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[ 1216] The sin of Bribery, condemned.
IT is mentioned of Frederick Duke of Saxony, that being offered a great mass of Gold by the Agents of Archduke Charles,* 1.1 even after he had given his voyce to be Emperour (and indeed made him Emperour) he would not so much as look upon it; And when they were instant upon him, at the least to give them leave to bestow a largesse upon his Gentlemen and followers; his answer was, That they might take something if they would; but I tell you, and I tell them, (said he) That not one of them that taketh a penny, shall stay one day in my house: This was now a worthy He∣roicall mind in him,* 1.2 but sooner praised then followed: and as St. Bernard said in another case, exemplum alterius s••culi, an Example fitter for a lesse corrupt age, than this wherein we live; It is well now, if nothing be given or promised before hand; The Rulers love to say with shame, Bring ye, Hos. 4. 13. The Iudge asketh for a Reward, Mich. 7. 3. Many are the Gehezies that run after Rewards: Many like Samuels two Sons turn aside after lucre,* 1.3 and takes bribes to pervert Judgment, 1 Sam. 8. 3. But where is the Man, that like Samuel, can say, Whose Oxe, have I taken, or whose Ass have I taken, or whom have I defrauded, whom have I oppressed, or of whose hands have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith, 1 Sam. 12. 3?