Politique Observation.
JT is but reasonable to give God thanks for a Victory, which is his own gift. But he much more loveth those who do it in effects, not by words. There can be no greater return of thanks then to imitate his bounty which is pleased to do good unto us. A generous Conquerour ought not to spill the Bloud, and destroy the lives of those whom he hath overcome. Amongst the Pagans it was a usual thing to succonr and assist the wounded, to relieve them with their own hands, and do good unto them: how much more reason have Christian Princes then, to imitate so Christian like a verrue? It is not lesse glorious to overcome an Enemy by Cle∣mency and meeknesse, then by Force and Prudence. Jesus Christ hath promised a reward to such as do good for evil, and he saith, Mercy is that which maketh men known for the Sons of his Father, who hath made the Sun to shine both upon the good and bad; and Kings had need make themselves acceptable to God, whose Image they are, by reason they have a greater accompt to render him then the rest of men. God Almighty saith, With the same measure that you measure, will I measure out to you again▪ insomuch that the vertue of Clemency & mercy used towards poor vanquished Creatures, ought no longer be esteemed a vertue, but a necessary means of salvation. I should add one more reason out of Polybius his History, which is, good deeds are a Chain of Gold, which do much more fix and establish the inte∣rests of Kings then those of Iron; and if Religion seem to invite them to practice it, neither doth reason of State any whit lesse; what was it which tied the Celtiberians so strictly and affectionately to the Roman interest, but that generous and noble Act of Scipio the Affrican, who restored a noble Lady his Prisoner to her husband, without doing her any violence or injury, and returned him all the Gold which had been brought for her ransome? Did not Cyrus gain by his handsome treating of Cresus, after he had vanquished him? Did not that tie up the hands of all Greece, who would out of the great affection they did bear to him, have highly resented any injury done to him? The Roman Senate did much blame their Consul, Popilius for his rude treating of the Genois, and commanded reparation to be made them, because they esteemed the honour of a Victory, not compleat, where it was atten∣ded with any cruelties or rigours. Those Princes who are good to their Prisoners, and those whom they have vanquished, are not onely commendable, but delight∣full to those they rule over. The Romans having reduced Capadocia to a Province diminished the Tax which they used formerly to pay unto their own King, because