The works of Francis Bacon, lord chancellor of England.

HISTORY OF KING HENRY VII. 331
always been. For then it will come to pass, that him to sheath his sword, as he greatly desired,
whereas not long since this realm was mighty otherwise than for administration of justice, but
upon the continent, first in territory, and after in that he hath been forced to draw it so oft, to cut
alliance, in respect of Burgundy and Britain, off traitorous and disloyal subjects, whom, it
which were confederates indeed, but dependent seems, God hath left, a few amongst many good,
confederates; now the one being already cast, as the Canaanites amongst the people of Israel,
partly into the greatness of France, and partly in- to be thorns in their sides, to tempt and try them;
to that of Austria, the other is like wholly to be though the end hath been always, God's name be
cast into the greatness of France; and this island blessed therefore, that the destruction hath fallen
shall remain confined in effect within the salt upon their own heads.
waters, and girt about with the coast countries "; Wherefore his grace saith; That he seeth that
of two mighty monarchs. it is not the blood spilt in the field that will save
1" For the example, it resteth likewise upon the the blood in the city; nor the marshal's sword
same question, upon the French king's intent. that will set this kingdom in perfect peace: but
For if Britain be carried and swallowed up by that the true way is, to stop the seeds of sedition
France, as the world abroad, apt to impute and and rebellion in their beginnings; and for that
construe the actions of princes to ambition, con- purpose to devise, confirm, and quicken good and
ceive it will; then it is an example very danger- wholesome laws against riots, and unlawful asous and universal, that the lesser neighbour state semblies of people, and all combinations and conshould be devoured of the greater. For this may federacies of them, by liveries. tokens, and other
be the case of Scotland towards England; of Por- badges of factious dependence; that the peace of
tugal towards Spain; of the smaller estates of the land may by these ordinances, as by bars of
Italy towards the greater; and so of Germany; iron, be soundly bound in and strengthened, and
or as if some of you of the commons might not all force, both in court, country, and private
live and dwell safely besides some of these great houses, be supprest. The care hereof, which so
lords. And the bringing in of this example will much concerneth yourselves, and which the nabe chiefly laid to the king's charge, as to him that ture of the times doth instantly call for, his grace
was most interested and most able to forbid it. commends to your wisdoms.
But then on the other side, there is so fair a pre- "And because it is the king's desire. that this
text on the French king's part, and yet pretext is peace, wherein he hopeth to govern and maintain
never wanting to power, in regard the danger im- you, do not bear only unto you leaves, for you to
minent to his own estate is such as may make this sit under the shade of them in safety: but also
enterprise seem rather a work of necessity than should bear you fruit of riches, wealth, and plenof ambition, as doth in reason correct the danger ty; therefore his grace prays you to take into
of the example. For that the example of that consideration matter of trade, as also the manuwhich is done in a man's own defence cannot be factures of the kingdom, and to repress the bastard
dangerous; because it is another's power to avoid and barren employment of moneys to usury and
it. But in all this business the king remits him- unlawful exchanges; that they may be, as their
self to your grave and mature advice, whereupon natural use is, turned upon commerce, and lawful
he purposeth to rely." and royal trading. And likewise that our people
This was the effect of the Lord Chancellor's be set on work in arts and handicrafts; that the
speech touching the cause of Britain; for the realm may subsist more of itself; that idleness
king had commanded him to carry it so as to af- be avoided, and the draining out of our treasure
feet the parliament towards the business: but for foreign manufactures stopped. But you are
without engaging the king in any express decla- not to rest here only, but to provide further, that
ration. whatsoever merchandise shall be brought in from
The chancellor went on: beyond the seas, may be employed upon the comrn
9" For that which may concern the government modities of this land; whereby the kingdom's
at home, the king hath commanded me to say un- stock of treasure may be sure to be kept from
to you, that he thinketh there was never any king, being diminished by any over-trading of the
for the small time that he hath reigned, had foreigner.
greater and juster cause of the two contrary pas- "s And lastly, because the king is well assured,
sions of joy and sorrow than his grace hath. Joy that you would not have him poor that wishes you
in respect of the rare and visible favours of Al- rich; he doubteth not but that you will have care
mighty God, in girding the imperial sword upon as well to maintain his revenues of customs and
his side, and assisting the same his sword against all other natures, as also to supply him with your
all his enemies; and likewise in blessing him with loving aids, if the case shall so require. The
so many good and loving servants and subjects rather, for that you know the king is a good huswhich have never failed to give him faithful coun- band, and but a steward in effect for the public;
sel, ready obedience, and courageous defence. and that what comes from you is but as moisture
Sorrow, for that it hath not pleased God to suffer drawn from the earth, which gathers into a cloul,