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. XXVII. Of Flanders, and the Lower Germany. (Book 27)

IT is not without good cause, that the King of Spain endeavours by all possibl•• meanes that he can, to recover the Low-Countries again: about the keeping of that only part whereof, which he still possesseth, it hath cost him more Humane Blood, then there is Water in it; and about which He hath spent more Gold, then there are stones in it. And yet neither is this a matter so much to be wondred at; seeing that, could He but once make himself Master of those Countries again, He might then very easily make himself Lord also of the Whole Earth. For, were this but done, both France and Ger∣many would quickly follow, in spite of what ever they could do: and also England it self would be utterly ruined; and indeed all the Northern Nations would be much weakned, and rendred utterly unable to make any resistance against Him. For we see that Caesar, after he had once conquered the Belgians, made lit∣tle account of all the rest of the Northern Countries; and so presently passed over into England. And indeed there is no power that lies more conveniently, and is better able to destroy the English Navy, then the power of Holland, and Zealand•• for these Provinces, both for the Number of their Shipping, and al∣so for their skill and experience in Nautical affairs, do infinitely surpasse all other Nations whatsoever: not to say any thing of the fierce nature, or of the Wealth of these People. For these Netherlanders have diverse Towns and Cities, that are built in the very Water, after the manner as Venice is built: out of which Towns, they may very commodiously issue out, and fall upon the English upon all occasions; and may be able to se∣cure their Fleet, returning from the West-Indies; and so may have opportunity of carrying over Colonies thither, and ma∣king Plantations; and having subdued many Nations there, may exercise a free Trade of Merchandise in those Countries. And therefore the King of Spain must endeavour, to the utmost

of his power, to reduce these Countries, and bring them under his Obedience again; which yet seems now to be a businesse of no small Difficulty; and meerly through the heedlesnesse, and Ill Managery of the Governours.

I therefore conceive it would not be amisse, to reckon up here all the Errours that have been committed by the Spaniards in this particular; that so they may learn to be the more wary for the future. And I shall also lay down such subtle waies and means, by which these People may be subdued: For the Nor∣thern Nations are all of such a spirit, as Natural••y is addicted to a certain Licentious Freedome, and Liberty; in so much that no Prince shall ever be able to rule them by keeping a strict, and severe hand over them, without using Politick Arts, and by re∣mitting something of their Authority. For, these Nati∣ons by reason of their Natural Fecundity•• are very numerous: now no Multitude, or Great Number, is easily kept in or∣der.

They are moreover of a firece disposition; as being born•• and brought up in a cold Clime. For, those that are born in such cold Countries, have their Natural Heat shut up close within them, neither doth it in them Evaporate in small, minute parts; whence it is, that they are full of Blood, Corpulent, and are full of spirits, and valiant; being also Lovers of Bacc••us, rather then of Venus: and they are, by reason of the Natural Fuliginous∣nesse, and Mistinesse that is within them, full of unsetled, tumul∣tuous Thoughts; and, by reason of their abundance of spirits, are very prone to all Licentiousnesse; being withall very suspi∣cious, and, by reason of their Drunkennesse, shewing little or no Gravity in their behaviour.

These Northern People (I do not here speak of those Nati∣ons that inhabit the utmost Borders of the North) are more∣over full of Courage, and without any Craft: whereas the Southern are, on the contrary, full of Craft and subtlety; but very fearful withal. The Northern People are of a Temper of Body sutable to the Disposition of their Mind; being big-bodied, and full of Flesh; and are full of Blood, and Vigorous. But the Southern are on the contrary, Crafty, and have Dry Bodies; and are apter to run away, then to stand to it in a set battle. Those former are of a Plain, Open Soul; these other are Wily and Subtle, and withal very Malicious; those weare a

Lions Skin; These a Foxes: Those are of a Boystero••s, and Inconstant Nature; These Slow, but Constant in their Actions: Those are Merry, but These are Melancholick; Those are ad∣dicted to Wine; These to Women: Those are Couragious; These are Cowardly; Those are Licentious; These are more Composed••

And therefore These are to have more gentle and easie Laws imposed upon them•• for they are of so free, and loose a course of life, as that they cannot endure to be bound in by Lawes; and besides, relying upon their own strength, they are apt to care little for those that are their Lords and Rulers. All which things we find to be quite contrary, in the Southern Countries; and especially in Spain, which lies something near to the Tropick of Cancer; beyond which are the Amphiscians, having their Noontide Shadowes cast both wayes, at several times of the year. And therefore I say, that this was the reason why they were so eager to change their Religion; first, because they are so addicted to Wine, and use to have so frequent Feastings, and Drinking-bouts: whereas the Rules of Religion require a more strict life, with Fastings and Abstinence. And secondly, because that being such as are subject to Vehement, and unruly Passions, they had an Opinion, that they should never be able to moderate themselves in their Pleasures. And this was the rea∣son, that they were so ready to give ear to the Doctrine of Lu∣ther, and Calvin; because that these men deny, that Man hath Free Will to do either ill, or well; affirming moreover, that God himself doth work in men both good•• and evil: which these Northern Men being easily perswaded to believe, they conceive themselves to have no power in themselves, either to forbear Drinking, or to abstain from Women. We may add hereto, that They have also longed to have an Opportunity given them of opposing the Pope, and the Princes, against whom Luther in his Sermons inveighed bitterly.

Which Course of theirs was Diametrically Opposite to that which was taken in other Countries; where they easily per∣ceived, what strange Troubles, and Tumults, the Introducing of a New Religion was the Cause of.

Now the Heresies, that sprung up among those of the Sou∣thern Countries, were full of Speculations, and had much sub∣tilty in them; whereas, on the contrary, those that were broach∣ed

among the Northern People, were very grosse. For, some of the Southern denied the Divinity, some the Humanity, and some the Plurality of Wills in Christ; some of them again denied the Procession of the Holy Ghost from the Word, and the like Points, that were both Sublime, and full of Mystery. But the Northern Hereticks, passing by these High, and Subtile Fancies, fell to cry down the use of Fasting daies, Vigils, Penance, with Auricular Confession, and all those Points of Discipline, that hindred the Multiplication of Blood: to these we may add the Single Life of Clergy Men, and many other points of this kinde; which, though they agree with, and are very Consonant both to Reason and to the Scriptures, are yet very repugnant to the Flesh, and Humane Senses. These men also oppose the Autho∣rity of Christs Vicar: for, being Men of a high courage, they therefore stand stiffely to maintain their Liberty. And as in Temporall Matters, they are indeed under the Government of Republicks, or Elective Princes; and yet are no farther Obe∣dient to them, then they themselves please; even so in Spiri∣tual Matters also do they take to themselves the same Liber∣ty.

And as among these Northern Nations their Commanders and Souldiers are more eminent for their strength and courage, then for their Policy, and Stratagems; in like manner are their Ministers, in their Disputations, much better at Rayling then at Reasoning. And hence it is, that under the Pretense of Li∣berty of Conscience, they only seek after Liberty of Dominee∣ring•• and being accounted the only Men; which pleases them much better. And therefore the first Errour that was com∣mitted by the Spaniards in this Particular, was, that at the Di∣ets of Worms, and Ausburg, Luther was suffered to go away alive. Which although, as some are of Opinion, was done by Charles the Fifth, out of a Politick consideration; namely, that by this meanes the Pope might have some body that he should alwaies stand in fear of, and so should be forced to hold alwaies in with the Emperour, furnishing him continually with Mony and Indulgencies, till such time as He should attain to an Universal Monarchy; and withal pronouncing all wars whatsoe∣ver, that He should undertake, to be Just and Lawful: as fear∣ing, that in case he should not do these things, the Emperour might take part with his Antagonist Luther: yet the event

shewed clearly, that this was done against all the Rules of Po∣licy. For the Pope being by this meanes weakned, the whole Christian World is now thereby weakned also; and now that Heresy is introduced, all Subjects, under the Pretense of Free∣dom of Conscience, have shaken off the Yoak of Obedience; an evident example whereof we have in Germany, and the Low Countries, both which were Subject to the said Charles V. And therefore we may very well, and safely conclude from hence, that He was deceived, out of a certain Generous Pity; because He doubted not, but that He should be able to subdue not only Germa••y, a••d the Protestant Princes, but even the whole World also, when••oever, a••d as often as himself pleased. Which Fancy of his deceived him in like manner in those expeditions, that He made against T••nis•• and France. And therefore I say, that it was well done of Him indeed to keep his promise made to Lu∣ther, so long as the Diet lasted; But yet afterward, He ought not only to have dispatched Him, in his return home; but to have proceeded to the utter extirpating also of the Protestant Princes. For, by this meanes, that Heresy had been utterly crushed in the very Bud; neither should Calvin, with so many others that have since in••ected both Germanies, ever have ap∣peared in the World: neither had the Princes of the Netherlands so carefully followed the steps of the Protestant Princes of Ger∣many against the interest of Cha••les V.

A second errour was commited by them in those Parts that border upon the Rhine; in that they believed, that they should be able to bring in subjection, and order, that People, that had now shaken off the Yoak, only by taking the course that is used by the Spaniards; namely by introducing that Rigid Inquisition, by the Duke of Alva. For we see, that Fires that are now be∣ginning•• by the strength of the Winds blowing on them, increase rather the more, then are any whit put out by the same. When as therefore at the first these aforenamed People cryed out for Liberty of Conscience, that so under this Pretense they might shake off the Yoak of Obedience; and that they could not at the first of all suppresse them either by Armes, or strong Holds, or by their Lawes, that were yet accommodated to their own Natures and Temper: it was an easy matter for them to lay hold on their so much Beloved Liberty. And hence it was, that they divided themselves into several Republicks, and chose

themselves Commanders, in order to a War to be made with the Spaniards: and so by this meanes it came to passe, that all the most Ingenious, and Valiant Persons among them, had now an opportunity of shewing themselves in the World, either in the Pulpit, or in the Field. Then presently followed the Wars betwixt them and the Spaniard; whereby these People were so much exasperated, as that they gave their Generals a greater Power then they had before; and therefore appointed Count William of Nassaw, Prince of Orange, to be General of all their Forces; who was a Man that was indeed more fearful then a Sheep, but more crafty then a Foxe: to whom his Son now succeeds, who is a Warlike young Man, and grown famous for his worthy Deeds, and Victories that he hath gotten. And these Princes, because they professed themselves the Patrons of the Peoples Liberty only, were strangely followed by them, and cryed up above measure. Then did they, to the end that they might make the People hate the Spaniards the more, bring in among them Cal∣vinisme; by which meanes there was caused a greater Disagree∣ment betwixt them and the Pope, and Spaniard, then is caused by the diversity of Manners, shape of Body, and Disposition of Mind that is betwixt them. For, the Netherlanders, as hath been said before, are white of Complexion, Tall, Licentious, great Drinkers, and Gluttons, Impatient, Indiscreet, Sanguine, and of a free behaviour: whereas the Spaniards are Black, Crafty, Circumspect, Sober, Continent, Patient, Discreet, Melancho∣lick, Covetous, Severe, and Grave, and (to say all in a word) contrary to them in all things. So that it seemes to be an impos∣sible thing, where there is so great a dissimilitude, and disagree∣ment in Manners and Temper of Body, to cause there any agree∣ment of Minds; which before was maintained betwixt them only by their being united both in Religion, and Government: which Union being now dissolved, there was Necessarily to fol∣low a Disagreement, and Breach of all former Ties of Friend∣ship. And hence it is now come to that passe, that the Low-Countrymen do more detest and abhor to be subject to the Spaniards, then they love their own life: and so likewise, on the other side, the Spaniards hate them worse then the Divell him∣self: although they know how to conceal their hatred of them, better then the Netherlanders do theirs; yet in the mean time do they not omit to do them all the mischief that possibly they can,

that so they may make up their revenge full. Now the want of weighing, and considering rightly of these things, was the cause of the losse of these Provinces.

By what hath been said it appears, that the King should not have made so much hast to have brought in the Inquisition amongst them; neither should He have put such extraordinary Taxes upon them; or have affrighted them with the fear of War. But He should rather upon the sudden, and before they were aware of any such thing, have clapt strong Garrisons into all the great Cities, and all the Valiantest, and most Eminent Men of any Seditious City, should have been sent abroad some whither else, under the Pretense of some Military Imployment; and the Ringleaders of all Heresies were to have been extirpated and rooted out; and honest Preachers, chosen out among the Natives, and such as were ••ound in the Catholick Religion, should have been substituted in their places: and then at last, after all this, should the Inquisition have been brought in, by the means of the Bishops, though under some other name. And yet even then, He should have forborn to have imposed any Taxes upon them: that so it might appear to all the world, that no∣thing but their own Welfare and Good was sought after, by Religion; and not the Kings Advantage, and Benefit onely. There should also have been set over them such Governours as were chosen either out of the Germans, or Italians; seeing they naturally abhor a Spaniard; and these indeed should be employed only in the keeping of Cities, but not be made Governours of them: for they are too Severe, and Ceremonious; whereas the Dutch should have such Governours set over them, as are more Remisse, and Easie.

To these Errours were added others, that were committed in the Managing of the War: for, the King himself, who was very much beloved of them, as being descended of German Blood, yet never went himself in person to the War, but sent in his stead Spanish Commanders, who were cruel by nature, and withal ex∣treamly hateful to the Dutch; being such, as in their Commands would make use of Blowes rather, then of Fair Words. And the truth of this appeared, in that they desired to have one of the House of Austri•• to be their Head; and therefore made choyce of Matthias, the Arch-Duke. After him, they chose one that was ne••rer unto them, namely Francis, the King of France

his son; who yet, having afterwards laid a plot so, as that upon a certain day appointed, he would have entered into the City of Antwerp upon a sudden, with all his Horse, whilest the Citizens dreamt of no such thing, and would by this meanes have made himself Master of it; (but in the mean time having before-hand laid no foundation for this his design, neither by way of Reli∣gion, nor Policy;) He was in an instant driven out again by the Tradesmen and Merchants, and that not onely with the losse of his Reputation, and Principality, but so great was the Tumult, that He had like to have lost his life in it too. And although Margaret, Arch-Duchesse of Austria, was made Governesse of these Provinces for one while, and ruled there indeed with the Love and good Will of the Subjects; yet could She not by any means reduce the same into a due Obedience; because that Heresie had now taken so deep root amongst them, and that the People had besides a suspition, that She had a Design of re∣ducing them, and bringing them again under the Obedience of the Spanish Scepter: and this was the Pretense, under which the Ringleaders of that Sedition amongst them, covered their desire of Principality, and Liberty, which they so greedily thirsted after. And yet afterwards God himself shewed a way by which these people might have been subdued; seeing that they were so divided by their several Sects, into divers parts; some of them standing for dull Luther, others for subtile Calvin, and some again for dissolute Zuinglius, and Mennon: in so much that you can hardly find a house amongst them, wherein these different He∣resies are not maintained; neither are we wanting to our selves in any thing, save only that we have not the skill to lay hold on so wished an Opportunity as this is, and to make the best use of it. For, every Kingdom that is divided within it self shall be destroyed; and a firm Union hath alwaies a very hard Knot to ••ye.

Notwithstanding we have not yet succeeded all this while; not because the Enemy doth do us any harm, but because we annoy them. For it is certain, that by reason of their differences in Religion, they dare not one of them so much trust another, as to joyn together in the Election of a General for their Wars: so that, if ever any where, it may be truly said here, that, Quot capita, tot sententiae, so may Men, so many minds. I would be un∣derstood to speak here, in reference to their Making of Warres

abroad for the enlarging of their Dominions. For, they are every one of them so Jealous, as that they cannot believe, but that, should they proceed to the chusing of such a General to be over them, He would presently take upon himself the Authority to extirpate all such Sects of Religion, as are different from that which He professeth: and it would be the general fear of them all, that such a one would usurp an Absolute Power over them. And therefore we see, that the successes which they have had in their Wars, under the Conduct of Count Maurice, have yet heartned them so far onely, as to enter into a League amongst themselves of maintaining a Defensive War, but not of an Offen∣sive.

And then in the last place, there be many other mischiefs that lye in the way, to hinder the Spaniards from compassing the Do∣minion of these Provinces.

The First whereof is, because they are to fight with an Enemy in his own Country; to whom both the Nature, and Site of the Country, and also the Temper of the Air are very agreeable; all which are most contrary to the temper of the Spaniard.

The Second is•• because that this Nation understandeth very well, how great Inconveniences do arise unto them, by this their War with the Spaniard; and therefore it is not without good cause, that they do so hate the Spaniards, who are the Authors of this War: and certainly, to them,

— Pax una triumphis Innumeris potior.—

A Firm Peace once settled betwixt them, would be infinitely more Advantageous, then all the Victories they shall get, be they never so many.

A Third is, because that the Spaniards being now, as it were, mad, that the Netherlanders have been able to hold them play, now for so many years together; should they but once get the better of them, They would questionlesse make a horrible slaugh∣ter amongst them: seeing that They do now at this time mise∣rably afflict what Towns soever they take in, punishing the In∣habitants most grievously.

A Fourth Hinderance of the Spaniards Successe herein is, be∣cause that the Spanish Commanders fight onely so, as that they may have still Occasion to fight, and not that they may get the Victory; by this means making, as it were, a Trade of War;

which should be used rather as a Means, not only of Defending, but also of Enlarging their Dominions. And the very same is the Practise of the Commanders of the other side also: for even Count Maurice himself, to the end that He may the longer keep that Power he hath in his hands, and that conquering the Country by degrees, he may at length get into his power the whole Principality of it, protracts the War, and spins it out as long as he can: and His footsteps do the rest of the Officers and Commanders diligently follow.

Now the Spanish Commanders prolong the War, that so their Pay, as well as their Authority may also be prolonged; and take the same course here, that Charles Spinola took, when he was sent into Abruzzo, against Mark Sciarra; with whom he dallied only, and had no desire to destroy him: that so the Viceroy of Naples might leave Him to be as it were Lord of Abruzzo, and might also send him those large Summes which he had promised him for his Service; mean while that Scia••ra him∣self also sent him vast Presents, to the end He should not fall too hard upon him. And thus Spinola being paid on both sides, (both by his friend, and his enemy) continued for a long time, and without any danger, the Lord of that Country. So that it is no wonder, that King Philip having spent such vast Summes of Mony in this War with the Net••erlands, hath yet not only done no good upon it, but hath besides exasperated the enemy so much the more, and caused them to be the more exercised and experienced in Martial Affairs, and hath given an Opportunity to his A••tagonist, Count Maurice•• and the rest of the Dutch Commanders, of acquiring to themselves great Fame and re∣nown for their Military Prowesse: and hath now brought the businesse to that passe, that his enemies, though never so much divided among themselves in their Religion, do yet, meer∣ly through fear of the Spaniard, continue faithful and Constant to the League that it made betwixt them.

And therefore truly I am of Opinion, that this War which the Spaniard now maintaines against the Hollander, is both more Disadvantageous to the Spaniards, and on the other side, more Advantageous to the Hollanders (only because they are thus continually forced to be in arms••) then if they were let alone, and suffered to live quietly. For thus we find it testified by Salust, and after him by Augustine; that the Romans, by being

continually exercised, and vexed with War, by their Neigh∣bours, became by this means more eminent and glorious every day then other; and by the Tyranny of Tarquin, and others, they grew thereby more and more united among themselves: whereas on the contrary, when they were once left to themselves, without any to annoy them, they then presently fell to raise Ci∣vil Wars amongst themselves. For when that Cartharge was once laid flat with the ground, and that the whole World was now conquered by them; being thus freed from all fear of For∣reign Enemies, through a Mutual Emulation amongst themselves they became presently to be divided into Factions, and by this means brought destruction both upon themselves, and their Common••Wealth; as we see clearly in the examples of Sylla and Marius; and of Caesar and Pompey: So true an Argu∣ment of Wisedom is it, not to hold your Neighbours in War too long, lest by that means they come to be Skilful and Valiant Souldiers. For thus heretofore it was objected against Agesi∣lau•••• who had been wounded by the Thebans, namely, that He had received but his due Reward from them, for teaching them, by His making a long War upon them, how to use Arms.

But the cheifest point of Wisedome is, for a Prince not to make War upon his subjects; especially if they be his Natural subjects, and Natives. For by this means they will be but the more exas∣perated, and more Averse from Him: and so, that which was at first but only a little Heart-burning, as it wer••, breaks out af∣terward into open Rebellion: as we see it happened to Sigis∣mund, in his War that He made against the Bohemians. For cer∣tainly you will never meet with any People, that are so utterly devoyd o•• all shame, as presently•• and upon the Instant to rise and take up arms against their Prince; seeing that the very Name of Treachery and Rebellion is infamous, and hatefull every where. But when that the Princes sword is once stained with the subjects blood, and that the Tye of Protection is now broken, and all care of Justice thrown aside; they use then openly to fall off from him, and to declare themselves his Ene∣mies.

Alexander, King of the Iewes, beginning at last to be weary of the long War he had maintained against them, wherein he had destroyed at least fifty thousand men; and asking some of

his friends by what meanes there might be a firm and happy Peace concluded upon betwixt them, was answered; that this could not be brought about by any other meanes, then by His Death: and thus did He, though too late, do that which He ought indeed to have done at the first. I could here reckon up many other examples to this purpose, but that I have resolved not to transgresse against the Brevity which I at first proposed to my self.

To returne therefore to my purpose, I shall here lay down for an Observation, that those that are put to fight in their own Country, for their Wives and Children, pro Aris et Focis, as the Ancient Romans were used to say, are alwaies wont to fight more stoutly, then those that make war upon a forreign Coun∣try; for, that Assault which is not successeful the first day, growes by degrees weaker ever after, and withal adds the grea∣ter courage to those that are assaulted. For, the assailants, be∣••ides those other Inconveniences that Naturally accompanie all War, which certainly are very great, are also wearied out by the Disagreeablenesse of a strange Air, and Soyl. Which thing, if Hannibal had understood, or considered, and had immedi∣ately after his first Victory at Trebia, marched against Rome it self, and had besieged It; he might at that time easily have over∣thrown the whole Roman Empire: Or at least, after his Victorie at Cannae, which was much the greater, He should not have given the Romans any time to gather together fresh Forces; but, following the Counsel of Maherbal, should presently have set upon Rome it self. Thus Absalon also, if he had followed the Counsel of Achitophel, and had at the first pursued his Father David; he had utterly destroyed him, and had possessed himself of all Iudaea; neither had he given him any time to have gather∣ed forces together, and to have recovered courage, as he did, to his Destruction. The Enemy is therefore either at first to be presently suppressed, that so he may not get time, and gather strength; or else he is some way or other to be drawn forth of his own Country; in like manner as He••c••les drew forth Antaeus, King of L••••ya, that so He might the easier disposs••sse him of his T••••o••••. F•••• otherwise, the nearer he came to the g••ound, that is, to his o•••• ••ountry, the stronger he presently grew: as the learn∣ed Fable 〈◊〉〈◊〉 us. So that it, seemes to be both a vain, and Ab∣surd und••••taking, to maintain a war still with the Netherlanders,

in their own Country, seeing that they could not be conquered at the very beginning of the war: for the war doth but onely increase their strength, and makes them abler to resist. And therefore I conceive, that there are but two waies left now to be taken, for the bringing this businesse to effect; the first of which is to sow the seeds of Division amongst them; and the second, To draw them forth out of their own Country. Cadmus, ha∣ving a designe of erecting a Monarchy at Thebes, whether he came a stranger, is said first to kill a Serpent; by which was signi∣fied, the Defence, and Safeguard of Thebes: and then after∣wards, to sow the Teeth of it; that is to say, to scatter abroad the Poyson of Desire of Innovation, and an Earnestnesse to be instructed in the knowledge of learning, namely, in such New Sciences and Arts, as he had brought over with him from his own Country. And hence Souldiers are said to spring up, who through mutual discord slew each other; and the remainders of them that were left, joyned themselves with Cadmus, their Head, and Captain; so laying the foundation of the Kingdom of Thebes in Boeotia. I affirm therefore, that these very Courses ought to have been taken by the King of Spain; and not a war to have been onely maintained against them all this while.

And certainly if the Southern People would ever conquer, or lay the foundations of a Monarchy over the Northern, seeing that they are not strong enough to bring the same about, they ought to have recourse to the Arts either of Cadmus, or else of Iason: although of the two, Iason went the more wisely to work; seeing he first wonne the heart of Medea, that is, the good will and Affections of the Northern Women to him: for, the Women of those Countries are easily brought to love Sou∣thern Men, by reason of the Natural Heat that is in them, which those Women like very well: neither indeed do the Ne∣therlanders hate the Spaniards so much, as their Wives love them. Afterwards Iason, by the enchantments of Medea, slew the Dragon, that is, the Guard of the Kingdom; such as are the Warlick and Valiant men of a Nation•• with the Preachers. And then did he by the meanes of enchanted Oyntments tame fierce Beasts, the Brazen-footed, and fire-spitting Bulls; that is, by his Friendship and Gifts, He won over to him the Nobles, and Principal men of the Kingdom. And at length, by them he

sowed about the Teeth of the Dragon; that is, by the assistance of the Nobles, he spread abroad the Seeds of Discord and Dis∣sention about Religion, Arts, and Honours. Whence in the last place sprung up Souldiers, that is, Factions; (such as are those of the Guelphs and Gibellines, the Pontificians and Imperialists, the Lutherans and Catholicks,) wherein they killed each other: But those that remained, chose Iason for their Head, and Com∣mander; and, though few in number, yet afforded Him their assistance in the getting of the Golden Fleece, that is to say, such an Empire as we here speak of.

This Learned Fable I have therefore proposed, and explained, that I might shew the King of Spain what he is to do; seeing that He hath hitherto taken so great pains, and lost so many men, and all to no purpose; as Cadmus did, before he had killed the Serpent. Namely, in the first place, I would have either the King himself, of else his Daughter, or his son, to go and dwell either a Antwerp, or Bruxels; or, if he think fit rather, at Gaunt; that so, by their Presence, the Subjects may be the more encou∣raged, and withal Forraigners may be drawn thither too; here∣in following the Example of Cadmus, who, after his men were slain, went himself to the Fountain of the Serpent, that kept the same.

In the next place, I would have Him remove from all the Neighbouring Provinces all Suspition, or fear of having any more Wars made upon them by the Spaniards; and He should suffer them to live a while in peace, and quietnesse: and He withal shew himself so gentle, and full of humanity to his own Subjects there, that Forreigners, taking notice of it, should even repine thereat, and should have a desire kindled within them of enjoying the same happinesse, and of joyning themselves with His Subjects in the defending of that his Dominion.

In the Third place, He should remit the Taxes and Impositions that have been laid upon those Places that are under his subje∣ction; and should exact no more of them, then what is necessary for the Maintenance of the Kings Court only, and the pay∣ment of the Souldiers that keep the Garrisons there: But how∣ever, instead thereof, He should require a certain number of Souldiers to be raised yearly out of every City; which He may send away into the West-Indies. And let him be sure to pick out the stoutest, and ablest men, for this purpose; by this means di∣verting

the Noxious Humours from hence, and turning them another way; and filling up with these men his Armies in other Parts. For, from all such Countries as abound in Men, it is better to require Men, then Mony: for, this is both more ad∣vantageous to the Prince; and also more agreeable to the hu∣mour of the People themselves.

Fourthly, I would have Him make a General Feast every year, to be kept upon one certain day, in each several City and great Town, and at His own charge; at which time every City throughout the whole Province would Voluntarily declare their readinesse to serve the House of Austria. And at this Yearly Feast I would have no cost to be spared: for, there is nothing in the world that doth more unite this People among themselves, and bind them to others, then to Feast them, and make them Drunk once a year at least: which Practise is said to have been first taken up by Minos, the ancient Law-giver.

Fifthly, I would have the Name of the Inquisition taken away; though the Inquisition it self should be kept up by the Bishops, but under some other Name; and ••t should not be so severe, as it is in Spain, and at Rome; but the Terrour of it should consist in Words only, and Threatnings, rather then in any more Harsh Usage.

Sixthly, that under pretense of a Croysade Expedition, there should be Indulgences, and Dispensations procured from the Pope concerning Fasting daies, and the Abstaining from Flesh at certain times of the Year: for, these People are infinitely given to Feastings, and Revellings.

Seventhly, all Garrison'd Towns should be kept by Spanish Souldiers; but the Government of the same should be commit∣ted to the care of Bishops; as the Government of the several Provinces should be put into the hands of Cardinals; who should be such as are of Ripe Years, and a••e eminent also for Wisdom. And then would I have some of the Gentry of Venice to be ap∣pointed as Judges, and to have the hearing of all Law Causes amongst them: for by this means the Italians and Low-Country∣men will easily be reconciled to each other; seeing that these later love the Itaelians much better then they do the Spa∣niards.

Eighthly, let Souldiers be tempted by large Pay to leave the service of the Rebel Netherlanders; and these should be sent

away to the King's other Armies abroad; and the Spaniards should do well to inveagle, and fetch away Women out of Their Quarters into their own; where they should be married to Spaniards. And I would also have Women of Q••ality from among the Dutch Hereticks to be chosen out, and married to some of the Catholick Nobility: for, as I have shewed before, these Women would willingly yeild to love such Husbands. And indeed it is a wonderful thing to imagine, how Advantageous a matter it is to such Princes, as have conquered any Nations, to have their Subjects contract Marriages with the Women of the said Nations. For, Alexander the Great himself marrying Roxane, a Persian Lady, and giving to others of his Army a hun∣dred other women of the same Nation for Wives, got Himself a great deal of good Will among the Persians; who hereupon perswaded themselves, that they should find Alexander a very courteous and loving Prince to them. And Livy writes of those of Capua, that nothing did more hinder them from joyning with Hannibal, then the Affinity that had been contracted betwixt them and the Romans.

Ninthly, let Him endeavour to weaken the Heads of their Factions, by making War upon them from several parts at once, and let all diligent care be used, that they may be more distracted every day then other, and divided among themselves: that so through their own dissentions, and their envy at the mutual Concord and Prosperity of their Enemies, they may even despond, and lose all heart and courage. And this course, of making your own Advantages out of your Enemies Sufferings, is a most useful one, and was very much practised by Queen Elizabeth of England.

Tenthly, seeing that it is only the fear they have of the Spa∣niard, and especially the hatred they bear to the Pope, that keeps them at Unity among themselves; because they do all unani∣mously agree in this, that the Pope is Antichrist, though in all other of their Tenets they are at sufficient difference among themselves; there must therefore care be taken, that all fear of War being removed, That Controversie only be proposed to be publickly disputed on; for, upon this do all the rest depend. Neither would I have any other Nice, or Frivolous Questions to be at all proposed to them to be discussed; but only that one, Touching the Novelty of the Papal Authority; as I have touched

before, and whereof I treated sufficiently, in my Dialogue against These Men.

In the Eleventh place, it must be Unanimously, and stoutly maintained against them, that All Commentaries whatsoever that have been written upon the Bible, whether by Catholicks, or Hereticks, ever since S. Augustin's time, are to be suspected, and not to be trusted to; and that the only Authors that are to be received, are S. Clemens Romanus, S. Cyprian, Clemens Alexan∣drinus, S. Chrysostome, Basil and Tertullian. For, the Heresie of Denying Free Will, and the like, are to be better understood out of the Ancients, (to whom also these people are most of all ad∣dicted) then out of Later Writers, (whom they cannot endure to hear of:) as appears plainly out of Clemens Romanus. I would have that controversie therefore to be discussed, touching the Original of that Evil, that moved Epicurus, and some others, to deny that there was a God: for, they perswaded themselves, that He was excluded, by reason of Evil. Others there were, that believed there were Two Gods; of which number were Manes, and perhaps Pythagoras too. Others, as the Libertines, have boldly declared that their Opinion was, that there was no such thing, as either Evil, or Sin. Others have taught, that God is the Authour, and Cause of all Evil; and that he is a Tyrant: and of this Opinion are Calvin, Zuinglius, Bullinger, Luther, and Beza; namely, while they will have God to be the Authour of All Things. Which Opinion certainly, as both Cicero, and Plato teach, must needs tend to the disturbance of every Well Ordered Common-Wealth, for as much as it deprives Men of all Freedom of doing either well, or ill; and so in effect destroyes all Law and Disci∣pline. And the long Canvasing, and dwelling upon the Exa∣mination of this Opinion, hath made all those on the other side the Alpes, Atheists, and Epicureans; who have therefore denied that there is a God, because they would not assent to yield Obe∣dience to the Pope of Rome.

And therefore my judgement is, that in disputing with these men in the presence of Learned men, they should have Political, and Natural Arguments urged against them: And again, be∣fore the Common People, they should be required to give an ac∣count, whence they had their Calling: as I have shewed more at large in my Dialogue, and my Political and Theological Que∣stions, written against These Men. For, the Multiplying of

Books, and the Spinning out of Controversies, do but add Au∣thority to a Bad Cause, and besides also shew like a kind of Victory.

Twelfthly, these Hereticks after they had put forth New Bi∣bles into the World, and wresting all the Fathers and Histori∣ans as they pleased, put such interpretations upon the same as they thought good; they then began, in order thereunto, to apply themselves to the study of the Hebrew, and Greek Tongues, and started a thousand Grammatical Niceties, where∣with they have filled up many great Volumes: in so much that the whole North in a manner makes a Grammatical War upon us, rather then a Spiritual: whereas We have long since laid aside the study of the Languages, ever since we overcame the Hebrews, Greeks, and Latines, and have made them submit them∣selves to Christianity, or else have devested them of the power of discharging all Political, and Sacerdotal Administrations; as it is with the Iewes at this day. And therefore we intend not now to trouble our selves any further with Petite Sophistical Niceties, and Grammatical Quirks; but relying only upon our own strength of Wit, we let alone all Prolixe Courses of Disciplines, and the tediousnesse of writing huge Volumes: mean while that these men spend their time herein, and weary us out almost with their Cavillings, although they do not get the better of us.

I conceive therefore, that these men should be taken off from these their Grammatical Heresies, namely by some New Arts and Sciences•• and such wherein we are excellent our selves. And to this end the King should erect certain Schools in all the Principal Cities, wherein the Arabick Tongue should be taught; that so by this meanes there may be such among his subjects as shall be able to dispute with the Turks, Moors, and Persians, who by the use of that Tongue spread their Ma••umetanisme, as We do Christianity, by the Latine Tongue: and so by this meanes our Intestine Wars may be laid aside, and our Armes turned against Forreign Enemies.

There should also Schools be erected for the Mathematicks, and Astrology; unto which these Northern People should be in∣vited to come, by proposing some Salaries for such of them, as shall apply themselves to the Discovering, and giving an Ac∣count of such Stars•• and Constellations, as are found in the other

Hemisphere, in the New World. For, by this means there would redound to the Spanish Empire both Hono••r, and Profit. I would also have the Schools of the Old Philosophers to be opened again; as of the Platonists, and Stoicks, and of the Tele∣sins; that so the People may be diverted from Theological Que∣stions, and may apply themselves to study Questions of Philoso∣phy; for, these come nearer to the Christian Faith, then the Doctrine of Aristotle doth. Now the King, in doing these things shall follow the Example of Hercules, who, to the end He might the more easily overcome An••taeus, drew him forth of his own Territories; and also of Cadmus, who brought over New Arts and Sciences with him into Boeotia; and by means of the same, got to be Prince of that Country. And by taking this Course, the Principal among the Hereticks, when they shall see there is more to be gotten there then here, forsaking their Here∣sies, will become Ringleaders in the Sects of Philosophy, and Astrology.

And besides•• that they may gain our favour, they will pro∣bably make head against their enemies the Turks, and their im∣pious Doctrine, which hath insensibly crept into Germany; be∣cause it agrees very much with Calvinisme. There should also be erected Publick Work-houses, for the exercise of Mechanical Arts, to which this People is exceeding Apt; and so by this means will the Businesse of Navigation be much promoted, to∣gether with the skill of Besieging Towns, and of taking them in by the use of Artificial Fire-works. By this means the People (probably) will be taken off from their False Religion, and di∣vided one from another; to the great Advantage of the King, and Kingdom of Spain; to whom many will now come and ten∣der their Service; and His Empire, which of late hath been Con∣temptible, and hateful to all the World, shall recover its anci∣ent Splendour and Honour.

13. There must mutual Contentions and Hatred be stirred up amongst the Nobles, and Principal Men of the Country: and that part, that most favours the Spanish Interest, must be assisted, and rewarded with gifts; that so the rest may be brought over too, and may be encouraged to do the like. But if this cannot be done, He must then rid them ••ut of the way; or if the cannot ••e found to have deserved death any way, then must their Rep••tation only be diminished, (••or Injustice

never yet took deep root) or else they must be sent away into some other parts. Paulus Aemilius, that he might leave Ma∣cedoni•• in a quiet and peaceable condition, perswaded all the Principal of the Nobility to take their wives and children, and go live in Italy. And Charles the Great, to prevent the fre∣quent Tumults and Commotions that were in Saxony, sent all the Nobility of that Country into France.

14. They should be prevailed with to sail away into the New World, and to joyn with the Portugal Fleet, and break into Arabia and Palestine, through the Read Sea, ••o to annoy the Turks, as shall be hereafter shewed: that so being drawn out of their own Country to fight against Forreign Enemies, they may be destroyed by the Spaniards, who in this particular are much abler men then They.

15. The seeds of Emulation, and Envy should be sowed amongst them, that after the example of those Brothers that sprung up out of the Serpents Teeth, they may destroy one ano∣ther; and that those few of them that shall remain, may be af∣terwards made use of by the King of Spain, for his service. But then it is necessary, in the first place, that the Serpent of Sedi∣tion it self, I mean Count Maurice, should be destroyed; and not have Opportunity given him, by the continuing of the War, of growing greater and more powerful every day then other. But before all•• as I said before, there must be New Learning, and New Languages introduced amongst them, according to the Ex∣ample of Cadmus; and there m••st likewise Women be got away from them, after the example of Iason.

16. The Hollanders are to be hired every year, (though it should Cost the King a Million of Gold) to be a convoy to the Spanish Fleet returning out of the West Indies; and also to se∣cure the Sea Coast of Spain against the English; and those that are the Chief amongst them in that expedition, should deliver up their Sons for Hostages, till such time as they shall have done their businesse effectually. For these men will willingly be hi∣red for mony, to fight against England: and very probably there will at length be found some one or other of them, that will for mony also betray even Holland it self, and their whole Fleet, to the Spaniards. And certainly, if the seeds of Dissenti∣on, and Envy, were but once sowed among the Principal men, and Nobles of these Common-Wealths; they would never be

able to hold up so stifly against the Spaniards, and gain strength every day, as they do: neither would those, that now maintain Bookish Controversies against the Pope, get so much reputation and Authority among the People: and the King himself would also by this means confirm his own Empire both by Sea, and Land, and would draw these People over to him.

17 These People are wonderfully taken with Miracles, and are great Admirers of any Excellency, and Eminent Vertue: so that any Holy, and Wise men, might easily by their Arts draw them to any thing. Therefore there is need of such dili∣gent Workmen, who by their Doctrine, and Spotlesse Sancti∣mony of their Life•• may call home those straying sheep to the way of Truth. And if it should please God to call Me to take this Imployment upon me, I should &c.

18. When these People were now once divided, and weaken∣ed; they should then upon the sudden be set upon by an Army: for Delay tends rather to the confounding, then the well Or∣dering of Affaires: For,

—Semper nocuit differre paratis. When Preparations now are made, Designs are by Delay betray'd.

The King should therefore fall in upon them with a numer∣ous•• and powerful Army, in the head whereof Himself should be, and should withal make use of some unusual Stratagem; with∣out which, all his Designs will come to nothing. There should also some one among the Spanish Commanders, who is both a Stout, and also a Wise and circumspect man, be suborned by the King of Spain, to counterfeit himself to be a Renegado, and going over to the Enemy, should insinuate himself into the States General, and should prevail with them to make him their Gene∣ral•• as we read Zopyrus did, who betrayed the City of Babylon, whether he had fled, (having first cut off his own Nose, Ears, and Lips, and making them believe, that all those were the Marks of the Cruelty of Darius) to his Master: or, as Sinon did to the Troj••ns; and as Sextus Tarquinius did, who going over to the G••bii•• and making them believe that he was fled from his Fa∣ther, and being both believed by them, and also chosen to be their General, he first cut off the cheif men of the Common-Wealth, and afterwards betrayed the said Gabii to his Father.

For the bringing about of the like Designe whereof, the King of Spain hath need of a man that is most faithful, as well as Va∣liant, and Wise; and not such a one as was that Perfidious fel∣low, Antonio Perez.

19. Seing that the Cities of the Netherlands were in former times, and before the Wars, the greatest Mart Towns in all Eu∣rope, and that for no other reason, but only because that the Cu∣stomes of all such Commodities as were either imported thither•• or exported into other parts (which were both infinite in num∣ber, and of all sorts) were but small: it will therefore concern the King, whiles He endeavours to reconcile these People to Himself, to take this into his consideration, and to recall again that Ancient Custome, and, in a word, to restore to the Ne∣therlands its former Happinesse, and to endeavour the Con∣tinuation of the same. For, although these Countries have no Gold Mines of their own, yet, while all things were quiet with them, and no noyse of war heard amongst them; what by their various, and inestimable Pieces of Workmanship, and their admirable skill in Manufactures, and other Arts, they had got together so much Gold, as that they needed not at all to envy either the Hungarian, or the Transsylvanian Mines: Neither was there any Country more Glorious, rich, or more frequented by Forreigners, I will not say, in all Europe onely, but in the whole World, then this was; in so much that, in regard of that vast, immense Treasure, that Charles the V. received from thence, it was for just cause called by some, The Emperours Indies.

It much concerns the Interest therefore of the King of Spain, that He reconcile these People to Himself, and that things may be restored to their former State and condition; which is a thing that is wont to be very easily brought about. And to the effecting hereof He ought not to spare either for Cost, Pains, Counsel, or Industry.

20. A Careful Administration of Justice, together with Peace, and Plenty of all things, will contribute much to the bringing of these things about; as also the Maintaining, and keeping up of Religion, Learning, and Vertue. For seeing that those that are of Religious Orders, and other Learned men, and Persons of Worth, are the men that are as it were the Heads among the rest of the People; whosoever hath These of his side, he may easily draw all the rest over to him also.

For, those of Religious Orders bear rule over the Consciences of the People; as the Learned do over their Wits; and those of Eminency and Worth, over their Purses, and Military strength: Those former are looked upon for their Piety, and Religion; the Other for their Learning and VVisedome: Those through Reverence; These through the Esteem the World hath of their Parts.

And hence it is, that what soever Those men either do, or say, it passes for Oracular, and is thought worthy to be imbra∣ced and followed by All men.

21. The same also of a Princes being addicted to Mercy, and Clemency, and constantly per••evering in the same, will stand him in very good stead; if so be that it may be but made known to all men, that this Gentlenesse, and Connivence in him pro∣ceeds meerly from his own good Nature and Inclination; but that when ••e punisheth any, it is out of Necessity, and his Zeal towards Justice, and the love of the publick Peace. Thus Ne∣ro, in the beginning of his Empire, by his cunning dissembling his Natural Inclinations, and his appearing to be a Merciful Prince, wonderfully wonne the hearts and affections of the peo∣ple of Rome to him: which part He acted so cunningly, and to the life, as that, when a certain Sentence of Judgment, that had been pronounced by the Judges against an offender, was brought to Him to set his hand to it, He sighing said, O quam vellem li∣teras non didicisse! I could wish, I had never known a letter.

22. The Raies of some extraordinary, eminent Vertue, shi∣ning forth in a Prince, would also be of very great advantage to Him: for by this meanes he would not only oblige his own Subjects to him, but even his Enemies would be won over to love, and favour him; examples whereof we have in Alexander, and Scipio; both of which gave testimony to the World of their Singular Continency, and Moderation in all things; as like∣wise in Camillus, and Fabricius; who both gave evidence of the Greatnesse of their Courage, the one against the Falisci: and the other against King Pyrrhus. These sparks of Gallantry ap∣peared also in the Emperour Conrade, in his war again Misic••; and likewise in Charles the Great, who besides his diligent Ob∣servance of Religion, and his endeavours to promote Learning, got himself a great deal of Reputation also by his Beneficence, and Liberality towards all sorts of men, both the highest, lowest,

and of middle ranke, and indeed generally to all. And certain∣ly there is not a more Lovely, strong, and commendable Tye, whereby to bind the Affections of the People to a man, then Li∣berality and Bountifulnesse.

23 But above all things, it would be a businesse of very great Efficacy, if that such Covenants and Agreements as have been made betwixt the King and them were but kept; which yet the Spaniards have neglected to do•• though to their Cost, and the losse of their own lives. For, nothing doth more offend, and alienate the hearts both of Natural, as well as conquered subjects, then when they see that those Capitulations, as they call them, and Articles, upon which they have submitted themselvs to any Prince, are altered, and changed by him. And we see, that this being not observed by the Duke of Alva, who was a Cove∣tous, and Unjust man, and one that looked after nothing but his own Gain; was the cause that the Netherlands began to raise such Tumults there, and at length openly to rebel against the King. Whereas on the contrary, Alexander Farnese, Duke of Parma, for his fidelity in keeping his promises and Agree∣ments, (which is certainly an Infallible Argument of a Constant Mind, and of an Excellent Judgement, got himself an exceed∣ing great repute of Gallantry and worth among the Nether∣landers. And questionlesse He was a most Compleat, and throughly-accomplished Souldier; and served as General un∣der a most Just King, alwaies commanding an Army under Him, for the service of the Church, and of God; sometimes following the example of Fabius, and sometimes that of Mar∣cellus.

24. Neither would it be a businesse of small moment, to bring in the Spanish Tongue into these Countries, and to cause it to be spoken there; according to the Practise of the Ancient Romans, who, when they had conquered any Country, caused the Nation conquerd to learn the Latine Tongue. Thus did the Arabians also, after the example of the Romans, introduce their Language into a great part of Africk, and of Spain: and William Duke of Normandy, surnamed the Conquerour, endea∣voured, about five hundred years since, to do the same in Eng∣land•• But now, for the introducing of a Language into any conquered Country, it is necessary, in the first place that the Lawes of that Country be written in the said Language, and

that the Lawyers Plead in that Language in all Courts of Judi∣cature; and likewise that all Commissions, Proclamations, and Petitions, be published, or written in no other Language but that. This was also done heretofore by Charles the Great, who having made himself Master of the Exarchate of Ravenna, which He afterwards bestowed upon the Church, He would have it called by the Name of Romania; that so by degrees He might bring into disuse the Language, and Customes of the Greeks, to whom that People had been formerly subject; and might withal implant in them the love both of the Roman Church, and of the Roman Emperour. And even the Great Turk also does not suffer any of the Inhabitants of Natolia to use any other Language but the Turkish, save onely in their Church Services.

25. Education also seemes to have a great stroke herein, as being indeed, as it were, a second Nature; by the meanes whereof, strangers are in a manner Naturalized. The King of Spain therefore should do well to take the Sons of the Nobili∣ty, and Principal men, as also such Poor mens sons, ar are found to be endued with any extraordinary Natural Parts; and to take order that they may be carefully brought up in some of the afore mentioned Seminaries in Spain, either of Armes, or of Arts. Alexander the Great, finding the benefit of this course, commanded that so many Thousands of the Pe••sian Youth should be picked out, and be Trained up in Learning the use of Armes, & in the Habit, and Manners of the Macedonians; conceiving that He should b•• this meanes receive as much benefit by them, when they were once grown up to be men, as by his own Natural Sub∣jects of Macedonia themselves. After the same manner doth the Turk bring up his Ianizaries, who are onely the Children of such of his Subjects as he hath conquered by war, or else of Christi∣ans, and Forreigners, such as he can catch abroad at Sea; which afterwards prove the most faithful Souldiers to him that ever he had. And indeed these are the men, to whom the Guard and Protection of the Emperours person is committed; and these men doth the Great Turk make use of only, in all Affaires of the greatest consequence, where there is most need either of strength, or Fidelity. By meanes of the Turks thus bringing up of ••he sons of his subjects, He makes two great Advantages to himself; For, first he deprives his unfaithful subjects of their strength; and then, secondly, by that strength of theirs, of which he hath depri∣ved them, he confirmeth his own.

26. I would advise Our King, not to despise, or make light of any the least Commotions, or Distempers among his Nobles, or Subjects: for, all Mischiefs have but small Beginnings; which yet, if they be neglected, and not looked unto in time, will very probably bring Ruine with them in the end: as we see, the least Clouds in appearance at first, do in the end produce most Horrid Tempests and storms.

27. I would not have the King to assent to the Proposal of any thing, that may introduce with it any Change, or Innova∣tion in the State: for, His very giving way to have the same deliberated upon, addes both Authority, and esteem to the same. All the Troubles that hav•• befallen, both in the Netherlands, and in France, took their Rise from Two little Books; of which the one was read to Francis the Second, King of France, by Caspar Coligni; and the other was presented to the Duchesse of Parma by the L. de Brederode.

28. Let the King take heed, how he ever exercises his Abso∣lute Power among those people, where His Ordinary Power will serve the turn well enough: for, That way of proceeding is proper to Tyrants only; but this Later, to Good Princes. And indeed, all Absolute, and Extream Power may rather be said to be Tempest as, then Potestas, a Tempest, rather then Power.

29. Let there be all care taken, about the chusing of the Mi∣nisters of State in those Countries, that only such be made choyce of, as are but just sufficient to discharge the Trust committed to them; and that they be neither too much above it, nor beneath it: which we find to have been carefully observed by the Empe∣rour Tiberius. For, those whose Abilities are above the Employ∣ment they are put upon, will be apt to neglect the same, as despi∣sing it, and thinking it below them: and then, the other are not able to discharge it, if they would.

Lastly, Let Him never so much trust to any Peace, as to make him quite lay aside his Armes: for, such an Vnarmed Peace would prove but a weak one. Constantine the Great, enjoying now a Settled Peace every where round about Him, disbanded all the Souldiers that lay in Garrisons upon the Borders of his Empire: by which means He set open a Gate for the Barbarous Nations, to break in upon His Territories. And in like manner Maximilian the First, trusting too much to the Truce agreed upon betwixt Him and the Turk, and thereupon laying down

his Armes, was the cause of the Ruine of very many Chri∣stians.

And thus have we discoursed of these Particulars, as copiously as we thought was fit to be committed to Paper: but, as for the rest of those more Secret Particulars, and which are more worthy of Observation, I shall reserve them till some other time, when it shall please his Majestie to admit me to his Presence, and shall give me Audience concerning the same. However, in the mean time, those things which we have here proposed, are not to be omitted: for, unlesse by these Means here set down, the Peoples good Affection towards their King be stirred up, and cherished, His Dominion in those parts will prove to be but like a Plant without any Root. For, as every the least Storm will be apt to overturn a Tree that hath no firm Root in the ground; in like manner will every the least Occasion offered alienate the hearts of the Subjects from their Prince, where they are but ill affected to Him before; and will take them off from their Allegiance to their Natural Prince; and being thenceforth hurried about by Fortune, they will one while adhere to One, and by and by again to Another. And hence arise all the Mutations that we see, in Kingdoms, and States: a most evident Example whereof we have in the Kingdom of France.