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CHAP. XXXIII.
Of the formes of Common-wealths.
OF the formes of Common-wealth, some are supposed only, and conceived by abstract from the rest. These he delivers in his book of a Commonwealth, wherein he describeth the first con∣cordant, the second discordant, enquiring which of these is the most excellent, and how they may be constituted. He also di∣videth a Commonwealth like the Soul into three parts, Keepers, Defenders, and Artisicers. The office of the first is to Counsel, to ad∣vise, to command; of the second, to defend the Commonwealth, upon occasion, by armes, which answereth to the irascible pow∣er; To the last belong Arts and other services. He will have Prin∣ces to be Philosophers, and to contemplate the first good, affirm∣ing that so only they shall govern rightly. For Mankind can never be freed from ill, unlesse either Philosophers govern, or they who govern be inspired with Philosophy after a divine manner. A Commonwealth is then governed best, and according to Justice, when each part of the City performeth its proper Office. So that the Princes give Laws to the People; the Defenders obey them, and sight for them, the rest willingly submit to their Superiours.
Of a Commonwealth he asserteth five kinds, the first, Aristo∣cracy, when the best rule; the second, Timocracy, when the ambi∣tious; the third Democracy, when the people; the fourth, Oligar∣chy, when a few; the last, Tyranny, which is the worst of all.
He describeth likewise other supposed formes of Common∣wealth, as that in his Book of Laws; and, that which reformeth others, in his Epistles, which he useth for those Cities that in his Books of Laws he saith are sick. These have a distinct place, and select men out of every age, as according to the diversity of their nature and place, they require different institution, education and armes. The Maritime people are to study Navigation and Sea∣sight; the Iland fighting on foot; those in mountanous Countries to use light armour, those on the shore heavy. Some of these to ex∣ercise fighting on horseback. In this City he alloweth not a Com∣munity of women. Thus is Politick a Verue conversant both in Action and Contemplation; the end wherof is to constitute a City, good, happy, and convenient to it self. It considers a great many things, amongst the rest, whether War be to be waged or not.