Politique Observation.

IT is in petty Princes a fault not to be pardoned, if they stand off, and submit not to that Conquerour who will undoubtedly be their ruine: They cannot alledge any reasons to justifie themselves, for that Necessity is a lawful excuse for all our actions, and Justice obligeth the weaker to receive the Law from the stronger. But much greater is their fault, who without any detriment to themselves or Interests, may by sitting still make their Peace. Caesar (one of the greatest Captains amongst the Ancients) advised to agree upon what condition soever, provided it were sure, rather then to be obstinate in a War with an Enemy more potent then ones self. Thus of evils, the least is to be chosen; neither is the Pilot to be discommended, who that he may prevent an absolute shipwrack, parteth with some of his Lading unto the Sea. Humane hopes are deceitful, so that it was the choice of a wise man, rather to secure himself from an evil, then to assure himself of an uncertain good; it often hapneth, That he who refuseth an advantage offered unto him, li∣veth to repent his non-acceptance thereof. Thus the City of Tyre was sorry, but too late, that they had not sooner accepted of Alexander's conditions, by which they might have been exempted from the calamities of a long siege; which refu∣sing, did not long after behold their beautiful Buildings ruin'd, part of their inha∣bitants kill'd, and the rest brought into captivity. But it is not to be doubled that Catholique Princes are obliged to comply with a Victorious King, if their continu∣ation of the War may bring any detriment unto Religion; nor can any Alliance dispence with this Law; The Pagans themselves were so just in the observation thereof, that they never encroached upon it. And indeed, what reason can be Page  469alledged to prefer any mans State, before Gods? And what reason is there to en∣dure the profanation of his House, who is Lord of Lords, for the advancing of an earthly Princes Interests ? Which being so, Is it not just that they acknowledge the Obligation they owe unto God, by preferring Religion the only mark of our service, before the Ambition of any Soveraign, unto whom they are only rued by the bonds of Friendship? Should they do otherwise, what could they reasonably expect from so profane a scorn, but the inflicting of that curse wherewith God threatned Solomon, for not preserving his contracts with him, nor observing his Commandments, viz. That he would pluck away his Crow, and give it to his servant.