[ 1520] The greatnesse of Kings, Princes, Protectors, &c. no protection from Death.
THere is a Relation of Alexander the great,* 1.1 that as he went on conquering the World, coming near some Wise men, he called them unto him; and up∣on asking them some questions, he found them to be Wise men indeed. He bad them to ask some gifts of him, and they should have them; Whereupon one of the Philosophers said, We desire of thee certain Immortality; At which Alexan∣der laughing, said; I accounted you to be Wise men, but now I perceive you to be ig∣norant. I cannot give that unto myself; How can I then give it unto you? Are you Mortall then, say they unto him? I am, said he; Then, replied they, Why dost thou disturb the whole World, seeking the dominion of it, as if thou wert Immortal? Thus it is,* 1.2 that the greatnesse of Kings, Princes and Rulers of the Earth, may do great things at home and abroad, may protect others from dangers imminent but cannot give themselves a supersedeas from Death approaching. They are said to be like tumbling Seas, whose boyling, swelling, overflowing waves bring ter∣rour and trouble to all that are near them; But God hath said unto them, Hither