OBSERVATIONS.

IN this relation there are divers points worthily recommended to the discretion of such as are Page  23 willing to be directed by other mens misadven∣tures. As first, into what extremities ambition doth drive her thirsty favourites, by suppressing the better faculties of the soul, and setting such unbridled motions on foot, as carry men head∣long into most desperate attempts. For as it had deserved commendation in either faction, so to have carried their emulation, that by their own means and strength applied to the rule of good government, their authority might wholly have swayed the inclination of the weaker states: so was it most odious in the Sequani to call in for∣raign forces, to satisfy the appetite of their un∣tempered humour; and in the end they were ac∣cordingly rewarded.

Secondly, it appeareth how dangerous a thing it is to make a stranger a stickler in a quarrel which civile dissension hath broached, when the party that called him in shall not be as able to refuse his assistance upon occasion, as he was willing to entertain it for advantage.

Lastly, the often discontents of these States shew the force of a present evil, which possesseth so vehemently the powers of the soul, that any other calamity, either already past, or yet to come, how great soever, seemeth tolerable and easy, in regard of that smart which the present grief inflicteth.

So the Sequani chose rather to captivate their liberty to the Barbarisme of a savage Nation, then to indure the Hedui to take the hand of them. And again, to make themselves vassals to the Romans, rather then indure the usurping cru∣elty of the Germans. And finally (as the sequele of the history will discover) to hazard the losse of life and Country, then to suffer the taxes and impositions of the Romans. So predominant is the present evil in mens affections, and so it pre∣vaileth at the seat of our judgement.