Politique Observation.
IT is necessary for the good of a State so to employ the Princes of the blood, especially him who is Heir apparent to the crown, that they live contented, but withal that they affirm not too great authority in affairs Alexanders procedure was very barbarous, when passing into Asia, he killed all his kindred, excepting one of his Bastard brothers, of whom he had no suspition: A Barbarousness onely received among Turks, where it passeth for a piece of Policy. I cannot lesse blame the Kings of Orinus, who before they were beaten by the Portugals, took away the lives of most of their kindred. The Kings of China too are no lesse to be blamed, who shut them up in a place, from whence they never are permitted to come out, excepting onely him, who is to succeed in the Empire: Christianity hath Laws more moderate, and approveth not of this rigorous tyranny, but it well li∣keth those prudent counsels, which Kings take, so to treat them that they may not have any grounds of discontent which might carry them to broyles, and that they become not too powerfull in the State. It is wisedome to be kind unto them, to deal favourably with them as occasion shall serve, to employ them in the Court with honour and in such Offices, which have more credit than power, not to give them the Authority of a great province, of any strong places, or the command of an Army, at least for no long time, without a faithful Livetenant, who by his credit with the Souldiers may hinder them from abusing their power. If but a little be added to the greatness of their birth, they become too potent and assume too great authority. The desire of Command, which their birth hath given them, doth blind their minds, when they find themselves with their Swords in their hands. Command saith Titus Livy, takes off from the Loyalty of the nearest relations, and makes their Counsels prejudicial to the publique good.
Artaxerxes had no sooner caused his son to be chosen King but he was in danger, of being killed by him. So Selimus being made partner of the Govern∣ment by his father Bajazet slew him, that he alone might have the sole command. And Don Charles would have had done as much to his Father Philip King of Spain, not being able to stay until his natural death should make way for his comm••••g to the Crown? Hardly an Age passeth, but some examples of this kind have ap∣peared, which have made it evident, that great power in the Princes Royal, is in∣compatible with the Publique Quiet, or the safety of a Soveraign.