Page 584
CHAP. XIII.
* 1.1NO man can haue ministers of a good and faithfull will whom he vseth in tormenting, in racking, and butchering men to death, to whom he exposeth men no otherwise then he would to beasts. Such a one liueth in no lesse pain and torment then those whom he holdeth in prison, because hee feareth both men and gods as witnesses and reuengers of his crimes, and who is already come to that passe, that he dare not change his manner of liuing. For amongst all other things cru∣eltie hath this cursed euill in her, that she is incorrigible, she perseuereth and is not able to recouer any other better course. One wickednesse must be sustai∣ned by another. But what is more vnhappy then he is, who cannot chuse but be euill? O how wretched is that man, but truely to himselfe? For as touching others, it were very ill done by them to haue pittie of him who hath exercised his power with slaughters and rapines, who hath feare of all things as well do∣mestique as forraine, that fearing armes hath recourse vnto his weapons, neither trusting to his friends faith nor his childrens pietie: that hauing regarded in all sorts that which he hath done, and that which he pretendeth to doe, and com∣ming to open his conscience replenished with mischiefes and torments, often∣times feareth death and desireth it againe as often; more odious to himselfe then to those that serue him. Contrariwise, he that hath the care and charge of a Common-wealth, although he haue a more intent eye to the conseruation of some things more then other things, yet entertaineth all the members of the State as carefully as those of his bodie, enclining alwayes vnto sweetnesse: and if it be expedient for him to doe iustice, he sheweth that hauing no enmity or beastlinesse in his heart, it is to his hearts-griefe that he layeth his hand on his weapon. Such a one, desiring to approue his gouernement to his subiect, exer∣ciseth his power peaceably and to all mens profit, reputing himselfe in his own iudgment sufficiently happie, if he shal make his fortune and condition known, affable in speech, facile in accesse, amiable in countenance, which most of al win∣neth th•• peoples hearts, fauourable to honest enterprises, enemy to euill de∣signes•• he is loued, defended, and reuerenced by all the world. The same speake men in secret of him as they doe in publique. They desire he should haue is∣sue, and that sterillity caused by warres and other publique euils should be a∣bolished: no man doubteth but that he shall deserue wel at his childrens hands, to whom he shall shew a world so happy. This Prince liuing in security, by his owne meanes, hath no need of guard or garrisons, he vseth his armes as the meanes of his ornament.