I ragguagli di Parnasso, or, Advertisements from Parnassus in two centuries : with the politick touch-stone / written originally in Italian by that famous Roman Trajano Bocalini ; and now put into English by the Right Honourable Henry, Earl of Monmouth.

The VI. ADVERTISEMENT.

All the Monarchies of the world affrighted at the over-great power and successful proceedings of the German Common∣wealths, consult in a general Dyet how to keep themselves from being in time opprest by them.

THe general Dyet which all the Monarchies of the World intimated four moneth ago, to be held at Pindo the 15 of the last moneth, and which by excluding all the Commonwealths of Europe, occasioned great jealousies in them, lest a general league might be concluded against all free Countreys. Being at last dissolved, on the 20 of the present moneth, and the Princes being already returned to their own States, it is known for certain, that it was called for no other end, but against the infinite number of Commonwealths which have of late been instituted amongst the Switzers, Grisouns, Bearnois, and other people of Germany; particularly against those which with so much scandal to Monarchy, be∣gin to rise between the Hollanders and Zealanders in the Low-Coun∣treys. When all the Monarchies of the World, according to their custom were set down in a great Hall; it is said their Lord Chancellor spoke thus:

Most high and mighty Monarchs, and Rulers of mankind, it may clearly be seen, by the sad and dangerous condition which you are in, that there is nothing under the Sun which is perpetual, nor which doth not threaten present ruine. Since Monarchy her self, which by all under∣standing Polititions hath always been held for the sovereign Queen of all Policy, hath got so great a rent and cleft in her Fabrick, as it is not onely evidently seen that she is not of that Eternal Foundation which those who understand State affairs, have continually asserted her to be, but seems to be neer ruine. Monarchies from the very beginning of the

World to this present day have governed so happily, and won such re∣putation, as of all sorts of Governments, they have been cheifly praised, and have always had the victory over Commonwealths, their enemies. And though it was thought that the immence Roman Li∣berty, by having destroyed so many famous Monarchies, would have put the whole World at Liberty, yet at last (though after a long time) she her self turned into a Principality, which is the certain end, and in∣evitable death of all Commonwealths. And though the prime wits of the world have laboured sufficiently to institute long lived Common∣wealths, against the eternity of Monarchy, yet could they never com∣pass their intent. Olegarchies being known to be the insufferable Ty∣rany of a few, have been soon turned to Principalities; and the Insti∣tutors of Democracy could never find out a good way how to curb the people, so as it might have the chief Authority to command, but after bloody seditions hath precipitated into cruel slavery, and hath nursed up a Serpent in her bosom; some ambit•…•…ous Citizen, who by the certain way of the universal affection of ignorant people hath known how to get the chief Lordship over the free Countrey. Moreover, we have often seen popular Government prove so hateful to the Nobility, as first the Romans, after the death of Caesar; and then the Florentines when Alexander Duke of Medecis was slain, chose rather to live under new Princes, then return to the cruel servitude of the Plebeians, who are always seditious. And the very Aristocratical Governments, which of all others hath cost so much sweat, have at last ended in Monarchies; for the founders of such Republicks, could never perfectly compass those two important qualities, which make Aristocracy eternal; of maintaining such an equality amongst the Nobility, but that there would arise an odious disproportion of honours and riches amongst them, the fruitful mothers of Tyrany; and of giving such satisfacti∣on to signal subjects, to the haughty minds of Citizens excluded from publike Government, so as they may be content to live servants in that Countrey, which hath the name of being Free. And those who have boasted to make mixt Commonwealths eternal, have been like∣wise mightily deceived; for as in humane bodies, the four elements whereof they are composed, after an agreement of long health, do at last alter, and that which proves most predominant kills the man; so the mixture of Monarchy, Aristocracy and Democracy in a Common∣wealth, one of the three humors getting at length the upper hand, she must needs in length of time alter; which alteration changing the form of Government, at last bereaves Liberty of her life, as we may have seen a thousand examples in former times; for all that learned men have set down in writing, and proved by good grounds of reason, doth not prove true in practice; it being clearly seen, that Licurgus, Solon, and other Legislators for living free, who have thought to tame the unvanquishable spirits of men by the excellent provision of holy in∣stitutions, and to curb the malice of the ambitious by severe punish∣ments, have been more then much abused in their opinions. But now (nor can I speak it without great terror and grief of heart) we plainly see with our own eyes, that the Germans, being excellent Artificers, no less of Commonwealths, then of Clocks and Watches, have at last invented those eternal Liberties, which for so many ages the wisdom of

ancient Philosophers have in vain sought for, and from whence Monar∣chies have great reason to apprehend their death and utter extirpation. Never was there a more golden sentence said (most glorious Monarchs) then that, That every least despised sparkle is apt to occasion great com∣bustions. For who would ever have believed that that little spark of of liberty which first arose amongst the Switzers, would have been able to kindle a fire, which should afterwards dilate it self so far in Ger∣many, as the World now sees and wonders at? And what man how wise soever, could have foretold, that in so short a time it would have caused the combustion of so many Cities and warlike Nations; which to the great shame and infinite danger of Monarchy, have vindicated their liberty? Certainly it is a thing almost miraculous to believe, that the little liberty which began to have a being amongst the Switzers, a poor people, and husbandmen of a very barren soyl, and which was so much despised by you, should afterwards be able to infect the most warlike Nations of Germany with the same disease; and which is yet the greatest miracle, who could ever have foreseen, that these Com∣monwealths should in so short a time win such credit with all Poten∣tates, as well in civil affairs, as for matter of Arms, as that they should not onely be held the supreme Umpires of peace and war in Europe, but the very greatest Terror of the chiefest Princes of the World. The Commonwealths of Germany (most illustrious Princes) are Trumpets which should awaken you from the too supine sleep wherein you have so long lain. Know your evils, look upon your dangers, which cry aloud for speedy remedy. Since in the German Commonwealths you see not onely Aristocracy grounded, with so wise laws, as they promise long life, but that which all men thought impossible, quiet and peace∣ful Democracy. The Commonwealth of Rome, which with an un∣paralel'd ambition proposed unto her self as her ultimate end, the abso∣lute Dominion of the World; that she might arive at so immense an tent, was forced to be continually in arms, and to put weapons into her Citizens hands, who by continual command of Armies, and by the long Government of large Provinces, filled their private houses with treasures befitting any King, but very disproportionable for Senators of well regulated Republiques; and by the too great authority which was unwisely and fatally given them by the Senate, of bestowing even whole Kingdoms on whom they best liked, they swole so big with the wind of ambition, as that equality of Authority, which is the soul of free Countreys, was wholly disordered in the Roman Nobility. By reason of these disorders it was, that first the Silli and Marii arose in Rome, and then the fatal Pompeys and Caesars, who after long and bloody civil wars, slew that so famous Liberty. And for the last calamity of Monarchy, it cannot be hoped that this wide gate should ever be open∣ed in the well-regulated German Commonwealths, where all ambition of commanding over vanquished people, and neighbour nations, be∣ing utterly banished, the glorious resolution and firm purpose reigns onely in them, of not yielding obedience unto any. A happy resolve, which maintains that necessary equality between the Citizens of those Hans-Towns, and between the chief Senators; and works this effect, that whilst they wage not war to impose that slavery upon others, which they themselves seem so to shun, their neighbours do neither hate them,

nor are they jealous of them. So as it is no wonder if they promise un∣to themselves long lives, and think themselves unvanquishable by the power of whatsoever Potentate; for they are of opinion, that the best Politick precept which by others is to be admired in the German Hanf-Towns, is to detest the acquisition of neighbouring Nations; for with like wisedom they enjoy that publike peace with Foreigners, and that private agreement amongst their Citizens, which makes their freedom formidable abroad, and safe at home. This that I say, is clearly seen by the miseries into vvhich the Roman Liberty, after six hundred years, did at last fall; vvhich not to speak any thing of the infinite acquisiti∣ons vvhich she made in Italy and elsevvhere) by the last conquest vvhich she vvoud make of France (a Kingdom vvhich hath alvvays proved fatal to Foreigners vvho endeavoured to subjugate it) fell headlong in∣to Caesars Tyranny: And the Florentines, by their obstinate ambition of making those of Pisa slaves, did so disorder their ovvn Common∣vvealth, as they may serve to teach the World, that it is better and safer for Republiques to have their neighbouring Cities and Nations Confiderates and Friends, then subjects and enemies. This disorder is not seen in the Hans-Tovvns of Germany, vvho resting content vvith their own liberty, suffer those who joyn vvith them to live free under the Government of their ovvn Lavv; vvhence it is, that in Germany, and in universal concerns, there appears but one onely Commonvvealth to be in Germany, but many in particulars; and the Arms of the Freemen of that Warlike Nation, serve onely for instruments of peace, and to preserve their ovvn, not to intrench upon the liberties of other men. A thing which certainly forbodes much evil to Monarchy; for what more pernitious or cruel enemy can a Prince have, then he who assaults him with pretence of communicating liberty to a subjugated people: These are the arms by which the German Hans-Towns have so dilated them∣selves: And certainly not without good reason; for people cannot kill that enemy, who instead of death, fire and plunder, brings them li∣berty, which by instinct of nature, is so much desired by all men. Lo then, illustrious Monarchs, how the German Hans-Towns are little in particular, each of them contenting themselves with their own liber∣ties; but immensly great in general, for that they do all communicate in the interests of publique liberty. So as a Prince cannot have to do with one, but he must offend all; a disorder which is so much the great∣er, for that like a contagious disease, or enraged cancer, it every day encreaseth by degrees, taking in new Cities, and new people, and as∣sembling them all to their own liberty the first day of their purchase, naturalize foreign Nations, make enemies dear friends; wherefore it may well be doubted, that in a short time the whole world will be in∣fected with this contagious disease; and the danger is the more dread∣ful in these unfortunate times, wherein the liberty of Commonwealths is gotten into so high an esteem, as our own subjects fear not to call it the onely filicity of mankind. Whence it is, that (when men can think to enjoy it quietly, and that as it is in the Hans-Towns of Germany, every one may live in liberty under the Laws of their own Countrey) it is so infinitely coveted, as it is purchased, though at the expence of much blood. And if such a disease hath been able to enlarge it self so far in so short a time amongst dissolute people, people so given over

to gluttony and drunkenness, what shall we think it may do if it should fasten in Italy or Spain, or in the other sober Nations of Europe, the most of which, as we all know, are so affected to Monarchy. The bu∣siness about which you are here met, is as you have heard, most mighty Monarchs, of importance, and requires the more speedy remedy, for that if the Hollanders and Zealanders shall once have laid a good foun∣dation, and shall have perpetuated themselves in that liberty which they have usurpt against the powerful King of Spain, their natural Lord, you may well, from so foul a scandal, fear your utter extirpation. And you as well the most Christian, as the most powerful Kingdom of France, which in this so majestical an Assembly do deservedly hold the first place, amongst the greatest Monarchs of the world, you very well knew that in your last troubles, it was oft talk of; and per∣haps agreed upon by your seditious enemies, how to kindle in your bosom; and amongst your faithful French men, the fire of the German liberty; so far are the evils advanced; which to those that understand so much, it may suffice me to have touch upon.

This Discourse made by the Lord Chancellor did infinitely trouble those great Monarchs. And many Princes, whose States lay neerest those Republicks, finding what danger they were in, were extraordi∣ly afflicted. Wherefore they fell suddenly to think upon remedies; and as the most immediate, a strait League was propounded to be made by all Monarchies, against Commonwealths, hoping that by open force of so many Princes joyned together, they might easily be mastered. But in this opinion, which at first seemed very plausable to every one, great difficulties were afterwards discovered: for some Princes put the Dyet in mind, that it was not onely indiscretion, but great rashness to af∣front with mercenary Souldiers, whose interest in the war was but the poor pay of six pence a day, a Nation which took up Arms for the defence of liberty; and which was that important reason of mens proving so couragious; And to this purpose, Charls Duke of Burgundies unfortunate case was instanced in; who though he was held to be the thunder of War, the Orlando and Mars of his times, was notwithstand∣ing, together with the greatest part of his Army, cut in pieces by the Switzers, onely because each man that fights in defence of liberty, hath twenty hands, and as many hearts.

And it was considered; that it being impossible for the Princes to van∣quish so many Commonwealths in as short time (as the business re∣quired) the expence of much time would likewise make it altogether in∣feasable; for that the Hollanders and Zealanders had taught all Princes, that if people who defended their liberties were long trained up in war, they became unconquerable; and this was said to happen, because the charity of a free Countrey, doth not onely make the hearts of the Citi∣zens thereof undaunted, and their hands nimble, but makes their souls faithful, and quickens their wits.

And it was further said; That that Prince took a bad business in hand, who could not fight his enemy with Canons loaded or charged with gold, which was that which routed all Armies, and won all Bat∣tels, and which had the wonderful effect of destroying a mans Loyalty

And concerning this particular, reflection was had upon the modern actions of the Hollanders and Zealanders, who out of the very great affection which they bore to the liberty of their Countrey, had so gal∣lantly resisted, not onely the steel and iron, but even the gold of that valiant and rich Spanish Nation, which knows so well how to make use both of the one and the other, as it was held a thing almost miraculous; that at one and the same time they could defend their new Common∣wealth, no less against the open force of the Spaniards; then against the concealed designs of the French and English; and cheifly against the subtil cunning of that crafty Fox the Prince of Orange: All which (though under various and specious pretences of liberty) had as great a mind to make themselves masters of those States, as the King of Spain had to re∣duce them under his ancient Dominion.

To this, a second, and much more important difficulty was added; for consultation was had, what the Colleague Monarchs should do with the German Commonwealths, when by their forces they should have conquered them. For answer to which, the common reason of Nations, and the ordinary use of leagues was urged; which is, that the acquisiti∣on of enemies States made by Colleagues, if any of them be of the number of the colleaguing Princes, that they should be restored to their ancient Lords: by vertue of which law, the Roman Empire desired, that when the victory should be gotten, those Cities and Hans-Towns should be restored to her, which had withdrawn themselves from her authority. And the house of Austrea pretended with good reason, to repossess her ancient Dominion over the greatest part of the Switzers, and other people, who to make themselves free, had shook off the yoke of her Government. Though all these pretensions were by the Senate ac∣knowledged to be just, yet did the Princes so much stomach them, as after a long dispute, it was at last resolved, that no more should be spoken thereof: And it was then said, that it being impossible for the two afore∣said reasons, that the Monarchies should by open Force subjugate the Commonwealths of Germany, they should for the future so wisely strengthen and fortifie themselves, as that the malady of the German Hans-Towns, which till then had made such and so prejudicial progress, should grow no greater. And it was resolved, that it being very palpa∣ble, that the many large priviledges which were granted by some too prodigal Princes to their vassals, in a middle way of living free, and this not without great occasion, had made them affect total liberty; that therefore such priviledges, as being scandalous, and very pernitious to Monarchy, should not onely not be granted hereafter, no not to any de∣sert, how great soever; but that every Potentate should cunningly by little and little, endeavor to take them from their people, and bring them so wholly into servitude, as they should not have any the least ken of those priviledges which had heightned their minds to affect total Freedom: And hereupon some former Emperors of Germany, and Dukes of Bur∣gony, were severely reprehended, who were not onely fools in granting their people prejudicial exemptions, but ignorantly avaritious in selling them for a small sum of money, vvhereby they had put themselves and other Monarchies upon great difficulties. And for their greater severity, these Princes decreed, that all form, all footsteps of levelling, should from the very root be extirpated from amongst their subjects; the wisest

of the Dyet affirming, that the great inequality of the Gentry in a King∣dom, was that which secured them from ever bringing in a form of free Government: and the Monarchy of Spain was so stiff in this Opinion, as she freely said, she spoke it knowingly, that nothing had more pre∣served the Dukedom of Millan from living in that freedom, after the death of Philip Maria Viscount, which was then talked of being insti∣tuted therein, then the great disproportion of wealth, which hath al∣ways been observed to be in that noble Dukedom, not onely between the Nobility and people of Millan, but even between the Nobility it self, which had also been the reason why, in the rich Kingdom of Naples, no speech was ever heard to be made by those Barons, of levelling or living free, no not when they had so fair an occasion presented them of doing so by the failing of the blood Royal, and by many other inter∣regni which they had had in their troubles; for that the Nobility of King∣doms had this of natural instinct, rather to admit of any subject how bar∣barous soever for their King, then to see not onely Barons of late editi∣on, but even Doctors and Shop-keepers made equal (which liberty would do) like to them. Moreover, it was hinted, as an excellent means where∣by to weaken the German Hans-Towns, that the Potentates of Europe would forego the so pernitious custom of buying at a deer and dishonor∣able rate the schum of the Switzers, Grisouns, and other German Nations, it being sure that if they should be left in their own Countreys, those unquiet, seditious and disorderly spirits, which much to their pro∣fit, they send abroad, would cause such fractions at home, as they would be seen to turn those weapons upon themselves, which now they sell to unwise Princes at the weight of gold. But the many jealousies which have always reigned, which reign now more then ever, and which it is to be believed, will for ever reign amongst the greatest Kings of Chri∣stendom, wrought so, as for fear, lest the one might leave all the refuse to be made use of by the other, so salutiferous a memorandum was pub∣liquely praised by all, and in private abhorred by every particular. But it is true, that to make Monarchy as pleasing to the people as it was pos∣sible for Princes to do, these underwritten Articles were with great so∣lemnity penned, established, and sworn unto in the Dyet to be inviolably kept.

I. THat since to love and fear God with all ones heart, was the wisest piece of Policy, and the most perfect State-Reason which could be learned and practised by Princes, they should not for the future make use of his most holy name (as many had formerly done) as a means whereby to get money from their people; and to hurry them or wheel them about with divers Sects, and new Religi∣ons, such as made most for their worldly interests; but to obtain that favour from his Divine Majestie, which brings abundance of all that is good to Princes who fear God, and to people who obey his holy Laws.

II. That for the future they should be content so to milk and shear the sheep of their Flock, as that they should not onely not flea them, but not so much as touch a bit of their skin, being mindful that men were crea∣tures which had understanding, not beasts which knew nothing; that

therefore there was a great deal of difference between Shepherds who shore and milked sheep, and Prince-shepherds, who shore and milked men; the latter being to use the shears of discretion, instead of those of meer interest, which are onely made use of (and that always unfor∣tunately) by greedy Shepherds; it having been often seen, that pub∣like hatred hath been able to metamorphize the simple sheep of subjects, into skittish Mules, who have driven their indiscrete shepherd out of the fold with kicking.

III. That they should keep their people within the bounds of fear, not with such a caprichious beastiality as makes the Government of one man alone dreadful, and then totally pernitious, when he will judge mens lives by his sole arbitrary power; but by being inexorable in those faults onely which not deserving pardon, had need to be punished with all the severity that the Law allows.

IV. That they should be spairing of publike moneys to unworthy personages, prodigal to such as did deserve well; for that they being so hardly drawn from the subjects, every Prince who would deserve the name of a good shepherd, was bound to give them so much satisfaction, as to see that their moneys were not prodigally wasted in hunting, tilting, feasting, in inriching Bawds, Buffoons and Flatterers; but that they were judiciously laid out for the advantage of publike peace.

V. That they should for the future confer Dignities and Magistracy to such as were most worthy, having respect onely to the merit of the desirer, not to any affection of the recommender; for that he did truly deserve to be accounted a fool, who to honor or advantage another, shamed himself, and disparaged his own gifts.

VI. That they should bury their own odd conceits, and for ever banish their private passions: And to the end that they might put on that excellent resolution which makes Princes so happy, and King∣doms so flourishing, of absolutely submitting themselves to the good and publike interest of their people, they should totally abandon their own wilful opinion.

VII. That they should appear to be absolute Monarchs of their States, in executing the results of their most important affairs, but in consulting thereupon, onely the heads of a well ordered Aristocracy; being sure that four fools who did advise together, made better resolves, then any the best greatest wit could do alone.

VIII. That making God their example whose Lieutenants Princes were on earth, they should pardon Homecide onely out of compassion, born to minority in yerrs, to the greatness of the offence received more in honor then in life, to certain sudden furies; w^ch makes a man not master of him∣self bereaving him of all judgement and reason; but not for greediness of money; for that Princes could not introduce a more wicked Traffick in their Tribunals, then to make merchandize of mens blood. That there∣fore fraudulent Homicides committed out of premiditated malice should

by no means be forgiven, not onely for not drawing down Gods anger upon them, but for the administration of that right justice which they were bound to give unto their subjects; for that Princes by pardoning hainous offences, purchased onely the praise of being avaritiously and wickedly merciful.

IX. That they should firmly believe themselves to be absolute Lords and Masters of their subjects; not as shepherds are of their sheep, who may sell them to the shambles; but onely utendo, not abutendo, by using, not by abusing them; for people imbittered by bad usuage, could not live long with that ill satisfaction, which is the fruitful mother of bad resolutions.

X. That they should think the true heaping up of riches consisted in giving content unto their people, and in making them of subjects, bro∣thers and children; and that the excellent art of taking Sturgions with Pilchards, was nothing else, then to purchase the rich treasure of mens hearts by a wise liberality, and to cheapen love by clemency: for to fill their coffers with gold, raised out of the taxes and exactions (as some Princes do) was not onely to swell that spleen which did so impare the health of a sound body, but did oft times serve as sharp spurs, and loud sounding Trumpets, to make Foreigners arm themselves that they may make themselves masters of so great wealth.

XI. That in their insolences and extravagancies, they should by no means relie upon their subjects love, which was as soon lost by using an impertinancy, or by a distaste given, as it was won by a courteous or li∣beral action. Neither should they build upon their peoples former pa∣tience; for that the minds and humors of men did change and vary with Times, Places' and Persons. That therefore they should not wax proud of their peoples being grosly ignorant or that they were altogether un∣armed, nor should they presume too much upon them; for there was ne∣ver any Kingdom yet, which was not very full of such unquiet, ambiti∣ous and male-content Nobility, as would serve for sure guides to blind people; and for learned School-masters, who would teach ignorant peo∣ple the important precept, and the seditious doctrine, that to come out of the laborinth of the slavery of Monarchy, which was governed on∣ly by insolency, and the irregular fancy of a hair-brained Prince, like These's, they must follow the clew of arms; which was more dangerous to a Prince, for that despair caused in people by such proceedings, though they were weak, unarmed and ignorant, would make them find arms, courage and judgement in every corner.

XII. That they should wear the powerful Militia of boundless Em∣pire (which the Laws will have Princes to have even over the lives of men, for terror of the wicked) by their side, for the security of such as good; but that they should never make use of it, & that they should free∣ly deliver up such as were guilty, to the power of sacred Justice, for the ranker of hatred and revenge was never a whit lessened by inflicting cruel torments upon the guilty. That therefore to the end that Delinquents might appease their so incensed souls, even at the bitter point of death,

they should let all favour in criminal causes proceed from themselves; and that the sword of justice should be onely exercised by their Magi∣strates.

XIII. That in laying on of Taxes, as great caution as could be should be had to such things as tended to the feeding and cloathing of the poor, who live out of the sweat of their brows; and that they should lay the heavier impositions upon such things as belonged to the delights, luxuries and superfluities of the wealthy, who living idly upon their rents, minded nothing but great gaming, and inventing new vices.

XIV. That above all things, they should be very careful, that all pub∣like provisions should be modestly exacted, and by discret parsonages; for it hapned oft times, that people were more troubled with the condi∣tion of him that gathered the taxes, and the violent manner of gathering it, then with the tax it self.

XV. That they should use all possible industry in feeding the com∣mon people with bred, the Nobility with degrees of honour; and that to arrive at so happy ends, they should suffer free commerce amongst their subjects of selling and buying the fruits and incomes of their lands, and the gain of their Traffick: but that they should be very careful to fill their State-Magazines with corn, and all things necessary for the life of man, bought and brought in from foreign parts; which was a rich and happy Traffick, which paid Princes the use of a hundred for one, when by the great plenty occasioned thereby, they had lost their principal.

XVI. That for the better content of their Nobility, who always thirst after glory and honor, they should confer places of Magistracy, and other chief dignities onely upon the Noble subjects of their States. And that they should keep, as from fire, from giving them that mortal wound, which had caused woful subversions in the greatest Kingdoms of Europe, of admitting foreigners into places of imployment, thereby to inrich and aggrandize them, and of exalting mean and ignorant persons to a higher degree then the jealousie of the State will bear, meerly out of their capretious affections; and that in a particular of so great concern∣ment, they should imitate the wisdom which wise nature had taught dogs, who cannot endure that a strange dog should come within the doors where they live, onely out of fear that they should steal their ma∣sters favour from them, which they are very jealous of, and that bread which is deservedly their due for having by their continual watchfulness, kept the house in safety.

XVII. That in the Edicts which they should publish, they should imi∣tate well governed Commonwealths, the end of whose Laws is always seen to be the common good, not private interest, as it is often found to be in Principalities.

XVIII. That they should for ever banish from out their houses, those Flatterers, Buffouns and Minions, who do so stain the reputation of any

great Prince; and that they should not onely be inamored of the ver∣tue, worth and merit of their Magistrates, and deliver themselves wholly up unto their power, but that they should even worship them.

XIX. And because to be cast in suits, did redound as little to the re∣putation of private men, as for Princes to go to law with their vassals, and carry the cause against them, be it right or wrong, all such disputes should be first made known to men learned in the Law, and commence no suit, wherein their right did not evidently appear to all men. And that to free themselves from the stain of rapine and tyrany, they should ap∣pear more content when they had not onely lost the cause, but were con∣demned in damages, then over-joyed when the sentence went on their side.

XX. That answerable to the custom of good Commonwealths, the ultimate end of their thoughts should hereafter be the peace and quiet of their States, which makes the people that enjoy it so happy; and that they should vent their over much ambition in acquiring the singular glory of well governing their people, which God hath given them, and not to affect other mens Dominions by fire, rapine, and the effusion of mane blood. That they should make poormens faults pecuniarly punish∣able; but that they should punish proud wealthy men in their lives, making them pay composition of blood, that they might make the whole world see, that they punishmens faults out of zeal to justice, not for greediness of money; he being a great enemy to publike peace, whom riches made proud, and spurred him up to commit faults.

XXI. That they should endeavour to effect the good and vertuous living of their subjects, more by their own examples, then by rigour of law, it being impossible to keep people from committing those faults which their Princes are addicted unto.

XXII. That in the Government of their States, they should not use that carelessness which is proper to Princes who possess great Kingdoms, or that too exact diligence which doth so disquiet the people, and which is usually seen in Princes, who having great wit, command over a little, State, but that they should sail with the safe north wind of Nequid Nimis.

XXIII. That they should punish onely great •…•…aults with the rigour of the law▪ and seem not to see, or take notice of little ones, or (as be∣comes Princes who govern men, not Angels) freely pard on them; that for faults of a middle sort, they should use such punishments as were suitable to the misdemenors; and that they should shun, shewing them∣selves too severe in punishing at the present, to deter future excesses; that they should chi•…•…fly study that the Princes clemency might clearly be seen in the punishment of any guil•…•…y person, either in mitigating the pain, changing the punishment, or by pardoning confiscated goods.

XXIV. That private injuries, as well as publique offences should always be vindicated by the cha•…•…table arm of justice; and that when

any of their subjects should offend them, they should not hate the whole family, but onely the party offending, with whose punishment their an∣ger should cease, and should shun the custom of preserving rancor, and of transmitting those eternal fewds and immortal defiances to their heirs, which making men dispair, were not onely very dangerous to Princes, but made Monarchies be hated.

XXV. That all of them should as soon as may be, endeavour to free their people from the disease, which so much molests their minds, afflicts their bodies, and consumes their estates of the eternity of law suits; and that of all things they should keep themselves from that foul fault of reaping profit out of yearly revenues, that so they might shun the pub∣like hatred which they would incur, when people should see that these so great disorders served only for Leeches, to suck money out of the very bowels of their afflicted people, who finding no greater hell in this life, then the torment of pleading, and of being in the hands of ravenous Judges, Advocates, Notaries and Sergeants, it was the duty of every good Prince, rather by his own expence to free his people from being so pilled and pooled, then to make use of them for a rich, though very wicked commodity.

XXVI. That they should preserve such grain, oyl and wine, and other things which appertain to the food of man, as grew in their dominions, yea even in years of greatest abundance; and when their was much su∣perfluity of them, and should by no means make sale thereof to foreign Nations; for since no man can secure himself of the next years plenti∣ful harvest, Princes could commit no greater folly then to be blamed for that scarcity which even God himself sends.

XXVII. That the greatest advantage which Commonwealths have over Monarchies, lying in their being free from the impediment of wo∣men. All Princes should keep their wives, and all other women of their blood, from having any thing to do in Government, or in publike affairs; as those who by their indiscrete and avaritious proceedings, had caused sad Tragidies in many Principallities. And that they should firmly believe, that the great Polititian Tacitus, had never said a greater truth then Non imbecillem tantum, & imparem laboribus sexum: sed si licentia adsit, saevum, ambitiosum, potestatis avidum. Tacit. 3. Annal. That it is not onely a weak sex, and unfit for business; but if permitted, cruel, ambitious and greedy of power.

These Articles being agreed upon, and sworn unto, the same Lord Chancellor heartily desired the Monarchs of the Diet, that (to the end that the world might not see the scandalous example of the States of Holland and Zealand) they would quite lay aside all other whatsoever kind of private interest; and that if (as they were obliged to do, both out of wisdom and State-policy) they would give no assistance to the Spaniards, so as they might the better witness to the world, that it was impossible for rebellious people to purchase liberty by seditious arms; that they would not at least assist the Hollanders and Zealanders, it

being great folly, and very bad counsel, to precipitate or overthrow their own affairs, by so shameful an example, to the end that they might dis∣compose the affairs of other men. All these Monarchs, with a won∣derful consent, answered the Lord Chancellor (so possitively can Princes, who are born, brought up, and have continually lived in the Tiberian art of Simulation, promise that with their mouthes, which their heart never dictates to them) that that should by all means be done, which they in private knew they would never execute.