The first part of the disquisition of truth, concerning political affaires Handled in two seuerall sections. The first whereof (by way of certaine questions probleme-wise propounded and answered) consisteth of foureteene chapters. Written by Henry Wright.

2

It may further be demanded, wherefore they who haue c 1.1 best deserued of a Common-wealth are (of∣tentimes) worst recompenced and requited?

IS this the reason, for that d 1.2 there is nothing lesse lasting then the very name of a Benefite? Or is this rather the cause, for that it is c 1.3 appropriate and peculiar to certaine Common-wealths, so to enuy those which excell in vertue and goodnesse, as they themselues being not able to follow and imitate them therein, seeke to spoile them of their gouernement and Empire? Or may this rather be the reason, that some f 1.4 standing too much vpon their owne merites, haue borne themselues too proudly against tje State, or their owne society? Or might this likewise bee the cause, for that those, who either by their rare exploits, or cun∣ning ambition, creepe into the fauour of the peo∣ple at home, and hunt after renowne and admira∣tion abroad, may seeme to dimme the glory of their Princes, who greatly desire to be accounted well-deseruing of their owne people, as those to whom it more properly belongeth, and therefore they must needs oppose such, and grow in distaste of them? Or is it for that all men generally by their owne corrupt nature, are lesse prone, prompt, and ready to requite a good turne, then to reuenge an iniury? Or may this rather bee the

reason for that the Prince, or g 1.5 State, groweth in∣to suspicion of such kinde of men, least they should affect innouation, or seeke to tyrannise?

Notes

• c 1.1

  As Charond as amongst the AEginensians, The mistocles a∣mongst the A∣thenians; Camil∣lus, Scipio, &c. among the Ro∣mans, were im∣prisoned, bani∣shed, or put to death.
• d 1.2

  Pindarus.
• c 1.3

  This was proper to the Athenians and Lacedaemonians.
• f 1.4

  Philip. Comin.
• g 1.5

  Vpon this very conceite the Venetians put to death Lauderanus, be∣cause hee paci∣fied a commo∣tion by his owne authori∣ty; as Petrus Bem bus repor∣teth in his Ve∣netian History.