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Politique Observation.
THe words of Princes ought to be as inviolate as the Sanctuary. Whatever con∣sequence they apprehend in their affairs, is not a sufficient ground for their dou∣ble dealing; but they ought to blame their own fore-sight. It is as dishonourable for them to say, I did not think it, as it is glorious and noble for them to keep their words. That Prince cannot be thought faithfull, who will break his promise upon what occasion soever it be, which whosoever doth, deceiveth and cheateth himself; for that the truth and faith of Grandees, gives then as much power and credit, as their Swords. It is esteemed by the most wise, to be a good Store-house or Armo∣ry, when a King can assure himself of the assistance of all other Princes, which he may safely do, so long as they are reputed faithfull. But when any Prince becomes faithlesse, it is lawfull for every one to break with him, who first breaks himself. He who hath been once treacherous, is for ever looked on as a Coward, the onely going back from his word, being an assured sign that his fear of others is that which makes him abandon his own Allies. A couragious Prince will keep touch with his very enemies, and it is neither fear nor necessity that can divert his gallant resolu∣tions, whilest it is his maxime, that if Prosperity obligeth him to this high point of vertue. Adversity doth it in a more particular manner. The Gallantry and Valour of Attilius Regulus, was much esteemed of by all the Ancients, who returned wil∣lingly to the tortures of his enemies, rather then he would break his Parole once past unto them.
But the Duke of Savoy is not so well Principled, and being in league with the Spaniard, thought perhaps he would as little regard his word as they do, it being grown a Proverb amongst them, that the Wind drives Words and Feathers, yet in it he will find himself much mistaken, and that to his own very great disadvantage, as well as in his many other tricks, artifices, and designs of amusing and deceiving the Cardinal.