Aphorismes ciuill and militarie amplified with authorities, and exemplified with historie, out of the first quarterne of Fr. Guicciardine.

APHORISMES, CIVIL AND MILITARIE. LIB. IIII. (Book 4)

APHORISME I.

AMong 1 1.1 States that haue entercourse of traffick, or dispute of right together; euery alteration in the one, begets new deliberations in all the rest: Especially vpon the death of any Prince, in whose State appeares a new face of all things. Wherefore in these deliberations, the neighbour States must imitate the Camaelion, who often changeth his colour, and is alwaies with his eyes open. 2 1.5 So must they change their former resolutions, and looke as well with the left eye, vp∣pon what may be hurtfull: as with the right, vpon what may be aduan∣tageous to them.

Lewes 12. succeedes to the crowne of France. It was likely in all reason of State, that he would not sodainely wrap himselfe into warres beyond the Alpes, in the beginning of his reigne, be∣fore his State were well setled at home. But those Princes of Ita∣ly that were best aduised, suspected that their troubles would be greater then before: a King of ripe yeares being aduanced to that Monarchie, experienced in the warres, a more moderate spender, more master of himselfe then his predecessor, and who, besides his title to Naples by the crowne of France, laid claime also to Millan, as he was Duke of Orleans.

APHORISME II.

AFaire maide richly endowed, is neuer without Sutors: And a great State newly fallen, neuer with∣out claimers: nor these ambitious competitors euer without some colour of title. In which concurrence of pretenders, not the iustest claime, but the shar∣pest sword commonly preuaileth. * 1.10

Lewes Duke of Orleans, brother to Charles 6. and grandfather to the present King, married Lady Valentina, daughter to Iohn Ga∣leazzo, first Duke of Millan. She had in Dower the towne and Prouince of Asti; besides a great summe of money, and an ex∣presse couenant, (in case the line masculine failed) she or her next heires to succeed in the Dukedome. This conueighance was made the Emperour being dead, and therefore inualidous, but that the French affirme it was ratified by the Pope, who pretends to haue this right in himselfe, vacante Imperio. Vpon the death of Philip-Maria Visconti, (the last heire-male of that line) Charles, sonne to this Lewes, puts in his claime: So doth the Emperour Frederick, as deuolued to the Empire, for default of heires males. The like doth Alphonso king of Arragon and Naples, whom Philip-Maria had instituted his heire, by his last will and testament. But Francis Zforza, father to Lodowick the present Duke, who mar∣ried the onely daughter of Philip-Maria (though illegitimate) a great souldier of his time, and more powerfull in armes then the other competitors, more prudent in his deliberations, and succesfull in his actions, makes good his Plea with his sword: carries the Prise from them all, and is inuested with the Duchie of Millan.

APHORISME III.

IT 1 1.15 is as great a folly to lose what is our owne, through ouer-much negligence, as it is an offence to intrude vpon others through too much ambition. For, not to seeke our right, is want of prudence; not to recouer it, is want of power; but not to demand it at all, is to quit it altogether: as gamesters that giue ouer their game, yeeld it lost. 2 1.20 Wherefore the Prince who meanes not to quit his right, must from time to time put in his claime.

Charles Duke of Orleans, father to Lewes 12. presently after the death of Philip-Maria Visconti, puts in his claime to Millan, though he were then prisoner in England, and there remained fiue and twentie yeares, after the battaile of Agencourt, where the English had vpon the French a most famous victory. After his returne into France, in the time of Lewes 11. he renewes his claime. So did he againe the third time, during the raigne of Charles 8. And now lastly, Lewes his sonne is no sooner come to the Crowne, but by aduice of his Councell, he proclaimes him∣selfe, not onely king of France, but (in his right to Naples) King of both the Sicils and Ierusalem, and (in right of his birth, as from the Duke of Orleans) he entitles himselfe Duke of Millan. And sends to the Princes of Italie publicke and expresse inti∣mation, that he meant to pursue this his right to that Duchie.

APHORISME IIII.

THe 1 1.24 Ethiopian Yeale hath two hornes of a cubit long, which he can in fight moue as he list, either both forward to offend, or both backward to defend, or the one forward and the other backward, to both vses at once. 2 1.26 So should wise men apply their coun∣sels and actions, to the times: and either put forth the hornes of their power, or pull them in, as present occasions are offe∣red. For, as the Mariner changeth his course vpon the change of the winde and weather, yet still holdeth his purpose of getting in to the har∣brough: so should States-men, vpon euery new occasion alter their sailes, and veere another way, still making their course to the Port of the pub∣licke good and safetie.

Lewes 12. is resolued to come downe into Italy, to recouer his right in Naples and Millan. Now the Pope stirred on through his owne particular ends and interest, which he saw he could not formerly effect by the quiet of Italy, and combination with those Princes against Charles 8; desires new troubles by this new King, and desseignes to further him in his warres on that side the mountaines. The Venetians likewise being freed of their former feare of the other King, for the many oppositions they had made, and wrongs they had done him, see no cause of distrust in this Lewes 12; and therefore they send their Embassadours, both to

congratulate with him, and also to lay the foundation of such an amitie and peace, as the occurrence of their affaires should offer to them both. But the Florentines on the other side, who in the former Kings time were alwaies in strict confederation with him against the other Italian Princes and States, finding them∣selues not tied to Lewes 12. in any such obligation of friendship and correspondencie, as they were to his predecessor, by the treaties of Florence and Asti; are now readie to fall from his alli∣ance, and to combine with the Duke of Millan: hoping of better helpe in the neare and readie supplies of Lombardie, then in the remote and slow succours of France.

APHORISME V.

AS 1 1.30 in nature, so in gouernment, nothing is perma∣nent that is violent. It is therefore hard to see a Tyrant olde. For though for at time he vphold his State by force and policie, 2 1.32 yet in the end diuine iu∣stice confounds his practises, and infatuates his counsels, to his owne ruine and ouerthrow. 3 1.35 For as in that mortall warre betweene the great Elephant and poisonfull Dra∣gon, this one with his taile enclaspeth that others feete, making him fall, and he in his fall bursteth himselfe, and crusheth that other in peeces: So when Ambition and Enuie meete as combattants in the heart of a man, he needs no outward force to assaile him: for the venemous taile of his Enuie entangleth the winged feete of his Ambition, making him fall, and in the fall to burst with his owne weight.

Lodowick Zforza, the poisoner of his Nephew, Vsurper of Millan, and Incendiary of all Italy, who had kindled the fire of all the late troubles in that countrie; sees now the Duke of Orleans (his competitor for Millan) aduanced to the crowne of France. He perceiues no possible meanes of attonement with him. He knowes by late experience, that all the States of Italy are not so auaileable for his safety against France, as that one of Venice. Yet, in emulation of her greatnesse, that she should hold Pisa, and in enuy that she should reape the fruite of his long practises and trauailes, he ioynes at this vnseasonable and dangerous time with the Florentines against her, for the recouery of that city. Foolishly presuming, that the warre of Pisa would be ended, before the French King could set forward: and vainely suppo∣sing that the Venetians were too wise, euer to condescend that the French army should againe returne into Italie, to satisfie any grudge or wrong of their owne whatsoeuer: A fault whereof himselfe had bene more guilty then any other. Which ill groun∣ded deliberation of his, opened the floudgates to all his misfor∣tunes, with the streame whereof he was afterward carried pri∣soner into France, and there died a most miserable exile.

APHORISME VI.

THe 1 1.36 Frogge and the Mouse were better take vp their quarrell, then that the Kite should be their vmpire. For it hath bene a practise as old as since Philip of Macedo, to nourish warre betweene two neighbour Princes, to the weakning one of another, that the third, a stronger, might take his aduan∣tage, and seize vpon both. 2 1.41 It is therefore a prudent deliberation in the weaker (hauing smoaked his drift) to compound their difference be∣tweene themselues, and preuent the practisers desseigned plot.

Sharpe warres are betweene the Orsini and Colonnesi, both whose States confine vpon the Church. Many townes and castles are taken on both sides: it comes to a day of battaile: ma∣ny of them are slaine: their enseignes lost: the rest put to rout: and Charles Orsini taken prisoner. The Pope interposeth: offe∣reth to be vmpire in their difference: dealeth with his wonted dissimulation and duplicitie, meaning to set them further out. The Orsini renew their forces: set downe before Columbara a strong towne of the enemy: the Colonnesi come to the succours. Here, before one blow giuen they call into serious considerati∣on the Popes double dealing: how he had first animated the one side, and then set on the other: giuing foment to the warre and encouragement to the sides, with a purpose when they were both well wasted, to surprise both. Hereupon they come to a parley, and conclude an honourable and a profitable peace for both parties.

APHORISME VII.

SVch 1 1.45 is the force of Fate, as it can and will effect it endes, without any assistance, against all resistance. Yet commonly it worketh not alone, it is attended with second and subalterne causes, concurring in the partie himselfe whose ruine is destined. 2 1.51 For, his counsailes and actions alwayes change with his fortunes, and make the way to his downe-fall.

Neuer was Prince more secret and cautelous in his practises, neuer any lesse ouuert and more fained in his amities then Zfor∣za: neuer had he more neede then now of that warie procee∣ding, nor greater reason to keepe good quarter and correspon∣dencie with the Venetians, at least not to sharpen or exasperate them with contumelies. Yet, contrary to his owne nature, and old wont, he breathes out many virulent opprobrious speeches, hebraues them with many and imperious threates: he denies their souldiers passage through the Parmesan countrie: he cau∣seth the Emperor to dismisse their Embassadors: he sends their enemies (the Florentines) three hundred crossebowes on horse∣backe: he ioynes with them in the charge of entertaining three

hundred men at armes: he lendeth them money at seuerall times, to the summe of three hundred thousand Duckats and vpwards: and offers more aide, as they shall haue neede. This distraction from Venice, and open profession of opposition a∣gainst her, hastened his deserued and destined ouerthrow.

APHORISME VIII.

THe ¹ Monarch first propoundeth honour: then the publick good: and lastly proprietary interest and pro∣fit. 2 1.54 But the popular State euermore inuerteth this order: For it hath priuate gaine in the first intenti∣on, the common good in the second, and honour in the last. Which diuersity of proceeding ariseth, not out of the different formes of their gouernement, but out of their diffe∣rent natures that gouerne. So great oddes there is betweene a Prince and a Citizen. * 1.59

Quarrels had bene long militant and on foote, betweene the two States of Venice and Genoa. For, besides their ancient emu∣lation and grudge, the Genowese were also of late growne iea∣lous of the Venetians greatnesse and neighbourhood, if they should get Pisa into their peaceable possession; and therefore de∣sired nothing more then to stop her course in that purchase. Yet are they content that the Venetian shipping employed in that seruice, should haue harbour and reliefe vpon the coast of Genoa, paying well for it; and their Merchants trafficke and commerce with them, for such commodities as they need, because many priuate citizens had benefit thereby.

APHORISME IX.

THe 1 1.65 Dolphin finding himselfe vnable to hurt the Crocodile, by reason of his hard scales which no weapon can pierce, diueth vnder him, and with his sharpe finne striketh him into the bellie being soft and tender, and so killeth him. 2 1.67 What Nature hath taught the creature, Experience hath taught man: To strike the enemy where he may be most hurt, and leaue things impossi∣ble vnattempted. For Prudence is of force, where force preuailes not. 3 1.68 And therefore Direction is left to the Commander, Execution to the souldier: who is not to aske why, but to do what he is commanded.

The Florentine Generall sets downe before Casina, leuels the ground, razeth the impeachments, and makes shew as if he would take the place, and so march directly to Pisa. The enemy expects no lesse, and prepares to receiue him. But he, considering the obstinate resolution of the Pisans, their valour by long pra∣ctise in warre, the great forces of the Venetians ioyned with them, and the strength of their workes and fortifications about that place, holds it impregnable. He resolues rather with time to weare them out, and with stopping their succours to distresse them, then by hazard of fight to force them. Therefore he sud∣denly riseth from before Casina, marcheth ouer the hils on the right side the riuer Arno, to impeach all passages by land that way. He encampes before Buti Castle, and takes it: he builds a fort vpon the mountaine S. Iohn della Vena: and another vpon Pietra Dolorosa. He brings vnder contribution all the Val-di Calci. He takes by composition the fort which the Pisans had lately built vpon Vico: and shortly after Vicopisano it selfe: and lastly laies siege to Verrucola. In all which important seruices, not so much his souldiers readinesse in execution, as his owne prudence in direction was remarqueable.

APHORISME X.

THe 1 1.72 countrie Cormorant makes his aduantage of his poore neighbours distresse, and raiseth the market as he sees his need. So a couetous Prince will not affoord one barly corne of his assistance, at a lesse rate then one of the fairest gemmes in his neighbours Crowne. A price so high, and his necessitie so great,

as he can neither with his honour grant, nor with his safetie denie. 2 1.78 But in so desastrous a Dilemma as this, he is rather to stake all his fortunes vpon one chance of hazardous battell, then to share with so couetous, ambitious, and false afriend.

Pope Alexander desires to aduance his sonne Caesar Borgia to temporall States, being now resolued to renounce hs Cardinals hat: he sees the great distresse of Frederick king of Naples, if he should forsake him, and combine against him with France: which he threatneth to do, vnlesse he will grant his daughter in mariage to his sonne Caesar Borgia, and the Principalitie of Taranto to her Dower: presuming, if Borgia (of a high spirit and great reach) were once Lord of so important a member of that Realme, he might easily with his owne forces, and pretensions of the Church, driue his father in law out, being slenderly prouided of men, worse of money, and hauing many of the Barons ill affected, and apt to rebell against him. Frederick discouers the metch, and sees the mischiefe, which way soeuer he takes: therefore chuseth rather to reiect the offer, and stand to the hazard, then by his owne act to be accessory to his owne destruction.

APHORISME XI.

IN moralitie, it is a greater vice to commit a wic∣kednesse, then to omit the doing of a vertuous act: So in martiall gouernment, it is worse for the soul∣dier to do what he is forbidden in his owne campe, then not to do what he is commanded vpon the ene∣mie: For this onely bereaues him of some faire ad∣uantage; but that laies himselfe open to all ambush and defeat. * 1.82

After the Pisans victory at S. Regolo, their souldiers together with the Venetian Estradiots range at pleasure vp and down the countrie, in great troupes, and greater carelesnesse and disorder: I hey conforme not themselues to discipline, nor commaund of their Captaines. Paul Vitelli Generall of the Florentine forces espies the aduantage: lies in ambush neare Casina: sets suddenly vpon the Venetians, led by Marco Martinengo: puts them to flight, and kils many of the Estradiors, with Iohn Gradenigo Leader of their men at armes. He takes prisoner Franco a commander of the Estradiots, and a hundred horse besides.

APHORISME XII.

HOpe 1 1.89 is in the minde of man, as is the vitall spirit in his body: the first that possesseth, and last that lea∣ueth the heart. But hope fastned vpon no other ground but will, is like the Mushromme, which star∣teth vp in a night, and onely of all other Plants growing without roote, is easily blowne away, and perisheth. 2 1.93 So do the actions of men, built vpon this light sand and loose hold of wilfull hope. Because it makes that seeme easie and feasi∣ble to the eye of their imagination, which reason and the euent shewes to be most difficult and dangerous.

The souldiers in Pisa haue a great desire to surprise and raze the fort built lately vpon Pietra Dolorosa; although it was streng∣thened round about with the Florentine forces, and they vn∣der the command of Vitelli, a prudent and vigilant Chieftaine: yet they hold the enterprise easie, if the attempt be sodaine and secretly carried. To this purpose they present themselues be∣fore the place, early in the morning ere it was yet day; with two hundred light horse, and some foote, (by report foure hun∣dred.

They finde greater resistance, and the place better fortifi∣ed, then they expected. They discouer Vitelli vpon the hilles, with one part of the army coming to their succours. They retire towards Pisa. They are met in the way by Vitellozzo, and followed at the heeles by Vitelli. Thus, hemmed in on both sides, they are broken, many horses lost, and most of the foote cut in peeces.

APHORISME XIII.

STatesmen must not alwaies be fixed in one Center of resolution, but mooued with the turning Sphaere of their Common-weale: carried alwaies to that point of the circle in their present occurrents, wherein their publicke profit and safety chiefly consisteth. * 1.99

The warres betweene the Florentines and Venetians in com∣petition for the Seignory of Pisa, had lasted long. In all this

time the State of Florence neuer sent any Embassador to Venice, nor sought any accord. Partly, not to offend the French King, their confederate: partly, because they found their owne forces weake, and therefore not likely to preuaile in the motion. Charles 8. is now dead, and their forces very great by Zforzas meanes: besides they vnderstand by the Duke of Ferrara and others, that the Venetians were willing to an accord, if they were sought vn∣to, and treated with as superiors not as equalles. The State of Florence altereth her former resolution: Makes choise of Guy-Antony Vespucci and Barnardo Ruccellai, two honourable persona∣ges, to go thither in Embassage. They are admitted to the pre∣sence of the Duke and Councell, and haue audience. They ex∣cuse their sending no sooner, by the quality of the times, and di∣uers accidents of let, in their State. They demand a finall ces∣sation from warre, and that the Venetians would relinquish the protection of Pisa. They are answered: that if a course were ta∣ken, whereby the Pisans might enioy their liberty, they would make it appeare to the world, that neither desire of dominion, nor any other particular interest of their owne, had caused them at first to vndertake that enterprise, or now to continue it longer. The Florentines can get no other answer: they returne: hauing thus farre sounded the Venetians resolution, that nothing but necessity could force them to quit the protection of Pisa.

APHORISME XIIII.

WHile 1 1.107 the riuer runnes entire with all his water in one bed, his current is the swifter, and his force the greater, and danteth the most hardy to aduen∣ture passage: But being diuided into seuerall streames, it prooues so slow and shallow, as it may with safety, and at ease, be waded ouer. 2 1.110 So is it in the current of warlike actions: Power vnited is the stronger, and the best meanes to weaken it, is by diuersion and distraction into seuerall seruices.

The Florentine armie is strong in the territory of Pisa. The Venetians find all the power they can make too weake to resist them, or to force them quit the oppugnation of that city. They therefore entertaine the Duke of Vrbine and other Captaines in pay, with fiue hundred men at armes, to assaile some other part of the Florentine State. They desseigne, that Peter Medici with Charles Orsini, and Bartholomew Aluiano, with all their troopes, shall giue vpon another quarter. They earnestly labour Iohn Bentiuo∣glio, to breake in vpon them on that side towards Bologna: and importune them of Siena, to grant passage to their forces. To the intent, that begirting the enemy thus on all sides, they might force him to withdraw some of that power from the oppugnati∣on of Pisa, and imploy it to the defence of other places, that they meane while might set vpon the rest of the army; which now (thus vnited) was farre too strong for them.

APHORISME XV.

TO 1 1.114 nourish faction betweene officers in a great hous∣hold, or great men in a Monarchie, is no ill policie; so it haue his awfull limits curbed in the supreame po∣wer; but in a free State it is very dangerous: be∣cause in such a gouernment, great men of factious emulation, are like strong (but contrary) windes; and the multitude is like the sea (immoueable of it selfe) but stirred to furie and rage by others motion. 2 1.117 The effect therefore of such factions in such States, is either a generall dissipation of the whole, or a particular vsurpation of the victor.

There is great discord in Siena betweene Pandolpho Petrucci on the one side, and Nicholas Borghesi with the family Belanti on the other. These would haue passage granted through their State, to the Duke of Vrbine and his forces, which came on the Venetians behalfe to make warre vpon Florence. The greater part of the citizens bandie on this partie, being drawne by their dependance on these Noblemen, and by their inueterate ha∣tred to the Florentines. Petrucci withstands them with stronger forces of reason, but weaker power of partizans and adherents.

He sends secretly for his friends and followers out of the coun∣trey: he procures the Florentines to send three hundred men at armes, and a thousand foote to Poggibionsi, a place of theirs vp∣on the frontiers of Siena. VVith the reputation of these forces, and assistance of his friends in the citie, he forceth his opposites to condescend to a peace with Florence for fiue yeares. By this accord being growne more powerfull, he killeth Borghesi, terri∣fieth the rest, and assures himselfe in the tyrannous vsurpation of Siena.

APHORISME XVI.

AS 1 1.121 we feele more sensible comfort of the Suns heate when we are cold: So, the greater our extremitie is in any danger, the greater we hold the power by which we are relieued: 2 1.124 attributing that to fortune and miracle, which is in nature. 3 1.130 Yet is it most true, that all such operations (though naturall) are gui∣ded and disposed by a supernaturall prouidence, which prepareth and disposeth the Obiect to the present Influence.

Peter and Iulian Medici take the Borrough of Marradi, a towne belonging to the Florentine State, seated vpon the Appennine, neare Romagna. They encampe before the rocke Castiglone, stan∣ding right ouer the towne: a peece by situation impregnable; yet they are in hope presently to carrie it for want of water, whereof they within had none at all, by reason of the height of the place, and hardnesse of the flint it stood vpon. They are in tearmes to render; when sodainly there fals such wonderfull store of raine, as all the cisternes and vessels they haue are filled. The assailants disappointed of their hopes by this sodaine accident, and now in despaire to carrie the place, rise vp from the siege, and depart. On the other side that State, towards the neather sea, falls out another strange accident. Paul Vitelli sets downe before Librafatta, plants his artillerie: makes a breach so assaultable, as he doubts not the next morning to carrie the towne. The same night, by chance falls downe an arch of the wall, which filled the breach, and raised the rampart two ells higher then it was before. So as, after three daies triall to get it by Scalada, and much hurt receiued in his armie by a peece from the towne, he des∣paires of successe, and is vpon rising. When sodainly a shot made at randon into the towne, dismounts that Peece, and kils the Cannonier; wherepon the besieged call a parley, and yeeld.

APHORISME XVII.

THe 1 1.136 Sunne shineth brightest through a vapour dis∣persed, and vertue shewes her best lustre vpon an encounter. Men therefore that would stand before others in glorie, must striue to breake through the mistie clouds of all passions and perturbations, that their vertue may shine aboue others in worth. Such contention as this, (to be best) is the whetstone and spurre to courage and wel-deseruing. 2 1.139 But an emulation to be first, is the Remora of all good seruice.

The Duke of Millan entertaines the Marquis of Mantoa and his men at armes: a braue souldier, and renowmed commander; whose worth and reputation iustly purchased in the warres, was likely to aduance much his affaires in Pisa. He, among other con∣ditions, assures the Marquis in the word of a Prince, to make him

Generall of all his army, within three moneths after. The time is expired: promise is not kept: because the Duke would not displace nor displease Galeazzo da San-Seuerino, a man greater with him in fauour then in desert, who strongly opposed the Marquis, not able to endure a Cortiuall. The Marquis holdes himselfe wronged, his worth vnderualued, and his seruice vnre∣warded. He leaues the Duke (to the hinderance of that seruice) and resolues to returne to the Venetians pay, who greatly desi∣red it, and at this time and in this affaire of Pisa, were Zforzas professed enemies.

APHORISME XVIII.

IT 1 1.147 were better not to make lawes against the abuses of the times, or corruption of mens manners, then being made, and broken, not to put them in exe∣cution. For, this maketh euery priuate mans offence, the sinne of the publick. Because, to omit the punish∣ment thereof, is to commit it. 2 1.149 Wherefore, direction for suppressing a conspiracy, and punishing the offenders according to law, is not onely fruitlesse, but dangerous, when the execution both of the one and the other proceedes not speedily: being misled by a credu∣lous negligence, and miscarried by a foolish lenity. For, there is a cruelty in some kind of mercy, though there be no mercy in cruelty.

The fauourers of Peter Medici had conspired the betraying of Bibiena, a castle of much importance in the Casentine coun∣trie: the Florentines haue some inckling hereof by a generall buzze there was of some such plot, but more particular and cer∣taine notice by letters of aduice from Bologna. To preuent this mischiefe, they send a gouernor thither, with directions to at∣tach the practisers, and assure the place. He apprehends many of them: and foolishly trusting their protestations, sets them free againe. He appoints no Guards at the portes: and suffers them to be opened euery morning, as early as they were wont to be in times of no suspition. Aluiano, who entertained the plot with the conspirators in the towne, and had daily intelligence from them, sends certaine horsemen, in the habit of Victuallers, to march before: they trauaile all night, and come to the place, iust at the opening of the port. They possesse themselues of it with∣out any resistance: other troopes of horse come presently after, and giue out that they were friends of Vitellies companies, (the Florentine Generall:) the conspirators within the towne seeing their friendes come, rise in armes, ioyne with them, and make themselues masters of the place.

APHORISME XIX.

THe 1 1.156 furious courser breaketh his winde, and bur∣steth himselfe in the middest of his carreer: whereas the Snaile comes to the toppe of the hill in her due time as well as the Eagle. With time and straw men ripen medlars, and their affaires with leisure and meanes. 2 1.158 Wherefore he that will do athing well, must haue patience to tarry till it may be well done. For, it hurteth as much to anticipate the occasion, as to fore-slow it being offered: And to

pluck her as fruite before she be ripe, harmeth as much as to suffer her rotte: Men of hotte spirits erre in the first; for scarce do they perceiue the shadow of her, but they runne to catch at it, and thinking to take hold of the solide substance, embrace nothing but the emptie aire. Whereas the wary and well aduised Commander, holdes it safer to weary and weare out the enemy by cunctation and delay, then to put all to hazard by hast: In this is danger, in that a Fabian vertue.

Aluiano with the Florentine exiles are strong in the Casentine Prouince: For besides Bibiena, they haue taken in many other pla∣ces. The Duke of Vrbine, Charles Orsini, and other Leaders, with seuen hundred horse, and sixe thousand foote, are ioyned with him. The State of Florence calles hither Paule Vitelli their Gene∣rall,

from the seruice of Pisa, to oppose against these so great for∣ces, and preuent this more imminent danger. He is come: de∣termines to follow his old wont, of tyring and wearing out the enemy with time, considering that the countrie was mountay∣nous, the Pesants readie to take euery least aduantage vpon them, and that Arezzo was assured with a strong Garrison, vnder the gouernement of Count Rinuccio: So as he need not feare any matter of great import to be attempted by them, to whom it would be hard to stay, and and more difficult to do any good by staying. And therefore he resolues not to put his whole army and maine of those warres, vpon one daies triall. But he stoppes the passages of the mountaines, and other places of the country with his Guardes, Sconces, Rentrenchments, and other fortifi∣cations. The enemy by this meanes is brought into great ex∣tremity, and despaires of succours, or preuailing with those he had. He steales away by whole troopes: and in those places and streights is stript and slaine, by the souldiers of Vitellis army, or the pesants of the countrie.

APHORISME XX.

HE that giueth life to the law, may giue life forfaited by the law: he may pardon the offence, though he can∣not wipe off the guilt. But vntill a law be abrogated by the same power it was established, he can neither disanull the force, nor warrant the fact: Much lesse can man dispense with the lawes diuine, or war∣rant and approue what they condemne. Wherefore the Sea of Rome where all things are vendible, and nothing vnlawfull that is not vnpro∣fitable, dasheth against this rock. For it bindeth and looseth, giueth and taketh away, inuesteth and againe deuesteth, so it be for promotion and preferment: Diuorces without iust cause, and dispensations against di∣uine lawes are granted, in case the Grantee will pay well for the purchase. * 1.165

Pope Alexander hath promise from Lewes 12. that he will ef∣fect the mariage betweene Caesar Borgia and Ciarlotta, daughter to Frederick king of Naples, who was brought vp in the French Court. A match, to which both father and sonne vpon ambiti∣ous ends greedily aspired. Vpon this hope Borgia comes into the Consistory, makes sute to his father the Pope, and whole Col∣ledge of Cardinals, that whereas he neuer had minde to a∣ny Ecclesiasticall function, he might be permitted to renounce his Hat and habit of Cardinallat. It is granted him. He puts on in their presence a Secular robe; and of a Cardinall and Archbi∣shop of Valencia, becomes entitled Duke Valentinois, and soul∣dier of the French king, with command of one hundred Lances, and twentie thousand Frankes of yearely entertainment. Again; the French king desires to be diuorced from his lawfull wife, the sister of Charles 8. (she was crook-backed) and to be dispensed withall for marying of Anne Duchesse and heire of Bretagne (she had a great estate.) The Sea of Rome grants both: prouided that the King giue the Pope thirtie thousand Duckats: helpe him to

recouer the absolute dominion of Romagna: further the match betweene Borgia and Ciarlotta: and entertaine him with a yearely and honourable pension.

APHORISME XXI.

HE 1 1.176 that propounds an affaire to his inward friend, would be aduised. He that imparts a resolued busi∣nesse, would haue it concealed. In the first case, the Counsellor must vnlocke his heart: in the other he must seale vp his lippes. 2 1.183 For it is dangerous to be of a great mans counsaile, and not to keepe it.

Duke Valentinois is sent into France with a Cardinals hat, to George of Amboise Archbishop of Rouen. He followes his fathers principles of craft and subtiltie: for, hauing likewise brought with him a Bull of dispensation for the Kings mariage with the daughter and heire of Bretagne; he pretends to haue brought no such matter: hoping that the Kings desire to haue it, would worke him the sooner and better to his proper ends, rather then the memory thereof, when he had once got it. Onely the Bishop of Septa, the Popes Nuntio in France, knew the secret, and re∣ueales it closely to the King. The King without any farther vrging to haue it (being as he thought all one towards God, since it was granted) presently consummates the mariage. Valentinois when he saw no other remedy, deliuers it, and shortly after causeth the Nuntio, by whom it came to light, to be poisoned.

APHORISME XXII.

THere is alaw of Nature, another of Societie, a third of Armes, a fourth of Nations, a fift of State. And each of these in their order bridle and restraine one another with certaine cautions and prouisoes. For, though the arbitration of a third man betweene two parties in difference, either comes not within com∣passe of those former lawes, or else is permitted without limitation of circumstance, yet the law of State allowes it not, but with this restricti∣on, Neuer to referre any matter of great importance to one much migh∣tier then thy selfe; as doubtfull of his indifferencie, and fearfull of his greatnesse. * 1.188

The French King holding it needfull to combine with the two enemie-States, Venice and Florence, labours them both to set aside all quarrels concerning Pisa, and to referre the matter to him. Florence holds his alliance necessary, but remembers withall how his predecessor dealt with her about the same busi∣nesse and towne: and doubting like measure, will not referre the transaction of the cause to him, except meane while the citie be put in deposito, into the hands of Paul Vitelli. The Venetians are likewise willing to embrace his friendship, (if it were to no o∣ther end but to reuenge themselues of the wrongs offered by the Duke of Millan) but yet they peremptorily denie to yeeld to his arbitration: affying better in the Duke of Ferrara for an honou∣rable end, and restitution of their expences in the warre; who had vndertaken (if both parts were so pleased) to compromit in that matter, and take vp the difference betweene them.

APHORISME XXIII.

A 1 1.195 Staffe is easily found to beate a dogge: and a small quarrell will serue against him, whose fortunes are in their ebbe of declination. For, where there is no feare of reuenge, there is little conscience of offence: 2 1.197 Especially in the auaricious and greedie minded man, in whom many fauors receiued, are not so strong to make him sure vnto thee, as one small request refused, to cast thee off.

The King of Romans enters Burgundy in armes, in defence of his Sonne the Archduke of Austria, against the French King. The Duke of Millan supplies him with great summes of money, vpon hope, that either that warre would diuert the French from the enterprise of Italy, or else, if there were peace made betweene them, that then himselfe should be comprised, as the Emperor had faithfully promised him. After many motions and treaties, the King concludes a peace with the Archduke who was like∣wise Duke of Burgundy, and capitulates to render him all the townes he held of his in Artois. The Emperor likewise takes a Truce with the King, for many monethes, without any compri∣sall of the Duke of Millan: pretending a great displeasure against him, because he had not from time to time satisfied his infinite and immoderate pressings for money.

APHORISME XXIIII.

THe 1 1.202 name of Equality truly vnderstood, is one of the most iust and profitable things, that is in a State: namely, when it is taken in a Geometricall sense and proportion. For as in matter of taxe or imposition, the best leuy is not by the pole, but according to euery mans hability; and as in conferring of dignities and

offices, the best choise is according to euery mans worth and sufficiency for the place: So in the deliberation of State affaires and decision of doubts of greatest consequence, the soundest iudgement should haue the greatest stroke: and voyces should be considered, not by the number, but by the weight 2 1.208 But in free States, plurality of voyces ouers wayes the strongest and best grounded reasons. And therefore this forme of go∣uernement cannot be so good, as that of a Monarchie.

The French King seekes the amity and confederation of the Venetians, in his warre against Millan. He offers them Cremona, and Ghiaradadda, for their share of the conquest. It is debated in Councell whether to combine with him, or no. Antony Grimany, a man of great authority among them, opineth for the affirma∣tiue: prooues the action to be lawfull, in reuenge of Zforzas in∣gratitude to this State, and obstinate opposition in the cause of Pisa, against it: prooues it honourable, because the world might

see that this Common-wealth aimes not at base and vulgar endes, but for the preseruation of her honour and reputation: to be expedient, that the repentance of him who had wronged Venice so much, might be an example to others not to dare to prouoke her: to be profitable, by the accrewment of two so fa re Estates to the Venetian dominion, as Cremona and Ghiaradadda: to be necessary for the preuention of Zforzas plots and machi∣nations against this State, in case the French expedition went not forward: to be easie, by reason of the combination of two so great powers, against one onely Duke: And finally to be with∣out danger after the end of the warres, both by the generall resi∣stance the King should finde in all the Princes of Italy, (if he should attempt any further,) and by the naturall disposition of the French nation, a people apter to get, then to hold what they haue gotten. Marchione Treuisano a man of reputed vertue and iudgement, redargues what is said, and stands for the negatiue. His reasons: that it is imprudence, not to moderate reuenge (though vpon neuer so iust cause) with maturity of reason and consideration of the publick good: that it is scandalous for Venice to call in a forreine Prince, who had lately professed her selfe The deliuerer of Italy from the French: that it is dangerous to haue a great King quietly possessed of Millan, being a State so neere their doores, when as hauing formerly but got Na∣ples, remote from them and lesse to be feared, as also farther di∣stant from France, and harder to be kept, yet Venice and almost all Christendome were forced through feare, to enter into con∣federation against him. To be vnprofitable; for in time of warres they are neerest to be troubled, and in time of peace they must alwaies be suspitious, and stand vpon their Guard, maintaining their Frontires at excessiue charges: that it is preiudiciall to the State, for neither will the Duchie of Millan long suffer the aliena∣tion of two so faire mēbers thereof, as Cremona and Ghiaradadda, neither will the Emperor and Dutch nation sit still, who pretend them to be parcelles of the Imperiall Iurisdiction. And to be feared in conclusion, least the French and Emperor ioyne both

against them, holding so much land as they do already, be∣longing to the house of Austria. Therefore, it is neither wise∣dome, nor glory, nor profit, nor safety, to purchase the sweete fruites of reuenge with the manifest hazard of the whole State: wherein they must either be masters of all, or losers of all: Which whether be more likely, he referres to the L L. of the Se∣nate. This opinion maintained with these and other weighty reasons, and approued of the grauer and wiser sort, was ouer∣swayed by number, and the contrary carried by voices through hate and ambition.

APHORISME XXV.

GReat 1 1.213 affaires require many heads to aduise, and ma∣ny hands to effect. One braine is not capable of so great a charge, one arme vnsufficient for so insup∣portable a burthen. 2 1.215 A Prince therefore ought not to stand so stiffe in his owne opinion, though groun∣ded vpon probable supposition, as not to yeelde to his faithfull Counsailors, vpon more forcible and demonstratiue reasons. For, he that refuseth all counsaile is worse then a beast: he that needeth none, is more then a man.

The Venetian Embassadours treate of a league with the French: there is no scruple but onely this, They will not referre the cause of Pisa to his Maiestie. The King takes their diffidence in ill part. He doubteth if he haue not this Tie, both vpon them and the Florentines, that he shall be assured of neither. Hee enclines rather to make peace with the Emperour, which treatie was then on foote; and propounded, that the one should warre vpon Millan, and the other vpon Venice, at the same in∣stant: He assures the Florentine Embassadours, that he will ne∣uer conclude with Venice vpon other conditions then he had al∣readie offered. But Duke Valentinois, the Cardinall S. Peter in Vin∣cola, and Triultio, with others of his Councell in this affaire, aduise the contrary, by effectuall, well grounded, and demonstratiue reasons. They alleadge that he ought not refuse the Venetians, for feare to lose the Florentines, because their power was grea∣ter in forces, and meanes fitter in nearnesse, to oppresse the Duke of Millan. Besides, this deliberation might cause the Duke to quit the Florentines, and combine with Venice, whose forces conioyned, late experience had shewed at Taro, what effects they might worke. And to lay any foundation of assurance vpon the Emperour Maximilian, were most dangerous of all. He had made good proofe at his last being in Italy, that his desseignes are grea∣ter in the proiect, then either his prudence to colour them, or his meanes to carrie them: and in case he should haue successe, it were deeply to be weighed, how dangerous such a greatnesse would be, in a professed and perpetuall enemie of the Crowne of France. The King perswaded with the weight of these reasons, alters his minde, takes the wiser way, and concludes with Venice, without any specification at all of the difference of Pisa.

APHORISME XXVI.

THose 1 1.221 dangers are least auoided, which are vn∣knowne or vnexpected: 2 1.223 And those counsels are best carried, which the enemie sees in execution, before he heares them by relation. None in the armie must know to what seruice scipio leades his troupes, but onely C. Laelius: nor is it fit, things determined in Councell, should be communicated, but to those without whom they can∣not be effected. For as Expedition is the life of Action: so is Secrefie of Deliberation.

The league is concluded betweene the French king and the Venetians. The Articles these: They to assaile Millan on the one side, while the King warres on the other: And to haue Cremona and Ghiaradadda with all their territories, for their share. The rest of the Dutchie to remaine to the King, and twentie ells breadth along the riuer of Adda. To defend reciprocally and mutually

the one the others part, and all the Terra ferma of Venice, euen to the marishes. This businesse is carried with such secresie, as the Duke knew not of it for many moneths, nor yet the Pope, who held good correspondencie with the King. They supposed it had bene a confederation defensiue onely, as at first it was solemnly proclaimed in the Court of France, and citie of Venice.

APHORISME XXVII.

IT is a manly vertue in a Prince, and a Manlian ad∣uice, to prepare for warre when he propounds for peace; and not to stay his prouisions for the one, though he be treating vpon conditions for the other. Because otherwise he seemes to beg or buy his peace, and gets it not but at a high rate. Wherefore peace is neuer to be treated with our armour off, or sword sheathed: nor to be concluded, but vnder a buckler, and vpon sure tearmes. * 1.230

The Venetian forces are much weakened in the Casentine prouince. One thousand fiue hundred horse haue left the army at seuerall times; besides many foote. The Duke of Vrbine, Aluiano, Astorre Bagliano, Marcello the Venetian treasurer, & Iulian Medici,

are forced to abandon Montalone and Vernia, two important pla∣ces, either for succours to come to them, or for their safe retreit in case of necessitie: they are retired into Bibiena, and there much distressed. The State of Venice is at this very instant in trea∣tie with Florence, for a full and finall composition of all differen∣ces betweene them. The award is referred to the Duke of Fer∣rara, both concerning the cause of Pisa, as also all other their quarrels and demaunds. Yet for all this, though the peace be in so good forwardnesse, the Venetians foreslow not to prepare great supplies for their Casentine businesse, which they send vn∣der the leading of the Count Petigliano, to the succours of those distressed troupes: not for any aduancement of that seruice, but to haue better conditions in the accord.

APHORISME XXVIII.

IT 1 1.236 is hard for a man, so warily to walke in any con∣dition of charge or seruice, as that he dash not his foote against the stone of offence: especially in that of command, where he must vse his authoritie spa∣ringly that would keepe it long. 2 1.240 Wherefore that Ge∣nerall which bindes not himselfe within the limits of his commission, nor vseth the aduice of his Councell of warre, shall ne∣uer want secret enemies among these he hath neglected, to vrge his transgression, and worke his confusion.

Paule Vitelli the Florentine Generall, who had borne that of∣fice with great reputation, and managed the warres with singu∣lar prudence and happie successe: hauing now the enemy coo∣ped vp in Bibiena, growes daily more imperious in his command and dispatches, then was thought fit for his place, or was lawfull by his commission. He grants safe conduct to the Duke of Vrbine being sick, to depart into Romagna, without the consent or priui∣uity of the Florentine Commissaries: vnder which protection Iulian Medici escaped also away. The State is perswaded, that Vrbine would rather haue yeelded vp the place, with all his for∣ces, then haue staied in that extremity of sicknesse: great offence is likewise taken, that Medici, a rebell to his country, had so es∣caped their hands. Many of the Citizens fauour the Generall, for his former good seruices, and some, because they were his kinsmen. But the greater part, in affection to Rinuccio, their old and faithfull seruant and souldier, vrged his transgression. Rinuc∣cio himselfe, who had commanded in chiefe, till his defeate at S. Regolo, and now not brooking a superior; as at first in enuy of Vitellies glory, he slacked to further his seruice in the Casentine businesse, so now in desire of reuenge, he helpeth to worke his destruction. This was the beginning of Vitellies fall.

APHORISME XXIX.

POpular 1 1.244 States attribute good successe in warre or peace, to their owne proper courage and direction: what falleth out crosse, they lay to the Generalles fault and imputation. Against whom, no mans tong seemeth prompt enough, or mouth sufficiently wide, to breathe out contumelious menaces. 2 1.249 Wherfore let

him that standeth charged with so great an account, take heede that he make a good reckoning, and that his present actions wipe out all scores of former iealousies and surmises: for if he be once in suspect, and after trip neuer so little, it is impossible to keepe him from falling.

Vitelli hath the enemy straightly begirt in Bibiena. He requires a supplie from Florence of foure thousand men, to carrie the place, driue the enemy quite out of the Casentine, and to make a finall end of that warre. The Citizens vpon former distaste of his proceedings, suspect his counsaile, and reiect his demand. And because there was of late and accidentally some peece of good seruice done, vpon the stragling and disordered enemy, by the countrey Pesants, without the presence of him, or assistance of his souldiers, the meaner sort of the city detract from his worth, and depraue all his actions: attributing the continuance of the warre to his want of fidelity, and desire he had to hold himselfe still great in that his command: laying that to his will which was not in his power to alter.

APHORISME XXX.

EVery 1 1.253 man must haue credit in the art he professeth: but no power to perswade to a businesse which we call into deliberation, and may concerne his aduantage in particular. For the Architect and master of the workes will alwaies aduise vs to build, though we neither haue matter enough prepared, norpurse suf∣ficiently lined for such a purpose: because it is for his proper imployment and benefit. 2 1.256 So States must be aduised and ouer-ruled by the souldier, in the manage of a warre; but he seldome admitted to the deliberation of vndertaking it.

The Count Petigliano comes with his Venetian troopes to Elci, a castle of the Dutchie of Vrbine, vpon the Florentine con∣fines: here he meetes Charles Orsini, and Peter Medici: for this place was appointed the Rendez-vous, of all their forces, which were to passe the Appennine, to the succours of the besieged in Bibiena. He findes the mountaines loaden with snow, and the passages so narrow and dangerous, euen in more seasonable times and fa∣uourable weather, as he thought it a dangerous resolution to venture through: and besides, he sees the enemy strong at the

foote of the hilles, to receiue him vpon great aduantage. He hath direction and peremptory commandement from the Senate at Venice to aduance forward, yet in regard of those military con∣siderations, he holdes it better to disobey the command, then to expose the whole army to an apparant ouerthrow. He stirres not a foote farther.

APHORISME XXXI.

AN 1 1.261 Award betweene States in difference, is like Phy∣sicke ministred to a body, wherein is a hotte liuer and a colde stomacke: what helpeth the one, commonly hurteth the other: 2 1.263 So this seldome contenteth any of the parties, and often displeaseth all. Wherefore as these are carefull, that there be strict cautions and obligations for abiding the Award, so should he be well aduised before he vndertake the charge. For it is better to sit still, then be imployed in a businesse where a man is in no hope of getting any thing to himselfe, but in danger of losing both his paines, and his friends.

The Duke of Ferrara is chosen by the States of Venice and Florence, to compromit betweene them in the cause of Pisa. He awardeth thus: The Florentines to pay the Venetians one hun∣dred and eightie thousand Duckats (of the eight hundred thou∣sand they auowed to haue spent in that warre) in twelue yeares,

by equall portions. The Venetians to call home all their forces from Pisa and Bibiena. The Pisans to be pardoned of all former offences, and to haue free libertie of trafficke, both by land and by sea. The fortresses of Pisa, and other places in that territory, which were in their possession at the day of this Award, so to re∣maine. To haue free choise of their garrison souldiers, so they were not persons suspect to the Florentines; and to be paid out of the Entrada or reuenue of Pisa. All the forts built by the Flo∣rentines in the Pisan territory during these warres, to stand or be razed, at the choise of the Pisans. The Pisans to elect their Pode∣stà for ciuill causes. The Florentines to appoint the Capitano for guard of the Cittadel, and gouerning in causes criminall; but not to iudge in case of life, limme, or confiscation, without such As∣sessors as the Duke should appoint. All moueable goods to be restored: but the profits of them in this interim of the warres, not to be answerable, nor the partie accountable. In all other things, the right and iurisdiction ouer them, to remaine inuiolable: and the Pisans enioyned to practise no new matter, in preiudice of the Florentines. The Award thus made, is of the greater part of the Venetians vtterly disliked, because it seemes to abandon the Pisans to their former seruitude. The Florentines repine to re∣pay any part of that money which was so vniustly spent against them, and meerly vpon an ambitious end. And the Pisans they complaine that they are betrayed into the hands of the enemy, and bought and sold betweene them.

APHORISME XXXII.

THe friendship of Princes is often personall; of free States neuer: for they, either vpon some friendly en∣terview, or entercourse of kinde letters, or enter∣change of good turnes, or affinity of bloud, do condole the losse, congratulate the successe, supply the wants, relieue the distresses, and redresse the wrongs one of

another, through some bond of bloud or affection. Whereas free States performe none of those good offices, but for their owne ends: and they that receiue them, are thankful no longer then while they are in receiuing. For nothing is shorter liued among them then the memory of benefits. One ounce of supposed vnkindnesse ouer weigheth a pound of former friendship. And, Not to continue to do them good, is to begin to do them wrong. * 1.267

The Pisans had reuolted from the Florentine obedience, and runne into manifest rebellion, without the encouragement or consent of Venice. This citie, in their greatest extremitie vnder∣tooke their protection: which howsoeuer it were vpon ends of her owne, yet was it an action of acceptable welcome to them, and meriting thankfulnesse at their hands. The necessitie of the times, and her present affaires, force her now at last to quit their defence: yet she leaues them in far better tearmes then she found them, or they without her could possibly haue hoped. This not∣withstanding, they complaine of hard dealing, think themselues betrayed, and vpbraid her of iniustice: yea, and in greater despite vpon the first ouuerture of the Award, they discharge her garri∣sons from the Cittadel, and her guards from the gates, as persons suspected, and hinderers of their libertie, and will not suffer them to stay one night in the citie.

APHORISME XXXIII.

A Man of noted credit, may passe with a lie, and set a currant stampe vpon such false coine. But hee that is notorious for his perfidious and double dea∣ling, is alwaies abnoxious to this one ineuitable plague, Neuer to be beleeued, though he tell the truth. * 1.271

The abandoned Pisans resolue to runne any fortune, rather then yeeld themselues to the Florentines, whom they had so high∣ly offended. They of Genoa, Lucca, and Siena, more apt to giue ill counsell, then able to yeeld any good comfort, encourage them in this obstinacie. Onely the Duke of Millan, contrary to his old wont, is become a father of peace; perswades them to a submissi∣on: and vndertakes to mediate a good end for them, with full re∣mission of all former forseitures. They will not hereunto be per∣swaded: but offer freely to him the tender of their obedience, and absolute soueraigntie of their citie and State. The Duke con∣siders the condition of the times, the greatnesse of his enemies, with the nearnesse of his troubles, and resuseth the offer. The Flo∣rentines

will by no meanes be perswaded but that he was the man that encouraged them to this contumacie and obstinatenesse, though he protested and swore the contrary.

APHORISME XXXIIII.

HE 1 1.278 that is a temporizer and deceiuer himselfe, hath not whereof to complaine, if he be deceiued in that kinde: and where is no iust cause of complaint, there is no true proofe of iniustice. 2 1.283 Wherefore, because States are many times ouerthrowne by fraud and deceit, they hold it lawfull to preserue them by the same meanes from a publick and professed enemy, and one that is a Ma∣ster in the same facultie.

The French King offers the State of Florence, to ioyne with her in the recouery of Pisa, so soone as he shall haue conquered Millan, if in this his warre she will aide him with fiue hundred men at armes for a whole yeare. The Duke of Millan offers first to assist her with what forces she shall require, for the re∣ducing of that towne vnder her obedience, if after the seruice done, she will be bound to his defence with three hundred men

at armes, and two thousand foote. This State deliberates in Councell, which offer to accept. That of the King, was lesse certaine; this of the Duke, more present: Yet if the King had good successe in his warre against Millan, the danger was greater from him then the other. It is true, the Duke had stucke closest to them in their greatest extremitie, whereby he had incurred the hate of the Venetians, and brought them vpon his owne backe, in this dangerous combination with France against him; which in all reason of gratitude, should moue their inclination to his demaund: but so was it likewise as true, that he had bene the first brewer and broacher of the Pi∣sans rebellion, which worthily cancelled the memory of that o∣ther benefit, or any pleasure else whatsoeuer, which he had or could doe them. They are fearfull to offend the King, and loth to distast the Duke with a flat deniall. They therefore send him this cautelous and ambiguous answer, by a Secretary of State: That the intention of their Commonwealth, is in effect the same with his, though there be some difference in the man∣ner. For they were purposed, so soone as they had ended their owne warre against the rebels of Pisa, to grant him the aide he demanded of them. But they hold it dangerous to make ex∣presse couenant with him, or to capitulate by writing, or to vse his forces, least they should prouoke the Pope, French king, and Venetians to impeach their proceedings against Pisa: and so both they and he be frustrate of their ends. But they bound themselues secretly and by writing, to the French king, in the contrary. The Duke findes this their answer full of cunning, as one well practised in that art, and therefore assures him∣selfe of nothing lesse, then the friendship of Florence.

APHORISME XXXV.

THere is 1 1.285 nothing so dangerous in a great affaire, as Irresolution and Tergiuersation: especially in that Prince, whose good fortunes are come to their last period, and his whole estate set vpon one cast. But destruction decreed, cannot be resisted; for 2 1.290 the obiect destined hereunto, loseth himselfe in the in∣tricate maze of his owne perplexities: by vn-doing what he hath done, to his owne vndoing.

The Duke of Millan despaires of all hope but in himselfe and owne forces. All other Princes abandon him: onely the King of Naples is willing to helpe him, but vnable. He therefore takes the best course he can in such an extremity. He fortifies Anon, Nouara, and Alexandria della Paglia, (places first exposed to the French impression.) He resolues to dispose the greatest part of his army vnder Galeazzo da San-Seuerino, to resist the French on that side the Duchie: the rest he disposeth vnder the Marquis of Mantoaes leading, to oppose against the Venetians on the other side. His forces thus prudently and prouidently diuided and disposed he ordereth otherwise, either through improuidence, distrust, or couetousnesse. He dissolues those regiments vnder

the Marquis his charge, moouing many difficulties, refusing to pay him the remainder of his former entertainement, and de∣manding his oath, and vnusuall caution for his sidelity. This he did to satisfie Galeazzo, who could not brooke the others precedency in title. Hereby he left that side naked to the Ve∣netian army, and lost the seruice of so braue a souldier, and worthie Commander; whom he after sought by all meanes and mediation of friends, but could neuer win him till it was too late.

APHORISME XXXVI.

Fiue 1 1.294 things are required in a Generall: Knowledge, Valour, Foresight, Authority, and Fortune. He that is not renowmed for all, or most of these vertues, is not to be reputed fit for this charge: Nor can this glo∣ry be purchased but by practise and proofe. For the greatest Fencer is not alwaies the best fighter, nor the fairest Tilter, the ablest souldier: nor the greatest fauourite in Court, the fittest Commander in a campe. 2 1.299 That Prince therefore is ill aduised, who conferres this charge vpon his mynion, either for his courtshippe, or what other respect, neglecting those more requisite and more noble pro∣perties.

Galeazzo da San-Seuerino a gallant Courtier, the Duke of Millans chiefe fauourite, a faire runner at Tilte, and a gracefull man at armes, is made Generall of the Millanese army. He commands one thousand sixe hundred lances, one thousand fiue hundred light horse, ten thousand Italian foote, and fiue hundred Dutch. He hath direction to waite vpon the French army newly come into those parts, and consisting of one thousand sixe hundred men at armes, fiue thousand Swisse, foure thousand Gascoins, and soure thousand of other French foote. He hath commande∣ment not to charge vpon the enemy in Campagna rasa, and bat∣taile ranged; but onely to succour Anon, Nouara, Alexandria, and those other places first exposed to danger, and to stand onely vpon the defensiue. He suffereth to be taken euen before his face, Arazzo, Anon, Valenza, Bassignano, Castel-nuouo, Ponte-corone, and Tortona: all places of great strength & importance. He retires into Alexandria with one thousand two hundred men at armes, one thousand two hundred light horse, and three thousand foote. The French besiege him: whence after two daies (without ac∣quainting any man of command, saue onely Lucio Maluezzo,) he secretly and shamefully steales away, and abandons the place to the assailants. An action of indelible staine to his owne honour, and of eternall blemish to his masters wisdome, to conferre a place of so great command, in so dangerous a time, vpon a per∣son of so little worth.

APHORISME XXXVII.

OF 1 1.305 all bad ingredients into the heart of man, there is none poisons it so much with the venome of treaso∣nable thoughts, as that of disdaine. 2 1.308 The Prince that sees this mischieuous seede planted and growne amongst his captaines in time of their employment, and seekes not to roote it vp with a quick and sharpe hand, is in the high-roade to his owne ruine.

Count Gaiazzo commands the Dukes forces in Ghiaradadda, against the Venetians: he spleenes that Galeazzo his yonger bro∣ther and a worse souldier, is preferred before him to be Gene∣rall. Transported with this passion of disdaine, he deales secretly with the French, bargaines to betray the seruice in his charge, and to become the Kings pensioner. The Duke hath notice of the practise: telles the intelligencer sighing, that he could not be perswaded of so disloyall and vngratefull a part in Gaiazzo: and if it were true, he knew not how to remedy it, nor in whom to affie, if such as were most obliged to him, went about to be∣tray him. He holds it no lesse dangerous, to lose the seruice of such as he accounted faithfull, by suspition, then to commit him∣selfe

to their credits who might be suspected, by cruell procee∣ding. He lets the matter so passe. Gaiazzo goes on with his practise: he is commanded to passe the Pò with his forces, and to ioyne with his brother against the French, who were now en∣camped before Alexandria. He cunningly delayes the time in making his bridge and passage ouer the riuer: meane while Ga∣leazzo forsakes the towne. The enemy takes it: all the rest of the Duchie follow the example of this place, and fortune of the victor. The Duke with his sonnes, brethren, and some few friends, is forced presently after to flee into Germanie.

APHORISME XXXVIII.

WHen 1 1.313 a Prince beginneth once to be hated of his subiects, and in declination of his fortunes, be it well or ill that he doth, all is ill taken. 2 1.317 For reformations are no remedies, except they be in season; as Physick ministred out of due time, rather poisoneth then pre∣serueth the bodie.

The Duke of Millan had ill ordered his affaires of warre, by entrusting the chiefe places of charge and command to persons

either vnable for the vndertaking, or vnfaithfull in the execution. He had also ill reigled his ciuill gouernment, by bringing his name in hatred, and his rule in dislike among his subiects, through his many and heauy taxations imposed vpon them. The most of his best townes and places of strength are taken by the enemy: o∣thers yeelded by reuolt. He now (though too late) seekes to con∣firme his chiefe citie of Millan in her obedience, and to stay her from the like reuolt. To this end he calls a publick assembly: he enrolls all the men able to beare armes: he makes a lamentable and passionate oration to them, to re-assure their loyaltie to him: he frees them of many impositions: excuseth his former procee∣dings by the necessities of the times: promiseth many moe im∣munities and exemptions from other generall grieuances: with full amends for all that is past, and reformation of all that is a∣misse. All will not serue. The Millaneses striue with the other townes, who shall first yeeld to the French obedience: they rise in armes: they kill Landriano the high Treasurer in the middest of the streetes, coming from the Court: they force the Duke himselfe to flee into the Castle for his safetie: and run into ma∣nifest reuolt and open rebellion.

APHORISME XXXIX.

CReatures 1 1.320 are cherished onely for the vse we haue of them: when the Iade can worke no longer, we take his skin; when the Silk-worme hath wouen her web, we let her flie or die. As people deale with brute beasts, so deale Princes with that brutish and beastly sort of people, that betray their Prince or countrey to them: they cherish them but for their ends; they loue the treason, but not the traitor: 2 1.326 whose surest and sorest scourge is his owne conscience.

Barnardino da Corte a Pauese, and an old seruitor of the Duke, by him greatly aduanced, is put in trust by his Master with the keeping of the impregnable castle of Millan, before Ascanio the Dukes owne brother, who offered to vndertake the charge. At his departing from the citie, he leaues with him three thousand sol∣diers vnder trustie Captains; with prouision of victuals, muniti∣on, and mony, for many moneths, hoping ere long to returne out of Germanie with great succours. This Castellan not enduring one shot of the Cannon, or any appearance of danger, sels the place within twelue daies after the Duke was gone, for a great summe of mony: a conduct of one hundred Lances: and a pension for life: besides many other fauours and priuiledges. An act so in∣famous and hatefull, as euen the French themselues to whom he betraid it, abhorred him and shunned his company & fellowship, as if he had bin some venemous serpent. Insomuch as playing at cards, they wold call for Barnardino da Corte, when they were to pul for a traitor, (a sort in their pack, as Knaues are in ours) to his per∣petuall reproch. With the shame hereof, & sting of a guilty consci∣ence, he was so tormēted, as within few daies he lāguished & died.

APHORISME XL.

LIghtning 1 1.330 hurtes not the Lawrell, nor is seene in places farre North and remote from the Sunne: 2 1.332 no more is a peaceable and meane estate subiect to the force of Fortune, or danger of higher Powers. For, the tall Cedars on the mountaines top are shaken and ouer-turned with tempest, when the low shrubbes of the valley are in quiet. So likewise, the meanest estate stands vpon Brasse, the highest vpon Glasse: The way vpward is craggie, downeward ycie: Men climbe by degrees, but fall at once. 3 1.337 Betweene the highest for∣tune and lowest there is no stay.

The city and castle of Millan are now at the French deuotion: Montara, and Pauia yeeld: So did all the townes in the prouinces of Cremona, and Ghiaradadda. Genoa followes: the like do all the other townes and forts of that Duchie. Thus the French army coming downe in the midst of August, hath made conquest of so strong and noble a State, hath driuen out of his countrie so great and rich a Prince, with his children and brethren: and all this before the end of September.

APHORISME XLI.

WHen the stomack hath receiued plenty of foode, all the heate in the exterior parts hath recourse thither, to dispose it to nutriment, and expell what is hurt∣full. For nature rather defendeth her selfe against an intestine then forraine enemy, (as being the more dangerous, either to the health of a man, or safety of a State.) And therefore she drawes all her forces from these Suburbs of the body of a man, to this Metropolis of the stomack. As it fares in this direction of nature, so stands it in the discipline of warre: and as in the body so in a Garrison towne, the chiefest forces must be naturall, and of our owne subiects: For, if the Maior part be Mercenaries and stran∣gers, it is alwaies in their power to curbe or crosse our command: and to giue vp the place at their owne pleasure. * 1.345

Paule Vitelli encampeth before Casina, a place well manned, and prouided of all warlike habillements to hold out a long siege: well fortified with ditch, bulwarkes, and rampart. Yet with∣in twenty sixe howres, after the cannon began to play, the stran∣ger souldiers within, being the stronger part, yeeld vp the towne (maugre the rest) with condition of their liues and goods saued: and leaue the Pisan officers and souldiers to the discretion of the enemy.

APHORISME XLII.

ALL things requisite for a worthie Generall, are in himselfe; either by nature, praecept, or experi∣ence; saue onely Fortune, which crowneth his other vertues with the wreathe of glory. For, to be for∣tunate is not in our selues, we haue it from aboue. And therefore Knowledge, Valour, Foresight, and Authority, leade on the Van-gard of their actions with small successe, ex∣cept Fortune bring vp the Reare. * 1.352

Vitelli had taken in all the Pisan territory, saue onely the fort Verrucola, and the small tower of Ascano, not worth the time and expense of a siege. He sets downe with his army before Pisa it selfe: he lieth on the southwest side of the city, rather then on the part towards Lucca, because, either he thought the expugnation more easie, if he could carrie the fortresse Stampace, which was on this quarter: or for better conueying of victuals to the campe from the hillie contrie thereabouts: or hoping to finde that part weakest, by reason the Pisans expected and prepared for him on the other side, as he had his first direction from Florence. Hee plants his Artillery: batters with twenty peeces of canon: makes a large breach betweene Stampace, and Port S. Antonio: another betweene that and the Sea-port: and diuers others in other pla∣ces, so that in all there was beaten downe one hundred and fif∣tie fathome of wall. Meane while he discouers, that they with∣in had strongly entrenched and fortified against him, and had all their forces ranged in good order of battaile to receiue him, if he should giue the assault. He wisely considers the danger, and holds fit, first to carry Stampace, that from thence his Artillery might beate them in flancke; and then, with lesse danger and more hope to giue vpon them. He therefore bends the cannon vpon this peece: plies the battery all that day and the next night: and by breake of day in the next morning, giues the assault, and carries it. The defendants within the inner workes seeing this, betake themselues to flight: they of the campe come brauely on, (but without command) in hope of the spoile. Vitelli not know∣ing the aduantage, and resoluing to make the assault yet more easie, not onely not leades them on to the trenches, where they had found no resistance, (for the Pisans had quit their inner workes) but sounds a retreit and infortunatly calles them back, hoping to carry the towne with better assurance, & more safety of his souldiers. The Pisans are staied in their flight, and brought backe to their trenches, which they after made good: and Vitelli within few daies is forced to raise his siege, by reason of great in∣fection and mortality in his campe. And so, that day which

should haue bene victorious to his immortall honour, was the originall of his calamitie and vtter destruction: for he was short∣ly after vpon this and other offences laid to his charge, executed in Florence.

APHORISME XLIII.

IT is à hinderance to the generall seruice, and a fur∣therance to the Generals destruction, to giue him manifest cause of discontent, and yet after employ him in a great place of charge. For, neither can the State be assured of his fidelitie, when he is vsed; nor he of their fauour, when he is accused.

* 1.358

The State of Florence had much discontented Paul Vitelli, by fauouring Count Rinuccio in his concurrence with him for the Generalate: by their slacknesse to send him necessary supplies in their Casentine affaires: by crossing him in matters of his owne particular: and by their suspicious iealousie of his truth and fi∣delitie towards them in his seruice. Yet for all this they gaue him chiefe command in their warres vpon Pisa. Whence being risen and gone to Ligorne, they send Commissioners vnto him, vnder pretence to aduise with him about the quartering of all his

troopes in garrison, for the winter following. By them he is ar∣rested: brought to Florence: committed to prison: and charged with the miscarriage of the siege of Pisa: enforcing, that by his fault when Stampace was won, the assault was not presently gi∣uen, and the towne taken: that he had diuers times conference with them of Pisa, and neuer acquainted their Commissaries for the warre with the particular: that he had raised the siege with∣out the States commandement: that he had secretly dealt with diuers Captaines, to keepe still in their hands Casina and Vico-pi∣sano, with all the munition therein, that in their paiments or o∣ther demands they might force the Florentines to what condi∣tions they list: that in the Casentino he had had secret intelligence and correspondencie with the rebell Medici: and that at the same time he had treated and concluded with the Venetians to be en∣tertained in their pay, had not the sodaine accord betweene those two States preuented him; and that hereupon he gaue safe∣conduct to the Duke of Vrbine their enemie, and to Iulian Medici their proscript. Mens opinions were diuers concerning his guil∣tinesse in these articles. But howsoeuer, he is condemned vpon them, not hauing confessed any matter capitall: and is presently put to death, without further triall or examination of witnesses; least the French king, who was then at Millan, should haue de∣manded the life of so great a souldier, which they durst not haue refused him.

APHORISME XLIIII.

WHen 1 1.366 we are vnable to hold in safetie anything which is deare vnto vs; the more another desires the safe-keeping of it, and the more he pretends it for our good, the more cautelous and scrupulous we should be of entrusting him therewith, least it be for his owne particular end. 2 1.369 For it is vnsafe to commit the Lambe to the Wolfes guardiance: and as dangerous it is to put the childe that pretends a iust title, into his hands that hath the possession.

Isabella d' Arragon, mother to yong Galeazzo, who was sonne and heire to Iohn Galeazzo Duke of Millan, hath her sonne in her owne custodie, after the death of his poisoned father. His vnkle Lodowick, vpon his flight into Germanie, desires his mother that she will commit him to his carefull charge, to be conueyed out of that State, and kept safe from the hands of the French, the common enemie. The Ladie wisely refuseth, and keepes him still with her. Lewes 12. hath now conquered Millan, and is retur∣ning home: he perswades the Lady with many flattering spee∣ches, to entrust the youth to his carefull custodie. The improui∣dent and credulous woman simply yeeldeth. The King carries him into France, and shuts him vp in a Monastery.

APHORISME XLV.

A 1 1.373 State lately lost by the crueltie and oppression of the Prince, being newly conquered, is preserued by the contrary meanes, and better kept by loue then by force. 2 1.378 The victor Prince must thinke that he is as well the States, as the State his: 3 1.384 And therefore he ought be well aduised, not onely how he gouerne him∣selfe among these new subiects, but also in his absence what gouernour

he substitute to keepe them in obedience: least what he got by the ounce, he lose by the pound; and with more dishonour in the depriuation, then he had glorie by the purchase.

Lewes 12. returnes to France without good order giuen for the establishing and perfect setling of his new Gouernement in Millan. He leaues Triultio Gouernour generall of the whole Du∣chie: a Millanese by birth, a professed enemy to Lodowick Zforza, and head of the Guelph partie. The citizens are distasted with the insolent behauiour of the French nation: they grudge that they are not disburthened of all late impositions: but most of all they repine (especially those of the Ghibelline Faction,) at the go∣uernement of Triultio: whose carriage is imperious, factious, and full of oppression: too partiall to those of his owne partie, and preiudicate to those of the other: he killes certaine butchers in the market place with his owne hand, for denying to pay the Gabell imposed vpon flesh. Hereupon the greater part of the Nobility, and all the Commons in generall, are incensed against him: are weary of the present gouernement: wish the returne of Lodowick, and sticke not in publike to call vpon his name.

APHORISME XLVI.

CElerity, besides the inward vertue and actiue life it hath in it selfe, hath also the outward assistance of Fortune: vpon which she more willingly and fre∣quently attendeth, then vpon cold and considerate consultation. Wherefore an action once resolued must be put in present execution: because nothing more aduanceth the affaire, then expedition. * 1.391

Lodowick Zforza and his brother Ascanio haue intelligence from Millan into Germany, that those citizens dislike of the French gouernement, and the carriage of Triultio: and that they are readie to receiue him againe, if he could finde the meanes to returne with any power. Vpon this sodaine and welcome newes, he will not expect the Emperours delaied succours: he speedily raiseth eight thousand Swisse, and three hundred men at armes, Burgognians: he cometh before Millan, and repossesseth himselfe of that citie, before Iuo d'Allegri can come with his troopes to the succours of Triultio, hauing a march no farther thē from Romagna, where he was at that time in the Popes seruice. Whereas, if Zforza had not preuented him with such incredible speed, all his hopes had bene frustrate, and no possible meanes left of recouering (nay scarce of footing) in that Dukedome.

APHORISME XLVII.

THough 1 1.396 it be true, that the Statesman as the Steeresman, may shape his course according to the winde and weather of present occurrences, that he may arriue to the harbrough of safety; sailing be∣sides compasse, and swaruing from the direct line of sincere and ouuert dealing: 2 1.400 Yet may he by no meanes, nor for any end whatsoeuer, be false of his faith or breaker of his word.

Lodowick Zforza begirts Nouara with a streight siege. The French garrison is vnable to hold out long, and in despaire of any succour: they capitulate to render, their liues saued; and to depart with bag and baggage. Zforza sweares to the arti∣cles: many of his Councell perswade him, that the cutting off of these men would be a great meanes of his victory ouer the rest, and recouery of the whole Duchie: they alledge the authority of Politicians in iustification of the fact, and instance in the ex∣amples of some great Princes, who haue violated their faith to get a State, much more was it lawfull for him, in recouery of his owne. He will not be perswaded to breake his oath: but giues them a strong Guard for their safe-conduct, as farre as Vercelli.

APHORISME XLVIII.

MErcenary souldiers, though leuyed by commission, are worse then those that are natiues: But such strangers and straglers as are taken vp by drum, are worst of all. For, their actions are euermore taxed with the dishonour of cowardise, or tainted with the reproach of persidiousnesse. A Prince is therefore to beware of such Swallowes and swallowers of the Exchecquer: And not to raise them but by publick authority of the State: as also, neuer so farre to trust them, as to put his life and fortunes into their hands. * 1.404

Many of the Swisse with Lodowick in Nouara, had lately reuol∣ted to his side from Triultio and the French partie; either for want of pay, or some other treacherous and base end. There were other eight thousand of the same nation, that Zforza had raised by the drum, by permission onely, and without any pub∣licke commission of the Cantons. In the French army are likewise many Swisse, but all leuied for the Kings seruice by authority. These two armies confront one another so neare, as they are vpon the point to giue battaile. Those on Lodowickes side refuse to fight against their owne nation and kindred: they ioyne with them like brothers, and resolue to depart home to their owne countrey. Zforza intreats their stay and that daies seruice, euen with teares. Nothing can stoppe their perfidious tergiuersation. He desires (as his last refuge) that at least he may depart in their troopes, for his better safetie from the enemie: They had coue∣nanted otherwise with the French commanders, and flatly de∣nie him this sute. They offer him this onely fauour, to suffer him be apparelled in the habit of one of their ordinarie foote, and if he can so make his escape, to put it to Fortune. The miserable condition of his present estate forceth him to accept of this offer: he marcheth among them like a cōmon souldier through the French troopes. Dilligent search is made for him: he is disco∣uered, and taken prisoner: So are Galeazzo da San-Seuerino, Fra∣cassa and Antonio-Maria, his brethren; clad likewise after the Swisse fashion, and marching on foote like priuate souldiers. The Swisse are not free from the imputation of betraying them thus into the enemies hands.

APHORISME XLIX.

SParing 1 1.409 is a good reuenue to a priuate man: but to a Prince nothing is worse beseeming his honour, nor indeed more preiudiciall to his affaires. 2 1.411 For, there is no baite to the golden hooke; nor weapon to the siluer speare; nor Fort be it neuer so strong, that can long hold out against the Mulet charged with trea∣sure.

The Swisse in their returne homeward from the warres of Millan, take by surprise the strong towne of Belinsone, a place of great importance, seated in the mountaines neare Swisserland, and stopping the passage from thence into this Duchie: it is of∣fered to the French king for a small summe of money. He, natu∣rally giuen to sparing, refuseth the purchase: the times alter, and accidents not long after happen, whereupon he would gladly haue had it at a farre higher rate, but could neuer compasse it.

APHORISME L.

THat mans happinesse is greatest, who hath bene in miserable condition: for he tasteth the double sweet, of remembring his fore-passed misery, and enioying his present felicitie. So on the contrary, the greatest misery is to haue bene happie. Various is the estate of men in their greatnesse, and great is their mise∣rie in their fall. * 1.415

Lodowicke Zforza, late Duke of Millan, a Prince of many worthy parts: excellent in eloquence, and other powers of the

minde, and gifts of nature: well deseruing the titles of Mansuete and mercifull, had he not stained this honour with that one in∣famous taint of procuring his nephewes death: Yet on the other side, of an ambitious troublesome, and vaine glorious spirit: a vsuall breaker of his word, and ouer-valewer of his owne worth, hardly admitting that any should be held wise but himselfe, or at least to himselfe comparable; presuming to carrie all matters to the bent of his owne will, by the dexteritie of his owne wit. This great Prince is brought into Lions at noone daies, for the world to gaze vpon, as the liuely modell of humane miserie. He is not permitted either the speech or sight of the King, but forth∣with committed prisoner to the tower of Loches: here he remai∣ned ten yeares, and then died: hauing all that time of his du∣rance, those high and vaste thoughts of his immured within the streights of his prison walls, which earst the whole countrey of Italie could scarce containe.

Notes

• 1 1.1

  Nunquam os operit, nec pupillae motu sed totius oculi versionc circumspicit: celsus hiante ore, colore mirabilior, mutat nam{que} eum subinde.

  Non timemus Vespasianum, ea principis aetas, ea moderatio.

  Finis Neronis varios motus animorum non modò in vrbe apud patres, apud populum, apud vrbanum militem, sed omnes legiones, duces{que} conciuerat.

  Finis vitae eius nobis luctuosus, extraneis etiam ignotis{que} non sine cura fuit.

  Postquam prouecta iam senectus, aegro & corpore fagitabatur, aderat{que} finis & spes nouae, pauci bona libertatis, plures bellum pauescere, alij cupere, pars multo maxima imminentes dominos varijs rumoribus disserebant. Trucem Agrip∣pam, &c.
• * 1.2

  Plin. na. hist. l. 8. cap. 33.
• * 1.3

  Tacit. hist. 4. Tac. hist. l. 1.
• * 1.4

  Tac. Agric. Tac. Annal. l. 1. fol. 3.
• 2 1.5

  Temporibus seruiendum: Nec quicquam tutius, quàm de illius consilijs, ex ipsius indole, moribus{que} iudicare, aut eorum qui apud illum magni.

  Principis naturam quocum rem habiturus es, aut ipse cognoscas oportet, aut tan∣gas ad lapidem illum L••dium communis famae. Singuli enim decipere & decipi pos∣sunt, nemo omnes, neminem omnes fefellerunt.

  Chiha à fare prognostico delle deliberazioni d'altri, debbe (non si volendo in∣gannare) hauer in considerazione, non tanto quello che verisimilmente farebbe vn Sauio, quanto quello sia il ceruello e la natura, di chi ha à deliberare.

  Verùm ibi Prudentia conspicua fit, vbi quis discriminis naturam prospicit, at que iniquae rationis quod est, id tanquam commodum ad rem praesentem arripit.
• * 1.6

  Lip. an. l. 3.
• * 1.7

  Plin. Paneg
• * 1.8

  Guicc. l. 7.
• * 1.9

  Macc. pr. 21.
• * 1.10

  Virorum armorum{que} faciendum certamen. Id in summa fortuna aequius quod validius.

  Qui isto gladio praeualet, is optimè de finibus disputat.

  —E che ripone

  Nella Spada sua legge, e sua ragione.

  Sua retinere, priuatae domus: de alienis certare, regiam laudem putant.

  Ipsum armis, ipsum{que} iubent decernere ferro,

  Qui regnum Italiae & primos sibi poscat honores.

  Si non dominaris filiola, iniuriam te accipere existimas.

  Haec acies victum factura nocentem est. (Subtilissimae militiae est hoc Poetae.)

  In armis ius ferre: & omnia virorum fortium esse. (Improbum & hoc.)

  Cornelius Centurio ostendens gladij capulum, non dubitauit in curia dicere, Hic faciet si vos non feceritis.
• * 1.11

  Tacit. an. 15.
• * 1.12

  Plu. apop. Tasso. cant. 2
• * 1.13

  Tac. an. l. 15. Aeneid. l. 11
• * 1.14

  Suet. de Agr Lip. è Luc. Lip. è Liuio Suet. fol. 102
• 1 1.15

  Non minùs est turpe sua relinquere, quàm in aliena inuadere iniustum & ambitiosum.

  Quaenam est causa cur Philippus plures res quàm nos superiori bello ex animi sententia gessit? hic ipse militat, labores perfert, periculis adest, neque occasionem rei bene gerendae praetermittens, neque vllam anni partem omittens: Nos verò ni∣hil facientes hîc perpetuò sedemus cunctabundi, &c.

  Quòd multa bello perdidimus, ignauiae nostrae iure adscribi conuenit.

  Nihil agendo homines malè agere perdiscunt.

  Segnities specie recti velata cucullo,

  Non se, non alios vtilitate iuuat.

  Qui quitte le ieu, le perd.

  Neque est prudentia solùm 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, sed & 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: non solùm 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, sed & 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.16

  Salust. Iug.
• * 1.17

  Demost. Phil
• * 1.18

  Demost. Oly Cato ap. Col Alciat. Emb.
• * 1.19

  Pro. Gall. Plut. de Con
• 2 1.20

  Nam diuturnitas temporis efficere potest, vt quod pernicioso more & ex∣emplo inueterauit, potentius ipsa lege dominetur.

  Agros regis Apionis quondam habitos, & populo Rom. cum regno relictos, pro∣ximus quisque possessor inuaserant, diutina{que} iniuria & licentia, quasi iure & ae∣quo nitebantur.

  Diuturna illa praescriptio temporum (sine interruptione & interpellatione) le∣gitimae creationis vim habet.
• * 1.21

  Bod. rep. l. 2.
• * 1.22

  Tac. an. l. 14.
• * 1.23

  Bod. rep. 325
• 1 1.24

  Eale, magnitudine Equi fluuiatilis, cauda Elephanti, colore nigra vel ful∣ua: maxillas Apri habens, maiora cubitalibus cornua, mobilia, quae alterna in pugna sistit, variat{que} infesta aut obliqua.
• * 1.25

  Plin. nat. hist. lib. 8. cap. 21
• 2 1.26

  Non cursum eundem tenere oportet, sed portum.

  Hominem etiam frugis. epe flectit occasio.

  Consilia ad euentus, & tempora accomodanda, & saepè inflectenda sunt.

  Sic Poeta laudat Vlyssem 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

  Les aduis doiuent estre accommodez à la necessité du temps.

  Honestè seruit, qui succumbit tempori.

  Praesentem mulge, quid fugientem persequeris?

  Temporibus semper cautus seruire memento,

  Nec reflare velis aduersùm flamina venti.
• * 1.27

  Lip. pol. l. 4. Seneca.
• * 1.28

  Lip. an. lib. •• Homer. Od. Am. Plu. Cat
• * 1.29

  Senec Sent. Adag. ex sh. Phocylid.
• 1 1.30

  Violentum non est mansiuum.

  Nullum violentum est perpetuum.

  Foelix criminibus nullus erit diù.

  Origo tyranni iniquitas est, & de radice toxicata, mala & pestifera germinat & pullulat arbor, securi qualibet succidenda.
• * 1.31

  Auer. Metap Arist. phy. l. 2 Auson. fol. 92 Sarisb. l. 8.
• 2 1.32

  Quippe ita se res habet, vt plerum{que} qui fortunam mutaturus est, consilia cor∣rumpat, efficiat{que} quod miserrimum est, vt quod accidit, id etiam meritò accidisse videatur: & casus in culpam transeat.

  Mentem scilicet tunc adimit hominibus diuira illa mens.
• * 1.33

  Vell. lib. 2.
• * 1.34

  Lip. pol. l. 1.
• 3 1.35

  Elephanti perpetua discordia cum Dracone: Qui ipsum circumflexu facili ambit, nexu{que} nodi perstringit. Commoritur ea dimicatione, victus{que} corruens, complexum elidit pondere.
• * 1.35.1

  Plin. nat. hist l. 8. cap. 11.
• 1 1.36

  Zforzarsicon altrui spesa, far la strada à quanto egli con speranza haue∣ua disegnato.

  Proinde arriperent vacui occupatos, integri fessos: dum alij Vespasianum, alij Vitellium foueant, patêre locum aduersus vtrum{que}.

  Priùs agitato & turbato stagno, sic capiunt anguillas.

  It a defessos & exangues, praedae futuros.

  Hostium dissensionem lucrum sibi esse sentientes.

  Graecorum{que} dissensio, causa a Philippi incrementi & potentiae.

  Dum saeuis ruerent in mutua vulnera telis

  Vngue leaena ferox, dente timendus aper,

  Accurrit vultur spectatum, & prandia captat,

  Gloria victoris praeda futura sua est.
• * 1.37

  Por. in Guic
• * 1.38

  Tacit. hist. 4.
• * 1.39

  Aristoph. Sal. de rep. or Io. bel. Iu. l. 5
• * 1.40

  Plutar. Alex. Alci. em. 125
• 2 1.41

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. i. Mutantes inimi∣citi. is & odia in concordiam.

  Sic Gnosii Gortinij{que} inito inter se foedere, & omnia communi consilio agentes.

  Sic Iudaei visis Titi castris in monte Oliuarum, in vnum ordinem coegêre qui antea trifariàm diuisi: & licèt bello intestino sanguis per portas Hierusalem efflu∣eret, contra Romanos tamen quasi vnus vir.

  Ea{que} in re par est imitari Cretenses, qui crebris seditionibus bellis{que} ciuilibus ex∣agitati, extrinsecus aduentantibus hostibus, pacem ac societatem coiuerunt: (Hinc verbum Syncretismus.)
• * 1.42

  Herodot.
• * 1.43

  Polyb. l. 4. Ioseph.
• * 1.44

  Plut. de frat. amor.
• 1 1.45

  Fortuna omnipotens, & ineluctabile fatum.

  Solent quidem fata suis vti medijs.

  Nonè cosa più difficile à schifare, che il fato: nissun' rimedio è di hastanza con∣tra i mali determinati.

  Quae fato manent, quamuis significata, non vitantur.

  Certa si decreta sors est, quid cauere proderit?

  Ne gli animi acciecati dall' immoderata cupiditate, la Prudenza soffocata dalla temerità, non ha parte alcuna.

  Nec declinari transcendi{que} posse agmina fati & volumina.
• * 1.46

  Virg. Aen. 8 Mac. dis. l. 2.
• * 1.47

  Por. in Guic.
• * 1.48

  Tacit. hist. 1.
• * 1.49

  Aus. fol. 92. Mac. disc. l. 2.
• * 1.50

  Gell. l. 6. c. 2. Id. lb.
• 2 1.51

  Ingenia tamen mentium nostrarum perinde sunt fato obnoxia, vt proprie∣tas eorum est ipsa qualitas: est enim quasi fatale & consequens, vt mala ingenia peccatis & erroribus non vacent.

  Praeualebant iam fata consilijs, omnem{que} animi eius aciem praestrinxerant.

  Siue dolo, seu iam Troiae sis fata'ferebant.

  Crede mihi, miseros prudentia prima reliquit,

  Et sensus cum re consilium{que} fugit.
• * 1.52

  Gell. l. 2.
• * 1.53

  Virg. Aen. 2 Oui. Pon. l. 4
• 2 1.54

  Non didicit mouere puellas tibia. Quaestui solo seruimus, non lactamur cantilenis.

  Ciuitati principatum obtinenti, nihil non honestum quod utile sit.

  Ociues ciues, quaerenda pecunia primùm est,

  Virtus post nummos.

  Priuatam vtilitatem bono publico anteponunt.

  Sogliono communemente più ne gli huomini senza comparazione, gli stimoli dell' interesse proprio, che il rispetto del benefizio commune.

  Vulgus amicitias vtilitate probat.
• * 1.55

  Aristain. l. 1. ep. 14.
• * 1.56

  Thucyd. l. 6. Hor. ep. l. 1.
• * 1.57

  Cic. off. l. 3. Guicci. l. 13.
• * 1.58

  Ouid.
• * 1.59

  Caeteris mortalibus in eo stare consilia, quid sibi conducere putent: Principum diuersam esse sortem, quibus praecipua rerum ad famam dirigenda.

  Tot tantorum{que} bonorum & munerum quae dij largiuntur, nulius est fructus aut vsus rectus, sine lege, iure, & Principe. Ius, finis est legis: Lex, opus est Principis: Princeps autem imago dci omnia administrantis.

  Gloriam & honorem & imperium bonus & ignauus aequè sibi exoptant. Si bo∣nus vera nititur: sed ignauus quia bonae artes desunt, dolis atque fallacijs con∣tendit.

  Nec tibi quid liceat, sed quid fecisse decebit

  Occurrat, mentem{que} domet respectus honesti.

  Retp. causa qui non id facit potiùs, quàm sui quaesti, animus haud induci potest cum esse ciuem & fidelem & bonum, sed legirupam.
• * 1.60

  Tacit. An. 4.
• * 1.61

  Plut. ad im∣perit. ducem.
• * 1.62

  Salust. Cal.
• * 1.63

  Claudian. ad Theodo.
• * 1.64

  Plaut. Mer.
• 1 1.65

  In ventre mollis tenuis{que} cutis Crocodilo: ideò sevt territi mergunt Del∣phini, subeuntes{que} aluum illa secant spina.
• * 1.66

  Plin. nat. hist l. 8. cap. 25. Prob. de Iph Thucyd. de Themist. Suet. de Caes. Bot. de Scip. è Plutarch. Am. Plu φoc Thucyd. l. 3.
• 2 1.67

  Nusquam culpâ malè rem gessit, semper consilio vicit.

  De instantibus atque improuisis verè, & de futuris calli d••ssimè conijciebat.

  In obeundis expeditionibus, dubium cautior, an prudentior.

  Essendo tassato di non esser molto pugnace, rispose: Che la sua Madre l'haueua generato, non soldato ma Capitano.

  La Prudence doit conduire & manier la force.

  Plerum{que} quae secundùm rationem hominibus prospera eueniunt, stabiliora sunt quàm quae praeter opinionem.
• 3 1.68

  Parendo potiùs quàm imperia Ducum sciscitando res militaris continetur.

  Diuisa inter Duces Milites{que} munia: His arma & manus sint, illis consilium & virtutis suae specimen relinquant.

  Militem priuatum non solùm debere esse 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, sed & 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: i. Non solùm volentem ad subeundum, sed & promptum ad parendum.

  —Tuus ô Regina quod optes

  Explorare labor, mihi iussa capessere fas est.

  Tam nescire quaedam milites quàm scire oportet; ita se Ducum authoritas, sic rigor disciplinae habet: si vbi iubeantur, quaerere singulis liceat, pereunte obsequio etiam imperium intercidit.
• * 1.69

  Tac. an. l. 1. Tac. an. l. 1.
• * 1.70

  Xenoph. Cy∣ripaed. l. 2. Virg. Aen. 1.
• * 1.71

  Tacit. hist. 1.
• 1 1.72

  Insidiantur temporibus aliena appetentes.

  Prosperis tuis rebus certant ad obsequium, fortunam aduersam omnes ex aequo detractant,

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Ruente quercu, ligna quiuis colligit.

  Quò vtilitas vexillum suum praetulit & explicuit, illuc eunt.

  Postulabant, non vt assequerentur, sed causam seditioni.

  Crescit interea Roma Albaeruinis.

  Sic Serpens Serpentem edit vt Draco fiat.
• * 1.73

  Lip. pol. l. 4. Tacit. hist. l. 2
• * 1.74

  Schol. in Th.
• * 1.75

  Lip. pol. l. 4. Tacit. hist. 4.
• * 1.76

  Mac. è Liui.
• * 1.77

  Adag.
• 2 1.78

  Postulauit Alcibiades quae adeò modam supergrederentur, vt per Athe∣nienses (etsi ingentibus sanè postulatis acquiescerent) staret, quò minus conueni∣retur.

  Ah nimium quod amice petis, moderatiùs opta,

  Et voti quaeso contrahe vela tui.

  Iustam rem & facilem esse oratam à vobis volo,

  Nam iustè à iustis iustus sum orator datus.
• * 1.79

  Thucyd. l. 8.
• * 1.80

  Ouid.
• * 1.81

  Plaut. Amph
• * 1.82

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

  Velle, vereri, obedire, boni militis munia.

  Ne locum deserant, ne ordines turbent milites.

  Ne vltrà quàm expedit, aut conglobent agmen, aut laxent.

  Custodiendi milites intra limites, aliter soluitur militia tua, immò perit.

  Omnibus imperij neruis, ad reuocandam pristinae disciplinam militiae, debes in∣niti.

  Remedium seueritate quaesitum est, id{que} vsu salubre & misericordia melius ap∣paruit: quippe pauciores illa castra deseruere, quàm ea in quibus ignoscebatur.

  Sic Pactium primipilum, tenere se munimentis & maiores copias operiri ius∣sum, rupto imperio pugnantem; Corbulo increpitum Pactium, & praefectos, mili∣tes{que} tendere omnes extra vallum iussit; Nec nisi precibus vniuersi exercitus ex∣soluti sunt.

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. i. Periculum subire instructo ordine.
• * 1.83

  Thucyd. l. 3.
• * 1.84

  Veget. l. 9. Idem. l. 2. Lip pol. l. 5.
• * 1.85

  Valer. l. 2.
• * 1.86

  Tacit. an. 13.
• * 1.87

  Tacit. an. 13.
• * 1.88

  Xen. inst. Cyri.
• 1 1.89

  L'esperance demeure la derniere en la boëtte de la vie humaine.

  Spes quae magna sunt, pusilla facit; quae pusilla, prorsus nulla.

  Thales sciscitatus quid maximè esset commune omnibus? Spes, respondit: hanc enim etiam illi habent, qui aliud nihil.

  Spes nihil aliud quàm vigilantium somnium.
• * 1.90

  Am. Plu. Cat Cato. in Plu.
• * 1.91

  Stobae. Serm
• * 1.92

  Plato.
• 2 1.93

  Nec quicquam potest esse diuturnum, cui non subit ratio.

  Haec talia velut repentè fagitata deficiunt.

  Spesso è proprio de gli Huomini, farsi facile con la voglia & con la speranza, quello che con la ragione cognoscono esser difficile.

  —Che' l Miser suole

  Dar facil credenza a quel che vuole.

  Nous embrassons voluntiers l'esperance, quand ell' est conformée à nos desirs.

  Alternant spes{que} timor{que} fidem.

  Cùm fallax vbi libet, tum in bello fallacissima spes est.

  Nam multa praeter spem scio multis bona euenisse: S. at ego etiam qui speraue∣rint spem decepisse multos.
• * 1.94

  Vellei. l. 2. Curt. l. 4.
• * 1.95

  Por. in. Guic.
• * 1.96

  Ariost. Ca. 1.
• * 1.97

  Am. Plutar. Ouid. epist.
• * 1.98

  Petr. dia. 12. Piaut. Rud.
• * 1.99

  Stare omnes debemus tanquam in aliquo orbe reip. Qui cum versatur, eam de∣ligere partem debemus, ad quam nos illius vtilitas, salus{que} conuertit.

  Nouis ex rebus aucti, tuta & praesentia, quàm vetera & periculosa mallent.

  Ad consilium de rep. dandum, optimum est nosse remp.

  Circa bonum Prudentia quadrupliciter se gerit; quum aut acquirit bona, aut tuetur, aut adauget, aut prudenter vtitur. Hi prudentiae sunt canones, quibus ad vtram{que} vtendum est fortunam.

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. 1.

  Polypodis mentem versuti sume, sub omni

  Qui visu praebet se similem lapidi.

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. i. Sapiens melior a optat, altera quoque expectat, vtris{que} vtitur.

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. i. Qui vtilia nouit, non qui multa nouit, sapiens est.

  Tu vires sine mente geris, mihi cura futuri est:

  Tu pugnare potes, pugnandi tempora mecum

  Eligit Atrides: tutantùm corpore prodes,

  Nos animo: quanto{que} ratem qui temperat anteit

  Remigis officium, quanto est dux milite maior,

  —Tantum ego te supero.
• * 1.100

  Cic. pro Pla.
• * 1.101

  Tacit. An. 1.
• * 1.102

  Cic. de or l. 2 Plut. de Mor
• * 1.103

  Theognis.
• * 1.104

  Plut. de tran.
• * 1.105

  Aeschilus.
• * 1.106

  Vlyss. A••aci. Ouid. Met.
• 1 1.107

  Come auuiene àvn fiume, che mentre corre entiero & con tutta l'acqua in vn Letto, fa con grandissimo impeto il suo corso, & spauenta le città benche be∣nissimo murate: ma se si diuide in piùparti, perde la forza, & è passato à guazzo d'ogni vno. Cosi appunto le forze d'vn Essercito, &c.

  Moltiplicandosi la forza & vertù de'Motori, si fa il Moto maggiore.
• * 1.108

  Rag. Stat.
• * 1.109

  Par. l. 2. dis. 5 Tac. de Mili. Apronij.
• 2 1.110

  Satis validi si simul incubuissent, per interuallum aduentantes, neque con∣stantiam addiderant turbatis, & pauore fugientium perterrebantur.

  Nam Cecinna non simul cohortes, sed singulaes acciuerat: quae res in praelio trepidationem auxit, cum dispersos nec vnquam validos, pauor fugientium ab∣riperet.

  Vitellius dum disper git vires (inquit Tacitus) diede ad esser tagliati à pezzi, & fatti prigioni i più valorosi soldati suoi, & insino alla morte risoluti à morir in seruizio suo. (infert Ammiratus.)

  Virtus vnita fortior.

  Diuidens quod vnum validissimum erat, vtrum{que} reddidit imbecillius.

  Dum singuli pugnant, vniuersi vincuntur.

  Sic Horatius solus, vniuersis nequaquam par, capessit fugam vt hostes segre∣garet.
• * 1.111

  Tac. an. l. 17.
• * 1.112

  Am. è Tacit.
• * 1.113

  Pro. Lat. Onup. de d••. Rom. Imp. Tacit. Agric. Liui. l. 1.
• 1 1.114

  Multitudo omnis sicut natura maris, per se immobilis est; vt venti & au∣rae cient, ita aut tranquillum aut procelle in vobis sunt: & causa atque origo omnis furoris penes authores est, vos contagione insanitis.

  Populi mobilem animum, & si se Ducem praebuisset, easdem illas adulationes pro Vespasiano fore.
• * 1.115

  Liui. l. 8.
• * 1.116

  Tac. hist. l. 3.
• 2 1.117

  Nobilium factiones trahunt ad se, & in partes, vniuer sum populum.

  Sunt dissipandae magistratuum, & potentium factiones.

  Alta sedent ciuilis vulnera dextrae.

  Vsque adeò miserum est ciuili vincere bello.

  Nec aliud discordantis patriae remedium fuisse, quàm vt ab vno regeretur.

  Sic Augustus, cuncta discordijs ciuilibus fessa, nomine Principis sub imperium accepit.

  Sulla quod exiguum restahat sanguinis vrbi—hausit.

  Neque alius solet esse discordiarum exitus inter claros & potentes viros, nisi aut vniuersus interitus, aut victoris dominatus ad regnum.
• * 1.118

  Arist. pol. l. 2. Id. pol. l. 5. Lucan. l. 1. Idem eodē. Tacit. an. l. 1. Tacit. an. 1.
• * 1.119

  Lucan. l. 2.
• * 1.120

  Cic. de arusp
• 1 1.121

  Passio recipitur, non tam per conditionem agentis, quàm dispositionem pa∣tientis.

  Receptiuum non recipit per modum imprimentis, sed per modum receptiuita∣tis.
• * 1.122

  Canon Log.
• * 1.123

  Scal. ex. 16.
• 2 1.124

  Eaedem stellae non vsquequaque pruinas aut calores cient, sed mutant & variant, tempestates{que} eodem in tempore alibi placidas alibi violent as mouent: Cur non euentu quoque rerum ac negotiorum, alia efficiunt in Chaldaeis, alia in Ge∣tulis, alia apud Danubium, alia apud Nilum?

  Et casus imprudentiae succurrit, vt pictori quondam equum pingenti, cum ex taedio spongia in opus impacta esset, quod ars imitari non potuerat, casus ex∣pressit.

  Sic ipsa dimicationis hora, resolutus repentè Rhenus, cum transitur as ad An∣tonium copias Barbarorum inhibuisset, mira foelicitate Domitianum absentem victorem fecit.

  Victoriam illi praelio error dedit.

  Centum doctúm hominum consilia, sola haec deuincit dea. (Fortuna.)

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Ars militaris plurimùm à fortuna de∣pendet.

  Existimo olim Maximo, Marcello, Scipioni, Mario, & caeteris magnis Impe∣ratoribus, non solùm propter virtutem, sed etiam propter fortunam, saepius impe∣ria mandata atque exercitus esse commissos.
• * 1.125

  Gell. l. 14. c. 1.
• * 1.126

  Bod. rep. 4.
• * 1.127

  Suet. in Do.
• * 1.128

  Flor. l. 4. Plaut. Plato.
• * 1.129

  Cic. pro leg. Manil.
• 3 1.130

  —Iddio

  Ha sotto i piediil fato, e la natura,

  Ministri humili, e'l moto, e che'l misura.

  Prouidentia omnia inferiora reguntur.

  Non haec sine numine Diuûm—eueniunt.

  Non haec humanis opibus, non arte magistro

  Proueniunt, maior agit Deus.

  —Deum namque ire per omnes

  Terras{que} tractus{que} maris, coelum{que} profundum.

  Vt hominum membra, mente ipsa & voluntate mouentur: Sic numine Deorum omnia finguntur, mouentur, atque mutantur.
• * 1.131

  Tasso. cant. 9
• * 1.132

  Fici. in Plat.
• * 1.133

  Virg. Aen. 2. Vir. Aen. l. 12
• * 1.134

  Virg. geor. 4.
• * 1.135

  Cic. nat. De∣or. l. 3.
• 1 1.136

  La Vertu n'a iamais son lustre, s'elle n'est pas combattue: & l'homme ne se monstre iamais vertueux, si non alors qu'il est picqué d'honeste ambition, pour faire de beaux & grands exploits, & tousiours pour l'vtilité publigue.

  Les partialitez que tu nous reproches sont vtiles au publique: Car nous deba∣tons à qui mieux, pour vaincre son ennemi, en mieux faisant.
• * 1.137

  Bod. rep. l. 4.
• * 1.138

  Bod. rep. l. 5.
• 2 1.139

  Semper ita euenit, vt sint inter collegas aemulationes: Quae deponendae sunt, aut saltem seponendae, Aristidis & Themistoclis exemplo.

  Iulius Classicianus Suetonio discors, bonum publicum priuatis simultatibus im∣pediebat.

  Periculosa cosa è l'inuidiosa distribuzione della gratia, & dello sproportionato honore.

  Sic ego torrentem quà nil obstabat eunti,

  Leniùs & modico strepitu decurrere vidi:

  At quacunque trabes obiecta{que} saxa tenebant,

  Spumeus & feruens, & ab obice saeuior ibat.

  Aemulatio quae ex contentione procedit quis eorum sit maior, (& praecedentia vocatur) inter Duces exitiabilis, maximis{que} negotijs nihil magis nocet.

  Ex discordia Consulum mala quaeque in administratione rerum militarium e∣uenire, & propè ad vltimum discrimen suis & collegae certaminibus nuper ven∣tum.

  Remedium Tiberij huic morbo, vt non pares, sed titulis & authoritate differen∣tes mitterentur.
• * 1.140

  Lip. an. l. 3.
• * 1.141

  Tacit. hi. l. 14
• * 1.142

  Rag. Stat. l. 3
• * 1.143

  Ouid. Met.
• * 1.144

  Ammirat. l. 2
• * 1.145

  Liui. lib. 10.
• * 1.146

  Ammirat. l. 2
• 1 1.147

  Sono inutili i consigli dilligenti & prudenti, quando l'essecuzione procede con Negligenzia, & con Imprudenzia.
• * 1.148

  Por. in Guic.
• 2 1.149

  Neque è periculo Principis fama clementiae affectanda.

  Nae ista mansuetudo & miser icordia illi in miseriam vertat.

  Tales isti abscindendi: non tam vlciscendi causa, quàm vt in praesens sceleratos ciues timore ab impuganda Patria deterreas, & in posterum documentum statu∣as, ne quis talem amentiam velit imitari.

  Supplicium de ijs sumendum: non tam vt ipsi pereant, quàm vt alios pereundo deterreant.

  Debitas poenas dabit: Lentum est dabit. Dat: hoc quoque lentum est: dedit.

  Seram post scelus veniam quaerebat.

  Consulere securitati iusta vltione, & modicis remedijs primos motus conse∣disse.

  Nisi vindices delicta, improbitatem adiuues.

  Qui culpae ignoscit vni, suadet pluribus.

  Est quaedam crudelis misericordia.
• * 1.150

  Tacit. hist. 2. Salust. Catil.
• * 1.151

  Cic. ad Brut.
• * 1.152

  Sene. de ira.
• * 1.153

  Sen. Her fu. Plu. de Doll.
• * 1.154

  Tac. Ann. 14.
• * 1.155

  Seneca Sent Seneca Sent Adag.
• 1 1.156

  Dum festino omnia celeriter percurrere, tardior sum.

  Perdre l'haleine au milieu de la carriere.

  Con tempo & con la paglia maturano le nespole.
• * 1.157

  Plat. rep. 7. Pro. Gall. Pro. Ital.
• 2 1.158

  Scito militibus cupidinem pugnandi conuenire: Duces prudentia, consul∣tando, cunctatione, saepiùs quàm temeritate prodesse.

  Vnus homo nobis cunctando restituit rem.

  Non minùs est Imperatoris, consilio superare, quàm gladio.

  Contator natura, vt cui cauta potiùs consilia cum ratione, quàm prospera ex ca∣su placerent.

  Non stimaua egli le parole altrui, doue n'andasse l'interesse publico & la salute della Patria: nesi curaua che la cautela si chiamasse timidità, ô la considerazione tardanza, ô la disciplina dappocaggine: Et voleua anzi esser temuto dal sauio ne∣mico, che lodato da'pazzi Cittadini.

  Fabio Massimo aspettando con Pazienza, la buona occasione del combattere, sosteneua le parole sconcie, che di lui si diceuano: Non rispondendo altro, che haueua per più vile, chi temeua i maledici, che chi fuggiua da' nemici: Perche questo fug∣giua da'fatti, & quello solamente dalle parole.

  Fabius nouam de Hannibale victoriam commentus est, Non pugnare: vt qui srangi virtute non poterat, morâ comminueretur. Hinc illi Cognomen nouum & reip. salutare, (Cunctator.)

  Vn capitano, che d'inclito e di saggio

  E di Magno, e d'inuitto il nome merta,

  Non dico per ricchezza ô per linaggio

  Ma perche spesso habbia fortuna esperta:

  Non si suol mai fidarsi sul vantaggio

  Che la vittoria si prometta certa:

  Sta sempre in dubbio, ch'hauer debbia cosa

  Da ripararsi il suo nemico ascosa
• * 1.159

  Tac. hist. l. 3.
• * 1.160

  Cic. ex Enni. Com. è Liui. Tac. de Sue. Paulino.
• * 1.161

  Boter. de fab Max. è Liuio
• * 1.162

  Lotti. auuert 406.
• * 1.163

  Florus. l. 2.
• * 1.164

  Ari. Cant. 51.
• * 1.165

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Omnia venalia Nummis.

  Aurea nunc verè sunt secula, plurimus auro

  Vaenit honos, auro conciliatur amor.

  Haud facilè emergunt quorum virtutibus obstat

  Res angusta domi: sed Romae durior illis

  Conatus.—

  O essecrabil auarizia, ô ingordo

  Fame d'hauere: io non mi merauiglio

  Ch'ad alma vile, e d' altre macchie lorda,

  Si facilmente dar possi di piglio.

  Curia pauper ibus clausa est; dat census honores,

  Inde grauis Iudex, inde seuerus Eques.

  Quid satis est si Roma parum?

  Vnde habeas quaer at nemo, sed oportet habere.

  Quandoquidem inter nos (n. Romae) sanctissima diuitiarum—maiestas.

  Vrbem venalem, si emptorem inuenerit.

  Cuidam in quiete ostensum—Innocentium quartum apud summum Iudicem accusari, quòd Ecclesiam conuertisset in mensam nummulariorum.

  Omne Papale negotium manus agunt.

  Hadrianus Pontifex, non modò magistratus & imperia, sed etiam sacerdotia sub hasta vaenire passus est.
• * 1.166

  Arist. Rh. l. 2.
• * 1.167

  Ouid.
• * 1.168

  Iuuen. Sat. 3
• * 1.169

  Ariost. cā. 34
• * 1.170

  Ouid. am. 3.
• * 1.171

  Lucan. l. 5. Iuue. Sat. 14.
• * 1.172

  Iuuen. Sat. 1.
• * 1.173

  Salust. Iug.
• * 1.174

  Mat. Paris.
• * 1.175

  Idem. Bodin. l. 6.
• 1 1.176

  Atque adeò quàm non sint retegenda illa quae Princeps vult esse tecta, in ipsis priscarum fabularum inuolucris explicitum est: nam & Thamyris à Musis, & Tiresias à Pallade excaecati sunt: Marsias ille hispidus & multibarbus ab A∣polline excoriatus, & Lini temeritas morte punita.

  Alexander, cum arcanas quasdam liter as Haephestioni legisset, detractum di∣gito annulum ori eius admouit.

  Philippide domandato da Lisimacho Re; qual maggior fauore gli potesse fare, perche cognoscesse quanto l' amaua: rispose, Che tu non mi communichi alcuno di tuoi segreti.

  Principes non aliter videri volunt, quàm qua forma sese aspiciendos praebent.

  Non salti il Cuor fuor delle Labbre ignudo,

  Che mal può ricuoprir Elmo ô Scudo.

  Scire volunt secreta domus, atque inde timeri.

  Gran silentio è gran pondo a sostenerlo.

  Consiliarij arcani esse debent, nec tamen arcanorum scrutatores.

  Abditos Principis sensus, & si quid occultius parat exquirere, anceps, pericu∣losum.
• * 1.177

  Pasch. Leg. cap. 21.
• * 1.178

  Cassiod. l. 8.
• * 1.179

  Remig. Flor. è Plutarch.
• * 1.180

  Pasch. Legat Ex Ammirat
• * 1.181

  Iuuen. Sat. 3. Am. è Soph.
• * 1.182

  Lip. pol. l. 3. Tacit. an. l. 3.
• 2 1.183

  Digito compesce labellum:

  Accusator erit qui verbum dixerit, hic est.

  Tiberius ex viginti consiliarijs vix duos aut tres incolumes praestitit.

  Thrasyllum secretorum temerè conscium, in mare praecipitare destinat.

  Quae suauissima & pulcherrima habent reges, ea conspectui sunt exposita: coe∣nae, opes, beneficia: si verò arcani quid est, caue accesseris aut moueris. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

  Lingua fuit damno, lingua faciente loquaci,

  Qui color albus erat, nunc est contrarius albo.

  —Tanti tibi non sit opaci,

  Omnis arena Tagi—vt à magno semper timearis amico.
• * 1.184

  Iuuen. Sat. 1.
• * 1.185

  Suet. in Tib. Idem. Plut. de curi.
• * 1.186

  Ouid.
• * 1.187

  Iuuen. Sat. 3.
• * 1.188

  La Natural ragione dalla ciuile, & la ciuile dalla Militare, & quella dalla ragi∣one delle Genti, & questa da quella dello Stato, non scapestratamente, ma con alcuni freni & ritegni si confina.

  In niuna cosa più si palesa quanto vaglia vn Prencipe, che nelle proposte che gli si fanno: nelle quale se non si sta accorto, si possono pigliare grandissimi er∣rori.

  Si ha à por mente à colui, il quale propone ô consiglia alcuna cosa, se in quel con∣siglio si tratta del pericolo del proponente, ô del vtile & benefizio di colui à chi si propone.

  Regum Pactiones sunt 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

  Sobrius esto, & memineris diffidere.

  Minime debes ambigere, licet ad agendam causam tibi descendere (ait Cy∣rus: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; i. Sed quis Iudex? (inquit Armenius) Is cui potestas ex ar∣bitrio suo te tractandi, (respondet Cyrus.)

  Hei mihi (inquit Vulpes Rubo) confugi ad te tanquam ad auxiliatorem, sed tu peius me tractasti: Heus tu (inquit Rubus) errasti, quae me apprehendere voluisti, qui omnes apprchendere soleo.

  Fratres duo, reges Thraciae, disceptationum suarum iudicem Philippum eligunt: Qui more ingenij sui ad iudicium veluti ad bellum, inopinantibus fratribus, in∣structo exercitu supernenit, & regno vtrumque non iudicis more, sed fraude la∣tronis ac scelere, spoliauit.
• * 1.189

  Am. in Tacit. l. 11.
• * 1.190

  Id. lib. 6.
• * 1.191

  Idem ibid.
• * 1.192

  Dion. Halyc. Epichar. Xenoph. l. 3.
• * 1.193

  Aesop. fa. 70
• * 1.194

  Iastm. l. 8.
• 1 1.195

  Facilè inuenias baculum quo canem caedas.

  An non vides hunc ansam quaerere, rescindendae irritandae{que} pactionis?

  Secundis rebus labefactatis, quàm formidatus anteà est, tam contemnetur.

  Nunc quia contraxit vultum fortuna, recedis,

  Auxilio postquam scis opus esse tuo.
• * 1.196

  Pro. Lat. Plaut. Salust. hist. 1 Ouid.
• 2 1.197

  Nullum est officium tam sanctum atque solenne, quod non auaritia com∣minuere ac violare potest.

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Auaritia malorum caput.

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Lucrum superat Sapientiam.

  Auaritia, fidem, probitatem, caeter as{que} artes bonas subuertit: & ambitio multos mortales falsos fieri subegit.

  —Pereunt discrimine nullo

  Amissae leges, sed pars vilissima rerum

  Certamen mouistis opes.—
• * 1.198

  Cic. pro Quint.
• * 1.199

  Appollinar. Pindar.
• * 1.200

  Salust. Cat.
• * 1.201

  Lucan. l. 3
• 1 1.202

  Deum semper 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: inquit Plato.

  Hic, non tam appenduntur, quam numerantur sententiae.

  Lvcurgus Arithmeticam proportionem, vt popularem & turbae aptam, Lacedae∣mone eiecit: Geometricam verò vt paucorum modesto imperio, & legitimo regno conuenientem, introduxit: Quippe, illa numero aequale omnibus tribuit, haec ratio∣ne, cuique id quod meretur: Non sorte aut libra, sed discrimine virtutis, aut vitij.

  Communem se relationem de eare fieri non passuros, ne par honos in dispari me∣rito esset.

  Honores prout quisque aliquod sui specimen dederit: nequeijs qui excerta parte ciuium sunt, potius quàm ex virtute.

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. i. Quod placet vulgo, sapientibus dis∣plicet.

  Que ego scio non probat Populus: Quae Populus probat ego nescio.

  Chorus eius maior est, meus meliùs concinit.
• * 1.203

  Sympos. l. 8. Lip. pol. l. 3. Plut. Symp. l. 8.
• * 1.204

  Liui. bel. Ma
• * 1.205

  Thucyd. l. 2.
• * 1.206

  Plut. de lib. Educ.
• * 1.207

  Seneca. Plut. de virt. Por. in Guic.
• 2 1.208

  Il popolo più si gouerna con la volontà, che con la ragione.

  Il volgo ignorante ogni vn riprende,

  Eparla più di quel, che meno intende.

  Et quum in suffragijs dandis omnes sint equales, suo quisque commodo vacant, ex quo nihil perfecti effici sueuit.

  Mille hominum species, & rerum discolor vsus,

  Velle suum cuique est, nee voto viuitur vno.

  Tres mihi conuiue propè dissentire videntur,

  Poscentes vario multùm diuersa palato.
• * 1.209

  Ari. Can. 28.
• * 1.210

  Thucyd. l. 1.
• * 1.211

  Persius.
• * 1.212

  Hor. 2. ser. 2.
• 1 1.213

  Non est vnius mens tantae molis capax.

  Magna negotia magnis adiutoribus egent.
• * 1.214

  Tac. hist. l. 1. Velle. l. 12. Comic. Grae
• 2 1.215

  Consultor ille sit tibi vir qui sapit,

  —Sapientis enim consilia sapientia.

  Triplex natur a ingeniorum hominum: vnum per se intelligit; alterum, quum fuerit ei demonstratum; tertium, quod ne admonitum quidem, nedum per se id praestare potest. Primum illud maximè excellit: quod huic additur excellit quidem: at quod tertium est prorsus inutile est.

  Nemo fideliùs dare potest consilium, quàm qui id alteri suaderet, quod ipse si in eodem loco esset facturus fuerit.

  Dubitatur an praestabilior Princeps sapientissimus sine consilio; an stupidus prudentium Senatorum multitudine abundans. Sapientibus quidem neutrum ho∣rum probatur.

  Palladem Ioui decumbenti assidere: Sc. Senatum Principi adesse oportere.

  Consulere, atque omnes metuentem expendere casus.

  Oportet (Athenienses) eum qui boni aliquid facere nostrae ciuitati cupit, pri∣mùm vestras aures sanare: corruptae enim sunt, adeò falsa & muta & quaeuis po∣tiùs, quàm optima audire consueuistis.
• * 1.216

  Macc. princ. cap. 22.
• * 1.217

  Salina. apud Plutar.
• * 1.218

  Bodin. l. 3.
• * 1.219

  Idem. fo. 303 Vir. Aen. 12.
• * 1.220

  Demost. orat
• 1 1.221

  Citiùs venit periculum, cùm contemnitur.

  Inopinata magis premunt mala.
• * 1.222

  Seneca.
• 2 1.223

  Anima consilij, Secretum.

  Metallus aliquid militiae interrogatus, si inquit tunicam meam arcani mihi consciam scirem, exutam in ignem abijcerem.

  Num omnes nuntios palàm audiri, omnia consilia cunctis praesentibus tractari, ratio rerum aut occasionum velocitas patitur?

  Primum, praecipuum{que} eorum quae ad foelicem exitum requiruntur, est silere.

  Res periculi plena, in senatu decreta manare in vulgus.

  Nemo omnium quò iretur, praeter C. Laelium, sciebat.

  Conso, quem faciebant consiliorum Deum, Ara sub terra: quia planè arcanum debeat esse & tectum consilium.

  Antigonus, filio quem er at regni haeredem habiturus, vocem arcanam non cre∣didit: sed quaerenti quando castra essent moturi; Quid, inquit, metuis ne solus tu non audias tubam?

  Vestra clementia, reuocatis ad interior a maioribus, ea disponit quae non sunt omnibus publicanda: de quibus adiurare etiam soletis, ne quis ante rem comple∣tam, quicquam vel audiat, vel intelligat.

  Si come delle frutte, altre sono che si mangiano la State, & altre che si serbon per il verno: cosi hisogna far delle cose segrete: scerre quelle che si posson dire, da quelle che insino à vn certo tempo, s'hanno à tacere.
• * 1.224

  Lip. pol. l. 5. Plu. de Grac.
• * 1.225

  Tacit. hist. 1.
• * 1.226

  Tacit. an. l. 3. Bod. l. 3. Liui. de exp. Scipionis. Plut. in Rom
• * 1.227

  Plu. de Grac.
• * 1.228

  Capitol. ad Dioclesian.
• * 1.229

  Am. de Secr.
• * 1.230

  Ostendite modò bellum, pacem habebitis, videant vos paratos ad vim, ius ipsi remittent.

  Media pace incauti circumueniuntur.

  Pacem optatis magis quàm defenditis. Pacem sub clipeo parare.

  Iamais sage Prince, ny bon Capitain, ne fit la paix desarmé.

  Intempestiuo belligerandi studio deditos, nunquam nisi atratos pacem decer∣nere.

  —Dices non esse ad bella fugaces

  Qui pacem potuere pati.—

  Silent leges inter arma; nec se expectari iubent, cùm ei qui expectare velit, an∣tè iniusta poena luenda sit, quàm iusta repetenda.

  Nec citò perit ruinâ, qui ruinam timet. Semper enim metuendo sapiens vitat malum.

  Crocodilus terribilis est in fagaces, fugax contrà in sequentes: It a quidam si concedas ac metuas, tum ferociunt; si strenuè contemnas & obsistas, statim conce∣dunt.
• * 1.231

  Manl. apud Plurarch. Tac. an. f. 231 Salust. hist. 1. Bod. rep. l. 5. Demades de Athen. Plut.
• * 1.232

  Lucan. l. 2.
• * 1.233

  Cic. pro Mil.
• * 1.234

  Pont. de fort
• * 1.235

  Plin. l. 8. c. 25
• 1 1.236

  Tam est difficile in omni vitae genere, sic te gerere, vt ne impingas.

  Neque quis quam omnium libidini simul & vsuiparuit.

  Memini regem Ludouicum mecum sic loqui: vt diceret, fieri aliquando vt ope∣rae nauatae laudabiliter minus pretium sit, id{que} culpa eorum qui nauassent: dum e∣lati quadam confidentia, insolenter & proteruè se gererent.

  Potentia cautis quàm acrioribus consilijs tutiùs habetur.

  Sed Demea, hoc tu facito cum animo cogites;

  Quàm vos facillimè agitis, quàm estis maximè

  Potentes, dites, fortunati, nobiles,

  Tammaximè vos aequo animo aequa noscere

  Oportet, si vos vultis per hiberi probos.
• * 1.237

  Lip. an. l. 3. Salust. Cat. Commin. l. 1
• * 1.238

  Tacit. an. 11.
• * 1.239

  Terent. Adel
• 2 1.240

  Ciuitas rimandis offensis sagax.

  Il ny a rien si dangereux en vne Armee, que quand vn Chef outrecuidant se veut gouuerner selon son sens, sans respecter ses compagnons.

  Celuy qui se hausse trop, donne occasion à ceux qui s'estiment autant que luy, de se liguer, & chercher à quelque pris que se soit, les moyens de le ietter par terre.

  Non si può dar Precetto meglio, che di mozzar l'autorità d'vn Generale, diue∣nuto troppo potente & orgoglioso.
• * 1.241

  Tacit. hist. 4. Am. Plut. Ag
• * 1.242

  Am. Plut. Gr
• * 1.243

  Rag. Stat.
• 1 1.244

  Casus tantùm aduer sos ducibus tribuunt: secundos fortunae suae.

  Ad reprehendenda aliena dicta & facta ardet omnibus animus, vix satis apertum os, aut lingua prompta videtur.

  Iniquissima haec bellorum conditio est, prospera omnes sibi vendicant; aduersa vni imputantur.

  Vulgus fingendi auidum.

  Ad tristem partem strenua est suspicio.

  Quippe homines plaeri{que} sumus 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. i. suspiciosi.

  Hinc inde commentum & nota ars ducum, hostem ducem in suspicionem apud suos adducere.
• * 1.245

  Probus. Salust. Cat.
• * 1.246

  Tacit. Agric.
• * 1.247

  Tac. hi. f. 33. Seneca Sent. Hom. Od. H.
• * 1.248

  Ammi. l. 21.
• 2 1.249

  Ad summum gradum cum claritatis veneris, consistes aegrè, & cùm descen∣das, decides.

  Cecidi ego: cadet qui sequitur.

  Ceux qui commencent à perdre leur credit en vn estat, sont aisément desarcon∣nez.

  Le Peuple abandonne en necessité ceux qui se sont le plus employé pour eux.

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: i. Dissolutio vtrius{que}.
• * 1.250

  Tacit. an. l. 5.
• * 1.251

  Laberius. Am. Plut. Gr
• * 1.252

  Idem Ibid. Demost.
• 1 1.253

  Vnicuique in arte sua credendum.

  Nauem agere ignarus nauis timet, abrotonum aegro

  Non audet nisi qui didicit, dare; quod medicorum est

  Promittunt medici: tractant fabrilia fabri.

  Ne Sutor vltra crepidam.
• * 1.254

  Arist. Horat. ep. 2.
• * 1.255

  A dag.
• 2 1.256

  Fuit ei consuetudo, vt side iure, aut de negotijs tractaret, solos doctos & di∣sertos adhiberet: Si verò de re militari, milites veteres & senes benemeritos, & locorum peritos, & bellorum ac castrorum.

  Peritissimos Centurionum dissentientes, & si consulerentur vera dicturos, in∣timi amicorum Vitellij arcuêre: ita formatis Principis auribus, vt aspera quae vti∣lia, &c.

  Minimè enim omnium bellum ex decretis procedit, sed ipsum ex se multa in∣uenit, & vt res sunt natae.

  Consilium inueniunt multi, sed docti explicant.

  Quinetiam in defendenda vrbe, ministerio alienissimorum vtuntur, sed consi∣lio tamen intimorum.
• * 1.257

  Lamp. de Se∣uero.
• * 1.258

  Tacit. hist. 3. fol. 76.
• * 1.259

  Thucid. l. 1.
• * 1.260

  Sene. in fine. Tac. hist. l. 3.
• 1 1.261

  At qui inaequalem temperiem sunt sortiti, ita vt his aliud iecinoris tempe∣ramentum sit, aliud ventris, aut alicuius eorum quae circa iecur sunt, ijs diuer sum est quod assumptu incundum est, ab eo quod cuique particulae est idoneum.
• * 1.262

  Gal. San. tuē lib. 6.
• 2 1.263

  Neque veteranorum, neque possessorum gratiam tenuit: alteris pelli se, al∣teris non pro spe meritorum tractari, querentibus.

  Vnde Bunas Atheniensis, quum controuersiam (inter Caydonios & Eleos) vtri{que} ad eius arbitrium deferrent, conuenerat autem vt à manibus temperarent, donec ille de negotio pronunciasset; per fictas occasiones rem in longum distulit, nec vn∣quam de lite voluit pronunciare.

  In receptis arbitrijs nemo qui noluit obligatur.

  Ne depugnes in alieno negotio.

  Non nostrum inter vos tantas componere lites.
• * 1.264

  Suct. Octau. fol. 91.
• * 1.265

  Eras. ex Xen.
• * 1.266

  Bod. l. 3. Adag. 38. Virg. Eglo.
• * 1.267

  Niuna cosa èpiù breue, niuna ha vita minore, che la memoria de benefizij.

  Vilia quecunque prioribus annis, & sordet quicquid spectauimus olim.

  Sic Lynces: clarissimè cernunt quae ante oculos, sed obliuio illis rei ab oculis se∣motae.

  Firmior offensarum quàm beneficiorum, tenacior{que} memoria.

  Tempestate oborta sub arborem hanc confug tis, inter digrediendum frondes e∣ius stringitis. (Themistocles Atheniensibus.)

  Si humeris quempiam in coelum subuexeris, & tandem minùs molliter deposu∣eris, infensiorem tibi ex hoc, quàm conciliatiorem ex altero fore.
• * 1.268

  Por. in Guic. Calphur. Erasm.
• * 1.269

  Petratch. Plut. f. 541.
• * 1.270

  Adag. Teut.
• * 1.271

  Saepe falsò plorat quis—vti mox

  Nulla fides damnis veris{que} doloribus adsit.

  Non si crede al bugiardo, se dice il vero,

  Si crede al verace, benche bugia.

  Vbi quis semel peier arit, ei credi posteà, etiamsi per plures iuret Deos, non conue∣nit.

  Qui ont rompu leur foy, leurs compagnons mesmes à la fin, ne se fient en eux.

  Tiberio raccommanda suoi Nipoti al Senato (& questo faceua da douero) ma diceua ancora (fintamente) che voleua render il gouerno della rep. & che i consoli ô qualunque altro ne pigliasse la cura. Et con questi suoi modi di fauellare, faceua si, che le cose ch'egli diceua da douero quantunque honeste, non gli erano credute.

  Mendax hoc lucratur, vt cum vera dixerit ei non credatur.

  Nec semelirrisus, triuijs attollere curat

  Fracto crure planum: licet illi plurima manet

  Lachryma: per sanctum iur atus dicat Osyrim,

  Credite: non ludo: crudeles tollite claudum:

  Quere peregrinum, vicinia rauca reclamat.
• * 1.272

  Hor. ep. f. 268
• * 1.273

  Pro. Ital.
• * 1.274

  Cic. pro C. Rab.
• * 1.275

  Am. Plu. Ant Am. è Tacit. hist. l. 4.
• * 1.276

  Laert. l. 5.
• * 1.277

  Hor. 1. ep. 17
• 1 1.278

  —Et fronte politus

  Astutam vapido seruat sub pectore vulpem.

  Ipse longè aliter animo agitabat, tamen pro tempore benignè respondit.

  Sic Lysander versutus & plaeraque fraude miscens, veritatem aiebat nihilo meliorem esse mendacio: sed vtriusque dignitatem & precium vsu definiri. (Hoc autem perfidum nimis.)

  Etiam qui ex illis (Principibus) Rhetores non sunt, figuratè tamen logui sciunt.

  Solere in praesentiarum, orationis suauitate mulcere eos à quibus suspicantur, in exequendo autem, ea postea agere quae sibi conducant.
• * 1.279

  Pers. Sat. 5.
• * 1.280

  Salu. de lug Plut. in Lac. apopth. f 229
• * 1.281

  Mur. de Prin
• * 1.282

  Thucyd. l. 6.
• 2 1.283

  Per fraudem & dolum regna euertuntur: Quidni praeseruentur?

  Fallere fallentem non est fraus. Cretisare cum Cretensi.

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Cum vulpe iunctum, pariter vulpinarier.

  Si l'vn des ennemis soit departi de sa promesse, & a trompé l'autre, il n'a que plaindre, s'on luy rend la pareille: Ma pourtant, la parfidie ne se doit venger, ni repeter, apres qu'on a traitté paix & accord ensemble.
• * 1.284

  Lip. pol. l. 4. Pro. Lat. Adag. graec. Bodi. rep. l. 5.
• 1 1.285

  A consigli celesti, non si può resistere.

  Multa accidunt ex fato ita vrgente, vt ijs obuiam ire nemo potest.

  Quod diuinitùs contingere debet, homo à se nulla arte cispellere potest.

  —Sors omnia versat.

  Et si fata Deûm, si mens non leua fuisset.

  Haud equidem credo quia sit diuinitùs illis

  Ingenium, aut rerum fato prudentia maior.

  Perche l'huomo nè per star nè per fuggire,

  Al suo fisso destin può contradire.
• * 1.286

  Por. in Guic. Mac. disp. 2. Herod. l. 9. Virg.
• * 1.287

  Virg. Aen. 2
• * 1.288

  Virg. Ge. 1.
• * 1.289

  Ario. Ca. 27.
• 2 1.290

  Occulta vis fati tunc maximè vrget, quum misero mentis arbitrium eripit.

  Hoc placet ô Superi, cùm vobis vertere cuncta

  Propositum, nostris erroribus addere crimen;

  Cladibus irruimus, nocitura{que} poscimus arma.

  Stultum facit fortuna quem vult per dere.
• * 1.291

  Incer. Auth.
• * 1.292

  Lucan. l 9.
• * 1.293

  Senec. in fin.
• 1 1.294

  Boni Ducis 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 quinque, Scientia, Virtus, Prouidentia, Authoritas, For∣tuna.

  Gl' huomini debbon esse tirati à gl'honori, per gradi, non per salti.

  Non bisogna star solo ad esser nobile: Perche l'arte della guerra s'apprende, con lo star ne gl'esserciti, col veder il nemico in viso, & con venir seco alle mani: Non con esser nato de padri illustri, &c.

  Dux sit in his castris senior, dum miles in illis.

  Tu quis es qui tam magnificè? equesne an sagittarius? Nihil inquit horum, sed qui sciam hisce omnibus imperare.
• * 1.295

  Lip. pol. l. 5 è Cicer.
• * 1.296

  Amirat. l. 6.
• * 1.297

  Amirat. l. 17.
• * 1.298

  Lucan. l. 2. Plut. Apop. fol. 187. Ario. Ca. 16.
• 2 1.299

  Bisogna di valor segni più chiari,

  Che por con leggiadria la Lancia in mano.

  Conuien ad vn Prencipe hauer summa cura & auuertenza nell' elettione de' capitani, che hanno à preporre à grandi imprese: Consiosia cosa che, se questi non sa∣ranno di natura & di costumi conformi a'pensieri del Prencipe, indarno se gli da∣ranno gl'ordini & le commissioni.

  Tiberius hortabatur Senatum, vt eligeret Proconsulem in bello contra Tacfari∣natem, gnarum militiae, corpore validum, & bello suffecturum.

  E grandissimo errore nel dar i Carichi militari, non riguar dar ad altro, oltre alla sola nobiltà.

  Talche egli non daua vffizio, ô tiraua à dignità cittadino alcuno, s'egli non era a bastanza cognosciuto, ch'egli lo meritasse.

  Dux Bruto, Cato solus erit.

  Non erunt honores vnquam fortuiti muneris.

  Neque enim quaerendus erat quem legeret: sed legendus qui eminebat.
• * 1.300

  Parut. l. 2. dis
• * 1.301

  Tac. hist. l. 3.
• * 1.302

  Idem Ibid.
• * 1.303

  Am. è Tac l. 4. de Tiberio
• * 1.304

  Lucan. l. 2. Aus. fol. 92. Vellci. l. 2.
• 1 1.305

  Inuidia regni etiam inter domesticos, infida omnia atque infesta facit.

  Duoi interni Auoltoi, Sdegno, & Dolore.

  Vetera odêre, noua expetunt, odio suarum rerum mutari omnia student.

  Heu heu, quàm breuibus pereunt ingentia causis!

  Imperium tanto quaesitum sanguine, tanto

  Seruatum, quod mille ducum peperêre labores,

  Quodtantis Romana manus contexuit annis,

  Proditor vnus iners angusto tempore vertit.
• * 1.306

  Liui. l. 1. Tass. Ca. 20
• * 1.307

  Salust. Claud. ruff. 2.
• 2 1.308

  Suadeo vt occurr as huic malo: Nam nisi incipiens & nondum adultum me∣lioribus consilijs flectatur, te{que} rem{que} publicam pessundabit.

  Digitum praescindi oportet, ne ob eam rem gangraena ad brachium perueniat.

  Fortioribus remedijs agendum: facillimum{que} est cuilibet rei in ipso introitu obsistere.

  Grauius est contemni quàm stultitia percuti.

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. i. Post bellum auxilium: Dictum quando seriùs adhi∣betur remedium.
• * 1.309

  Cic. Phili. 5.
• * 1.310

  Varro. Frag.
• * 1.311

  Poly. l. 3. 79.
• * 1.312

  Seneca. Adag. Eras.
• 1 1.313

  Come il Prencipe ha comminciato vna volta ad esser odiato, ô bene ô ma∣le che e' si faccia, ogni cosa è malfatta.

  Vidi cruentos carcere includi Duces,

  Et impotentis terga plebeia manu

  Scindi Tyranni.

  Vtraque caedes sinistrè accepta: & inuiso semel Principe, seu benè seu malè facta premunt.

  Ni gradus seruetur, nulli tutus est summus locus.
• * 1.314

  Am. in Tac. an. l. 17. Sen. Her. fur.
• * 1.315

  Tacit. hist. 1.
• * 1.316

  Sen. in fine.
• 2 1.317

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. i. Omnia tempestiuè gratiam habent.

  Opprime dum noua sunt subiti mala semina morbi.

  Serò atque stultè, quod priùs cautum oportuit, postquam comedit rem, pòst rati∣onem putat.

  Serò sapiunt Phryges.

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. i. Occasiones autem dissoluunt tyrannides.

  Temporibus medicina valet, data tempore prosunt,

  Et data non apto tempore vina nocent.
• * 1.318

  Menander. Ouid. Plaut.
• * 1.319

  Adag. Menander. Ouid. remed
• 1 1.320

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Proditiones, non proditores amo.

  Amo prodituros, non proditores.

  Rem amant, non reum.

  Le più volte, come s' egli s' era seruito dell' opera loro à bastanza e sazio; in luo∣go di quelli, messo in opra de gl' altri, vsaua egli stesso di spegnere quei vecchi, & perniziosi, et di giâ venuti al colmo.

  Camillus pueris virgas dedit, quibus proditorem agerent in vrbem.

  Sic virginem, quae Sabinis Romae portas prodidit: dum pretium rei petit, illi ipsi clipeis obruebant.

  Gl'essecutori delle sceleratezze di molta importanza, sono da' Prencipi ris∣guardati, come se tali seruigij gl'improuerassero.

  Les Lacedemoniens condamnerent leur Capitain Phaebidas, d'auoir empieté la Cadmée, contre la Teneur du Traitté fait auec les Thebains, & neantmoins ils retendirent la place.

  Quand ceux qui aiment les Trahisons ne se peuuent plus seruir des Traistres, ils en tiennent peu de conte: Ce que met les Traistres en desespoir, dont s'ensuit l' honteuse mort, qu'ils ont bien merité.
• * 1.321

  Plut. de Phil.
• * 1.322

  Stob. de eod Lip. pol. l. 4. Am. Tac. hist l. 4. de Tiber.
• * 1.323

  Liui. l. 5. Flor. l. 1.
• * 1.324

  Am. in Tacit. an. lib. 15. Bodi. rep. l 5. è Plutarch.
• * 1.325

  Am. Plu. Art
• 2 1.326

  Illo nocens se damnat, quo peccat die.

  Heu conscientia, animi grauis seruitus.

  Vt primùm quis improbè egit, iam obstrictus poenae tenetur, & suauitate flagitij veluti esca illico deuorata, conscientiam intrà vrgentem plectentem{que} habens, fluctuat.

  Sicut malefici cum ad supplicium educuntur, quisque suam effert crucem, sic vi∣tiositas ex sese fabricatur singula tormenta.

  La conscienza è potentissimo & certissimo flagello di chi fa male.
• * 1.327

  Sen. in fine. Ibid. Plut. de his qui serò pun.
• * 1.328

  Plut. ibid.
• * 1.329

  Por. in Guic.
• 1 1.330

  Laurus fulmine sola non icitur.

  Omnis terrarum exhalatio rigens ac gelida, quicquid accipit ignei vaporis ex∣tinguit: que ratio immunem Scythiam & circa rigentia, à fulminum casu praestat.
• * 1.331

  Plin. na. l. 15. Plin. l. 2. c. 20
• 2 1.332

  Qui iacet in terra, non habet vnde cadat.

  Paupertas summa est foelicitas, statum enim non metuit.

  Ex mediocritate fortunae pauciora pericula.

  Humili loco, sed certa sedet.

  Sordida paruae fortuna domus:

  Altè virtus animosa cadit.

  —O vitae tuta facultas

  Pauperis, angusti{que} lares, ô munera nondum

  Intellecta deûm: quibus hoc contingere templis

  Aut potuit muris, nullo trepidare tumultu,

  —Caesarea pulsante manu?

  Fortuna saeuo laeta negotio, &

  Ludum insolentem ludere pertinax.

  Dum excelsus steti

  Nunquam pauêre destiti.
• * 1.333

  Ouid. Seneca. Tacit. an. 14. Seneca.
• * 1.334

  Lucan. l. 5.
• * 1.335

  Horat.
• * 1.336

  Sen. Thiest.
• 3 1.337

  Fortuna leuis est, citò reposcit quae dedit.

  Regum maiestas difficiliùs ab summo ad medium detrahitur, quàm à medijs ad ima praecipitatur. (inquit Tacitus.) I Re per la loro grandezza non sono si facili à cadere come i Priuati: Ma; se punto comminciano à sdrucciolare, non hanno riparo.

  Sic nubibus ipsis inserta caput

  Turris pluuio vapulat austro.

  Non enim his gradibus quibus ad summa peruentum est, itur: saepe inter fortu∣nam maximam & vltimam nihil interest.

  Imperium cupientibus nihil medium inter praecipitia & summa.

  Vt alta ventos semper excipiunt iuga,

  Imperia sic excelsa Fortunae subiacent.

  Difficiliùs Principem à primo ordine in secundum, quàm ex secundo in nouis∣simum detrudi.
• * 1.338

  Senec. Sent.
• * 1.339

  Am. in Tacit
• * 1.340

  Seneca Oed.
• * 1.341

  Sen. de Ben.
• * 1.342

  Tac. hist. l. 2.
• * 1.343

  Sen. Oed.
• * 1.344

  Sueton.
• * 1.345

  Nelle cose di Stato è regola generale, non douersi per suo proprio solleuamento valersi di forze straniere, che siano di molto superiori & più potenti delle pro∣prie. Perche cosi conuiensi dipendere dalla voglia altrui.

  Neminem ignotum militem inter suos admittendum.

  Quare & homines ciues alienis praeferendi sunt, & qui vnà sunt aliti, ijs qui contubernales non sunt.

  Turbulento mercenariorum militum motures Carthaginensium vexatae.

  Possumus peregrinos illorum conducere maiori mercede: Mercenariae enim ma∣gis quàm vernaculae sunt copiae.

  Si quosdam tentabis regni concustodes efficere, nusquam aliunde priùs incipe, quàm ab eo qui ex eodem loco natus est.

  Exercitum contractum ex diuersis simis gentibus, vt secundae res tenent, ita ad∣uersae dissoluunt.

  Sic Carthaginenses per milites conductos extraneos, Hispanos alios, alios Gal∣los, Graecos, profugos{que} & seruos, in extremum ferè discrimen deuenêre.
• * 1.346

  Parutal. 1. disc. 14.
• * 1.347

  Ioseph. in vi. Xen. Cyr. l. 8
• * 1.348

  Polyb. l. 3. Thucid. l. 1.
• * 1.349

  Xen. Cyr. l. 8
• * 1.350

  Tacir. Agric.
• * 1.351

  Poly. hist. 1. fol. 32.
• * 1.352

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Dei domum est foelicitas.

  Foelicitas, comes ferè semper consilij est & rationis: Sed tamen paulò benigniùs quibusdam attributa à Deo.

  Assai ben balla à chi fortuna suona.

  Ars militaris plurimùm fortunae eget.

  Muri{que} vicem Fortuna tuetur.

  Fortuna anco più bisogna assai,

  Che senza, val virtùraro, ô mai.

  Fortuna plus homini quàm consilium valet.

  Multa quae prouideri non possunt, fortuitò in melius casura.

  Consilium cui impar erat, fato permisit.

  Inde Octauianus nepoti suo precatus, grauitatem Pompeij, fortitudinem Caesa∣ris, fortunam suam.
• * 1.353

  Thucyd. Lip. pol. l. 4.
• * 1.354

  Pro. Ital. Plato. de Le.
• * 1.355

  Lucan. l. 10. Ariost. Ca. 6.
• * 1.356

  Senec. Sent. Tacit. an. 3. Tacit. an. 6.
• * 1.357

  Iulian. Caesa. fol. 88.
• * 1.358

  Prouidendum, ne ciui qui insigni aliqua iniuria affectus est, demandetur pro∣uincia administrandi rem aliquam magni momenti.

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. i. Tam est periculo∣sum, malitioso potentiam, quàm furioso gladium dare.

  Animos verò eorum qui iniuriam passi sunt nondum didicistis, quos metus sceler atis inijciunt, quas vltrices affectiones in nefarios immittunt.

  Tanta in egregio ciue vindictae cupiditas, vt facilè intelligamus, quid de no∣stris hominibus sperare aut expectare debeamus, si quando magna iniuria affici∣antur.

  Neque enim cuiquam mortaliūm iniuriae suae paruae videntur, multi eas gra∣uiùs aequo habuère.

  Ad motum comprimendum, exercitu ampliore, & non instrenuo Duce, cui ta∣men tuto tanta res committeretur, opus esse.

  Traditos fasces, regio quodam furore retinehant.

  Gladium dedisti quo se occideret.
• * 1.359

  Macc. dis. l. 2
• * 1.360

  Aeschin.
• * 1.361

  Xenop. Cyr. ad filios.
• * 1.362

  Macc. dis. 4. de Claudio.
• * 1.363

  Salust. Cat.
• * 1.364

  Suet. in Vesp
• * 1.365

  Flor. l. 1. Adag.
• 1 1.366

  Nimiùm difficile est reperiri amicum, it a vt nomen cluet: quoi tuam cum rem credideris, sine omni cura dormias.

  Omissa spe fallaci authore, teip sum tua{que} omnia cognitae permitte fidei.

  Paucis credas, nec nisi ijs, quorum longo vsu cognita tibi fides.

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Sapiente diffidentià non a∣lia res vtilior mortalibus.
• * 1.367

  Plaut.
• * 1.368

  Lip. pol. l. 5. Ibid. Euripid.
• 2 1.369

  O praeclarum custodem ouium (vt aiunt) Lupum.

  Sic Gestius Rustium puerum vnà cum pecunia apud se depositum, interfecit.

  Sic Antonius, regem Atmeniorum specie amicitiae illectum, dein catenis one∣ratum, postremò interfecit.

  Eheu quid volui misero mihi? floribus Austrum

  Perditus & liquidis immisi fontibus apros.

  Sic Polydorum auri quondam cum pondere magno

  Infoelix Priamus furtim mandarat alendum

  Thrëicio regi.—Polydorum obtruncat, & auro

  Vi potitur.—
• * 1.370

  Cicero. Plut. in paral Tacit. an. 2.
• * 1.371

  Virg. eclo. 2.
• * 1.372

  Virg. Aen. 3.
• 1 1.373

  Si come le cose naturali, si conseruano con quei mezzi, co' quali si sono gene∣rate: cosi le cause della conseruazione de gli Stati, sono l' istesse.

  Nouum imperium inchoantibus vtilis clementiae fama.

  Meliùs beneficijs imperium custoditur, quàm armis.

  Atrocior quàm nono regno conduceret.

  Non aureum hoc sceptrum regnum seruat, sed amici multi sceptrum regibus verissimum maximè{que} securum.

  Non enim exercitus neque the sauri praesidia regni sunt, verum amici.
• * 1.374

  Rag. Stat. l. 2.
• * 1.375

  Tacit. hist 4 Sen. de Ben. Tac. de Mith
• * 1.376

  Xen. Cyr. l. 8
• * 1.377

  Salust. Iug.
• 2 1.378

  Illud clarum testatum{que} est, quòd homines foelicitatem adsequantur, benig∣nitate in alios, & bona de se opinione: ijdem cum adepti quae voluerant, ad iniurias & impotentiam in imperijs dilabuntur, fit meritissimò, vt vnà cum imperantium mutatione, ipsi quoque subditi se & affectus suos mutent.

  Ciuium non seruitus tibi tradita, sed tutela: Nec resp. tam tua est, quàm tu reip.

  Tu ciuem patrem{que} geras, tu consule cunctis,

  Non tibi: Nec tua te moueant sed publica damna.

  Crebra etsi modica damna, famam partae victoriae lacerant.

  —Patriae{que} impendere vitam,

  Nec sibi, sed toti genitum se credere mundo.

  —Vrbi pater est, vrbi{que} maritus,

  Iustitiae cultor, rigidi seruator honesti,

  In commune bonus—. &c.
• * 1.379

  Liui. l. 10.
• * 1.380

  Sen. de cle.
• * 1.381

  Claudian. ad Honorium.
• * 1.382

  Taci. hist. l. 4. Lucan. l. 2.
• * 1.383

  Idem
• 3 1.384

  Non faciendo nocens, sed patiendo fuit.

  Ne Prouinciae nouis oneribus turbarentur, vt{que} vetera sine auaritia aut crude∣litate magistratuum tolerarent, prouidebat.

  Quibus Aerarium est Spoliarium ciuium, cruentarum{que} praedarum receptacu∣lum.

  Tondere pecus decet, non deglubere.

  I Signori, chi hanno trouato modo d'accressergli il Peculio regio, guadagnano à vncie, & perdono à libbre.

  I Popoli aggrauati sopra le lor forze, ô disertano il Paese, ô si riuoltano contra il lor' Prencipe, ô si danno a' nemici.

  Haueua l'occhio che le Prouincie di nuoue grauezze non fossero oppressate, & le vecchie potessero tolerarsi, senza che da'Gouernatori loro fosse l'auarizia ô l'ambi∣zione, •• crudeltà, in parte alcuna vsata.

  Quand vn meschant homme gouuerne les affairs d'vn Estat, il ne faut attendre que d'exactions & ruine du peuple: Mais luy de sa part, au lieu de s'amender, forti∣fie sa tyrannie, mesprise les maistres, & contraint tout le monde de chercher re∣mede.
• * 1.385

  Aus. de Clau. Tac. de Tib. an. 4.
• * 1.386

  Plin. Paneg.
• * 1.387

  Suet. Tiber. Am. in Tacit l. 4.
• * 1.388

  Rag. Stat. l. 1
• * 1.389

  Tacit. de Tib
• * 1.390

  Am. Plut. A∣gis.
• * 1.391

  More fulminis, quod vno eodem{que} momento venit, percussit, abscessit: nec va∣na de se praedicatio est Caesaris, antè victum esse hostem quàm visum.

  Caesar cum Pharnacem superasset, ad amicos scripsit, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

  Facto, non consulto in talipericulo opus esse: Maximum bonum in celeritate putabat.

  Hanc laudem imprimis attribuerunt, Alexandro Curtius, Caesari Suetonius.

  S'arma frettoloso & con la Spene

  Già la vittoria vsurpa, & la preuiene.

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Agendi tempus in apparatu consu∣mimus: rerum autem occasiones non expectant ignauiam vestram & tar ditatem.

  Pergit properus, & praeueniens inimicorum astus, amicorum poenitentiam.

  Nullus cunctationi locus est in eo consilio, quod non potest laudari nisi per actum.

  Ita impigrè rem agente, vt ducem abesse nec ciues nec hostes sentirent.

  O miserum pop. Rom. qui sub tam lentis maxillis edit.
• * 1.392

  Flor. l. 4. c. 4.
• * 1.393

  Plut. in Lac. apopth. Sal. Cat. de Cethego. Lip. an. 2. Tasso. can. 17
• * 1.394

  Demo. Phili.
• * 1.395

  Tac. an. 6. de Artabano. Tacit. hist. 1. Liui. de Ma. Augu. de Ti. apud. Crisp.
• 1 1.396

  In turbido rerum humanarum Pelago, fas est obliquare sinus: & si rectâ portum tenere nequeas, id ipsum mutata velificatione assequi.

  Siprudentiam amplecteris vbique idem eris, & prout rerum & temporis va∣rietas exigit, ita te accommodes tempori, nec te in aliquibus mutes: sicut manus quae eadem cùm in palmam extenditur, et cùm in pugnum astringitur.

  Si quam rem accures sobriè & frugaliter,

  Solet illa rectè sub manus succedere;

  Atque aedipol fermè vt quisquam rem accurat suam,

  Sic ei procedit.—
• * 1.397

  Cic. ad Len.
• * 1.398

  Sen. de virt.
• * 1.399

  Plaut. Persa.
• 2 1.400

  Fidem qui perdit, nil vltrà potest.

  Priuatim praeterea sidem suam interponit, quam ille non minoris quàm publi∣cam ducebat.

  Vera victoria, quae salua fide, & integra dignitate paratur.

  Fac fidelis sis fideli, caue fidem fluxam geras.

  Fides etiam perfidis praestanda.

  Nec vlla res vehementius remp. continet quàm fides.
• * 1.401

  Senec. Sent. Sal. Cat. de Cassio.
• * 1.402

  Flor. l. 1. Plaut. Capt.
• * 1.403

  Lip. pol. 2. Cic. off. 3.
• * 1.404

  Quamuis res nostrae sint pater pauperculae,

  Modicè & modestè melius est vitam viuere:

  Nam si ad paupertatem admigrant infamiae,

  Grauior paupert as sit, fides sublestior.

  Exteri milites infidi, refractarij, tumultuarij, non fide, non affectu tenentur.

  Praeferendos tibi censeo genitos milites, non ascitos.

  Peregrinum & mercenarium militem, mos induxit, non ratio.

  Falsus erit testis, vendet periuria summâ—exiguâ.

  Nulla fides pietas{que} viris qui castra sequuntur.

  Inde ferè scelerum causae, nec plura venena

  Miscuit, aut ferro grassatur saepius vllum

  Humanae mentis vitium, quàm saeua cupido

  Indomiti census.—
• * 1.405

  Plaut Persa.
• * 1.406

  Lip. è Tacit. Curt. ad Ale.
• * 1.407

  Lip. pol. l. 5. Iuue. Sat. 14
• * 1.408

  Lucan. Iuue. Sat. 14.
• 1 1.409

  Contrahe, de multis grandis aceruus erit.

  Diuitiae grandes homini sunt viuere parcè.

  Magnum vectigal parsimonia.

  Huic epulae vicisse famem, magni{que} penates

  Summouisse hyemem.

  Magnae opes, non tam multa capiendo, quàm haud multa perdendo, quaeruntur.

  Vtere diuitijs tanquam moriturus, & idem

  Tanquam victurus parcito diuitijs:

  Parcere diuitijs qui tempore nouit & vti,

  Ille modum seruans inter vtrumque sapit.
• * 1.410

  Ouid. 2. Rem Lucret. 5. Adag. Eras. Lucan. de Caton. l. 2. Dion. l. 52. Th. Mor è Lucian.
• 2 1.411

  Imperat aut seruit collecta pecunia cuique.

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Argenteis pugna hastis, & omnia vinces.

  La plus forte place du monde serà tousiours prise: pourueu qu' vn mulet chargé d'escuz y puisse entrer.

  Pecuniarum cupiditas Spartam capiet.
• * 1.412

  Horat. serm. Philip. apud Plut.
• * 1.413

  Bod. rep. l. 5.
• * 1.414

  Eras. 487.
• * 1.415

  Non tam rebus secundis suam foelicitatem sentiunt, quàm malis conflictati eam desiderant.

  Actutùm fortunae solent mutarier: varia vita est: Nos diuitem eum memi∣nimus, at que iste pauperes nos.

  Miserum istuc verbum est & pessimum, habuisse, & nihil habere.

  Cade: e breu' hora, opere si lunghe atterra.

  Fidarsi al huomo non si conuiene

  In suo Tesoro, suo Regno, e sue vittorie

  Che sempre la sua Ruota in giro versa.

  —Si come il folgore non eade

  In basso pian, ma su l'eccelse cime:

  Cosi il furor di peregrine spade

  Sol' de' gran Re l'altere teste opprime.

  Magna documenta instabilis fortunae, summa{que} & ima miscentis.

  Cuncta mortalium incerta, quanto{que} plus adeptus foret, tanto se magis in lu∣brico dictans.

  O vita nostra di Trauaglio piena

  Come ogni tua allegrezza poco dura:

  'Il tuo gioir è come Aria Serena

  Ch'alla fredda Stagion troppo non dura.

  Quando tengas mas Fortuna

  Mira que es como la Luna.

  —Quicquid in altum

  Fortuna tulit, ruitura leuat.

  Quanto più sul instabil Ruota vedi

  Di Fortuna, ir in alto al miserabil huomo:

  Tanto più tosto hai à vedergli i piedi

  Ou' hor' ha il Capo, efar cadendo il Tomo.
• * 1.416

  Dion. Cass.
• * 1.417

  Plaut. Trucu
• * 1.418

  Plaut. Rud. Tasso. can. 12
• * 1.419

  Ariost. cā. 45
• * 1.420

  Tasso. can. 7.
• * 1.421

  Tacit. hist 4. Tacit. de Ti∣ber. an. 1.
• * 1.422

  Ariost. agg. 2
• * 1.423

  Pro. Hisp.
• * 1.424

  Seneca.
• * 1.425

  Ariost. cant 45.