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THe breach of the Historie in this place, is like a blot in a fair Table, or as a gap in a daunce of Nymphs, and doth much blemish the beauty of this Discourse. But, forasmuch as it is a losse which cannot be repaired, we must rest contented with the use of that which re∣maineth.
Out of which we may observe the notice they took of well-deserving; according to the insti∣tution
of their discipline, supported especially by Praem••um and Poena, Reward and Punishment. The recognition whereof (according to the judgement of the gravest Law-givers) is the means to raise a State to the height of perfecti∣on. Eo enim impendi laborem & periculum, unde emolumentum & honos speratur, Men will then venture and take pains, when they know they shall get themselves honour and preferment by it. The R••mans, saith Polybius, crowned the valour of their souldiers with eter∣nall honours. Neither did any thing so much excite them to the atchievement of noble Acts, as their Triumphs, Garlands, and other En∣signs of publick ••enown: which Caesar spe∣cially observed above the rest. For besides this which he did to Cassius Scaeva (recorded by all the Writers of these wars) Plutarch relateth, that at his being in Britain, he could not contain from imbracing a souldiers, that carried himself valiantly in defence of divers Centurions. And whereas the poor man, fal∣ling down at his feet, asked nothing but par∣don for leaving his Target behind him; he re∣warded him with great gifts, and much honour. Howbeit, the difference which Salust hath made in this kind is too generally observed; that It more importeth a Commonweal to punish an ill member, then to reward a good act: for a vertuous desire is by neglect a little aba∣ted, but an ill man becomes unsufferable. And thence it is, that merit is never valued but upon necessity. It is fit that he will have the ho∣nour of wearing a Lions skin, should first kill the beast, as Hercules did: but to kill a Lion, and not to have the skin, is not so available as a meaner occupation. Anthony 〈◊〉〈◊〉giveth another rule, observed in that government, which is the true Idea of Perfection: En la ca∣sa de Dios jamas fuc, nies, ni sera, merito sin premio, ni colpa sin pena; In the house of God there never was, nor is, nor shall be, desert un∣rewarded, or fault unpunished.
Solon. Plat. ••. de 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Livi•• lib. 4. Lib. 6.
In vita Cae∣••••is.
In repub. multo prae∣stat benefi∣cii q••••m ma••••ficii immemorem esse: bonus, segnior ••it ubi negli∣gas; m••••as improbior.
Sal. Iug••r.