Thomas Campanella, an Italian friar and second Machiavel, his advice to the King of Spain for attaining the universal monarchy of the world particularly concerning England, Scotland and Ireland, how to raise division between king and Parliament, to alter the government from a kingdome to a commonwealth, thereby embroiling England in civil war to divert the English from disturbing the Spaniard in bringing the Indian treasure into Spain : also for reducing Holland by procuring war betwixt England, Holland, and other sea-faring countries ... / translated into English by Ed. Chilmead, and published for awakening the English to prevent the approaching ruine of their nation ; with an admonitorie preface by William Prynne, of Lincolnes-Inne, Esquire.

CHAP. VII. What may be ufrther added, concerning Prudence, and Opportunity. (Book 7)

THat Prudence ought in the first place to agree in all things with Divine Fate, hath already been shewed: it remaineth now that we speak of all the rest of the parts of Prudence; and shew, whitherto all its Vertues, and especial∣ly Opportunity ought to be referred: for as much as it is the property of Prudence, to know how to make use of Occasion. We have already also declared. upon what Interests, and under what Confederacy with the Pope, the Monarchy of Spain ought to proceed; at least, as far as was fit to be committed to writing: for the most secret Ar∣cana, and Mysteries of State are not thus to be made Publick. It is therefore Manifest, that the Occasion which the King of Spain hath, consists chiefly in this, that his Neighbouring Enemies are weak, and at discord among themselves touching both Points of Religion, and matters of State: but his Remoter Enemies are more Powerful; so that these, if his weaker Neighbours were once overcome, seem the more easily conquerable. The Spa∣niard hath besides a Notable Occasion from the Extraordinary advantage of Navigation, and by his having Dominion in all places round about the whole Earth in a Circle. And it seems to me, that the attaining to the Empire of the whole World is a very feasible businesse for Him to bring about, if there could be such an Uniting of things together by degrees, as I shall shew hereafter, according to the General Rules of Politick Prudence: Where we shall at length come to Particular Actions, examined according to Nearer, and Remoter Relations. But first of all the Politick Relation of Spain at home is to be strengthened; and afterwards the Forrain is to be looked after. Thus there∣fore I proceed on to the businesse.