Politique Observation.

THere may such occasions in war fall out, that it may be absolutely necessary to make use of Forraign Forces, and the very greatest Princes are subject here∣unto, because at some one time, or other, they may chance be so surprised, that it may be impossible for their own proper Forces to repel the Enemy who assaults them. But without doubt, he that can make a shift without them, does wisely not to make any use of them at all, for relying on the Forces of strangers, he doth in some sort make himself dependant on that Prince who assisteth him, and also, they cannot in reason be so loyal, faithful, and courageous in any his affairs, as his own subjects. Forriners fight more for gain, and their own particular Interest, then for any good will to him, unto whom they are sent; insomuch that could they find any where else more advantageous conditions, though it were in the very adverse party, they would make no scruple of running in unto them. This hath been formerly evidenced by the Celtiberi, who having bin first suborned by the Ro∣mans left the Carthagians, and not long after were regained by those of Carthage, and did as soon forsake the Roman Army, and return to their first Masters. Do not the Swisses often do the same thing? Their Profession is not to fight but for mony. It once fell out that Lew•s the Eleventh, for some reasons of State being unable to pay them so precisely as he promised, they resolved to seize on his Person and the Chief of his Court, and to keep them, until they had received the last penny, and he fearing to fall into their hands was forced to flie for his safety.

The Baylif of Dion, who had raised them, together with some others could not escape their fury, they were taken by them, and could not get off until they were satisfied to the utmost farthing of their due. Whereas on the other side, a Princes own subjects are tyed to him, by the fidelity which they owe to his Crown, and though not punctually paid, yet do they continue Loyal and courageous; and whilst they fight for their own Interest and glory, no doubt but they will shew them∣selves more resolute and daring then strangers, who have not any of those concerns. All Princes who ever obtained any signal victories, have been beholding to their own native forces for them. The Turkish Emperour, useth no other. Alexander by this means in a little while made so great a progresse in Armes, as never any one Page  212did the like. I suppose that it is with Armies, composed of a mans own subjects as with the natural clean strength of a mans own body, which is much more to be esteemed, then that which is infused by art into sick persons: That Prince who useth strangers, cannot more fitly be compared to any thing then a man in a lan∣guishing condition, whose natural heat is decayed, who to warm and comfort his stomach hath recourse to spices, which instead of preserving him scorch up his bloud and destroy his life; for just so do strangers, to him that depends on them, advan∣tage him they cannot, but will (it may be) ruin him, as before is manifested by divers pregnant Reasons.