De republica Anglorum The maner of gouernement or policie of the realme of England, compiled by the honorable man Thomas Smyth, Doctor of the ciuil lawes, knight, and principall secretarie vnto the two most worthie princes, King Edwarde the sixt, and Queene Elizabeth. Seene and allowed.

Of the diuersities of common wealthes or gouernement. CHAP. I.

THey that haue written heretofore of Common wealthes, haue brought them into thrée most sim∣ple and speciall kindes or fashions of gouernement. The first where one alone doth gouerne, is called of the Gréekes 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉,* 1.1 the se∣cond, where the smaller number, commonly called of them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉,* 1.2 and the thirde where the multitude doth rule 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.* 1.3 To rule▪ is vnderstoode to haue the highest and supreme authoritie of commaundement. That part or member of the common wealth is saide to rule which doth controwle, correct, and direct all other members of the common wealth. That part which doth rule, define and commaund according to the forme of the gouernement, is taken in euerie common wealth to be iust and lawe: As a rule is alway to be vnderstoode to be straight, and to which all workes be to be confor∣med,

and by it to be iudged: I doe not meane the Lesbi∣ans rule which is conformed to the stone: but the right rule whereby the Artificer and the Architect doe iudge the straightnesse of euerie mans worke, he to be recko∣ned to make his worke perfectest, who goeth néerest to the straightnesse.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Monarchia.
• * 1.2

  Aristocratiae.
• * 1.3

  Democratia.