The works of Francis Bacon, lord chancellor of England.

OF A HOLY WAR. 439
reprehension and severity. ZEBEDEUS. We must wit of discovery towards what is solid and real,
take heed, Pollio, that we fall not at unawares into and what is specious and airy, will esteem all this
the heresy of Manuel Comrnenus, Emperor of but impossibilities, and eagles in the clouds: and
Graecia, who affirmed, that Mahomet's God was therefore we shall all entreat him to crush this
the true God: which opinion was not only rejected argument with his best forces: that by the light
and condemned by the synod, but imputed to the we shall take from him, we may either cast it
emperor as extreme madness; being reproached away if it be found but a bladder, or discharge it
to him also by the Bishop of Thessalonica, in of so much as is vain and not sperable. And bethose bitter and strange words, as are not to be cause I confess I myself am not of that opinion,
named. MARTIUS. I confess that it is my opinion, although it be a hard encounter to deal with Pollio,
that a war upon the Turk is more worthy than yet, I shall do my best to prove the enterprise posupon any other gentiles, infidels, or savages, that sible; and to show how all impediments may be
either have been, or now are, both in point of either removed or overcome. And then it will be
religion, and in point of honour; though facility, fit for Martius, if we do not desert it before, to
and hope of success, might, perhaps, invite some resume his farther discourse, as well for the perother choice. But before I proceed, both myself suasive, as for the consult, touching the means,
would be glad to take some breath; and I shall preparations, and all that may conduce unto the
frankly desire, that some of your lordships would enterprise. But this is but my wish, your lordtake your turn to speak, that can do it better. But, ships will put it into better order. They all not
chiefly, for that I see here some that are excellent only allowed the distribution, but accepted the
interpreters of the divine law, though in several parts: but because the day was spent, they agreed
ways; and that I have reason to distrust mine to defer it till the next morning. Only Pollio
own judgment, both as weak in itself, and as that said;
which may be overborne by my zeal and affection POLLIO. You take me right, Eupolis, for I am
to this cause. I think it were an error to speak of opinion, that, except you could bray Christenfarther, till I may see some sound foundation laid dom in a mortar, and mould it into a new paste,
of the lawfulness of the action, by them that are there is no possibility of a holy war. And I was
better versed in that argument. EUPOLIs. I am ever of opinion, that the philosopher's stone, and
glad, Martius, to see in a person of your profes- a holy war, were but the rendezvous of.cracked
sion so great moderation, in that you are not trans- brains, that wore their feather in their head instead
ported in an action that warms the blood, and is of their hat. Nevertheless, believe me of courtesy,
appearing holy, to blanch or take for admitted the that if you five shall be of another mind, espepoint of lawfulness. And because, methinks, this cially after you have heard what I can say, I shall
conference prospers, if your lordships will give be ready to certify with Hippocrates, that Athens
me leave, I will make some motion touching the is mad, and Democritus is only sober. And, lest
distribution of it into parts. Unto which when you shall take me for altogether adverse, I will
they all assented, Eupolis said: EuPOLIS. I think frankly contribute to the business now at first.
it would not sort amiss, if Zebedoeus would be Ye, no doubt, will amongst you devise and displeased to handle the question, Whether a war for course many solemn matters: but do as I shall
the propagation of the Christian faith, without tell you. This pope is decrepit, and the bell
other cause of hostility, be lawful or no, and in goeth for him. Take order, that when he is dead,
what cases! I confess also I would be glad to there be chosen a pope of fiesh years, between
go a little farther, and to hear it spoken to con- fifty and threescore; and see that he take the
cerning the lawfulness, not only permissively, but name of Urban, because a pope of that name did
whether it be not obligatory to Christian princes first institute the croisado, and, as with a holy
and states to design it.; which part, if it please trumpet, did stir up the voyage for the Holy
Gamaliel to undertake, the point of the lawful- Land. EuPoLis. You say well; but be, I pray
ness taken simply will be complete. Yet, there you, a little more serious in this conference.
resteth the comparative: that is, it being granted, The next day the same persons met as they had
that it is either lawful or binding, yet, whether appointed; and after they were set, and that there
other things be not be preferred before it; as ex- had passed some sporting speeches from Pollio,
tirpation ot heretics, reconcilements of schisms, how the war was already begun; for that, he said,
pursuits of lawful temporal rights and quarrels, he had dreamt of nothing but Janizaries, and
and the like; and how far this enterprise ought Tartars, and sultans all the night long: Martias
either to wait upon these other matters, or to be said. MARTIUS. The distribution of this confemningled with them, or to pass by them, and give rence, which was made by Eupolis yesternight,
law to them, as inferior unto itself t And because and was by us approved, seemeth to me perfect,
this is a great part, and Eusebius hath yet said save in one point; and that is, not in the number,.nothing, we will by way of mulct or pain, if your but in the placing of the parts. For it is so dislordships think good, lay it upon him. All this posed, that Pollio and Eupolis shall debate the
while, I doubt much that Pollio, who hath a sharp possibility or impossibility of the action, before 1