The workes of Lucius Annæus Seneca, both morrall and naturall Containing, 1. His bookes of benefites. 2. His epistles. 3. His booke of prouidence. 4. Three bookes of anger. 5. Two bookes of clemencie. 6. His booke of a blessed life. 7. His booke of the tranquilitie of the minde. 8. His booke of the constancie of a wiseman. 9. His booke of the shortnesse of life. 10. Two bookes of consolation to Martia. 11. Three bookes of consolation to Heluia. 12. His booke of consolation to Polibius. 13. His seuen bookes of naturall questions. Translated by Tho. Lodge, D. in Physicke.

A DISCOVRSE OF CLEMENCIE, WRITTEN BY LVCIVS ANNAEVS SENECA To NERO CAESAR. The first Booke. (Book 1)

The Argument of IVSTVS LIPSIVS.

THese Bookes were written in the beginning of NEROES raigne, which he himselfe manifestly proueth in his first Book and ninth chapter, wher∣as he writeth that hee was entred into the nineteenth yeare of his age. And vndoubtedly both the words and matter are worthy of a Prince; and I would to God they would reade the same, and from thence gather the fruits of mercie and magnitude. He beginneth with NEROES praise, and that de∣seruedly; for his beginnings were moderate. Afterwards in his third Chapter he deui∣deth his writings into three parts: the one of Manuduction, the other which explicateth the nature of Clemency, which leadeth men thereunto and firmeth them. In the first, the first whole Booke intreateth thereof, and in the forefront he setteth downe the profite of Clemency, and how greatly it beseemeth Kings. That Clemency well becommeth them, because they are the heads of the Common-weale, and we as the bodie and members. But who is he that spareth not and nourisheth not his body? And that shee is necessary also where there are many offenders, whom if thou punishest alwayes, thou makest the Com∣mon-weale a solitude. By the example of the gods, who spare vs. Likewise in regard of fame, because Kings actions are the obiects of all mens eyes, and the least crueltie is too long. By their security; for they that gouerne thu••; are more secure, and he annexeth some notable actions of AVGVSTVS. Contrariwise, in tyrants who worke their owne de∣structions by cruelty, hatreds, and perrils. But a Prince doth therefore punish seldome, mildely and temperately, with the minde, and after the example of Parents, and that mo∣deration is fruitfully vsed in Schooles, Campes, amongst beasts and seruants: yea, it is vsed by nature, by the example of Bees, whose King hath no sting. But now a Prince when he punisheth, eyther punisheth for his owne or another mans cause: in his owne cause he ought not to be rigorous, because he liueth in so high a fortune that he needeth not the solace of reuenge: not in another mans cause, but according to the law, to amend them, or make other better or more secure. And all these things the seldomnesse of pu∣nishment

will effect, they that are often, are set light by, and are despised. In the shutting vp he setteth downe the detestation of crueltie, and the mischifes and ouerthrowes that grow by her.

CHAP. I.

NERO CAESAR, I haue determined to write of Clemencie,* 1.1 to the end that in some sort I may serue thee for a mirrour, and shew thee to ••hy selfe, in such sort, as thou mayest receiue a per∣fite contentment thereby•• for although the true fruite of vertuous actions be to haue done them, and that without vertues themselues there is no recompence whatsoeuer, that is worthy of themselues, yet there is a certaine pleasure ••o ex∣amine and visit a good conscience euery wayes, and then to fixe a mans eyes vpon this infinite multitude, turbulent, seditious, passionate, that bathe them selues willingly in other mens blouds, yea, in their owne, if they haue broken the yoake that restraineth them, and to speak thus in himselfe to himselfe. I am he amongst all other mortall men, who haue beene agreeable to the gods, and whom they haue chosen for their liefetenant vpon the earth. I haue the power of life and death ouer all nations. It lyeth in my hands to dispose the estate and condition of euery man; fortune pronounceth by my mouth that which she intendeth, that euery man shall haue and possesse in this life: whole Nations and Cities conceiue occasion of reioyce by my com∣mandements. There is no Nation whatsoeuer that flourisheth not by my good will and fauour; vpon the least inkling I shall giue, so many thousands of swords, which haue beene sheathed by my peace, shall be drawne againe. It is in my power to ordaine what Nations shall be exterminated, which shall bee transported from one country to another, which in franchised, or made sub••ect; what Kings shall be conquered, and whose heads shall be adorned with the roy∣all wreath; what Citties shall be ruinated and what builded. Being thus pos∣sessed of so great power, neyther hath wrath, nor youthly heate, neyther folly or insolence of men, who haue often made the most temperate to loose their patience, neither the proude designe to make shew of my power, in causing o∣ther men to feare, a glorie too frequent amongst such as are Monarches, haue neuer inforced mee to chastise or put any man to death wrongfully. My sword is hidden, nay more, kept in the sheath. The bloud of my meanest sub∣iects is carefully spared by me. Although a man haue many imperfections, yet in regard he is a man, he is gracious in mine eyes: my seuerity is hidden and my Clemencie apparant. Such a watch haue I ouer my selfe, as if I were to yeelde an account to the lawes (which from obscuritie I haue brought to light) of all mine actions. I haue pardoned one by reason of his youth, another because he was olde, that man because of his magistracie, that other for his obscuritie: and when in those that were faultie I found not any occasion of mercie, I bare with them for the loue of my selfe. If the immortall gods summon me this day to yeeld vp my reckoning, I am readie to account for the whole world. Caesar thou mayest boldly speake this, that of all those things which thou hast imbra∣ced vnder thy protection and safe-guard, tho•• hast taken nothing from the

Common-wealth, eyther by violence or cunning. Thou hast wished and pur∣chased innocence•• which is a praise very rare, and such as yet hath not bin gran∣ted to any Prince. Thou loosest not thy paines, and this thy singular bountie hath not met with ingratefull or misconceiuing subiects. Each one acknow∣ledgeth the good thou hast done them. Neuer was man so beloued by ano∣ther as thou art by the Romane people, whose great and continuall felicitie thou art. But thou hast laide a waightie burthen on thy shoulders. No man speaketh more now of the former yeares, either of the Empire of Augustus or Tiberius. Neyther seeke they any patterne besides thy selfe, whereby they may gouerne their life. One yeare of thy gouernement sheweth that which we hope for in the yeares that follow, which would hardly be imagined, if this thy bountie were borrowed for a time, but is naturall. For no man can long time conceale his imperfections, and the actions suddenly discouer what the hidden nature is. Those things that containe verity, and which grow from that which hath some firmitie in it increase, and from time to time waxe better and better. The Romane people were very much perplexed whilst they stood in expectation, whereunto thy generous nature would apply it selfe at the first. Now are all mens desires accomplished and assured; for it is not to be feared that thou wilt forget thy selfe suddenly. Too much felicity maketh men o∣uer-greedie; neyther are desires at any time so tempered, that they stay them∣selues vpon that good which is befalne them. Euery one ascendeth from great vnto greater, and they that haue attained such things as they hoped not for, em∣brace strange designes: yet all thy Cittizens do now confesse that they are hap∣pie, and that nothing can be added to their felicitie, except it should be perpe∣tuall. Many things cause them to confesse thus much, namely, their great and assured repose, with all the commodities of life, which is a good which befalls a man very hardly, and vpon the end of his yeares. Furthermore, a iustice pla∣ced aboue all iniurie. They represent vnto themselues, and see an excellent forme of publique gouernement, which containeth all that which is requisite to establish a perfect libertie, prouided, that it be seconded by a continuall dili∣gence. But principally both great and little are rauished, in considering thine affabilitie, so equall and answerable to all mens expectations. For as touching thine other vertues, euery one partaketh them according to the proportion of his fortune, and expecteth more or lesse of thy larges; but all of them in general depend vpon thy Clemencie: neyther is there any one so assured in his inno∣cence, that had not rather prostrate himselfe before thy Clemency, which is so readie to excuse and winke at euery mans faults.

CHAP. II.

* 1.2BVt I know there are some that thinke that Clemency emboldneth those men that are most wicked, because it standeth in no stead, ex∣cept it be after that the fault is committed, and this vertue onely ceaseth amongst those that are innocent. But first of all, euen as the vse of Physique is as honourable amongst the sicke, as it is a∣mongst the whole; so although the nocent cry vpon Clemencie, yet the inno∣cent forbeare not to reuerence it. Moreouer, Clemencie hath place in the per∣son of those that are innocent, because the qualitie of the persons putteth them in danger; and Clemencie not onely assisteth the innocent, but oftentimes ver∣tue

likewise by reason, that the tim••s may become such, that such things may be oppressed and punished, which should be praised. Moreouer, a great part of men may grow to an amendment in their liues; yet must we not alwayes par∣don the greater number that offend. For where the difference betwixt good and bad men is taken away, there followeth a confusion and a breaking forth of errours. There must therefore be some moderation practised that know••th how to distinguish good minds from reprobate; neyther ought a Prince to haue a confused and vulgar, neither too restrained Clemency: for it is as great cruelty to pardon all, as to pardon none. We must holde a meane; but because mode∣ration is hard to be obserued, whatsoeuer is like to be more then equitie requi∣reth, must incline more to humanitie then rigor.

CHAP. II.

BVt these things shall more fitly be decided in another place:* 1.3 for the present I will diuide this matter into three parts. The first shall serue for a Preface or Induction. The second shall expresse the nature and habitude of Clemencie: for whereas there are vices that counterfeit vertues, they cannot be diistnguished ex∣cept thou set downe some markes whereby they may be knowne. Thirdly, we will enquire how the minde attaineth to this vertue, how he fortifieth him∣selfe thereby, and by vse maketh her his owne. But it must needes appeare that of all other vertues there is none more conuenient for man, because there is none more humane then it: and not onely amongst vs Stoicks, who maintaine that a man is a sociable creature, and is made for the common good of others; but also amongst those that giue m••n ouer to pleasure, all whose speeches and a∣ctions tend to their particular profite. For if a man seeke for repose and idle∣nes, he hath found in Clemencie a vertue agreeable to his nature which loueth peace and restrain••th the hand. But of all others Clemenci•• becommeth no man more then it doth a Prince: for so is great power honourable and full of glorie in great Potentates, if they vse it for the comfort of many; as contrari∣wise force is pernicious that serueth to no other end but to offend others. A man cannot sufficiently expresse how firme and well grounded his greatnesse is, whom all men ••now ••o b•• as much for th••m, a•• he is more highly raised a∣boue them, whom th••y obserue to k••••pe continuall watch; for the safetie of them all in common, and of euery one in particular•• vpon whose approach they runne not away•• as if any euill ne••red ••hem, or that some cruell beast broke out from his denne, but they flooke and ••••n vnto him, as to a gracious and shi∣ning sunne, readie and addressed to adu••••ture vpon their weapons who haue plotted treasons against him, and to make a bridge of their bodies for him, if for the conseruation of hi•• life it w••r•• n••edfull for him to march vpon the bodies of men that were m••ngled and ••ut in p••ec••s. They which about him during the time that he sleepeth, by day th•••• they in••l•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this•• person on euery side, and lest any one should hurt him they expose themselues to all dangers for him, whatsoeuer they be that present themselues. This consent of Nations and Citties, in louing and maintayning their Kings, and employing their bodie and goods in defence of a Princes life, is grounded vpon good reason. Neyther is this basenesse and madnesse in them for one man, yea, and he sometimes olde and decrepit, in so many thousands to attempt vpon the points of their enemies

weapons, and to redeeme one soule by the death of many, and that one an olde and weake man sometimes.* 1.4 Euen as the whole bodie serueth the soule, and by meanes therof seemeth more great and of fairer appeareance, wheras the soule contrariwise, lyes hid and inuisible, without any certaine knowledge in what place it remaineth; and yet notwithstanding the hands, the feete, the eyes doe serue the same, the skin as her Bulwarke defendeth her, and she it is that stayeth or maketh vs runne hither or thither at her pleasure; so that if she be couetous we trauell whole Seas to become rich; if ambitious, we presently o••fer our right hands to be burned, or we voluntarily leap into the fire: so this infinite multi∣tude which inuiron one onely soule, is gouerned by the same, and guided by reason it selfe, which would otherwise depresse and oppresse her owne forces, except she were sustained by his counsaile.

CHAP. IIII.

THey therefore loue their owne safetie, when as for one man they leade ten legions to the battell,* 1.5 when they runne resolutely to the charge, and present their breasts to bee wounded, to the end their Emperours coulors should not be taken. For he it is that is the bond, whereby the Common-wealth is fastened toge∣ther; he is that vitall spirit by which so many thousands liue: of her selfe shee should be nothing but a burden and pray, if so be that soule of the Empire were taken from her.

The King in safetie, all men liue in peace, The King once lost, the•• faith and troth doth cease.

Such an accident shall extinguish the peace of Rome,* 1.6 this shall bring the for∣tune of so great a people vnto ruine. So long shall this people be freed from this danger, as long as she knoweth how to endure gouernement, which gouern∣ment if at any time she shall shake off, or hauing cast it off by any casualtie, shall refuse to vndergoe againe this vnitie and contexture of so great an Empire, shall be diuided into many partes, and euen then shall Rome cease to commaund when shee refuseth and neglecteth to obey It is not therefore to be wonde∣red at that we loue Princes, Kings, and Tutors of publique States (by what name soeuer they be called) more then our priuate familiars. For if men of the best iudgement doe thinke that that which concerneth the Common-wealth is of greater importance then that which toucheth their owne particu∣lar, it followeth that he, vpon whose safetie the whole Common-wealth hath an eye should be more deerely lo••ed th••n any other. In time past Caesar so v∣nited and enbosomed himselfe in the Common-wealth of Rome, that the one might not be separated from the other without the ruine of them both; for as he had neede of forces, so had they of a head.

CHAP. V.

IT seemeth that this my Discourse is estranged too farre from mine intended purpose,* 1.7 but to speake the truth, it neerly concer∣neth the matter. For if it be so as we may truely conclude, that thon art the soule of the Common-wealth, and shee the bodie; Thou seest, as I thinke, how necessary Clemencie is: for thou seemest to spare thy selfe when thou sparest others. Thou oughtest therefore to beare with euill subiects, no otherwise then thou wouldest doe with lan∣guishing members•• and if sometimes there be neede of bloud-letting, take heed lest the veine be opened more largely then the sickenesse requireth. Clemency therefore, as I said, is agreeable vnto all mens nature, but especially it best befit∣teth Princes, because in them she findeth more people to preserue, and a greater matter wherein to shew herselfe. For how little hurteth a priuate cruelty? but Princes displeasure is a warre. But whereas amongst all vertues there is a certaine concord and agreement, neyther is the one more better or more honest then the other, yet are there some vertues that are more fit for some persons. Magnanimity becommeth euery mortall man, yea, euen he that is the most ba∣sest and abiectest man of the world. For what is greater and more manly then to repulse aduerse fortune? Yet this magnanimity sheweth it selfe more amply in greater fortune, and appeareth more powerfull in the Tribunall then neere the earth. Into whatsoeuer house Clemencie commeth, she maketh the same more peaceable; but in the Pallace the rarer it is, the more wonderfull it is: for what is more wonderfull then he against whose wrath nothing can make head, to whose seuere sentence euen they that are condemned giue consent; whom no man will question with, why he did this, nay if he be extraordinarily angry, dare intreat for any thing; to lay hold on himselfe, and to vse his power more mercifully and mildely, and to thinke this in his ••eart no man can kill contra∣ry to law, no man can pardon but my selfe? A great minde becommeth a great fortune, and if he mounteth not himselfe as high as she is, and if hee raise not himselfe aboue her, he embraceth her likewise, and bringeth her to the ground. But it is the propertie of a great minde to be pleasing, peaceable, setled, despising all iniuries and offences, as being raised to a higher estate. It is a womanish qua∣litie to be enraged with wrath, and after the manner of wilde beasts (and they not the most generous) to bite and trample downe those that are vnder their feete. Elephants and Lions passe by those whom they haue murthered and cast downe. Those beasts that haue no noble heart are the most obstinate. In∣exorable and cruell Anger b••commeth not a King; for he is not very much e∣minent aboue him, with whom by reason of displeasure, he maketh himselfe e∣quall; but if he giue pardon, but if he giue dignitie to those that haue endange∣red and deserued to loose their estates; he doth that which no man else can do, except he that hath power and principallity: for life is often taken from him that is a superiour, but neuer giuen to him that is an inferiour. To saue is the pro∣perty of an excellent fortune, which may neuer more be wondred at, then when he hath gotten the opportunity to doe that which the gods doe, by whose be∣nefite both good and euill men are borne into this world. That Prince there∣fore that taketh vpon him the minde of the gods, let him willingly entertaine some of his subiects because they are good and profitable, leaue the rest as men to make vp the number, let him reioice that som are, & other som let him suffer.

CHAP. VI.

* 1.8THinke what solitude and desolation there would bee in this Citie (in which a World of people going and comming incessantly by the spacious streetes cease not to justle one another as oftentimes as something hindereth their walke which is as a violent torrent which a man would staie, in which three streetes are requisite at one time, for three Theaters and in which as much corne is consumed as is ga∣thered in many Countries) if a man should leaue none but such, as a seuere Iudge would absolue. Who is hee amongst the receiuers and treasurers that shall get his Quietus est, if he be as strictly examined: as he doth others? Is there euer an accuser without a fault? And I know not whether there be any man more dif∣ficult to giue pardon then he that hath often deserued to begge the same. Wee are all faultie, the one more, the other lesse, the one of deliberate purpose, the other being driuen there vnto by aduenture, or drawne by other mens wic∣kednesse. Sometimes we haue not constantly perseuered in one good resoluti∣on, and haue lost our innocence with griefe, and in spight of our selues; neither only ••or the present doe we amisse, but vntill the last houre of our life, we shall be still full of sinne. Although a man hath so well purged his minde that no∣thing can trouble or deceiue him any more yet by sinning hee attainted his in∣nocencie.

CHAP. VII.

* 1.9BEcause I haue made mention of the gods behold heare an excellent patterne which I present vnto a Prince, to conforme himselfe ther∣vnto (that is to say) that hee deale with his subjects in such sort as hee would haue the gods to deale with him: were it expedient for vs that the gods should neuer excuse our pardon or faults, but that they should persecute vs with all rigour? Should there bee any great Prince in this World be found who should liue in assurance and whose members the Aruspices should not gather vp? But if the mercifull and just gods punish not the faults of mightie men by confounding them by lightning, how much more just is it, that a man who hath the charge ouer men should exercise his Empire with mercifull minde, and thinke whether the state of the World be more gra∣cious or fairer to the eye, in a faire and bright day, or when as all things are sha∣ken with thunder-crackes and lightnings flash on euerie side. But one and the same is the estate of a quiet and moderate Empire, of a faire and shining Heauen. A Kingdome where crueltie raigneth may be compared to a trouble∣some and obscure time, vnder which euery one trembleth and waxeth pale, by reason of the sodaine crackes of thunder, and where he that troubleth others is as wonderfully troubled for his own part. We pardon those priuate men more easily, who reuenge themselues obstinately, for they may bee hurt, and their sorrow commeth from injurie. Besides they feare contempt, and not to re∣uenge an injurie, seemeth rather to bee an infirmitie then Clemencie. But hee that may easily reuenge, and yet forbeareth the same, obtaineth a certaine com∣mendation of mercie. Men of bare qualitie may more freely exercise their hands, contest, striue, and giue libertie to their passion. The strokes betwixt e∣quals

are light, but exclamation and too much intemperance in wordes, ill be∣seemeth Majestie.

CHAP. VIII.

THinkest thou it a grieuous matter, that the libertie of speech should bee taken from Kings and permitted to inferiours? This saiest thou, is a seruitude and not an Emperie. But their condition is different, who lie hidden in community which they exceed not, whose ver••ue appeare not but struggle long time, and whose vi∣ces lie hidden in obscuritie. But common report awakeneth your actions and wordes, and therefore there are no men that should bee more carefull of their reputations, of whom men speake much, and in diuers places, whether they doe well or ••uill, How many things are there which are vnlawfull for thee, but permitted vs by thy benefit. I may walke alone in any part of the Citie with∣out feare, although I be accompanied by no man, and no man attend me from home, and without any sword by my side, but in the fulnesse of thy peace thou must liue armed. Thou canst not wander from thy Fortune, she will besiege thee, and whether soeuer thou goest a great traine will follow thee. Beholde whereunto soueraigntie is subject, she cannot become lesse, but this necessitie is common to thee with the gods. For they are tied vnto Heauen, it is not per∣mitted them to descend from thence, neither is it secure for thee to descend from the throne of thy greatnesse. Thou art nayled to thy greatnesse. Few men know our dessignes and businesse, wee may goe forth and returne and change our fashion without any publique note taken of vs. Thou canst no more bee hidden then the Sunne. A great brightnesse inuironeth thee round about, towards which all men bend their eyes. Thinkest thou that thou commest forth? no thou risest like the Sunne. Thou canst not speake but all the people of the World vnderstand and marke what thou saist. Thou canst not be angrie but all men tremble. Thou canst not afflict any man, but all that are a∣bout thee shake for feare. Euen as the lightnings fall to few mens perill but to all mens feare, so the chastisements of mightie Potentates are more full of feare then of euill, and not without cause. For in him that can doe, all men consider not what he doth, but what he may do. Moreouer, patience maketh those pri∣uate men, disposed to indure those injuries that are offered them easily enough; But Clemencie is a more assured safegard to great men. Because a frequent re∣uenge represseth the hatred of a few men, but prouoketh infinitie others. The will to reuenge ought sooner to faile then the cause. Otherwise as the trees that are pruned, spread forth in many more branches, and many kindes of seeds, are cut to the end they may grow more thicker, so the crueltie of a King increa∣seth the number of his enemies in extinguishing them. For the Parents and Children, the Allies and Friends succeed in their place, who are slaine.

CHAP. IX.

HOW true this is I will admonish thee by a domestique example. Caesar Augustus was a mercifull Prince, if any man shall estimate him, from that time hee vndertooke the Empire (although in the common calamitie of the Common-weale, his sword was vn∣sheathed.) When as he had growne to those yeares of age wher∣unto thou hast now attained, and had gotten ninet••ene yeares on his backe; and had hidden his dagger in the bosome of his friends, laid ambushes to defeat Marke Anthonie the Consull, being one of the Confederates in the Trium∣uirate; about the fortieth yeare of his age, and being resident in France, there was tidings brought vnto him, that Lucius Cynna a man of weake judgement had conspired and plotted treason against him. It was told him where, when, and how he should be attempted by one of those, who was a partie in the con∣federacie. Whereupon he resolued to reuenge himselfe vpon him, and caused a counsell of his friends to bee assembled. He tooke no rest that night, where as he thought with him selfe, how hee should put a young Gentleman to death of Noble parentage, and who but for this one fault was vpright enough: and be∣sides was Cneius Pompeius Nephew. Now could he not execute one man alone, because at supper time hee had discouered to one that was called Anthonie the whole edict of the proscription: G••i••uing ther••fore and disquiet in minde, he vt∣tered diuers speeches, and each of them contrarie the one vnto the other, what then (saith he) Shall I suffer him that would murther mee to walke at his plea∣sure, and shal I liue perplexed. Shal he remaine vnpunished, who not only hath resolued to kill me, but to sacrifice mee (for their intent was to assaile him at a a sacrifice) who haue bin assailed in vain by so many ciuill warres, and attemp∣ted by so many battels both by Sea and Land? After some pause and silence he exclaimed againe more violently against him selfe, then against Cynna, and said why liuest thou, if thy death be profitable and pleasing to so many? When shall I see the end of so many punishments? is there not bloud enough shed yet? my head is the marke wherat so many yong Roman gentlemens swords are aimed. Is my life so deere vnto mee that for the conseruation thereof, so many soules should perish? At last Liuia his wife interrupting his discourse,* 1.10 said vnto him: Will you vouchsafe a womans counsaile? Doe that which Physitians are ac∣customed to doe. Who when as vsuall remedies take no effect, doe attempt the contrarie. Hetherto thou hast profited nothing by seueritie. After Saluidienus thou hast ruinated Lepidus, after Lepidus Murena, after Muraena Caepio, after Cae∣pio Ignatius, without reckoning vp the rest, whose impious and impudent at∣tempts make me ashamed. Now make thou triall what thy mercie will profite thee. Pardon Lucius Cynna, his treason cannot be d••nied; hee cannot hurt thee now•• but may increase thy renowne Caesar being glad, that he had met with such an aduocate, gaue his wife thankes, and presently discharging those friendes he had called to counsaile, he caused Cynna alone to be called vnto him, and com∣maunding all the rest out of the Chamber, after he had commaunded them to set Cynna a chaire fast by him, he begunne thus. This first of all doe I require at th•• hands, that thou interrupt me not, neither that thou exclaime in the midst of my discourse, hereafter thou shalt haue libertie to speake. Thou knowest Cyn∣na that hauing found thee in mine enemies Campe; and knowne thee not only to be a sugg••sted, but a born enemie vnto me, how I saued thy life, and restored

thee to all thy patrimonie. At this day thou art so happie, and so rich that the Conquerours beare enuie against thee that were conquered, when thou wast a sutor for the Pontifice, I gaue it thee neglecting diuers others whose parents had attended me in my warres. Hauing thus and so well deserued at thy hand••, thou hast resolued to murther mee. When as Cynna began to crie out, that such madnesse was farre from him Augustus staid him and said. Thou keepest not thy promise with me Cynna? for it was agreed betweene vs that thou shouldest not interrupt me. I tell thee thou preparest to kill me, he told him the place, the confederates, the day, and the order of the ambush, and who was the man should strike the stroke. And when he perceiued him troubled, and not only si∣lent because he had promised to be so, but because he was guiltie. With what minde said he doest thou this? To the end that thou thy selfe maist bee Empe∣rour? Truly the Common••weale should bee hardly incombred, if none but I were the let of thine authoritie and dignitie. Thou canst not gouerne thine owne house. Of late a franckling of thine hath had the credit to condemne thee in justice for particular affaires. Is this the easiest businesse thou canst vn∣dertake to contest and contend with Caesar? Take it to thee, if I bee the only man that hinder thy hopes, I surrender it; Paulus, Fabius Maximus, the Cossi and Seruilians and so many Gentlemen of value, and Children of such worthie per∣sons, that doe honour to their Statues, thinkest thou they will indur•• thee? But least in repeating his Oration, I should fill vp the greater part of this vo∣lume, who was well knowne to haue debated with him for the space of two whole houres, after he had long time discoursed vpon that punishment where∣with he would content himselfe, he add••d. Well Cynna once more I giue thee thy life, before times as to mine enemie, now as to a Traitour and a Paracide. From this day forward let friendship be continued betweene vs, and let vs striue to the vttermost to make it knowne, whether I haue giuen thee thy life with a better heart,* 1.11 or thou accepted the same with a more assured thankfulnesse. Af∣ter all this of his owne accord, and vnasked h•• gaue him the Consul-ship, com∣playning of him that hee durst demand nothing, so that euer after Cynna was a most affectionate and faithfull seruant of his, and made him his heire, and neuer after this did any man conspire against Augustus.

CHAP. X.

THY great grand-father gaue them life,* 1.12 whom hee ouercame, for had he not pardoned them ouer whom should hee haue had go∣uernment? Salust, the Coccians, the Duillians and all the Soul∣diers of the first companie of his Gard had borne Armes against him, notwithstanding he inrowled them, & chose them to be the nearest about his person. The Domitians, Messalaes, Asiuians, and Ciceroes, and all the most famous personages in Rome were indebted to his Clemencie. How long time bare he with Lepidus? he suffered him for many yeares to walke with that Equipage that became a Prince, and would not suffer the Office of high Bishop to be transferred vnto him, except it were after his death, for hee had rather that it should bee called an honour then a spoile. This Clemencie of his brought him to that securitie and felicitie which hee inioyed, this made him gratefull and gracious in all mens eyes, although hee had laid holde on the Common-weale, who as yet knew not what it was to endure the yoake of sub∣iection,

such a name at this day doth this mercie of his giue him, that other Princes will hardly obtaine during their liues. We beleeue him to be a God, not by any decree or ordinance: we confesse that Augustus was a good Prince, we acknowledge him well worthy of the name of the father of his countrey, for no other cause then for this, that hee reuenged not those contumelies that were offred him (and which in Princes eares are wont to sound most harshly) no more then he did his actuall iniuries, for that he smiled at reprochfull speeches that were offered him, for that he seemed to punish himselfe when he persecu∣ted others, for that whomsoeuer he had condemned for the adulteries of his daughter, he was so farre from executing them, that in their dismission, and for their better securitie he gaue them pasports and safe conducts. This is truely called pardoning, that when thou knowest that there are diuers that are addres∣sed to be angrie for thee, and gratifie thee if thou hast caused any to be put to death, thou not onely contentest thy selfe to giue life, but also procurest that he to whom thou hast giuen it be maintayned and conserued.

CHAP. XI.

* 1.13THus Augustu•• behaued himselfe when he was olde, or at least∣wise when olde age began to seize vpon him: In his youth hee was hote, wrathfull, and did many things which he neuer lookt backe vnto without remorse. No man dare compare Augu∣stus courtesie to thy Clemencie, although he equall thy young yeares with his more then mature age. Suppose that he were moderate and mercifull after he had dyed the Actian Seas with bloud of Romanes, sunke in the Scicilian both his owne and forraine ships, sacrificed a great number of men vpon the altars of Perusa, and caused many multitudes of men to be put to death in the time of the Triumuirate. But I call not this Clemencie, but wea∣ried crueltie. The true Clemencie and mercie, O Caesar, is that which thou shewest, which hath not begun with the repentance of cruelty, thine is not soy∣led, thou hast neuer shed the bloud of Romane Cittizens. This in a Prince is the true temperance of a minde, and an incomprehensible loue towards man∣kind, not to be enkindled with any desire or rashnes, not to be corrupted by the example of former Princes, not to weigh how farre his authority may extend ouer his subiects, but to dull the edge of the Emperiall sword and dignitie. Thou hast exempted thy Citti••, O Caesar from all bloudie massacres, and performed this, which with a great minde thou mayest glorie in, That thorow the whole world thou hast not shed one drop of mans bloud: and the more great and wonderfull it is, because the sword was neuer committed to the hands of any one more yonger then thy selfe. Clemencie therefore doth not only make men more honest, but more secure;* 1.14 and is not onely the ornament but the assured safetie of King∣domes, who thorow Princes haue attained long life, and left their gouernments to their children and nephews, but the power of tyrants is execrable and short. What difference is there betwixt a Tyrant and a King? In appeareance they haue one and the same dignitie, the difference is, that Tyrants take pleasure in their tyrannie, Kings doe iustice but vpon cause and necessitie.

CHAP. XII.

WHat then, are not Kings sometimes accustomed to put men to death?* 1.15 It is true; but so often as they are assured that it is for publique profite. The Tyrants heart is set vpon murther. But a Tyrant differeth from a King in fact, not in name. For Diony∣sius the elder may iustly be preferred before diuers Kings. And what letteth vs to call Lucius Sylla a tyrant, who gaue ouer killing when hee found no more enemies? Although he forsooke his Dictature, and tooke vpon him the robe of a priuate Cittizen: yet what Tyrant hath there euer beene that so greedily drunke vp humane bloud, then he was who commanded seuen thousand Romane Cittizens to be slaine? And when as being in counsaile in the Temple of Bellon••, neere vnto the place where the execution was done, hee had heard the cries of so many thousands that groned vnder the sword; & per∣ceiuing that the Senate was affrighted thereat. Let vs intend our businesse (sayth he) Fathers Conscript, these are but a few seditious persons, whom I haue commaunded to be slaine. He lyed not herein; for these seemed but a few in Syllaes eyes. But hereafter we will learne by Sylla how we ought to be angrie with our enemies, especially if being separated from the bodie of Cittizens, they haue taken vpon them the name of enemies. Meane while, as I said, Clemencie effecteth this, that there is a great difference betwixt a King and a Tyrant, although both of them are enuironed with guard••. But the one maketh vse of these forces to maintaine peace, the other that by great feares hee may pacifie great hatreds. Neyther securely doth he beholde that very guard, to whose custodie he hath committed himselfe, but one contrary thrust••th him into another; for he is both hated because he is feared, and will be feared because he is hated, and v∣seth that execrable verse which hath ouerthrowne many;

And let them hate me so they feare.

Not knowing what furie is engendered in the hearts of subiects when their ha∣treds are increased aboue measure. For a moderate feare restraineth mens mindes, but a continuall violence, and such as is raised euen vnto the brimme, a∣wakeneth and emboldneth those that are deepest asleep•• and giueth them cou∣rage to hazard all. If thou keepest sau••ge be••sts soulded vp in gins and nets, a horseman may assault them with his weapons at their backes, yet will they at∣tempt their flight by those places they were wont to flie, and will spurne feare vnderfoote. That courage that groweth from extreame necessitie is maruei∣lous forcible. Feare must leaue vs some gap to escape out at, and shew vs lesse danger then hope, otherwise he that was not determined to de••end himselfe, seeing himselfe in equall danger, will aduenture vpon dangers, and hazard tha•• life which he esteemeth not his owne. The forces which a peaceable Prince shall gather for the good of his subiects are faithfull and assured; and the braue souldier who seemeth to aduenture for publique security, endureth all trauaile willingly, as being one of the guards of the father of his countrey. But as tou∣ching the violent and bloudie Tyrant, his guard must needes be aggrieued at him.

CHAP. XIII.

* 1.16NO 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.

CHAP. XIIII.

* 1.17WHat therefore is his duetie? That which belongs to good Parents, who are wont sometime to admonish their children gently, some∣times to chastise them with threats, and sometimes with stripes. Doth any man of a setled iudgement disinherite his sonne vpon the first offence, except many and mightie iniuries ouercome his patience? except there be somewhat more that he feareth then that which hee condemneth, he will not blot him out of his Testament. Hee assayeth diuers

remedies before hand to reclaime him from his dissolute and inconstant dispo∣sition, but when he hath no more hope then assaieth hee his last remedies. No man commeth to practise his extremest chastisements, except hee hath consu∣med all his remedies. That which the Parent doth, the same ought a Prince to doe: whom wee haue called the Father of the Countrie not led thereunto by vaine adulation. For those other names are giuen for honour sake. We haue cal∣led them Great, Happie and Augusti, and haue heaped vp whatsoeuer titles wee could inuent for ambitious Majestie: attributing them vnto these. We haue cal∣led him the Father of the Country, to the end he might know, that he had a father∣ly power giuen him ouer his Countrie, and consequently very moderate, care∣full of his children, and prouiding for their good, rather then his own particular. If the father must cut of some one of his members it shal be as late as he can, and after he hath cut it of, he wil desire to reuiue it againe, and in cutting it of, he wil tigh and differ long time, and in diuers sorts. For he that condemneth too soone condemneth willingly also, He that chastiseth ouer seuerely, ordinarily chasti∣seth vniustly. In our memorie the people of Rome stabbed to death a Roman Knight called Erixo, with their bodkins, for whipping his sonne to death. Scarce could the authoritie of Augustus Caesar redeeme the same from the handes of displeased Fathers and children.

CHAP. XV.

ARIVS hauing discouered, that his owne sonne had attempted and conspired his death,* 1.18 after hee knew of the fact banished him, for which acte of his all the people commended him, especially for this that hauing banished the parracide to Mar∣sillies, hee furnished him, with as great an anuall pention, as hee had allowed him before hee had trespassed in this sort. This liberalitie was the cause, this liberalitie of his was the cause, that in that Citie, where the baddest causes want no aduocates, that no man doubted but that hee that was guiltie, was deseruedly condemned, since the Father who could not hate him, had the courage to condemne him. By this very example I will giue you the meanes to make a comparison betwixt a good Prince, and a good Father. When Titus Arius would draw his sonne into question, hee called Augustus Caesar to counsell, who came from his own pallace to this priuate mans house, sat down•• as a partie of the counsell; and he said not why came he not to my house? which had it hapned; the censure of the fault had beene Caesars, and not the fathers. The fact being vnderstood, all circumstances examined, the yong man hauing beene heard in his defence, and his answers and accusations considered. Caesar required euery one of the Counsailers to set downe their opinions in writing, to the end that no man should subscribe to his opinion, or if hee spoake that o∣ther men should follow him: and before that the billets were opened, he swore that he would not be Titus Arius heire, who was reputed a rich man. Some base fellow will say, that Caesar was afraid, lest he should seeme to giue entrance to his hope by the condemnation of the yong man. But I thinke otherwise, that euery one of vs to defence our selues against the false opinions, that men might conceiue against vs, ought to fix our selues vpon the assured confidence of good conscience. Princes ought to doe many things, to get them a good report. He swore that he would not be his heire. That same day Arius lost another sonne

but Caesar redeemed the libertie of his sentence, and after he had approued that his seueritie was without respect of recompence; of which thing a Prince shold haue an especiall care alwaies, hee sentenced him to bee banished to that place where his father should thinke fit. He iudged him not to be sowed vp in a sack, to be made a pray for Serpents, or to die in prison, remembring himselfe that he sat not there as a Iudge, but as a Counsailer to the father. Hee said that the fa∣ther ought to content himselfe with the mildest kind of punishment, in regard of his sonne; who was as yet yong and drawne vnto this wicked act, in pursuite of the execution wherof, he had shewed himselfe to be fearefull, which excused him in some sort, and that it sufficed therefore to banish him from Rome, and from his fathers presence.

CHAP. XVI.

* 1.19O Prince, worthy alwaies to bee called by fathers into their Coun∣saile, worthy to bee made coheire with their innocent children. This Clemencie becommeth a Prince, that whether so euer hee commeth, should make all things more mild. Let no man be so abiect in a Princes eye, that hee hath no feeling of his death or danger, whatsoeuer he bee, he is a part of the Empire. Let vs make a compari∣son, betwixt the smallest Kingdomes and the greatest Empires; There is but one kind of Gouernement. The Prince commandeth his Subiects, the father his children, the master his schollers, the Captaine or Lieutenant his Souldiers. Shall he not be reputed a wicked father, who with continuall whipping vpon the sleightest occasion, seeketh to still his children? Whether should that Ma∣ster be more worthy the liberall studies, who fleaeth his Schollers, if they haue not exactly remembred their lessons; or by reason of their weake sight haue faulted in their reading; or he that had rather mend them, and teach them by admonitions and modestie? Giue me a Captaine or Lieutenant that is cruell, he will make his Souldiers forsake him, and yet these are to be pardoned. Were it a reasonable matter, to handle a man worse then we doe bruit beasts? But hee that is a good breaker of horses, terrifieth them not with often strookes, for by that meanes he will become more fearefull and stubberne, except thou handle and stroake him with a gentle hand. The same doth the Huntsman, who tea∣cheth his hound to draw drie foote, and who vseth those whom he hath alrea∣die trained to the game to rowse or hunt it. Neither doth hee often threaten them, for therefore their courage is directed, and whatsoeuer forwardnesse is in them, is daunted by degenerate feare; neither doth hee giue them libertie to wander and stray here and there. To these maiest thou adde those that haue the driuing of slower Cattle, which being bred vnto reproach and miserie tho∣row too much crueltie, are inforced to refuse their yoke.

CHAP. XVII.

* 1.20THere is no liuing Creature more vntoward, none more vntracta∣ble by heart then a man is, yet no one is to be spared more then hee; For what folly is it for a man to bee ashamed to spend his spleene vpon Dogges, and Horses, or Asses, and to intreat a man more rudely? Wee cure sicknesses and yet are not angrie with

them, but this disease of the minde requireth a gentle medicine and th•••• hee who cureth the same should not bee angrie with th•• sicke. It is the part of an euill Physition to dispaire that he shall not cure. The same ought he•• to doe to whom the securitie and protection of all men is committed, in those whose mindes are affected, hee must not suddenly cast by his hopes, neyther inconti∣nently pronounce what deadly signes there are in the infirmitie. Let him striue with vices and resist them, let him vpbraid some with their infirmitie, deceiue other some by a gentle cure, because hee i•• likeliest more soone and better to heale them by deceiueable medecines. Let a Prince indeuour carefully not on∣ly to cure but also to giue a smooth cicatrix to the wound of offence. A King obtaineth no glorie by cruell punishment for who doubteth but hee may•• But contrariwise his glorie is most excellent, if hee containeth his power, if hee deliuer many from the furie of their Enemies, and ruinat••th no man by his displeasure.

CHAP. XVIII.

IT is an honour to know how to commaund a mans seruants mo∣destly,* 1.21 and in our slaue wee are to thinke not how much punish∣ment he may endure and we inflict vpon him without reproofe, but what the nature of right and justice will permit thee: which commandeth vs to spare our Captiues and such whom we haue bought to be our bond-slaues. How much more just is it for thee not to abuse men free, ingenious, and honest, as thy bond men, but to entertaine them, for such as are vnder thy gouernment•• to defend them as thy subjects, and not af∣flict them as thy slaues. It is lawfull for bond-men to flie to Caesars statue. Al∣though wee haue authoritie to doe what wee list with our slaues, there is some∣what which the common right of liuing Creatures permitteth vs not to exe∣cute vpon a man, because he is of the same nature that thou art. Who hated not Vedius Pollio more worse then his owne slaues did, because hee fatted his Lam∣proies with mans bloud? and commanded those that offended him to bee cast into the fish-poole to what other end then to feede Serpents? O wretched man worthie a thousand deaths, whether he presented his slaues to be deuoured by those Lamproies hee would feed vpon, or whether to this only end hee nouri∣shed them, that in that sort he might nourish them. Euen as cruell Masters are pointed at thorow the whole Citie, and are reputed both hatefull and detesta∣ble: so the cruell demencie of Princes, who haue contracted infamie and hatred against them selues, are inregistred in Histories to bee a hatred to posteritie, Had it not beene better neuer to haue beene borne then to bee numbered amongst those that are borne for a publique miserie?

CHAP. XIX.

THere is no man that can bethinke him of any thing that is more seemely for him that is in authoritie then Clemencie in what manner soeuer,* 1.22 and by what right soeuer hee hath the prehemi∣nence ouer others. And the more higher his dignitie is that is in∣dued with this vertue, the more noble shall wee confesse his or∣nament,

to be which should not be hurtful but composed according to the law of nature. For nature hath inuented Kings, which wee may know by other li∣uing Creatures and in particular by Bees, whose King hath the largest roome in the Hony Combe, and is lodged in the middle and most securest place. Besides he laboureth not but examineth the labour of the rest, and when their King is lost the whole swarme is dispersed, also they suffer but one, making choice of him that is the boldest in fight. Moreouer the King is noted for his seemelinesse, in that he differeth from the rest both in greatnesse and goodlinesse: yet herein is he most distinguished from them; Bees are the most angrie and fellest Crea∣tures that be, according to the capacitie of their bodies, and leaue their stings in the wound, but their King hath no sting. Nature would not haue him cruell nor to seeke reuenge that might hazard his life, and therefore tooke away his weapon, and disarmed his wrath. All Kings and Princes ought to consider this excellent example. It is the custome of nature to discouer her selfe in little thinges, and the least Creatures minister vnto vs the most noblest examples. Let vs not be ashamed to learne some good thing of the smallest Creatures, since the minde of man ought to be more setled then euill which hee doth is hurtful and dangerous. By my consent I would haue man reduced to this condition that his wrath should be broken with his owne weapon, and that he might haue no more meanes to hurt then once in his life, nor exercise his hatreds by an other mans hands: for easily would furie be wearied; if of necessitie she should act that which she her selfe commaundeth, and if she should expresse her power by the harzard of her life: neyther as yet is shee secured in her match. For she must needes bee surprised with as much feare, as shee would haue other haue feare of her, her eyes bee fixed on euery mans hands, and at such times as a man intendeth not to touch her, shee beleeueth that hee will assault her, and hath not one only minute of repose. Is it possible that any one would liue so vnhappily, when the meanes is offered him to passe his dayes without the hurt of any man, and consequently execute the affaires of his charge in all se∣curitie, and with great contentment? He abuseth himselfe that supposeth that a King is secure in that place, where there is not any one but is afraid of him. One securitie must be assured by an other mutuall securitie. We need not build strong Citadels, on high hils, nor fortifie vnaccessible places, nor cut downe the sides of Mountaines, nor ensconce our selues with many walles and towers. Clemencie will secure a King in the open field. His only inpregnable fortresse, is the loue of his Cittizens. What more worthie thing can a Prince wish for, then to liue in all mens good opinion, and in such loue of his subjects, that their vowes and prayers should incessantly and secretly bee powred forth for his se∣curitie: that if his health be crased, they listen not after his death, but are won∣derfully affraid, least they should loose him? that there is nothing so precious in any one of their eyes, that they would not exchange for his health, and securi∣tie; that thinketh that whatsoeuer hath befallen the Prince, is fatall to them∣selues? Hereby the Prince hath approoued by continuall arguments of his goodnesse, that the Common-weale is not his, but that hee is the Common-weales. Who dare contriue any danger towards him? who would not if hee could, preuent any disaster that is toward him, vnder whom justice, peace, modestie, securitie and dignitie doe flourish, vnder whom the wealthie Cities abound in the plentie of all good thinges? neyther with other mindes reue∣rence they, or beholde they their gouernour, then if the immortall goddes should vouchsafe them the libertie to behold themselues. And why doth not

he that follloweth the nature of the goddes, which is to bee gracious, liberall, and powerfull, to doe good, become a second to them? This is it that becom∣meth a Prince to affect, this ought he to imitate: and as they desire to bee the greatest, so let them indeuour to be the best.

CHAP. XX.

THe Prince is accustomed to doe justice for two causes,* 1.23 eyther pu∣nisheth he the faults that are committed against himselfe, or a∣gainst another. I will will first of all speake of that which con∣cerneth him. For it is a harder matter for a man to temper him∣selfe, when hee chastiseth others, to satisfie his priuate disgust, then to propose it for an example. It were in vaine in this place to admonish a Prince, not to belieue lightly, to examine the truth, to fauour innocencie, that it may appeare, that he is no lesse carefull to examine that which concerneth him that hath offended, as that which toucheth the Iudge. But this appertaineth to justice, and not vnto Clemencie. For the present we exhort him, that being manifestly wronged, he remaine Master of his own heart, and giue ouer punish∣ment, if so be he may safely doe it; or at least-wise differ it, and bee more encli∣ned to pardon those faults which are committed against himselfe, as against o∣thers. For euen as hee is not liberall, that cutteth a large thong out of another mans leather, but hee that taketh that from himselfe which he giueth to ano∣ther: So will I call him mercifull, not that weepeth, and is agrieued at another mans affliction, but him who hauing iust and vrgent occasion, passionateth not himselfe, and knoweth that it is the act of a great minde in the height of his au∣thoritie to suffer injuries, and that nothing is more glorious in a Prince, then to pardon those who haue offended him.

CHAP. XXI.

REuenge is ordinarily wont to produce two effects,* 1.24 for eyther it bringeth him comfort that hath receiued the injurie, or putteth him in securitie for the time to come. A Princes Fortune is so great, as it needeth not such like solace, and his power is more ma∣nifest, then that hee neede to seeke the opinion of his greatnesse from the ruine of another. This, say I, when hee is assaulted or violated by any of his inferiours, for if he seeth those who sometimes were his equals, become his vnderlings, he is sufficiently reuenged. A Seruant, a Serpent, an Arrow haue slaine a King. No man hath saued a King, except he that saued him were greater then himselfe. He therefore that hath attained the power ouer life and death, ought to vse so great an authoritie bestowed vpon him by the gods couragious∣ly, especially towards those, who in his knowledge haue sometime opposed themselues against his greatnesse: hauing attained this dignitie, he is sufficient∣ly reuenged, and hath done that which was requuisite for an entire punish∣ment. For he that should die, hath lost his life, but whosoeuer from a high de∣gree, hath beene prostitute at his enemies feet, where hee attendeth the defini∣tiue sentence of his Crowne and life, liueth to his great glorie, that preserueth him: and addeth more to his renowne by his life, then if he had sentenced him

to death. For hee is the continuall spectacle of another mans vertue. In a triumph he had quickly past by. But if his Kingdome likewise may safely bee r••deliuered into his handes, and hee might bee restored to that preheminence from whence he was fallen, his prayse riseth aboue all measure, that was conten∣ted from a conquered King to take away nothing but his glorie. This it is to tri∣umph truly in a mans victorie: and to testifie that he found nothing worthie in the Conquerours hands, that was answerable to his worthinesse and value. As touching our Citizens and men that are vnknown to vs, and such as are of base condition, the more moderately must we deale with them, the lesse honour we shall get by afflicting them. Pardon some men willingly, disdaine to reuenge thy selfe on other some, and retire thy hand from them, as if they were some little silly creatures that would soyle thy fingers, if thou shouldest touch them; but as touching those that are eyther to be pardoned or punished in the eye of the State, make vse of the occasion of thy accustomed Clemencie.

CHAP. XXII.

* 1.25LET vs passe ouer to those injuries that are done vnto another, in punishing which the Law hath obserued three things, which a Prince likewise ought to follow, either to amend him whom he punisheth, or to the intent that his punishmēt may make the rest better; or that by cutting of the euill, the rest may liue more se∣curely. Those, shalt thou more safly amend with lesse punishment, for he liueth more diligently, that hath some dayes of his life pardoned him to liue in. No man careth for his decaied dignitie. It is a kind of impunitie not to be able to be punished any more. But the fewnesse of executions reformeth the Cities man∣ners the more. For the multitude of offenders breedeth a custome of offence, and the note of infamie is the lesse, the greater the number of delinquents there be: and seueritie by being ouer vsuall looseth her authoritie, which is the greatest honour she hath. That Prince setleth good manners in his Citie, and more happily extinguisheth the vices thereof, if he wink at them, not as though he allowed them; but as if hee were agreiued at them, and with great hearts-griefe, was inforced to punish them. The Clemencie of him that gouer••eth maketh them ashamed that offend. The punishment seemeth the more gr••••∣uous, when the sentence is giuen by a mercifull man.

CHAP. XXIII.

* 1.26BEsides, thou shalt s••e those thinges oftentimes committed which are often times punished. Thy Father within the space of fiue yeares sowed vp more paracides, then were condemned to that death in all the ages before, as farre as we can gather. As long as there was no law established against this hainous crime, no chil∣dren durst attempt or imagine this so vnnaturall a wickednesse•• For those Law-makers and notable persons most wise and well experienced, thought it better to make no mention of this crime in their Lawes, as a most incredible matter•• and such as man should not be so cursed, as to imagine, then to publish by the

establishment of seuere lawes against the same, that so horrible an offence might be committed. Parricides therfore began with their law, and their punishment taught them their offence: Piety was in a desperate estate after we saw these sackes more often then gallowses. In those Citties where men are punished very seldome, euery one agreeth to liue innocently, and they entertaine inno∣cencie as a publique good. Let the Cittie thinke her selfe innocent and she shal be: if she see the number of such as are dissolute is but small, shee is vexed the more. Beleeue me, it is a dangerous matter to let a Cittie see that there are more wicked then good.

CHAP. XXIIII.

THere was a decree set downe in times past by the Senate,* 1.27 that our slaues and free-men should be distinguished by their attire, but af∣terwards it appeared what danger was imminent if our seruants should haue begun to haue numbred vs. Know this, that if no man be pardoned, this is likewise to be feared, that it will quickly appeare what aduantage the worser part hath ouer the better: no lesse disho∣nourable are many punishments to a Prince, then many funerals to a Physitian. He that gouerneth more mildely, is obeyed more willingly. Mans minde is naturally rebellious, ouerthwart and proude, he followeth more willingly then he is led. And as generous and noble horses are better guided by an easie bit, so voluntary innocence followeth Clemencie of her owne motion: in the Cittie this sweetnesse is a good that deserueth to bee maintayned. So then there is more gotten by following this way. Crueltie is humane euill, it is vnworthy so milde a minde: this is a beast-like rage to reioyce in bloud and wounds, and laying by the habite of a man, to translate himselfe to a wilde beast.

CHAP. XXV.

FOr tell me Alexander, I beseech thee, whether of these two is more strange, eyther that thou command Lysimach•••• to bee cast vnto the Lions, or that thou thy selfe teare him in pieces with thy eager teeth. The throat and crueltie of the Lion is thine owne. O how gladly wouldest thou haue had these clawes, and that great throat, capable to deuoure and swallow men? We request thee not that this hand of thine, which hath put to death three of thy deerest friends, should doe good to any man, nor that thy felon heart, the vnsatiable ruine of Nations should glut it selfe otherwise then in bloud and murthers: we will take it for thy Clemency, and so call it, if in murthering thy friend thou make choyce of an executioner amongst the number of men. This is the cause why crueltie is most of all to be abhorred, because she passeth the bonds, not onely of custome but of humanitie. She searcheth out new punishments, and applyeth her mind thereunto, she inuenteth instruments to multiply and prolong paine, and to con∣tent her selfe in those torments which other men suffer. Then doth that dire sickenesse of the minde grow into most desperate rage, when crueltie is turned into pleasure, and to murther men is reputed a May••game. For such a man is attended by confusion, hatred••, venoms, swords, by as many dangers is he assaul∣ted

as he is the danger of many men, and sometimes by priuate counsailes and sometimes by publique calamities he is surprised and circumuented. For the slight and priuate ouerthrow of some particulars, incenseth not whole Citties: that which beginneth to rage on euery side, and indifferently attempteth all men, armeth euery man against it. The smaller Serpents slip by vs; neyther are they much sought after, but if any one waxeth aboue ordinarie measure and bignesse, and becommeth a monster, when hee hath infected the fountaines by drinking in them, and scortched with his breath, and rent with his tallants whatsoeuer he treads vpon, we shoote at him with Bali••tils and Crosbowes. The smaller euils may speake faire and so escape, but wee make head against the great ones. If there be but one sicke in a house, it makes no great matter, but when it appeareth by the death of many that the plague is there, the Cittie cries out and euery man flies, and each man lifteth vp his handes to heauen. If some priuate house be set on fire, the neighbours bring in water and quench it; but when the fire is scattered abroad, and layes hold on many houses, it cannot be quenched but by the ruine of a part of the Cittie.

CHAP. XXVI.

* 1.28SEruile handes likewise haue reuenged the crueltie of particulars, although they saw their death before them. The cruelty of Ty∣rants, the Nations, people & those that were oppressed, and such as were most neerely threatned thereby, haue attempted to con∣found. Sometime their owne guards haue conspired against them, and exercised vpon them that perfidiousnesse, impiety, and cruelty which they themselues had learned of them. For what can any man hope from him whom he hath trained vp to be euill? wickednesse appeareth not long time, neyther sinneth she as much as she is commanded. But put case that crueltie be assured; what a Kingdome hath she? No other then the forme of sacked Citties, and the terrible faces of publique feare. All things are sad, troublesome and confused, euen the pleasures themselues are feared: they banquet not se∣curely, and in their feasts though they be drunke they must haue a watch ouer their tongu••••: they cannot trust their Theaters where men seeke occasions to accuse and put to death nowe this man, now that man•• when their ban∣quets be prepared with greater charge, and Kingly riches, and by the excellent inuention of cunning Artists, who is he, I pray you, that would take pleasure to depart from his sports to a prison? Good gods what a mischiefe is this, to kill, to rage, to delight in the noyse of shackles, to cut off Cittizens heads, to shedde bloud in euery place, wheresoeuer he commeth, to terrifie men and make them flie from his terrible lookes? What other life would there be if Lions & Beares did raigne? if Serpents and euery other noysome creature should haue power ouer vs? They being voyde of reason, and being condemned by vs for the crime of immanitie, abstaine from those of their owne kinde, yea, and similitude is a protection amongst the sauage beasts; but amongst men only rage forbareth not his deerest friends, but maketh one account of strangers as of home-bred, whereby he may more busily creepe into priuate mens slaughters, and after∣wards into the ruine of Nations. He reputeth it to be for his royaltie to cast fire vpon houses, and to plough vp olde Citties: he beleeueth it to be scarce Kingly to command one or two to be slaine, except at one time a troope of mi∣serable

men stand subject to his sword, he accounteth his crueltie to bee infor∣ced 〈…〉〈…〉 not the Chariot•• of barbarous Nations be sprinkled with bloud, no•• spoyl••s g••tten i•• warre•• T••is i•• a diu••ne power t•• saue men by companies, and publikely: but to murther many, and they vnheard is the act of a Tyrant and Mur∣therer.

The end of the first Booke of Clemencie.

Notes

• * 1.1

  How requisite it is for the great men of this world to studie how to moderate their minds, which they may doe the better if they meditate what prehemi∣nence th••y haue aboue other m••.
• * 1.2

  Altho••gh the m••••cie and be∣••ignity o•• P••inces serueth for such as ••re guilty in especi∣all, yet both the innocent and vertuous reape a profit thereby.
• * 1.3

  Diuision of the Booke.
• * 1.4

  An excellent comparison.
• * 1.5

  The loue be∣••weene Prince and subiect is the maintenance of an estate.
• * 1.6

  To gouerne well and to obey well are the two si∣newe•• of an e∣state.
• * 1.7

  By the similitude of the head and members, that Clemencie is wholy necessarie to Princes, since their subiects ex∣pose themselues to all dangers for them.
• * 1.8

  Crueltie dispe••∣pleth Cities and Countries, merci•• maketh them fortunate.
• * 1.9

  A most strong reason to per∣swade Princes to be mercifull to their subiects.
• * 1.10

  The great wise∣dome of Liuia.
• * 1.11

  The effect and fruites of mercy.
• * 1.12

  Other testimo∣nies of Augu∣stus his mercy.
• * 1.13

  To perswade Nero to conti∣nue his Cl••men∣cie, he compares him with Au∣gustus Caesar, and sheweth that Ne••o had the aduantage in this respect, be∣cause his prede∣cessor had that praise also after his cruelty com∣mitted, he in the entrance and in∣fancie of his go∣uernement.
• * 1.14

  What care Princes sh••uld haue to make 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••nd••ngs an¦swerabl•• t•• his beginnings.
• * 1.15

  The difference betwixt good Princes and Tyrants.
• * 1.16

  A description of the miserie of Tyrants and cruell Princes, all intending to this point, to re∣commend Cle∣mency more and more.
• * 1.17

  Another instru∣c••o•• for a ••rince, to teach ••im to keepe a measure in his mercie.
• * 1.18

  Hauing compa∣red a good Prince to a Father, he maketh mention about the end of the precedent section of an euil Father and here of a good, to the end to ex∣presse by the same that a good Prince ought to assay all meanes in respect of his subiects before he descends to extreme rigor.
• * 1.19

  By comparison of fathers and Ma∣sters and others in authoritie, and by the example of their gouern∣ment be teacheth a Prince how vn∣seem••ly a thing crueltie and too much seueritie is.
• * 1.20

  Since a man is ••he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnta∣med creature of the World, we ••••ght to handle h••m gently.
• * 1.21

  Another reaso•• taken by compa∣rison betwixt the greater and the less••r if all things ar•• not lawfull in a Master ouer his seruants, they are no lesse lawfull for a Prince ouer his subiects that are men.
• * 1.22

  Now ••oncludes ••e as in a g••n••ral sentence that which he said in the beginning that mercie is the most noted vertue in Princes.
• * 1.23

  Hauing general∣ly discoursed of Clemencie and Mercie at this present: in way of partition, he di∣gesteth and ga∣thereth together that which hath beene said in di∣uers Chapters, and sheweth that whether a man regard the per∣son of a Prince, or of a priuate man, there ought no cruelty to be vsed.
• * 1.24

  A subdiuision of his matter, ten∣ding to that which he hath spoken of, and shewing that sin∣ner that by re∣uenge, neither increaseth nor maintaineth his estate, he ought not to suffer him selfe to be maste∣red by such a passion.
• * 1.25

  He prosecuteth his partition, and sh••weth that a gentle chastise∣ment profiteth more, both to him that is cha∣sticed, and to the Prince him∣selfe then cruell vigour.
• * 1.26

  Th••t continnall and cruell puni∣shments, doe not so much represse offences, as the prudent Clemen∣cie of Princ••s.
• * 1.27

  He proueth for the third point both by simili∣tudes and exam∣ples, that punish∣ments assure not good men.
• * 1.28

  He sheweth what danger it is for a man to take pleasure in cru∣eltie, and how much good Prin∣ces get by amia∣ble and curteous entertainement. He concludeth that Clemencie is the fairest flower in their Garland.