Politique Observation.

THough Rebels have been so stout, as to let themselves be forced by a long siedge and with great expence, yet it is more glorious for a King to deal mer∣cifully then severely with them. It is enough that they have already suffered great miseries, unlesse there be a necessity of continuing the War against others of their party, for in such case the evils they suffer are examples to terrifie others, and get moderation toward them is a charm which may reduce those who are un∣conquered to reason. This moderation is sometimes like a precious balm, which takes away the pain of any would how mortal soever, whereas too too strict severi∣ty drives to despair, I should not be of this opinion where Rebels are forced in a few dayes, but where they have endured the miseries, which accompany long siedges: Then I must confesse, it were not amiss to expiate the crimes of all by the lives of some, which were a cruelty too suparlative after the rigors & unconceivea∣ble miseries of many moneths; for then, a true courage is rather touched with com∣punction than revenge. The Roman Valour is often comnended for this by Antiquity, and who knoweth not how sensibly compassionate they were at the sight of their miseries, whom they had vanquished? Marcellus having ma∣stered Syracusa, and considering the ruine to which it was reduced, could not for∣bear weeping: Neither could Pompey endure that Tygrances King of Armenia should remain Prostrate before him, whatever War he had made against the Roman people, but raised him up and restored him his Crown; and the Emperour Titus seeing the calamities of Jerusalem, caused by his siedge the multitude of dead car∣kasses Page  247which filled up the Citie, protested he was not the Author of it, and that he was onely the instrument of Gods justice.