THE FIRST OBSERVATION.
THis exemplary course of proceeding in pu∣nishing some one for the offences of many,* 1.1 hath ever been held the best means to represse re∣bellious and factious motions, as well amongst particular subjects which do conspire against the common Policy of a State, as also of such inferiour Cities and States as shall entertain a confederacy prejudiciall to the soveraignty of an Empire: for in all such combinations the undertakers are ever more confident in the as∣sistance and mutuall incouragement of each others assent and forwardnesse, then in the strength of their own particular means. For the mind propounding a course contrary to a vertuous direction, is alwayes suspicious and mistrustfull of the issue: for as honest motions and conceptions of the heart are attended with assurance, so doth diffidency wait upon indi∣rect and perfidious designments▪ And thence it happeneth that when the inward thoughts can afford no means of emboldening, they com∣monly rely upon each others example, and do make the action to appear honest unto them∣selves, forasmuch as so many associates do ap∣prove it. For the prevention whereof in the Continent of Gallia, Caesar first layed a heavy hand upon the Nervii, being well assured, that as rebellious motions are strengthened and drawn on by the mutuall example of conspiring members, so they may be weakened and extin∣guished by the exemplary ruine and subversion of some one or more of the said members, which is as forcible to disswade as the other to en∣courage: suting right with the tenour of Ju∣stice, which ought to be carried in such sort a∣gainst offenders, that by the punishment of some few the fear may touch all. According as the Poet describeth the nature and effect of thunder;
Ipse Pater media nimborum in nocte co∣rusca Fulmina molitur d••••xtra, quo maxima motu Terra tremit, fugere ferae, & mortalia corda Per gentes humilis statuit pavor; ille fla∣granti Aut Athon, aut Rhodopea, aut alta Ce∣raunia dextra Dejicit.—The whole earth trembled, but one hill only smoaked for it.