Wisdom's better than money: or, The whole art of knowledge and the art to know men. In four hundred sentencious essays, political and moral. Written by a late person of quality; and left as a legacy to his son.

INSTITUTIONS AND MAXIMS Political and Moral, &c. CENT. I.

MAXIM 1.

LET not Civil Discords in a foreign Kingdom encourage thee to make Invasion: They that are facti∣ous among themselves, are jea∣lous of one another, and more strongly prepared to encounter with a common Enemy. Those whom Civil Commotions set at variance, foreign Hostility re∣conciles:

Men rather affect the Possession of an inconvenient Good, than the Possibility of an uncertain Better.

MAX. 2.

If thou hast made a Con∣quest with thy Sword, think not to maintain it with thy Sceptre, neither conceive, That new Fa∣vours can cancel old Injuries: No Conquerour sits secure up∣on his new got Throne, so long as they subsist in Power that were despoiled of their Posses∣session by this Conqueror.

MAX. 3.

Let no Price, nor Promise of

Honour, bribe thee to take part with the Enemy of thy Natu∣ral Prince; assure thy self who∣ever wins, thou art lost: If thy Prince prevail, thou art proclai∣med a Rebel, and branded for Death; if the Enemy prosper, thou shalt be reckoned but as a meritorious Traytor, and not secure of thy self. He that loves the Treason, hates the Traitor.

MAX. 4.

If thy strength of Parts hath raised thee to eminent Place in the Commonwealth, take heed thou sit sure; if not, thy Fall will be the greater. As Worth is fit matter for Glory, so Glo∣ry is a fair mark for Envy. By

how much the more thy Ad∣vancement was thought the Reward of Desert, by so much thy Fall will administer matter for Disdain. It is the ill fortune of a strong Brain, if not to be dignified as meritorious, to be deprest as dangerous.

MAX. 5.

It is the Duty of a States∣man, especially in a free State, to hold the Commonwealth to her first frame of Government, from which the more it swerves the more it declines; which being declined, is not com∣monly reduced without that Extremity, the danger where∣of rather ruines than rectifies,

Fundamental Alterations being inevitable Perils.

MAX. 6.

There be three sorts of Go∣vernments, Monarchical, Ari∣stocratical, Democratical; and they are apt to fall three several ways into Ruine; the first by Tyranny, the second by Ambi∣tion, the last by Tumults: A Commonwealth grounded up∣on any one of these is not of long continuance, but wisely mingled, each guard the o∣ther, and make the Govern∣ment exact.

MAX. 7.

Let not the Proceedings of a Captain, though never so commendable, be confined: As the Times alter, so must they; if these vary, and not they, Ruine is at hand. He least fails in his Design, that meets Time in its own way; and he that observes not the Alteration of the Times, shall never be a Conqueror. He is a wise Commander, and only he, that can discover the Change of Times, and changes his Proceedings according to the Times.

MAX. 8.

If thou desire to make War with a Prince with whom thou hast formerly ratified a League, assail some of his Allies rather than himself; if he resent it, and come or send in, then thou hast a fair Gale to thy Desires: If not, his Infidelity in not as∣sisting his Allie will be disco∣vered. Hereby thou shalt gain thy self Advantage, and faci∣litate thy Designs.

MAX. 9.

Before thou undertakest a War, let thine Eye number thy Forces, and let thy Judgment

weigh them. If thou hast a rich Enemy, no matter how poor thy Soldiers be, if coura∣gious and faithful. Trust not too much the Power of thy Treasure, for it will deceive thee; being more apt to expose thee for a Prey, than to defend thee. Gold is not able to find good Soldiers; but good Sol∣diers are able to find out Gold.

MAX. 10.

If the Territories of thy e∣qual Enemy are situated far South from thee, the advantage is thine, whether he make Of∣fensive or Defensive War: If North, the advantage is his; Cold is less tolerable than

Heat; this is a Friend to Na∣ture, that an Enemy.

MAX. 11.

It is not only uncivil, but dangerous, for Soldiers by re∣proachful Words to throw dis∣grace upon their Enemy: Base Terms are Bellows to a slacking Fury, and Goads to quicken up Revenge in a fleeing Foe. He that objects Cowardice a∣gainst a failing Enemy, adds Spirit to him, to disprove the Aspersion at his own Cost. It is therefore the part of a wise Soldier to refrain it, or of a wise Commander to punish it.

MAX. 12.

It is better for 2 weak King∣doms, rather to compound an Injury (tho' to some loss) than seek for Satisfaction by the Sword; lest while they 2 weak∣en themselves by mutual blows, a third decide the Controversy to both their Ruines. When the Frog and the Mouse could not take up the Quarrel, the Kite was Umpire.

MAX. 13.

Let that Commonwealth which desires to flourish be ve∣ry strict both in her Punish∣ments and Rewards, according

to the Merits of Subjects, and Offence of the Delinquents. Let the Service of the Deserver be rewarded, lest thou discou∣rage Worth; and let the Crime of the Offender be punished, lest thou encourage Vice. The neglect of the one weakens a Commonwealth; the omission of both ruines, it.

MAX. 14.

It is Wisdom for him that sits at the Helm of a settled State, to demean himself toward his Subjects at all times, so that upon any evil. Accident they may be ready to serve his Oc∣casion. He that is only Gra∣cious at the approach of a dan∣ger,

will be in danger when he expects Deliverance.

MAX. 15.

In all Designs which require not sudden execution, take ma∣ture Deliberation, and weigh the convenients with the incon∣venients, and then resolve; af∣ter which neither delay the ex∣ecution, nor betray thy Inten∣tion. He that discovers him∣self, till he hath made himself Master of his Desires, lays him∣self open to his own Ruine, and makes himself Prisoner to his own Tongue.

MAX. 16.

Liberality in a Prince is no Virtue, when maintained at the Subject's unwilling cost. It is less reproach, by Miserable∣ness, to deserve the popular Love: than by Liberality, to deserve private Thanks.

MAX. 17.

It is the Excellent Property of a good and wise Prince, to use War as he doth Physick, Carefully, Unwillingly, and Seasonably; either to prevent approaching Dangers, or to correct a present Mischief; or to recover a former Loss. He

that declines Physick till he be accosted with the Danger, or weakned with the Disease, is bold too long, and wise too late: That Peace is too precise that limits the Justness of a War, to a Sword drawn, or a blow given.

MAX. 18.

Let a Prince that would be∣ware of Conspiracies, be rather jealous of such whom his Ex∣traordinary Favours have ad∣vanced, than of those whom his Pleasure hath discontented. These want means to execute their pleasures; but they have means at pleasure to Execute their desires. Ambition to

Rule is more vehement than Malice to Revenge.

MAX. 19.

Before thou undertake a War, cast an Imperial Eye up∣on the Cause. If it be Just, prepare thy Army, and let them all know they fight for God and thee: It adds fire to the Spirit of a Soldier to be assured that he shall either pro∣sper in a fair War, or perish in a Just Cause.

MAX. 20.

If thou desire to know the Power of a State, observe in what Correspondence it lives

with her Neighbouring State: If she make Alliance with the Contribution of Money, it is an evident sign of Weakness: If with her Valour, and repute of her forces, it manifests a Na∣tive Strength; It is an unfallible sign of Power to sell Friend∣ship, and of weakness to buy it. That is bought with Gold will hardly be maintained with Steel.

MAX. 21.

In the Calms of Peace, it is most requisite for a Prince to prepare against the Storms of War; both Theorically, in reading Heroick Histories, and Practically, in maintaining

Martial Discipline. Above all things, let him avoid Idleness, as the bane of Honour; which in Peace Indisposes the Body, and in War Effeminates the Soul. He that would be in War Victorious, must be in Peace Laborious.

MAX. 22.

If thy two Neighbouring Princes fall out, shew thy self either a true Friend, or a fair Enemy. It is indiscretion to adhere to him whom thou hast least cause to fear, if he Van∣quish. Neutrality is dange∣rous, whereby thou becomest a necessary Prey to the Con∣queror.

MAX. 23.

It is a great argument of a Prince's Wisdom, not only to chuse but also to prefer Wise Counsellors, and such are they, that seek less their own advan∣tages, than his; whom Wise Princes ought to reward, lest they become their own Car∣vers, and so of good Servants, turn bad Masters.

MAX. 24.

It much conduces to the dishonour of a King, and the Ill-fare of his Kingdom, to Multiply Nobility in an over proportion to the Common

People: Cheap Honour dar∣kens Majesty, and a Numerous Nobility brings a State to Ne∣cessity.

MAX. 25.

It is very dangerous to try Experiments in a State, unless extreme Necessity be Urgent, or popular Utility be palpable. It is better for a State to Con∣nive a while, at any Inconve∣encies, than too suddenly to Rush upon a Reformation.

MAX. 26.

If a Valiant Prince be suc∣ceeded by a weak Successor he may for a while maintain a

happy State, by the remaining Virtue of his Glorious Prede∣cessor; but if his Life be long, or dying, he be succeeded by one less Valiant than the first, the Kingdom is in danger to fall to ruine: that Prince is a true Father to his Country that leaves it the rich Inheritance of a brave Son. When Alexan∣der succeeded Philip, the World was too little for the Conque∣ror.

MAX. 27.

It is very dangerous for a Prince or Republick to make continual practice of Cruel Exaction: For where the sub∣ject stands in sense or Expecta∣tion

of Evil, he is apt to pro∣vide for his safety, or for the Danger he fears: and growing bold in Conspiracy, makes Fa∣ction, which Faction is the Mother of Ruine.

MAX. 28.

Be careful to consider the Good or Ill Disposition of the People towards thee upon Or∣dinary Occasions; if it be Good, labour to continue it; if E∣vil, provide against it. As there is nothing more terrible than a dissolute Multitude without a head; so there is nothing more easily reduc'd, (if thou canst endure the first shock of their Fury) which if a little

appeased, every one begins to doubt himself and think of home, and secure themselves either by flight or agreement.

MAX. 29.

That Prince who stands in fear more of his own People, than Strangers, ought to build Fortresses in his Land. But he that is more afraid of Stran∣gers, than his own People, shall build them more secure in the affections of his Subjects.

MAX. 30.

Carry a watchful Eye upon dangers before they come to Ripeness; and when they are

ripe, let loose a Speedy hand. He that expects them too long, or meets them too soon, gives advantage to the Evil; Com∣mit their beginnings to Argus his hundred Eyes, and their end to Briareus's hundred Hands, and thou art safe.

MAX. 31.

Of all the difficulties of a State, the temper of true Go∣vernment most felicifies and perpetuates it. Too sudden alteration distempers it. Had Nero tuned his Kingdom as he did his Harp, his harmony had been more honourable and his Reign more prosperous.

MAX. 32.

If a Prince, Fearing to be assailed by a Foreign Enemy, hath a well armed People, well addrest for War: Let him stay at home and expect him there; but if his Subjects be unarmed, or his Kingdom unacquainted with the stroke of War, let him meet the Enemy in his Quarters. The farther he keeps the War from his own home the less Danger. The Seat of War is always mise∣rable.

MAX. 33.

It is a necessary Wisdom for

a Prince to grow in Strength as he encreases in Dominions. It is no less Virtue to keep than to get; Conquests not having power answerable to their Greatness, invite new Con∣querors to the Ruine of the Old.

MAX. 34.

It is great prudence in a Statesman to discover an In∣convenience in the birth, which so discovered, is easie to be supprest. But if it ripen into a Custom, the sudden Remedy thereof is often worse than the Disease; In such a case it is better to temporise a little, than to struggle too much. He

that opposes a full aged Incon∣venience too suddenly, streng∣thens it.

MAX. 35.

If thou hast Conquered a Land, whose Language differs not from thine, change not their Laws and Taxes, and the two Kingdoms will in a short time incorporate and make one body. But if the Laws and Language differ, it is difficult to maintain thy Conquest, which that thou mayst the ea∣sier do, observe three things; First, to live there in Person, (or rather send Colonies.) Secondly, to assist the weak Inhabitants and weaken the mighty. Thirdly,

To admit no powerful Foreig∣ner to reside there. Remem∣ber Lewis XIII. of France, how suddenly he took Milan, and how soon he lost it.

MAX. 36.

It is a gracious Wisdom in a Prince, in Civil Comotions ra∣ther to use Juleps than Phlebo∣tomy, and rather to break the Distemper by a wise delay, than to Correct it with too rash an Onset: It is more honourable by a slow preparation to de∣clare himself a gracious Father, than by a hasty War to appear a furious Enemy.

MAX. 37.

It is Wisdom for a Prince in Fair Weather, to provide for Tempests: He that so much relies upon his People's Faith, to neglect his own Preparation, discovers more Confidence than Wisdom. He that ven∣tures to fall from above, with hopes to be catch'd below, may be dead e'er he come to Ground.

MAX. 38.

He that would reform an ancient State in a free City, buys Convenience with a great danger. To work this Refor∣mation

with the less mischief, let such a one keep the shadows of their ancient Customs, tho' in substance they be new. Let him take heed when he alters the Nature of things, they bear at least their antient Names. The Common People that are naturally impatient of Innova∣tions will be satisfied with that which seems to be as well as that which is.

MAX. 39.

Upon any difference between Foreign States, It is neither safe nor honourable for a Prince, either to buy his Peace, or to take it up at Interest. He that hath not a Sword to command

it, shall either want it, or want honour with it.

MAX. 40.

It is very requisite for a Prince not only to weigh his Designs in the Flower, but likewise in the Fruit. He is an unthrift of his Honour, that enterprises a design, the failing wherein may bring him more disgrace, than the Success can gain him Honour.

MAX. 41.

It is much Conducible to the happiness of a Prince, and the security of his state, to gain the Hearts of his Subjects.

They that Love for Fear, will seldom Fear for Love; It is a wise Government which gains such a tye upon the Subject, that he either cannot hurt, or will not. But the Govern∣ment is best and most sure, when the Subject joys in his Obedience.

MAX. 42.

Let every Soldier arm his mind with hopes and put on Courage, whatsoever disaster falls, let not his Heart sink. The passage of Providence lies through many Crooked ways; a despairing Heart is the true Prophet of approaching Evil. His actions may weave the

Webs of Fortune, but not break them.

MAX. 43.

It is the part of a wise Ma∣gistrate to vindicate a Man of Power or State-Employment, from the malicious Scandals of the Giddy-headed Multitude, and to punish it with great se∣verity. Scandal breeds hatred, hatred begets Division, Divisi∣on makes Faction and Faction brings Ruine.

MAX. 44.

The strongest Castles a Prince can build, to secure him from Domestick Commotions, or

Foreign Invasions, is in the Hearts of his Subjects; and means to gain that Strength is, in all his actions to appear for the Publick Good. Studious to contrive and resolute to perform.

MAX. 45.

A Kingdom is a great Build∣ing whose two main Suppor∣ters are the Government of the State, and the Government of the Church. It is the part of a Wise Master, to keep those Pillars in their first posture Ir∣removeable. If either fail, it is Wisdom rather to repair it than to remove it. He that pulls down the Old, to set, up a

New; may draw the Roof upon his head and ruine the Foun∣dation.

MAX. 46.

It is a necessary Wisdom in a Prince to encourage in his Kingdoms Manufacture, Mer∣chandise, Arts, and Arms; in Manufacture, lies the Vital Spi∣rits of the Body-Politique; In Merchandise the Spirits Natu∣ral; In Arts and Arms, the Ani∣mal. If either of these Lan∣guish the Body droops; as these flourish the Body flourishes.

MAX. 47.

True Religion is a Settler in

a State, rather than a Stickler; while she confirms an Establish∣ed Government, she moves in her own Sphere; but when she endeavours to alter the old, or to erect a new, she works out of her own Vineyard: When she keeps the Keys, she sends Showers of Milk: But when she draws the Sword, she fails in Seas of Blood. Labour therefore to settle Religion in the Church; and Religion shall settle Peace in thy Land.

MAX. 48.

If thou entertain any Foreign Soldiers into thine Army, let them bear thy Colours, and receive thy pay, lest they Inte∣rest

their own Prince. Auxiliary Soldiers are most dangerous: A Foreign Prince needs no greater Invitation to seize upon thy City, then when he is re∣quired to defend it.

MAX. 49.

Be cautious in undertaking a design, upon the report of those that are banish'd their Country, lest thou come off with shame, or loss, or both. Their end expects advantages from thy actions; whose miseries lay hold of all opportunities, and seek to be redrest by thy Ruines.

MAX. 50.

If thou endeavourest to make a Republick in a Nation where the Gentry abound, thou shalt hardly prosper in that Design; and if thou would'st erect a Principality in a Land where there is much equality of Peo∣ple, thou shalt not easily effect it. The way to bring the first to pass, is to weaken the Gen∣try. The means to effect the last, is to advance and strengthen ambitious and turbulent Spirits; so that being placed in the midst of them, their Forces may maintain thy Power, and thy Favour may preserve their Ambition. Otherwise there shall

be neither Property nor conti∣nuance.

MAX. 51.

It is more excellent for a Prince to have a provident Eye for the preventing future mis∣chiefs, than to have a potent Arm for the suppressing present Evils. Mischiefs in a State are Like Hectick Feavers in a Body, in the beginning hard to be known, but easie to be cured: But let it alone a while, it be∣comes more easie to be known, but more hard to be cured.

MAX. 52.

If a Kingdom be apt to Re∣bellion,

it is Wisdom to pre∣serve the Nobility and Com∣mons at variance; where one of them is discontented, the Danger is not great. The Com∣mons are flow of motion, if not quicken'd with the Nobility: The Nobility is weak of Power, if not strengthen'd by the Com∣mons. Then is Danger when the Commonalty troubles the Water, and the Nobility steps in.

MAX. 53.

It is very requisite for a Prince to have an Eye, That the Clergy be elected, and come in, either by Collation from him or particular Patrons, and

not by the People; and that their Power hold Dependance upon home and not foreign Authority: It is dangerous in a Kingdom where the Crosiers receive not their Power from the Regal Sword.

MAX. 54.

It is a perillous Weakness in a State, to be slow of Resolu∣tion in the time of War: To be irresolute in Determination is both the sign and the Ruine of a weak State. Such Affairs attend not time. Let the wise Statesman therefore abhor Do∣lay, and resolve rather to do, than advise what to say. Slow Deliberations are Symptoms ei∣ther

of a faint Courage, or weak Forces, or false Hearts.

MAX. 55.

If a Conqueror hath subdu∣ed a Country or a City aboun∣ding with Pleasures, let him be very circumspect to keep him∣self and his Soldiers temperate. Pleasures bring Effeminacy, and Effeminacy foreruns Ruine: Such Conquests, without blood or sweat, sufficiently do revenge themselves upon their intempe∣rate Conquerors.

MAX. 56.

It is an infallible sign of ap∣proaching Ruine in a Repub∣lick,

when Religion is neglect∣ed, and her establisht Ceremo∣nies interrupted. Let therefore that Prince that would be Po∣tent be Pious; and that he may punish Loosness the better, let him be Religious. The Joy of Jerusalem depends upon the Peace of Sion.

MAX. 57.

Let that Prince that desires full Sovereignty temper the Greatness of too potent a No∣bility: A great and potent No∣bility quickens the People, but presses their Fortunes: It adds Majesty to a Monarch, but di∣minishes his Power.

MAX. 58.

It is dangerous for a Prince to use ambitious Natures, but up∣on necessity, either for his Wars, or to be Skreens to his Dan∣gers, or Instruments for the demolishing insolent Greatness; and that they may be the less dangerous, let him choose them rather out of mean Births than noble, and out of harsh Na∣tures rather than plausible, and always be sure to ballance them with those that are as proud as they.

MAX. 59.

Let Princes be very circum∣spect

in the choice of their Councellours, choosing neither by the greatness of the Beard, nor by the smoothness of the Face. Let him be wise, but not crafty; active, without pri∣vate ends; couragious, with∣out malice; religious, without faction; secret, without fraud: One better read in his Prince's Business than his Nature; and a Riddle only to be read above.

MAX. 60.

In a mixt Monarchy, if the Hierarchy grow too absolute, it is Wisdom in a Prince, ra∣ther to depress it than suppress it; all Alterations in a Funda∣mental Government being ap∣parent

Dangers; but too sud∣den Alteration threatens inevi∣table Ruine. When Aaron made a molten Calf, Moses alter'd not the Government, but reproved the Governour.

MAX. 61.

Before thou build a Fortress, consider to what End: If for Resistance against the Enemy, it is useless; a valiant Army is a living Fortress: If for sup∣pressing the Subject, it is hurt∣ful; it breeds Jealousies, and Jealousies beget Hatred. If thou hast a strong Army to maintain it, it adds nothing to thy Strength: If thy Army be weak, it conduces much to thy

Danger. The surest Fortress is the Hands of thy Soldiers; and the safest Cittadel is the Hearts of thy Subjects.

MAX. 62.

It is a Princely Alchymy, out of a necessary War, to extract an Honourable Peace; and more beseeming the Majesty of a Prince, to thirst after Peace, than Conquest. Bles∣sedness is promised to the Peace-maker, not the Con∣queror. It is an happy State, whose Prince hath a Peaceful Hand, and a Martial Heart; able both to use Peace, and to manage War.

MAX. 63.

It is a dishonourable thing for a Prince to run in Debt for State-service; but to pay it in the Pardon of a Criminal Of∣fence, is most dangerous. To cancel the Faults of Subjects, with their Deserts, is not only the Symptom of a disorder'd Commonwealth, but also of her Ruine.

MAX. 64.

Let not a Commander be too forward to undertake a War, without the Person of his Prince. It is a thankless Employment, where Mischief

attends upon the best Success: And where (if a Conqueror) he shall be in danger, either through his own Ambition, or his Prince's Suspicion.

MAX. 65.

It is a great Oversight in a Prince, for any Respect, either Actively or Passively, to make a foreign Kingdom strong. He that gives means to another to become powerful, weakens him∣self, and enables him to take the advantage of his own weak∣ness.

MAX. 66.

When the humours of the

People are stirr'd by Discontents or popular Grief, it is Wisdom in a Prince to give them mo∣derate Liberty to evaporate. He that turns the Humour back too hastily, makes the Wound bleed inwardly, and fills the Body with Malignity.

MAX. 67.

If, having levied an Army, thou findest thy self too weak, either thro' the Want of Men or Money, the longer thou de∣layest to fight, the greater thy Inconvenience grows. If once thy Army falls asunder, thou certainly losest by thy Delay. Where, hazarding thy For∣tunes betimes, thou hast the ad∣vantage

of thy Men, and mayst by Fortune win the Day, it is less dishonour to be overcome by Force than by Flight.

MAX. 68.

It is the part of a wise Com∣mander, in Wars either offen∣sive or defensive, to work a Necessity of Fighting into the Breasts of his Soldiers. Neces∣sity of Action takes away the Fear of the Act, and makes bold Resolution the Favourite of Fortune.

MAX. 69.

Clemency, and Mildness is most proper for a Principality,

but Reservedness and Severity, for a Republick; but Modera∣tion in both. Excess in the one breeds Contempt; in the other Hatred: When to sharpen the first, and when to sweeten the last, let Time and Occasion di∣rect thy Judgment.

MAX. 70.

It is very requisite for a Prince that desires the Conti∣nuance of Peace, in time of Peace to encourage and respect his Commanders. When brave Spirits find Neglect to be the effect of Quiet, they devise all means to remove the Cause; and by suggesting Inducements to new Wars, disturb and un∣settle

the old Peace, buying private Honour with publick Danger,

MAX. 71.

Be not covetous of Priority in Advising thy Prince to a doubtful Attempt, which con∣cerns his State. If it prosper, the Glory must be his; if it fail, the Dishonour will be thine. When the Spirit of a Prince is stopped in the Dis∣charge, it will recoile & wound the first Adviser.

MAX. 72.

If, being the Commander of an Army, thou espiest a gross

and manifest error in thine Ene∣my, look well to thy self; for Treachery is not far off. He whom desire of Victory binds too much, is apt to stumble at his own Ruine.

MAX. 73.

It is the height of a Provi∣dent Commander, not only to keep his own Designs indisco∣verable to his Enemy, but like∣wise to be studious to discover his: He that can best do the one, and nearest guess at the other, is the next Step to a Conqueror; but he that fails in both, must either ascribe his Overthrow to his own Folly, or his Victory to the hand of For∣tune.

MAX. 74.

If thou be ambitious of Ho∣nour, and yet fearful of the Canker of Honour, Envy; so behave thy self, that Opinion may be satisfied in this, That thou seekest Merit, and not Fame; and that thou attribu∣test thy Preferment rather to Providence than thy own Vir∣tue. Honour is a due Debt to the Deserver; and who ever envied the Payment of a Debt? A just Advancement is a Pro∣vidential Act; and who ever envied the Act of Providence?

MAX. 75.

It behoves a Prince to be ve∣ry circumspect before he makes a League, which being made, and then broke, is the Forfei∣ture of his Honour. He that obtains a Kingdom with the Rupture of his Faith, hath gained the Glory of a Con∣quest, but lost the Honour of a Conqueror.

MAX. 76.

Let States that aim at Great∣ness, beware lest new Gentry multiply too fast, or grow too glorious: Where there is too great a Disproportion betwixt

the Gentry and the Common Subject, the one grows inso∣lent, the other slavish. When the Body of the Gentry grows too glorious for a Corslet, the Heads of the Vulgar wax too heavy for the Helmet.

MAX. 77.

Upon the Beleaguering of a City, let the Commander en∣deavour to take from the De∣fendants all Scruples which may invite them to a Necessity of Defence. Whom the Fear of Slavery necessitates to fight, the boldness of their Resolution will disadvantage the Assailants, and difficilitate their Design. Sense of Necessity justifies the

War, and they are hopeful in their Arms, who have no other Hope, but in their Arms.

MAX. 78.

It is good for States and Prin∣ces (if they use ambitious Men for their advantage) so to or∣der things, that they be still Progressive rather than Retro∣grade. When ambitious men find an open Passage, they are rather busie than dangerous; if well watch'd in their Procee∣dings, they will catch them∣selves in their own Snare, and prepare a Way for their own Destruction.

MAX. 79.

Of all Recreations, Hunting is most proper for a Comman∣der; by the frequency where∣of he may be instructed in that necessary Knowledge of Situa∣tion with Pleasure, which by earnest Experience would be dearly purchased. The Chase is a fair Resemblance of a hope∣ful War, proposing to the Pur∣suer a flying Enemy.

MAX. 80.

Expect the Arms of thy Ene∣my on plain and easie ground, and still avoid mountainous & rocky places and strait Passages

to the utmost of thy Power. It is not safe to pitch any where, where the Forces cannot be brought together. He never deserved the Name of a good Gamester, that hazards his whole Rest upon less than the strength of his whole Game.

MAX. 81.

It matters not much whether in Government thou tread the Steps of severe Hanibal, or gen∣tle Scipio, so thy Actions are Honourable, and thy Life Vir∣tuous: Both in the one and the other there is both Defect and Danger, if not corrected and supported by the fair Repute of some extraordinary Endow∣ments,

No matter whether black or white, so the Steed be good.

MAX. 82.

It is the safest Way, in mar∣tial Expedition, to commit the main Charge to one. Com∣panions in Command beget Confusion in the Camp. When two able Commanders are joyned in equal Commission, each is apt to think his own way best, and by mutual thwarting each other, both give oppor∣tunity to the Enemy.

MAX. 83.

It is a high Point of Provi∣dence

in a Prince to observe Popular Sects in their first rise, and to nip them in the bud; But being once full aged, it is Wisdom not to oppose them with too strong a hand, lest in suppressing one, there arise two. A soft Current is soon stopt; but a strong Stream resisted breaks into many, or over∣whelms all.

MAX. 84.

It makes very much to thy advantage, to observe strictly the National Virtues and Vices and humours of Foreign King∣doms, whereby the times past shall read useful Lectures to the time present. He that would

see what shall be, let him con∣sider what hath been.

MAX. 85.

If like Manlius thou com∣mand Stout and great things, be like Manlius stout to Exe∣cute great commands. It is a great blemish in Sovereignty when the Will roars, and the Power whispers. If thou canst not Execute as freely as thou Commandst, Command no more than what thou mayst as freely Execute.

MAX. 86.

If one Prince desire to obtain any thing of another, let him

(if occasion will bear it) give him no time to advise; let him endeavour to make him see a necessity of sudden resolution, and the danger either of deni∣al or delay. He that gives times to resolve, gives leisure to deny, and warning to pre∣pare.

MAX. 87.

Let not thine Army at the first Encounter be too prodi∣gal in her assaults, but husband her strength at a dead life. When the Enemy hath abated the fury of his first heat, let him then feel thou hast reserved thy Forces for the last blow. So shall the honour he hath gain∣ed

by his Valour, encrease the Glory of thy Victory. Fore-Games when they prove are speediest, but After-games, if wisely plaid are surest.

MAX. 88.

It is very requisite for a Prince to keep the Church al∣ways in proportion to the State. If the Government of the one be Monarchical, and the other Democratical, they will agree like Metal joyned with Clay. But for a while durable is that State where Aaron commands the People, and where Moses commands Aaron; but most happy in the continuance where God commands both.

MAX. 89.

Let not the Covetousness of a Captain purloyn to his own own use, or any way bereave his Soldiers of any profit due unto their service, either in their means or spoils: Such in∣juries (being quickned by their daily Necessities) are never for∣got: What Soldiers earn with the hazard of their Lives (if not enjoyed) prophesies an Overthrow in the next battle.

MAX. 90.

If a Prince expect Virtuous Subjects, let his Subjects have a Virtuous Prince, and so shall

he the better punish the Vices of his degenerate Subjects; so shall they trulier prize Virtue, and follow it being exemplified in their Prince.

MAX. 91.

It is the property of a Wise Commander, to cast an Eye rather uponActions than upon Persons; and rather to reward the Merits of Men, than to read the Letters of Ladies. He that for favour or reward pre∣fers a worthless Soldier, Be∣trays a Kingdom to advance a Traytor.

MAX. 92.

Where order and fury are

well acquainted, the War pro∣spers, and Soldiers end no less Men than they begun: Order is quickned by Fury, and Fury is regulated by Order: but where Order is wanting, Fury runs her own way, and being unthrift of its own strength, failing in the first assault, cra∣vens; and such beginning more than Men, end less than Wo∣men.

MAX. 93.

It is the quality of a wise Commander, to make his Sol∣diers confident of his Wisdom, and their own Strength; If any danger be, to conceal it; if ma∣nifest, to lessen it. Let him pos∣sess

his Army with the Justness of the War, and a certainty of Victory. A good Cause makes a stout Heart and a strong Arm. They that fear an Overthrow are half Con∣quered.

MAX. 94.

It is requisite in a General to mingle Love with the severity of his Discipline. They that cannot be induced to Fear for Love, will never be inforced to Love for Fear; Love opens the heart, Fear shuts it; that Encourages, this Compels, and Victory meets Encouragement, but flees Compulsion.

MAX. 95.

It is the part of a well-ad∣vised State, never to entrust a weighty service, unto whom a noted Injury or dishonour hath been done; he can never be Zealous in performance of ser∣vice, the height of whose Ex∣pectation can rather recover a lost Name than gain a fresh Honour.

MAX. 96.

Three ways there be to be∣gin a repute, and gain Digni∣ties in a Common wealth. The first, by the Virtue of glori∣ous Parents, which till thou de∣generate

too much may raise thee upon the wings of Opini∣on. The second, is by associ∣ating with those whose actions are known Eminent. The third, by acting some Exploit, either Publick or Private, which in thy hand hath proved Ho∣nourable. The two first may miss, boing founded upon Opi∣nion: The last soldom fails, being grounded upon Evidence.

MAX. 97.

If thou art called to the Dignity of a Commander, dig∣nify thy place by thy Com∣mands, and that thou mayst be the more perfect in Comman∣ding others, practise upon thy

self. Remember that thou art a Servant to the Publick-weal, and therefore forget all private respects either of Kin or Friends. Remember thou art a Cham∣pion for a Kingdom: Forget therefore all private affections either of Love or Hate. He that would do his Country right, must not be too sensible of a Personal wrong.

MAX. 98.

It is the part of a wise Com∣mander to read Books, not so much as Men; nor Men so much as Nations: He that can discern the Inclinations, Con∣ditions, and Passions, of a King∣dom, gains his Prince a great

advantage both in Peace and War.

MAX. 99.

And you most high and mighty Princes of this Lower World, who at this Intricate and various Game of War, vye Kingdoms and win Crowns; and by the death of your re∣verend Subjects gain the Lives of your bold hearted Enemies: Know there is a Quo Quarranto, whereto you are to give ac∣count of your Eye-Glorious Actions, according to the Righteous rules of Sacred Ju∣stice. How Warrantable it is to read Imperial Crowns from off the Sovereign Heads of

their too weak Possessors, or to snatch Scepters from out the hand of Heaven: Anointed Majesty, and by your vast am∣bitions still to enlarge Domi∣nions with Kingdoms ravish'd from their Natural Princes, Judge you. O let your brave designs, and well weighed acti∣ons be as Just as they are Glo∣rious, and consider, that all your Wars, whose ends are not to defend your own Posses∣sions, or to recover your dis∣possessions, are but Princely Injuries, which none but Hea∣ven can right. But where ne∣cessity strikes up her hard a∣larms, or wrong'd Religion beats her Zealous marches, go on and prosper, and let both

Swords and Stratagems pro∣claim a Victory, whose Nois'd Renown may fill the World with your Eternal Glory.

MAX. 100.

Piety and Policy are like Martha and Mary, Sisters: Mar∣tha fails if Mary helps not, and Mary suffers if Martha be Idle. Happy is that Kingdom where Martha complains of Mary, but most happy where Mary complys with Martha: where Piety and Policy go hand in hand, there War shall be Just, and Peace honourable.

The End of the First Century.