nor go intermixed with those other expences. Hauing persons of much experience and honestie, appointed for the good managing and ordering of it, vsing their best care and helpe, that it may bee preserued and continued, and that it may not be exhausted, and drawne dry. And more particu∣larly Kings themselues, the Grandes and Peeres of the king∣dome, as also the commonwealths, and your Cities, should carefully looke hereunto. Being that they do most participate of the profits which issue from a warre. And most certaine it Page  458 is, that nothing is more necessarie in a Monarchie, then this particular treasure, or that causeth more respect in our friends, or feare in our enemies. Or that with more commoditie and conueniencie, puts in execution all plots and proiects, in this, or that other enterprise, of what qualitie or condition soeuer they bee. And to this aduice I shall adde that which fol∣loweth.

All wise and prudent Princes in Empires, that are runne out to waste, and decrease of wealth, haue euermore held it for the onely remedie of their reparation and conseruation, to excuse vnnecessarie expences; And that their Ministers take this businesse into consultation, and to cast vp all ac∣counts, and to see what the Kings rents and in-comes are for the defraying of the charge he is at, and by comparing one with the other, and seeing how they will answer each other, if they finde the expence to exceed the In-come, to cast a∣bout which way it may be best spared; and to husband the businesse so, that there may be some ouerplus still remaining for the publike treasurie. For if by disorder & ill gouernment, the Kings coffers shall come to be emptie, it will bee (if not impossible) at least very hard to fill them againe. For if there be daily more spent, then is to be, or can be had, that stocke will in a short time decay and come to nothing; as wee see it fareth in euery other humane subiect, that hath not fresh sup∣ply. Which lauish and vnproportionable spending, not liuing according to the rate of their rents, hath been the vndoing of many particular houses & families, as also the impouerishing and ouerthrowing of Empires & kingdomes. And therefore to auoide this inconuenience, was that booke of Accounts, or Memoriall made, which the Ancient called Breuiarium Imperij, a briefe abridgement of the Empire, which Au∣gustus Caesar left to his successours; written with his owne hand: wherein was particularly set downe in a true and iust account, the full number of all the kingdomes and Prouinces of the whole Romane Empire; As likewise the number of Page  459 all the Citizens and Souldiers which were in euery one of them, together with their forces and strength, and to what quantitie came all the rents and tributes that hee had, what aide-money and other helpes hee receiued from his Confe∣derates, and the whole charge he was at. As also his Coun∣cels ordained by him, either for the inlarging or shortning of his hand in these his expences. So that hauing still before his eyes the wealth and substance of his Empire, he might al∣wayes see how the world went, and how to make his best benefit thereof, for the conseruing and vpholding of his Em∣pire. Such a Register or rent-roll as this, much importeth Kings. It is said of that wise and prudent King, Don Philip the second, that in his time he had such another as was this; And the like ought all Kings to haue, and at all times, but more especially when their power is lessened, their rents di∣minished, their forces wasted, and those of their enemies aug∣mented. For we see the like care to bee taken in particular houses, and therefore ought much more to bee looked into in Monarchies, which are composed of all those houses and families; amongst which, that which spends beyond it's meanes, consumes it selfe: For supposing such a one hath an 100. V. Ducats of rent, or set reuenue, and that euery yeare ten thousand more is spent, then the rent comes to, in a few yeares all will come to nothing, and by running still on in debt, and taking no course to come out of it, by liuing still at the same height, he must bee inforced in the end to sell and deliuer ouer the luster, maiestie, and greatnesse of his house to other families, which were before little better then dust taken out of the dunghill. And most certaine it is, that they that will not cast vp their accounts, and looke throughly into their estates, and see in what state they are, must bee either men that are willing to vndoe themselues, and their whole poste∣ritie; and must bee either Atheists, or almost as bad (if not worse) meere Epicures; who carry in their mouths, and in their hearts those words of your vnthriftie gallants: Comeda∣mus Page  458 is, that nothing is more necessarie in a Monarchie, then this particular treasure, or that causeth more respect in our friends, or feare in our enemies. Or that with more commoditie and co•ueniencie, puts in execution all plots and proiects, in this, or that other enterprise, of what qualitie or condition soeuer they bee. And to this aduice I shall adde that which fol∣loweth.

All wise and prudent Princes in Empires, that are runne out to waste, and decrease of wealth, haue euermore held it for the onely remedie of their reparation and conseruation, to excuse vnnecessarie expences; And that their Ministers take this businesse into consultation, and to cast vp all ac∣counts, and to see what the Kings rents and in-comes are for the defraying of the charge he is at, and by comparing one with the other, and seeing how they will answer each other, if they finde the expence to exceed the In-come, to cast a∣bout which way it may be best spared; and to husband the businesse so, that there may be some ouerplus still remaining for the publike treasurie. For if by disorder & ill gouernment, the Kings coffers shall come to be emptie, it will bee (if not impossible) at least very hard to fill them againe. For if there be daily more spent, then is to be, or can be had, that stocke will in a short time decay and come to nothing; as wee see it fareth in euery other humane subiect, that hath not fresh sup∣ply. Which lauish and vnproportionable spending, not liuing according to the rate of their rents, hath been the vndoing of many particular houses & families, as also the impouerishing and ouerthrowing of Empires & kingdomes. And therefore to auoide this inconuenience, was that booke of Accounts, or Memoriall made, which the Ancient called Breuiarium Imperij, a briefe abridgement of the Empire, which Au∣gustus Caesar left to his successours; written with his owne hand: wherein was particularly set downe in a true and iust account, the full number of all the kingdomes and Prouinces of the whole Romane Empire; As likewise the number of Page  459 all the Citizens and Souldiers which were in euery one of them, together with their forces and strength, and to what quantitie came all the rents and tributes that hee had, what aide-money and other helpes hee receiued from his Confe∣derates, and the whole charge he was at. As also his Coun∣cels ordained by him, either for the inlarging or shortning of his hand in these his expences. So that hauing still before his eyes the wealth and substance of his Empire, he might al∣wayes see how the world went, and how to make his best benefit thereof, for the conseruing and vpholding of his Em∣pire. Such a Register or rent-rol• as this, much importeth Kings. It is said of that wise and prudent King, Don Philip the second, that in his time he had such another as was this; And the like ought all Kings to haue, and at all times, but more especially when their power is lessened, their rents di∣minished, their forces wasted, and those of their enemies aug∣mented. For we see the like care to bee taken in particular houses, and therefore ought much more to bee looked into in Monarchies, which are composed of all those houses and families; amongst which, that which spends beyonds it's meanes, consumes it selfe: For supposing such a one hath an 100. V. Ducats of rent, or set reuenue, and that euery yeare ten thousand more is spent, then the rent comes to, in a few yeares all will come to nothing, and by running still on in debt, and taking no course to come out of it, by liuing still at the same height, he must bee inforced in the end to sell and deliuer ouer the luster, maiestie, and greatnesse of his house to other families, which were before little better then dust taken out of the dunghill. And most certaine it is, that they that will not cast vp their accounts, and looke throughly into their estates, and see in what state they are, must bee either men that are willing to vndoe themselues, and their whole poste∣ritie; and must bee either Atheists, or almost as bad (if not worse) meere Epicures; who carry in their mouths, and in their hearts those words of your vnthriftie gallants: Comeda∣mus Page  460 & bibamus, cras enim moriemur: Let vs eate and drinke, for to morrow we shall dye. Your Atheists, they propose an end vnto themselues, thinking by this their prodigalitie to procure vnto themselues an immortalitie of fame; But these and the like, who so inconsiderately runne out of all, are care∣lesse and negligent euen of this, taking care onely to eate, and to drinke, and to feast one another, without so much as thinking that there is another world, or any honour, or fame in this: And spending their whole life in belly cheare, and bezeling, they are neuer satisfied, but call in still for more, till their crawes be ready to cracke. And notwithstanding the ex∣cessiue rents, which some Kings haue, and the great store of treasure that comes to their coffers, besides the Tributes, Taxes, Imposts, and Subsedies that are duely payed them, they are neuer out of debt, the Crowne-land lying impawned for the payment thereof, and that for no small summes of money. Ordinary expences are ill husbanded; extraordinary, worse payed. The Cities, they are consumed; Trading de∣cayed; the Subiects out of breath and purse, and by hauing too much imposed vpon them, are growne (like ouer-labour∣ed oxen) so poore, and so weake, that they are no longer able to beare so great a burthen. And yet all this to them (though the Subiect infinitely suffer) is no more then a drop of water throwne into the sea, nor makes no more shew. Which sea though it swallow vp all the fountaines of the earth, all the brookes, and all the great and principall riuers, and lesser springs, and this daily and hourely, and at all times, yet we see the Sea is neuer a whit the more increased, nor growes greater one yeare then another. But what should bee the cause of this, let your Naturalists, and your Kings, render such reasons as pleaseth them, in their excuse; for mine owne part, I am of opinion, that the Kings Exchequer is not well ordered, making him not onely a small, but a bad account; That there is a great deale of disorder in the laying out of those monies, whereof much might bee saued, if there were Page  461 some orderly course taken for the dispending of them, and imploying them for their Kings best aduantage. And I feare me, (which I could wish were causelesse) that a great part of this water which should come directly to the Kings owne cisterne, passeth through broken pipes, that is, through the hands of euill Ministers, which soake and sucke vnto them∣selues a great part thereof, and no man the wiser, where the leake is, till it discouer it selfe. But it is now high time to grow to an end, and I will conclude this Aduertisement with that common Prouerbe, which speaketh thus; Quien mucho abar∣ca, poco aprieta: The ouer-griping hand holds but little; su∣ting with that of ours, All couet, all loose. Or answering to that which that great Courtier and Fauourite Maecenas said, That great treasures and riches are both more and better hea∣ped vp, and receiue a fairer accumulation, by spending little, then by scraping much.