The characters, or, The manners of the age by Monsieur de la Bruyere ... made English by several hands ; with the characters of Theophrastus, translated from the Greek, and a prefatory discourse to them, by Monsieur de la Bruyere ; to which is added, a key to his Characters.

Of the Soveraign or Commonwealth.

WHen we have run through all forms of Government, without partiality to that we were born under, we can't tell which to conclude for; there's good and ill in 'em all: 'Tis therefore most reasonable and secure to value that of our Country above all others, and submit to it.

* There's no occasion for Arts and Sciences in the exercise of Tyranny; for the Politicks which consist only in bloodshed are very shal∣low and gross: To murder all that are obsta∣cles to our Ambition is what they urge us to; and this a man naturally cruel does with ease. And is indeed the most barbarous and detesta∣ble way to support or aggrandize our selves.

* Tis a certain and ancient maxim in Poli∣ticks, that to suffer the people to stupifie them∣selves with pleasures and feasts, with shews and luxury, with vanity and delicacy, to dispos∣sess them of all things solid and valuable, and leave them fond of ridiculous trifles, is to make the greatest advances to a despotick power.

* Under an arbitrary Government, Inte∣rest, Honour, and the service of the Prince, supply the place of a natural affection to our Country.

* To innovate, or introduce any alterati∣ons in a State, the time is rather to be consi∣der'd than the action it self; there are con∣junctures when nothing is to be attempted on the people, so there are others when nothing is too gross to pass upon 'em: To day you may subvert all their rights, franchizes and priviledges; but to morrow you must not so much as think of altering the Signs at their doors.

* In publick Commotions we can't conceive how they should ever be appeas'd; nor when quiet, imagine what may disturb us.

* A Government connives at some evils, because they prevent greater. There are o∣thers purely so by their establishment, which tho originally an abuse or ill use, are less per∣nicious in their practice and consequence, than the justest law or most reasonable custom. There's a sort of evil curable by novelty and change, which indeed is a very dangerous one. Others there are hid and sunk under∣ground, like ordure in a Privy; they are se∣cret and obscure, bury'd in disgrace; these you cannot closely search into without exha∣ling their poison and infamy: and 'tis often a question amongst the wisest men, which is to be preferr'd, the knowledge or the ignorance of them. The State sometimes tolerates one great evil, to keep out millions of less mis∣chiefs

and inconveniences, which would be inevitable, and without remedy. Some there are, tho injurious to particular persons, which become the good of the Publick, though the Publick is nothing else but a body of those very particulars. So there are personal ills, which turn to the good and advantage of the family. Also those which afflict, ruin and dishonour Families, tend to the conservation and advantage of the State or Government. Some others there are which subvert Govern∣ments, and found new ones upon their ruins; and we can't but observe that vast Empires have been utterly extirpated and destroy'd, to change and renew the face of the Uni∣verse.

That Ergastus is rich, that he has a good pack of Hounds, that he has been the inventer of a great many new fashions, and a regulater of Equipages, that he abounds in superfluitses. What signifies all this to the State? Is a particular Interest to be considered when the publick is in question? 'Tis some comfort for the People, when they find themselves prest a little, to know that 'tis for the service of their Prince, and to enrich him, that they put themselves to some inconveniency. 'Tis not to Ergastus, that they think themselves oblig'd, for having got a vast Estate.

* War pleads its antiquity from all ages, it has always stor'd the World with Widows and Orphans, drain'd families of their Heirs, and destroy'd several Brothers in one Battel. Young Soyecour! how do I mourn thy loss, thy vertue

and modesty, thy wit just ripe, sagacious, lofty and conversible. I must bemoan that untimely death which transported thee to thy magnanimous Brother, and snatcht thee from a Court, where thou hadst only time to shew thy self. Oh misfortune too deplorable and yet common! For Men in all ages for a little spot of Earth have agreed to destroy, burn and murther one another: which to accom∣plish with the greater certainty and ingenuity, they've invented exquisite rules of destruction, which they call the Art of War. The practice of which they reward with Glory, and the most lasting Honour, and every age improves in the art of mutual destruction. The In∣justice of the first men made Souldiers neces∣sary to the establishment of their right and pretensions; and doubtless was the primary source of War; for could they have been content with their own, and not violated the rights of their neighbours, the World would have enjoyed an uninterrupted peace and li∣berty.

* Those who sit under their own Vines, and enjoy the goods of fortune in a secure part of the Town, where there is no danger of their lives or estates, are the Men that ge∣nerally breathe Fire and Sword: They are taken up with Wars and Ruins, Conflagrati∣ons and Massacres: 'Tis with a great deal of impatience that they can bear two Armies being in the field and not meeting; or if they're in sight, that they don't engage; when they're engag'd, that the fight was not

more bloody; that there was scarce ten thou∣sand kill'd on the spot. These are sometimes so far transported, that they would quit their darling interest, their repose and security, out of a passionate desire of change, and ex∣travagant relish of novelty; nay, some of 'em go so far, they••d be content to see the E∣nemy at the very Gates of the City, and make Barricadoes, draw the Chains cross the streets in apprehension of his Assault, for the bare itch of hearing and telling the News.

* Demophilus here on my right hand laments and cries, all's lost, we're just on the brink of ruin, how can we resist so strong and so general a Confederacy? Which way can we, I dare not say overcome, but hold out against so many and so potent enemies? 'tis unpresi∣dented in our Monarchy, an Achilles, a Hero must succumb. Besides, we've been guilty of many gross errors in our management. I know it particularly: I've been a Souldier my self: I••ve seen some Battels, and improv'd very much by Reading. Then he admires Olivier de Daim and Iacques Caeur: Those were men, says he, those were Ministers indeed. He disperses his News, which is the most dis∣advantageous and melancholy that can be feign'd: Now a party is faln into the Ene∣mies Ambuscade, and are cut in pieces; pre∣sently some of our Troops shut up in a Castle, surrender upon discretion, and are all put to the Sword; and if you tell him this report is false, and wants confirmation, he will not hear you; but adds, that such a General's

kill••d, tho you truly assure him, that he has but a slight wound; he deplores his death, he mourns for his Widow and Children, and be∣moans his own loss; he has lost a good friend, and a potent patronage: He tells us, the Dutch Horse are invincible, and turns pale if you name the Imperial Cuirassiers: If we attack that place, continues he, we shall be oblig'd to raise the Siege: If we stand on the defensive, and avoid fighting, we shall have the worst on't: or if we joyn Battel, we shall lose it; and if we are beaten, look, he crys, the Enemy's upon the Frontiers, and, accord∣ing to Demophilus, will be presently in the heart of the Kingdom. He fancies the Bells ring an Alarm, he••s in pain for his Estate, he's considering whither he shall remove his Mo∣ney, his Moveables and Family; whether he shall fly to the Swiss Cantons, or Venice.

But on my left Basilidius raises an Army of 300000 men in a minute, he won't abate ye a single Brigade, but has a list of the Squa∣drons, Batallions, Generals and Officers, not omitting the Artillery and Baggage: These Forces he absolutely disposes, some into Ger∣many, others into Flanders, and reserves a cer∣tain number for the Alps, a lesser for the Pyre∣nees, and transports the rest beyond the Seas. He knows their marches, he can tell you what they have, and what they have not done; you'd think he had the Kings Ear, or were the only confident to his chief Minister. If the Enemies are beaten, and lose ten thou∣sand, he positively avers 'twas thirty, not one

more or less; for his numbers are always as fixt and certain as if he had the best Intelli∣gence: Tell him in the morning we••ve lost a paultry Village, he not only sends to excuse himself to the Guests he has invited to Din∣ner, but fasts himself; and if he Sups, 'tis without appetite. If we besiege a place natu∣rally strong, regularly fortified and well stor'd with Ammunition and Provision, be∣sides a good Garrison, commanded by a Hero; he tells you, the Town has its weak places, is very ill fortify'd, wants Powder, and its Governour Experience; and that 'twill capi∣tulate in 8 days after the opening the Tren∣ches. At another time, he runs himself out of breath, and after he's recover'd a little, he opens, I have News, great News to tell you, They are beaten, totally routed, the General and Chief Officers, at least a great part of them are kill'd: There's a very great slaughter, Fortune's on our side, and we've much the best of the Game. Then he sits down and rests, after this extraordinary News, which wants this only circumstance, 'Tis certain there has not been a Battle. He assures us further, That such a Prince has renounc'd the League, and quitted the Confederacy; a second is inclin'd to follow him: He believes firmly, with the Populace, a third is dead, and names you the place of his Interment; and even, when the whole Town is undeceiv'd, he alone offers to lay Wagers on it. He has unquestio∣nable Intelligence, that Teckeley is very suc∣cessful against the Emperor; that the Grand

Seignior is making great p••eparations, and will not hear of a Peace, and the Vizier will once more sit down before Vienna. He's in an ex∣tasie, as much transported as if there were not the least doubt of it. The triple Alliance is a Cerberus with him, and the Enemies so ma∣ny Monsters to be knock'd down. He talks of nothing but Lawrels, Triumphs and Tro∣phies; his familiar expressions run thus: Our August Hero, our Mighty Potentate, our Invincible Monarch. He's not to be perswaded to such mean expressions as these, The King has a great many Enemies, they're very Potent, they're United and Exasperated; he has overcome them, and I hope will always be Victorious. This Stile, as 'tis too bold and decisive for Demophilus, so 'tis not ex∣aggerated, nor pompous enough for Basilidius, his Head's full of ••oftier thoughts, he's taking care of Inscriptions, Triumphal Arches and Pyramids, to adorn the Capital City against the Victor's entrance; and as soon as he hears that the Armies are in sight of each other, or a Town's Invested, he's preparing to sing T•• Deum in the Cathedral.

* A principal Affair left to the decision of Publick Ministers and Plenipotentiaries, re∣quires a very deliberate and nice discussion; but the Preliminaries, the ordering Prece∣dencies and Ceremonies, commonly spend most time.

A Publick Minister, or Plenipotentiary, is a Camelion, a Protheus; sometimes like a cun∣ning Gamester, he dissembles his very hu∣mour and temper, as well to avoid the con∣jectures

and penetration of others, as to pre∣vent any secret escaping thro' passion and weakness; he's always ready to put on that shape his designs or occasions require, and very artificially appears what 'tis his Interest to be thought. So when he pretends his Master is very formidable, or very low, he's resolute and inflexible, to prevent any large Demands; or easie and complacent, to give others occasion to make them, that he may be sure of the same liberty. At another time he's profound and subtil, he dissembles a truth in the speaking, because 'tis advantageous to tell it, and not to be believ'd; or else he's free and open, the better to disguise what he conceals, and gain a belief, that he has made his last Overtures. At the same time, he's violent and very verbose, to excite others to talk, or hinder their speaking what he desires not to hear, or acquainting him with what he would be ignorant of. He talks of indiffe∣rent things, which soften or destroy one ano∣ther, and leave them confounded betwixt Confidence and Distrust, that he may make amends for a lost opportunity, by dextrously gaining another; or he's cool and silent, to engage others to talk: he hears patiently a tedious while, to obtain the same favour him∣self; his Discourse is lofty and weighty, his Promises and Menaces carry a great stroak with them, and are sure to shock his Anta∣gonists. Sometimes he speaks first, the better to discover the Oppositions and Contradictions, Intrigues and Cabals of the Ministers, upon

the propositions he has advanc'd, and to take his Measures from their Answers. At another Meeting he stays till the last, that he may be sure not to lose his labour; he can then be more exact, having nicely observ'd every thing that may be serviceable to his Master or his Allies. He knows what to ask, and what he can obtain. He knows how to be clear and expressive, or obscure and ambi∣guous; he can use equivocal words and turns, which he can render more or less forcible, as his interest or occasions require. He asks lit∣tle because he won't grant much, or his re∣quests are large that he may be sure of a little. He desires small things, which he pretends to be of no value, that they may not hinder him of greater. He avoids the gaining of an im∣portant point at first, if it's like to hinder him of several, which tho' in themselves of less value, yet united surmount the other. His Demands are extravagant, with design to be denied, that he may be furnish'd with a just excuse for refusing those he knows will be made. He very assiduously aggravates the enormity of these, and warmly urges the reasons why he cannot hearken to them, and as earnestly endeavours to enervate those which they pretend for their denial. He's equally concern'd to aggrandize those trifles he offers, as to slight openly the little they're willing to grant. He feigns extraordinary proffers, which beget a distrust, and oblige them to reject what indeed accepted would be useless; this serves to colour his exorbitant

demands, and throw the blame of the refusal on them: He grants more than they can ask, to get yet more of them. He's very impor∣tunate, and presses very hard for trivial things, and rather than fail, will suffer himself to be perswaded out of them, that he may quash all hopes and expectations of better from him. If he's perswaded to part with any thing, 'tis on condition that he may share the advantage of it. He directly, or indirectly, espouses the Interest of an Ally as he finds it profitable, or tends to advance his pretensions. He talks of nothing but Peace and Alliances, the Pub∣lick Good and Tranquility; in all which, he means only his Masters interest. Sometimes he reconciles disagreeing Parties, at other times he separates those he found united; he terrifies the strong and potent, and encou∣rages the weak: He cements several feeble Interests against a more powerful one, to ren∣der the Balance equal; he joins with the former, that they may desire his Alliance and Protection, which he sells them at a dear rate. He knows how to interest the Ministers in his Affairs, and by a dextrous management•• by fine and subtil turns, he makes them sensible of their private Advantage, the Riches and Honours they may hope for by a little easi∣ness, which will not in the least clash with their Commissions, nor the Intentions of their Masters: And that he may not be thought impregnable on this side, he betrays some small concern for his own fortune. By this he discovers their most secret Intentions, their

most profound Designs, and last Efforts; which he turns to his own advantage. If he's injur'd in any considerable Article he is very loud, but if he finds 'tis not so, he's yet louder, and throws the injur'd on their Justi∣fication and Defence. All his measures are order'd, his steps are pointed out, and his least advances prescrib'd by the Court; yet he appears as complacent and free, in the most difficult contests, as if all his compliances were Extempore, and purely owing to his conde∣scending temper. He adventures to promise the Assembly, That their Proposals shall not be rejected, but approv'd of. By his Emissa∣ries, he spreads false rumours concerning those things which he alone is entrusted with; he closely reserves some particular Instructions, these he never discloses, but at such extremi∣ties, as to neglect the use of them would be very pernicious. All his Intrigues tend to so∣lid and substantial ends, for which he willing∣ly sacrifices Punctilio's, and imaginary points of Honour. He has a great deal of Mode∣ration, and is arm'd with Resolution and Patience; he fatigues and discourages others, but is himself unwearied. He's forewarn'd and fortified against all tedious delays and af∣fronts, jealousies and suspicions, difficulties and obstacles. He's fully perswaded that patience, and a happy conjuncture, will in∣fluence their Minds, and accomplish his desi∣red ends. He feigns a secret Interest to break off the Negotiation, tho' he passionately de∣sires its continuance. On the contrary, tho'

he has strict Orders to use his last endeavours to break it off, yet he thinks the best way to effect it is to press its continuation. After a very great Success, he's very stiff or ve••y easie, according as 'tis advantageous or prejudicial; and if by a vast prudence he can foresee any thing advantageous to the State he follows it close, temporizes and manages himself accord∣ing to the hopes, fears and necessities of his Master: He takes his Measures from Time, Place and Occasion, his own strength or weakness, the Genius of the Nations he Treats with, and the particular Temper and Cha∣racter of their Ministe••s; all his Maxims, Designs, and most refin'd Politicks, tend only to prevent being deceiv'd, and not to deceive others.

* The Character of the French Nation re∣quires gravity in their Soveraign.

* 'Tis one of the Misfortunes of a Prince to be over-burthen'd with secrets, the di••co∣very of which would prove dangerous; ••ut he's happy if he can meet with a faithful Confident to discharge himself.

* A Prince wants only a private Life to compleat his happiness, a loss that nothing can render supportable, but the charms of Friendship, and the fidelity of his Friends.

* A Monarch that deservedly fills a Throne, finds it extreamly pleasant to debase himself sometimes, to leave the Theatre, quit the Buskins, and Act a more familiar Part with a Confident.

* Nothing conduces more to the Honour of a Prince than the Modesty of his Favourite.

* No Ties of Friendship or Consanguinity affect a Favourite; tho' he's crouded with Re∣lations and Creatures, they've no place in his esteem; he disengages himself, and stands alone like a huge Colossus.

* Certainly the Favourite who has an ex∣alted Genius and a strong Reason, must be disorder'd and confounded at the sordid and base Flatteries, and frivolous and impertinent Applications of those who make their Court to him, and hang upon him like Slaves and Spaniels, that stick so close to him he cannot get rid of them even by Scorn and Derision.

* You who are in great Posts, Publick Mi∣nisters or Favourites, give me leave to advise you: Don't intrust the care of your Memory with your Progeny, don't expect they'll pre∣serve the lustre of your Name; great Titles fly away, the Princes Favour vanishes, Ho∣nours leave their Posses••ors, Riches disperse themselves, and Merit degenerates. 'Tis true you have Children worthy your selves, and capable of maintaining the Character you leave them, but can you promise to be as for∣tunate in your Grand-Children? Won't you believe me? Cast your Eyes for once on some Men, whom you cannot look on without scorn and disdain; they're descended from the very Men (great as you are) which you succeed. Be Vertuous and Affable, and if you ask what more is necessary, in answer I must tell you, Vertue and Humanity command a lasting

Fame, and are independant on your Posterity; by these your Name is sure to live as long as the Monarchy endures; and when future Ge∣nerations shall walk over the Ruins of your strongest Castles, and noblest Edifices, the Idea of your great Actions will still remain fresh in their Minds, they'll greedily collect your Medals and Pourtraicts: This, say ••hey, is the Effigies of a Man that dar'd to speak to his Prince with force and freedom, and was more afraid of injuring than displeasing him; he endeavour'd to make him a generous and good Prince, the Father of his Country, and tender of his People. The Person you see painted there with a bold Countenance, an austere and majestick A••r, advances in Repu∣tation faster than he did in Years, the great∣est Politicians allow him amongst their num∣ber, his great design was to establish the Au∣thority of the Prince, and the Safety of the People, by the suppression of the Nobility, from which neither the oppositions of strong Parties, Conspiracies, Treasons, the danger of Death, nor his own infirmities, were able to divert him, and yet he had time enough to have attempted and begun a more noble Enterprize, since pursu'd and accomplish'd by one of the best and greatest Princes in the World.

* The most specious and the least suspected Snare, that ever was laid for great Men by their Servants, or for Kings by their Mini∣sters, has been the Advice, above all things, to enrich themselves. An admirable Maxim,

Counsel which is worth a Treasure, a Mine of Gold, or a Peru, to those who have the Address to instil it into their Masters.

* That Nation is extream happy, whose Prince chooses the very same Persons for his Confidents and Ministers, whom they would have chosen themselves, if the Choice had been in their power.

* The knowledge of the more particular Affairs, and a diligent application to even the more Minute cares of the Commonwealth, are essential to a good Government, tho' too much neglected by Kings and their Ministers in these last Ages: 'Tis a knowledge we can∣not too earnestly desire in the Prince that's ignorant of it, nor value too highly in him that's throughly acquainted with it. It con∣tributes to the ease and pleasure of the Sub∣jects, that their Prince extends the Bounds of his Empire beyond his Enemies Territories, that he makes their Soveraignties become Provinces of his Kingdom; that he is Victo∣rious in Sieges and Battels, that the best for∣tified Camps and Bastions afford no security against him; That the neighbouring Nations ask Aid of one another, and enter into Leagues, to defend themselves, and put a stop to his Conquests: That their Confederacies are vain; that he's continually advancing, and still victorious; that their last hopes are frustrated by such a vigorous Constitution of the State, which will afford the Monarch the pleasure of seeing the young Princes, his Grand-Children, support and increase their

Soveraignties in Reversion; of seeing them lead an Army into the Field, destroy the strongest Fortresses, conquer new Estates, and command old and experienc'd Officers, rather by their Wisdom and Merit, than by their high Quality and Royal Birth; of see∣ing them tread in the steps of their Victorious Father, imitating his Goodness, Docility, Justice, Vigilance and Magnanimity. In a word, let my Soveraign be never so Success∣ful, let the prudent Management of his Mi∣nisters, nay, let his Personal Merits exalt him to the highest pitch of Glory, let my Country be never so Powerful, let it be the Terror of all the Neighbouring Nations; what should I, or any of my fellow Subjects, be the better for all these things, if I wer•• forc'd to Labour under the dismal and melan∣choly burden of Poverty and Oppression? If, while I were secur'd against the Sallies from without of a cruel Enemy, I was expos'd within the Walls of our Cities to the Barba∣rity of a treacherous Assassin? If Rapine and Violence were less to be fear'd in the darkest Nights, and in the wildest Desarts, than at Mid-day in our Streets? If Safety, Cleanliness, and good Order, had not ren∣der'd the Sojourning in our Cities so delight∣ful, and had not added, to true Plenty, the means of our conversing with so much ease one with another? Or, if being weak and defenceless, I was encroach'd upon in the Country by every neighbouring great Man? If there was not a Provision made to protect

me against his Injustice? If I had not at hand so many Masters, and those eminent Masters too, to breed up my Children in those Arts and Sciences, which will one day raise their Fortunes? If the promotion of Trade had not made good substantial Stuffs for my Cloathing, and wholesom Food for my Nourishment both plenty and cheap? If, to conclude, the care of my Soveraign had not given me so much reason, to be as well contented with my fortune, as his extraor∣dinary Vertues must needs make him with his own?

* Eight or ten thousand Men are like Money to the Prince; with their Lives he buys a Town or a Victory: but if he's very sparing of them, if he can purchase either at a cheaper rate; he's like a Merchant who best knows the value of Coin.

* All things succeed happily in a Monarchy, where the Interests of the Soveraign and Subjects are inseparable.

* To say a Prince is the Father of his People, is no more an Encomium to him than to call him by his Name, or define what he is.

* There's a sort of Commerce, or reci∣procal return of the Duties of the Soveraign to his Subjects, and of theirs to him, which are most strongly oblig'd, or most difficult in the performance, I won't determine; and 'tis not, indeed, very easie to judge between the strict Engagements of Reverence, Assi∣stance, Service, Obedience and Depen∣dance, on the one side, and the indispensa∣ble

obligations to Goodness, J••stice, and Pro∣tection, on the other: To say the Prince is the Supream Disposer of the Lives of the People, is to tell us only that the Vices of Mankind have entail'd on them a natural Subjection to Justice and the Laws, of which the Prince is the sole Repository. To add further, That he is absolute Master of all his Subjects Goods, without any Reason, or legal Process, is the Language of Flattery, or the distorted Opinion of a Favourite.

* When on a fine Evening you observe a numerous Flock of Sheep spread over a little Hill, quietly Grazing on the fragrant Thyme, and other Productions of the Earth; or in a Meadow, nibbling the short and tender Grass, which has escap'd the Scythe, the diligent and careful Shepherd, always amongst them, he will not suffer them out of his sight, he leads them, he follows them, he changes their Pasture, if they disperse he gathers them to∣gether, if the greedy Wolf approach, he sets his Dog on to beat him off, he nourishes and preserves them; the Morning finds him in the open Field, in which the Sun left him. Oh! what Care, what Vigilance and Slavery is absolutely necessary. Which Condition appears the most delicious and free, that of the Sheep or of the Shepherd? Was the Flock made for the Shepherd, or the Shepherd for the Sheep? This is a happy representation of a good Prince and his People.

* A Luxurious and proud Monarch, is like a Shepherd adorn'd with Gold and Jew∣els,

a Golden Crook in his Hand, a Collar of Gold about his Dogs Neck, and a Golden String to lead him; but what's his Flock the better for all this? Or what avails it against the Wolves?

* How happy is that Post, which every minute furnishes opportunities of doing good to thousands! But how dangerous is that, which every moment exposes to the injuring of Millions!

* If Men are not capable of a felicity on Earth more natural, sensible, and sublime, than to know they are tenderly belov'd; and if Kings are Men, can they purchase the Hearts of their people at too dear a rate?

* There are very few general, or certain Rules of well Governing; they depend on Times and Conjunctures, the Prudence and Designs of the Governors•• tho' perfect Go∣vernment is the Master-piece of the Soul, perhaps 'tis impossible, if the Subjects don't contribute one moiety by a habitual depen∣dance and submission.

* Those, who under some great Monarch are possess'd of the first Posts of Honour and Profit, have very easie places, they are offi∣ciated without any trouble, all their Affairs run smooth, the Authority and Genius of the Prince plains their way, rids them of all diffi∣culties, and renders them prosperous: 'Tis they are rewarded for the Merit of their Subalterns.

* If the Care of a single Family be so bur∣thensom, if a Man has enough to do to an∣swer for himself; what a weight, what a load is the Charge of a whole Realm? Is the Soveraign recompenc'd for all his anxious Cares by the prosternations of his Courtiers, or the pleasures an Absolute Power seems to afford? When I think on the troublesom, ha∣zardous and dangerous paths they're forc'd to tread to arrive at a publick Tranquility; when I reflect on the extream difficult, tho•• necessary Methods, they are frequently oblig'd to use to compass a good end, that they are accountable to God himself for the good of their people; that Good and Evil are in their hands, and that Ignorance is no excuse for them, I can't forbear asking my self this question, Would'st thou Reign? Would a Man but meanly happy in a private condi∣tion, quit it for a Throne? Is it even sup∣portable to be born a Monarch?

* Are not all the Coelestial Gifts necessary to a good Monarch? A Royal Birth, an August and Commanding Air? A presence to satisfie the curiosity of those who crowd to see him, and to command respect from his Courtiers? His temper must be perfectly even, he must be very averse to ill-natur'd Raillery, or at least discountenance it: He must neither threaten, reproach, nor give way to his passion, and yet oblige an intire Obedience to all his Commands: His Hu∣mour must be complacent and engaging; his Heart so sincere and open, that all may think

they sound the bottom of it: this will qualifie him to gain Friends, Creatures and Allies. He must be always Secret, Profound and Impenetrable, in his Ends and Designs: He must be very Grave and Serious in Publick: When in Councel, or giving Answers to Am∣bassadors, his expressions must be brief, join'd with a great deal of Justness and Grandeur•• He must chuse fit Objects to bestow his Fa∣vours on, and confer them with such a grace as doubles the benefit: He must be very Sa∣gacious to penetrate into the Mind, Qualifi∣cations, and Tempers of Men, for the de∣stribution of Places and Employments, and the choice of Generals and Ministers: He must have such a strong, solid, and decisive Judgment in Affairs, as immediately to dis∣cern the Best and most Just: A Mind so Sin∣cere and Just, as to declare against himself in favour of his Subjects, Allies and Enemies: Such a happy Memory, as continually pre∣sents to him the Names, Faces, Petitions, and Occasions of his Subjects: A vast Capa∣city, that extends not only to extraneous Af∣fairs, to Commerce, State Maxims, Poli∣tical Designs, New Conquests, and the de∣fence of them by numerous and unaccessible Forts, but knows how to confine himself at home, to consider the particular wants of the Realm, to banish all false Worship he meets with prejudicial to Soveraignty, to abolish all impious and cruel Customs, to re∣form the Laws and Usages if they're fill'd with Abuses, to make his Cities rich and easie

by an exact Polity, and render them Noble and Magnificent by the addition of sumptu∣ous Edifices: To punish scandalous Vices se∣verely: To advance the Honour of Re••igion and Vertue by his Authority and Example: To Protect the Church and Clergy, their Rights and Liberties: To Govern with the tenderness of a Father, always contriving the Ease of his Subjects: To lighten their Taxes and Subsidies, that they may not be Impo∣verish'd. He must be enrich'd with several great endowments for War: He must be vigi∣lant, sedulous, and unwearied: He must be able to Command numerous Armies in Per∣son, and be sedate and compos••d in the midst of danger. His sole Design ought to be the Safety and Honour of his Kingdom•• w••ich he must always prefer to his own Life. His Power must be of such an extent as to leave no room for under-hand Solicitations•• private Intrigues and Cabals, and sometimes to lessen the vast distance betwixt the Nobless and the Populace, that they may all agree to be equally subject: His Knowledge so extensive, as to enable him to see every thing with his own Eyes and act immediate••y and by him∣self: That his Generals are but his Lieute∣nants, and his Ministers are but his Ministers. A profound Wisdom to know when to de∣clare War, how to overcome and to make the best use of a Victory: To know when to make Peace, and when to break it, to force his Enemies to accept it according to their se∣veral Interests: To set bounds to a vast Am∣bition

and to know how far to extend his Conquests: To have leisure for Plays, Feasts and Shews: To Cultivate Arts and Sciences: To design and erect magnificent Structures, even when surrounded with private and de∣clar'd Enemies. To conclude; A vigorous and commanding Genius, that renders him belov'd by his Subjects, and fear'd by Stran∣gers; and that reduces his Court and all his Realm, to that Union and good Intelligence, that they're like a single Family, perfectly united under one Head. These admirable Vertues seem to be compriz'd in the Idea of a Soveraign: 'Tis true, we rarely see them all meet in one Subject, several of them are ow∣ing to the Soul and Temper, others to Con∣junctures and extraneous Things; yet I must tell you, it appears to me, that the Prince that unites all these in his single Person•• very well deserves the Name of Great.