Page 428
CHAP. XXXVII.
The Conclusion of the former Discourse, with some Aduer∣tisements for Kings and Fauourites.
ALL those that write of the qualities of a good Prince, doe agree in this, that he ought to haue his will free, independent, subiect onely to God, and his diuine Law; without subiecting, or submitting it to any other loue. For it booteth little, that he be Lord of many kingdomes, if he be a slaue to that which hee extremely loueth. That he ought to bee of a good courage, and of a sound and setled iungement, not suffering a superiour, or equall in his gouern∣ment. For (as wee said in the beginning of this Discourse) kingdomes are by so much the more sustained, and augmen∣ted, by how much the more neare they approach to the go∣uernment of one. Whereas on the contrary, they runne much hazard, when the reynes of the Empire are diuided, and put into seuerall hands. The Romanes neuer enioyed so much peace and plenty, as after that Augustus Caesar was declared sole Lord of the Empire, without dependance on any other. Which aduise (amongst many other good in∣structions) the Emperour Charles the fifth gaue likewise vn∣to the King his Sonne, to wit, That he should be a very pre∣cise louer of Truth; That hee should not giue himselfe ouer vnto Idlenesse; And that he should alwayes shew himselfe a free and independant King; not onely in apparence, but in substance. For it is very proper vnto Kings to rule, not to be ruled. And to administer their kingdomes themselues by their owne will, and not by anothers. For he will not be said