A table-booke for princes Containing short remembrances for the gouernment of themselues and their empire. Wherein also respectiuely the seuerall members of state, and all sorts of subiects, may finde matter worthy their obseruation. By Patricke Scot, Esquire. Scot, Patrick. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A11619 of text S116871 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 21860). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 192 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 118 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 A11619 STC 21860 ESTC S116871 99852086 99852086 17391 2248540377

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 Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. A11619) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 17391) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1256:2) A table-booke for princes Containing short remembrances for the gouernment of themselues and their empire. Wherein also respectiuely the seuerall members of state, and all sorts of subiects, may finde matter worthy their obseruation. By Patricke Scot, Esquire. Scot, Patrick. [16], 113, 110-215, [5] p. Printed by Bernard Alsop, dwelling in Distaffe-Lane at the signe of the Dolphin, neere Olde Fish-street, London : 1621. The first leaf and the last two leaves are blank. Running title reads: A table booke for princes. Reproduction of the original in the Bodleian Library. eng Education of princes -- Early works to 1800. eebo A table-booke for princes. Containing short remembrances for the gouernment of themselues and their empire. Wherein also respectiuely the seuerall mem Scot, Patrick 1621 236 30879 162 0 0 0 0 0 52.46 D The rate of 52.46 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the D category of texts with between 35 and 100 defects per 10,000 words. 2011-05 Assigned for keying and markup 2011-05 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2011-06 Sampled and proofread 2011-06 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2012-05 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

A TABLE-BOOKE FOR PRINCES .

CONTAINING SHORT Remembrances for the Gouernment of themselues and their EMPIRE .

Wherein also respectiuely the seuerall Members of State , and all sorts of Subiects , may finde matter worthy their obseruation .

By Patricke Scot , Esquire .

Nihil recte inchoatur , nisi post Deum fauerit Imperator , nec quenquam oportet vel meliora scire vel plura quam principem , cuius doctrina omnibus potest prodesse subiectis . Veget. in Prol.

LONDON , Printed by BERNARD ALSOP , dwelling in Distaffe-Lane at the Signe of the Dolphin , neere Olde Fish-street . 1621.

TO THE HIGH AND MIGHTIE PRINCE CHARLES , the hopefull Prince of Great Brittaine , France and Ireland , &c. SIR ,

IF PHILLIP of Macedon did yeelde no lesse thankes to his false gods , that his Sonne Alexander was borne in the time of Aristotle , then in blessing him with so hopefull a child : your Highnesse hath iust cause to celebrate the Name of the true God , that you are the Sonne and Heire of a Mightie King , and of a Religious , Wise , and Learned Father , who ( besides the appointing of godly and learned Tutors ) in his owne person , ( exceeding Aristotle both in the Theoricke and Practicke of Gouernment ) hath so seasoned your Highnesse tender yeares , with the ( Giliadlike ) odoriferous Balme of Diuine and Morall instructions , as the sweete perfume thereof hath already rauished the hearts of all loyall Subiects , with the extreamitie of ioy ; and one day ( by Gods Grace ) will make knowne to the World , the happinesse you haue in your birth-right , but the perfection of happinesse in such a Father , who hath so emptyed the profound Ocean of Diuine and Humane learning , that ( except borrowed from the rich Treasure of his store , nothing that belongs to the true institution of young Alexander , can either be found or added .

Wherefore SIR , I humbly beseech your Highnesse to censure these lame Essaies of my barren braine ( or rather crums falne from the Princely Table of your more then Salomon-like Father ) as the Widowlike Symboll of my deuotion ; pleadge of my Faith , or Subiect to try your Highnesse , clemencie in pardoning , or Iustice in condemning of me , who haue rashly persumed to prefer my home-spun labours to so powerfull a Mecenas , whose approbation or dislike may enrich me with the fulnesse of content , or expose me vpon the dangerous Rockes of vntimely sorrow . But SIR , either in life or death I shall be

Your Highnesse humble and true Seruant , PATRICK SCOT .
TO THE GENEROVS READER .

KNowing ( Generous Reader ) that these ill digested labours of mine , shal be as well exposed to the byting censure of base and enuious Criticks , ( whose peruerse and obstinate disposition hath taught them to detract from others , and forget their owne obliquities ) as to the view of High borne , true , Noble , and generous Spirits , ( whose birth and education inuites them to looke with a more fauourable aspect vpon the weake endeuours of good meaning . ) For thy better satisfaction , I am to aduertise thee ; that at my first seizing vpon this Subiect , ( a task I grant farre aboue my reach ) I did not iealously suspect , but altogether distrust my owne insufficiencie ; and therefore did make choyce rather to loose my thus spent time , and commit my confused Papers to a fiery tryall , then to be the Herald of my owne ignorance : hut when I had better aduised , I did finde that the Supreame King is well pleased with the least dram of true deuotion : that his Vicegerents many great Monarches , and braue Princes haue taken in good part , the smalest oblations of their meanest Seruants : that euery good subiect ( amongst whom in loyaltie I am inferior to none ) are by the most strict bonds of allegiance tyed , to communicate their talent to the seruice of their Prince and Countrey : then ( I say ) I did recall my fire-threatning sentence , and was content that this obortiue birth should come vnto the world ; But vpon assurance ( least thou should expect more then I promise ) that the Tytle of a Table-Booke might be Charactered vpon the front is piece thereof : which very name , enforceth rather a necessitous vse for memory , then an elaborat intire debating , or methodicall disposition of the matter .

Sith then I hold vp my hand at the bar of thy iudgement , I intreate that this ensuing Treatise ( blemished with the impollished ornaments of Art ) may be sheltered vnder the wings of thy fauorable censure , and the rather because this subiect is more neerely aliyed to truth and sinceritie , then to art and affectation . So shall I remaine

Thy constant welwiller , P. S.
AVTHOR LIBELLO . EIa , age nunc , roseasque genas , frontemque serenam Ostendas Coelo ; licet immaturè , nec omni Parte , satis vel comptè sinus , collecteue pulchram Caesariem in nodum ; tamen haud fortasse , libelle , Monstrum immane tuens : te libertatis amicae Munere te placitâ donabit sepe salute Magnanimus Carlus ; magni generosa propago Patris , qui Centum numerans ab origene Reges Omnes sceptriferos , omnes decora alta ferentes , Bis fese quartum adiungit : Bodotria solum Quem dominum , Tamisisque colit . piscosaque bannae Flumina , tu gratum venies caput omnibus illis Queis magè sana bonus finxit praecordia Titan Et non Antyciras opus est dare lintea : verum Momorum damnanda , bonisque aduersa propago , Et qui vipereum spirant ex ore venenum , Zoilous , atque Theon , te sannis omnibus vnum Excipient ; durumque prement , liuoris acerbi Morsibus ▪ Interea tu quâ licet , vtere sorte Suppliciter venerare atque admirare potentem Parcere Subiectis & debellare superbos . Et ( si quem ) solum submisso poplite Carlum Qui ( quanuis talem ) vultu haud dignatur amico Cernere te . Charis grates hinc soluere amicis Sis memor : & labes veteres , fractique vigoris disiectum robur , non inficiatè , recedas . Denique quae Momus iaculatur spicula , sorti Sperne animo ; neque vim quae ea dextra mittat atundo . Vel spacium euadet totum : vel perforet ictum .
THE TABLE . OF the condition and true happinesse of Princes . What benefit commeth to a Prince , by good education and learning . Of the vertuous life of Princes : of the election of their Councellours , Officers , and Seruants . What generall obseruations the happy and quiet Gouernment of a Prince requireth . By what meanes the generous minds of Princes are knowne . Of Nobilitie . Antidotes against the poysoning of vaine glorie , and ambitious thoughts , that intoxicates the minds of young Princes . How Princes ought to moderate their power . Whose Image good and bad Princes represent : by what Epithetes they are knowne , and of their seuerall actions . By what meanes a Prince may secure himselfe in his Kingdome , and obtaine the loue of his Subiects . Princes ought to be easie in giuing accesse , and ready to heare the complaints of the oppressed & poore . Of the necessity of Princes knowledge in the affaires of their Empire , and presence ( so farre as is possible ) in the administration of Iustice . Of Lawes and Iustice . Of the wrath of Princes , when and how they should punish . Of two sorts of flattery , but chiefely of the last , that haunts the Courts of Princes . To whom Princes may safely commit publike functions . Of secrecy , in the managing of the weightie affaires of Princes , and what iudicious policy Princes may somtimes lawfully vse . Vpon whom Ecclesiasticall functions , by Princes are to be conferred . Of Church Controuersies , ciuill contentions , seditious Pamphlets , infamous Libels , and with what care they are to be repressed . Of the liberality of Princes . Of the mutuall friendship and correspondence , that ought to be betwixt neighbouring Princes , and contiguous Kingdomes . Of warre , what Princes are to consider before they enter in warre : for what causes they may lawfully take armes , and how to behaue themselues in warre . Of Souldiers , and military discipline . Of the meditation and preparation of Princes against the day of their death . Of mourning for the dead , and of Christian and Princely buriall .
A TABLE BOOKE FOR PRINCES .
SECTIO . I. Of the condition and true happinesse of Princes .

THey are either blind or ignorant , Vulgus indoctum , & multorum illa capitam bellua persuasam habet , magnos principes regno suo , velut in a maenissimo quodam paradiso viuere , vbi dijs hominibusque plaudentibus , omnia quae ad delitias pertinent suppeditantur . Reinh. Lor. Hacla . that ( with the vulgar ) estimates the happinesse of Kings to consist in titular honours , largenesse of Empire , millions of Subiects , faire Palaces , multitude of attendants , rich treasures , and other glistering shewes : They neuer looke into the heauie burthen and thorny cares of gouernment , whereof a diademe is composed , wherein the suppressing of vice , the exalting of vertue , equall administration of Iustice ; immediately in their owne persons , and mediately by their deligates : the defence of the poore and oppressed , the carefull ouerwatching that neither in themselues , nor in orhers the lawes bee infringed , are chiefe and inseparable companions of Empire , and annexed to Crownes , vpon no lesse perill then priuation of all those worthy Epithets , which are due to good Princes here , and of the eternall reward that is promised hereafter .

This kingly charge , outwardly glorious , Plut. in . vit. Solon . Plutar. an seni gerenda sit respub . Macrob. lib. 1. cap. 16. begun with cares , continued with feares , oft times ended with sorrowes , rightly considered , will make Seleucus with sighes bewaile the miseries of Kings : Damocles leaue to flatter Dionisius : Golden Craesus in sorrow and admiration remember old Solon .

Let therefore all Princes , who are transported with the libidinous desire of raigne , or ambitious enlarging of their Dominions , wisely expend the reasons following : First , O nobilem magis quam foelicem pannum , quem si quis poenitus cognoseat quam multis solicitudinibus & periculis sit refertus , ne humi iacentem capere vellet . Val. Max. lib. 7. cap. 2. the great charge that is imposed vpon those to whom gouernment is committed : how difficill it is to exercise the same rightly : what wisdome is required of Princes least they make shipracke of their priuate , and publike state : how farre they ought in vertue excell others : that the publike good is as peculiar to Kings , as seeing to the eye , or hearing to the eare : That none ought to aspire to that sacred seat , but such who in goodnesse imitates the Archking , whose throne it is which they enioy . Plut. de instit . Prin. Est Principis Vnicum munus alijs prospicere & publicis consulere commodis ; id autem non potest nisi sapientia , vigilantia , animique integritate ceteros antecellat .

Eras . de instit . Prin. Secondly , they are to consider that sceptors are not giuen vnto Kings ( tyrant-like ) to abuse their authority , but to be strickt obseruers , of the lawes they imppose vpon others : Principatus nihil aliud sunt quam splendida ministeria . Eras . apo. 5. That the duty of Kings and subiects ( otherwayes then in the dignity of commanding , and that Kings are onely countable to God ) is mutuall , Principi populus censum debet , debet obsequium , debet honorem ; populo viciscim Princeps debet clementiam ; debet vigilantiam . O King ( saith Agapetus to Iustinian ) sith there is none vpon earth able to command thee , Ad Iustini . Caes . impose an necessity of keeping the lawes vpon thy selfe . Plut. in ap Augustus Caesar being exasperate by an offence of high quality ( ouercome with the violence of his passions ) did punish a young man , contrary to the law hee had made ; and hearing him cry out , Crimen licet per se graue erat tum admissum in Caesaris maiestatem , tamen Heroidoluit exacta non secundum legem propriam vindicta . Suet. in Caes . O Caesar I appeale to the law which thou hast made , did so condole the exaction of punishment , not due before legall censure , that hee did forbeare to take food ; vntill such time as hee had fully testified the greatnesse of his conceiued sorrow : a notable example in a great Prince to whom the breach of law hee had made was so displeasant , that he studied rather to punish his owne error ; then the offence of so high quality , Plut. de doct. Prin. committed against his royall dignitie : hee did well know , that the law is the soueraigne queene of diuine and humane gouernment : that it is not enough to make lawes , but to keepe them .

Principes ministri dei sunt ad curam & salutem hominum , vt bonaquae Deus illis largitur , parum distribuant , pa●●●m seruent . Plut. de doct. Prin. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . li. 2. fol. 101. Thirdly , let ambitious Alexander , and tyranous Dionisius ( whose ruling appetite , and cruelty , on world and humane blood cannot satiate ) consider that Kinges are the images of God ; that as God is goodnesse it selfe , and distributes his goodnes to all men : so Princes ( Gods vicegerants ) ought to bee profitable to their subiects : not to preferre their priuate gaine before the publike good , but to drawe their picture by the patterne of their Maker , and so shine before their people , in abandoning of vice , and following of vertue , as they exceed them in place and dignity . Si quispiam nauta modicum errauerit , affert nauigantibus nocumentum , sed si nauigator ipse delirauerit , totius efficit nauig●j perniciem Agap . ad Iust . Let Princes wisely weigh that the helme of the Common-wealth is committed to their charge , and that they are countable for the well or ill gouernment therof : That there is nothing more contagious , or that sooner disperseth through the body of state , then the example of Princes , whose liues are so conspicuous as the sunne , and therefore to the good of all men they must be the best amongst men , or to the preiudice of all , and their owne the most wicked .

Fourthly , the boyling desire of Empire will growe cold , Iacob . Mag. Brit. &c. Rex : in Epist ad Carol. Prin. Suet. in Fla. dom. if Princes set before their eyes , the infinite dangers to which they are subiect ; to what burthen they are tyed , how full of thorny cares , and commonly how short the life of greatnesse is . It was not without cause that Caesar did complaine , vpon the misery of Princes , subiect to perfidious machinations , Conditio Principum miserima est , vbi timentur infidiae proditoriae● fraudes , doli , editiones , inimicitiae , venena . Reinh. Lor. detestable treasons , deceitfull conspiracyes , and intoxicate poysonings : they cannot in safety goe abroad , without a guard , neyther take meate before some other taste it : they must in peace liue armed , not onely against the inuasion of forraine enemyes , but intestine and domesticke friendes : one betrayes them , another deceiues them : others flatters them : they are the subiects of all discourse ; the obiects of all mens eyes : from all which the vulgar are secured : Nulla enim aconita bibuntur fictilibus , tunc illa time , cum pocula sumas gemmata , & lato sitinum ardebit in auro : Iuuenal . Sat. 10. they are neither subiect to feares , nor feared or enuied of any : their earthen cups yeeld them drinke to quench their thirst , but not to extinguish their life : hunger makes their browne bread sweete , labour their sleepe quiet , small fire keepes them from cold , course clothes shelters their nakednes , and an innocent life crownes their death .

By which it is euident that Princes must eyther acknowledge the weight of their office , what intricate difficulties and dangers are in the right exercising thereof ; that they are set vpon the theater of the world , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Epist. or ( tyrant like ) resolue that the Common-wealth , must be the stage of their insolent life , and wished for death . The continuall toyles whereunto Princes are subiect , made Caesar oft-times wish to bee exonered of so heauy a burthen ; Reinh. Lor. hath beene the cause that many wise and learned Princes haue preferred , priuate life , before publike greatnesse .

Iacob . mag. Brit. &c. Rex de inaugurat . Prin. fol. 122. Lastly , let the serious meditation of the strict accompt that Princes must giue , serue to curbe the insolent affecting of gouernment ; the time will shortly come ( death sparing no more Kings than beggars ) when hee must yeeld vp his accompts ( according to the greatnesse of his talent ) before such a Iudge , Vidi mortuos magnos , & pusillos stantes inconspectu throni . Reuel. 20. from whom all the Monarches in the world are not able to appeale ; and whom they cannot deterre , deceiue , or corrupt : what strickt account will hee take ? what seuere iudgment will hee pronounce against such as either haue vniustly vsurped his authority , Omne animi vitium tanto conspectius in se crimen habet , quanto maior qui peccat habetur Iuuen . Sat. 8. or being lawfully placed in his throne vpon earth , haue intruded themselues , or not acquit them of the trust committed to them ? Agapetus Iustinianum admonuit , vt talem se prestaret erga subditos vt famulos , qualem Deum futurum erga se exoptaret .

It is then manifest that good Princes ( to whom the incessant care of then charge is more deare , then the mad and foolish desire of preheminence ) are not happy by the externall shadowes of greatnesse , but by shewing themselues great , in ouerruling their disordered affections ( which is none of the least , but rather the perfection of humane actions ) and then in the establishing and keeping of good lawes : Eras . instit . Prin. in the administration of Iustice ; in rewarding the vertuous and punishing the vicious : in exalting the humble , obedient , and beating downe the proud oppressours : in repressing of enemies and cherishing of friendes : in punishing treasonable practises , and detesting inposturing flattery : in chastising detractions , and discountenancing hollow-hearted hypocrites : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Epist. and finally to bee such , as they care not who looke vnto their most secret actions , or outward gesture .

These and the like bee true kingly functions , the rich iewells that adornes diademes , and are the happinesse of Kinges , not consisting in temporary , momentary pleasures , or deceitfull vices : but vpon the neuer perishing delights , that are builded vpon the vnremoueable rocke of vertue , vnto which no man can ascend , but by the steppes of diuine wisedome . 1. Reg. c. 3. Salomon ( in whose choise it was to aske what hee pleased ) did well know that this was the ladder by which Iacob did reach vp to heauen , and the life of kingly maiesty ; therefore he did not aske riches , vaine glory or worldly pleasures ; but wisedome ; neither worldly wisdome , but such whereby in vprightnesse and vnderstanding he might execute his royall function . Eras . apo. 4. Philip of Macedon was desirous that his sonne Alexander should not giue his mind to corruptible riches , but to the study of philosophy .

Reinh. Loc. These great Princes did wisely inform themselues , that wisedome and learning are the Herculian pillars of Kings , without which their condition ( although embellished with the glory of Salomon the Empire of Alexander , the armies of Xerxes , the riches of Craesus , and other whatsoeuer vanities nature doth produce , or art inuent ) is more miserable then the poorest Codrus , Ludo. Hilles . lib. 1. or dispised Lazarus .

It is then religious wisedome , seconded by good education & learning , that dignifies Princes in their youth , accompanies them in their life , and glorifies them after death .

O vitae religio conseruatrix , tu coelitus demissa interris , animos vera virtute imples ; tu diuinarum humanarumque rectrix : tu imperia , sceptra , iudicia , vt firma , vt legitima sunt facis : tu priuatorum fortunam moderaris : tu populos in fide ac officio contines : in te vna bene beateque viuendi firmamentum existit : demum nihil in Principe nec populo praeclarum est , quod non a te ortum ducat , tuoque illustratur splendore .

SECTIO . II. What benefit commeth to a Prince , by good education and learning .

AS the most fertill ground , without culture , Eras de instit . Prin. is not only barren in the production of wholsome fruits , but doth ouergrowe with thistles and hurtfull weedes . So the minde of man without education , is not onely infertill in the propagation of vertue , but naturally inclined to bring foorth ignorance , voluptuousnesse , and all other vices . Prou. 22.15 Salomon saith , that foolishnesse is tied to the heart of a young man , Nemo nascitur sapiens sed fit . Senec. de ira and cannot bee vntied but by instruction . There is no man borne good , neither Prince , howsoeuer nobly descended , without wholsome doctrine , did prooue himselfe worthy of Empire .

It concerneth therfore generous , high borne , and ingenuous Princes , Cic. 2. Tusc. quaest : to follow the study of good letters , to honour loue , and retaine the professors of liberall Arts , and to bee proficient in them : The benefits thereof are many , the effects admirable , and the reward inestimable .

First , vertuous education begetteth a habit of vertue , Aelian : Lamp . and hatred of vice , for there is nothing more certaine , then that thereby a man becommeth more then a man , and participates in the diuine nature ; on the other side , Plut. de educa puer . if he be left to his naturall ignorance , he degenerates to all wickednesse , and simpathiseth rather with the most sauage and rude beasts , then with reasonable men .

Lucurgus the Spartan law-giuer , made manifest the powerfulnesse of education , by the diuers effects of two puppies . Duo catuli ijsdem parentibus orti , caeterum diuersam vitae consuetudinem assecuti , alter gulosus , alter venator euasere .

Secondly , although Princes so exceed all others in the abundance of all things , Eras. 3. apo. that learning may seeme either to serue them to small vse , or not necessary at all : yet for many weightie considerations , the more powerfull they are , Principes opus habent multis praeceptis , vt sanctè viuant ; vt veterem cum suis ad fectibus Adamú rerum copia luxuiantē , coerceant ; ne voluptatibus franfrangantur , & insolescāt ad interitum . Gregor. moral . the lesse able they are , to gouerne either themselues , or their people without knowledge and learning ; being more ready to decline from the right hand of vertue , vnto the left hand of vice , then to keepe the sure way , neuer knowne to the ignorant and vnlearned . Learning is that strong guard , that defendeth Princes against the deceitfull inticements of prosperity , power , honour , riches , and whatsoeuer else praecipitates greatnesse ( blindfolded in the Cimerian darkenesse of ignorance ) to an irrecouerable downefal : a Prince ought not to measure his happinesse by those false goods of fortune , but by the true riches of his minde , Polib . lib. 7. Gorgias being asked , whether he did thinke the Persian King happy or not , answered , he did not know how vertuous and learned hee was ; for , said hee , there is no happinesse in these things that may be taken away .

Libri muti magistri nescientes erubescere non conniuent , vt dignos haero●s laudibus euehūt ; ita prauos dente theonino rodunt . Quint. de lect. lib. Thirdly , learning stirres vp and excitates the minde and loue of a Prince , to the reading of bookes , wherein hee may learn al things needful for himselfe , or subiects . These dumbe masters will praise him if he be worthy , or without feare , with the Prophet tell him ; Thou art the man : They wil finally ( without blushing ) admonish him of those things , his Courteors eyther will not , or dare not : The want of learning is the cause that Princes reiect the counsell of their friends , and contemne the power of their enemies ; ignorance caused Cambises cruelly to murther the son of Praxaspes his seruant , Senec. de ira . for his faithful councell ; Tyrannous Dionisius to checke Plato for his louing aduice . Plut. apo. verba tua inquit Dionisius , otiosorum senum sunt , & tua inquit Plato , tirannum sapiunt .

These & the like Phalarisme examples of tyranny , Reinh. Lor. prooue that the knowledge of learning is necessary for good Princes ; that thereby they become so much better , that they willingly embrace vertue , and come to the knowledge of themselues . Omnes boni principes , de quibus legitur , vel fuerunt per se studiosi , vel habuerunt sapientes ad instruendum eos .

Fourthly , although by discent , nobility of blood , and indulgence of fortune , Princes are eminent : yet to adde a more shining brightnesse to their externall splendor , Eccles. 21. learning is necessary , Doctrina est ornamentum aureum prudenti & quasi brachiale in dextro . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , learning is an honour to all men , Ex Doct. Gerh. nomam . saith Meander : many famous Princes at home and abroad , haue beene more reuerenced for their learning , then honoured for their greatnesse .

Fiftly , learning onely brings with it lasting , Cicero in Senec. and Prince worthy pleasures , the rest are but deceitful momentary , baits to insnare them : Gaudia falsa non remanent , sed fugitiua volant , quod leuius videretur , si fugientia non relinquerent at ergo venenum . These false pleasures are rightly named ( by Architas ) the most destroying plagues inflicted vpon men . Martial . l. 2 : Aristotle was wont to admonish his schollars not to looke vpon pleasures at their comming , but in their going , for in the one ( said he , ) they shew faire , in the other they leaue sorrow and repentance .

On the contrary , the delights that are begotten of learning and vertue , are true ioyes , permanent pleasures , the ornaments of youth , the crowne of age ; They adorne prosperity , vphold aduersity , Cicero pro Arch. at home are the best stewards , abroad the best interpreters , in peace the vshers of idlenesse , in warre the Marshals of campes , in company the ministers of discourse , and alone priuate and true Councellours .

2. offic. Noble Affricanus vsed oft to say , that he was neuer lesse solitary , then when solitary .

A Prince of Athens , being demanded what he did profit by Philosophy , Diog. Laert. answered ; That at all times hee could without offence , conferre with himselfe , and in euery discourse drawe a conclusion consonant to reason . Besides , sayd hee , the knowledge of Philosophy , makes mee loue wise learned honest men , detest flattering Parasites , and fooles .

Sixthly , Gelli l. 13. learning adornes a Prince with curtesie , clemency , and meekenesse ; The first begetteth inseparable loue , the second humane admiration ; and the third diuine applause . The loue of subiects , is the wall of kingdomes . Mercy establisheth the throne of a King , and meekenesse deifies him . Horat. 2. Epist. Omnis eruditio mansuetos facit , nemo enim adeo ferus , vt non mitessere possit , si modo doctrinae patientem praebeat aurem .

Seauenthly , in most desperate diseases ( by learning a Prince findes matter of comfort , and present helpe . This was the medicine that Marcus Tullius did minister to his friend . Epist. Famil . lib. 6. O Balbus , said hee , if I could prescribe better medicine for our equall griefes , Siquidem studia vt optime foolicitatē extollunt ; ita facilime calamitates minuunt . Senec. de consol. ad Albinum . I would ; such as I can , I will : let the study of good letters , which for our delight we haue formerly embraced , bee now the comfort of our miseries , and last health : as they did aduance our better fortunes ; so they will mitigate present sorrowes , cure our wounds , and so expell melancholy passions , that the sorrow of humane miseries , shall haue no further entry then to the gates of our weakest sences .

Since therefore humane miseries , are no lesse incident to Princes then poore men , they ought by learning to arme themselues against the violent batteries of aduerse fortune . If Craesus had participated either in learning , or aduise with Solon , Quanto maior est fortuna , tanto minor est secura . Arist. ethni . in his flourishing estate , he had found more comfort thereby vpon his tragicall theater , then in the millions of his golden treasures . Dionisius ( nothing inferiour to Craesus in tyranny or presumption ; Licet Regi affectu fieri philosophum . Plut. in apo. but superiour by learning ; in his exile , being asked what he had learned by Plato : answered , that by Philosophy he had learned to vndergoe equally the estate of a Prince , and beggar . Gellius l. 2.

Eightly , a learned Prince doth willingly enolyne to wisdome and vertue , Gellius l. 2. he followeth the one , & shunneth the other , not for feare , but for loue of themselues . The Cubiculars of the Persian Kings , were enioyned euery morning to put their master in minde of his kingly office , by these wordes : Arise O King , and goe about the publike affaires : Heron. ad Heliod. A learned Prince needeth no such aduertisement , Philosophi ponu●t ●uatuor species perturbationum , dolorem , metum , spem , Letitiam , quibus hominum vulgus , vt procellosum mare fluctibus inquietatur Arist. pol. before hee goeth to bed hee premeditates the next dayes worke , in his bed hee consults vpon it , and at his arising hee executes his setled designes ; hee is neither ouercome , with sorrow , feare , hope , ioy , and other vulgar violent perturbations , but willingly followes those wholesome lawes he doth enact for others . Aristotle being demanded what hee had profited by Philosophy , answered ; That hee had learned to doe those things willingly , that others did for feare of the Law .

Oderunt peccare boni virtutis amore , Oderunt peccare mali formidine poenae .

Ninthly , giuing of answers , Eloquentia principibus magno ornamento est Cic. 4. de finib . vsing perswasions , resoluing of questions , discoursing of lawes , conferring of honours , defence of things proposed , or done , are inseparably annexed to the office of a King : vnto all which , hee must bee by learning inabled , lest hee expose himselfe to the censure of ignorance , or become the subiect of smothered laughter and future contempt . The words of a Prince are ( like the oracles of Apollo ) no sooner spoken , Plato . de rep. but taken holde of by all men : therfore great care is to be taken , that his wordes , his orations , his answeres and demandes , be consonant to the to the dignity of a Prince . Plato did pronounce the state happy , where a wise and learned King did raigne ; for said hee , learning is the only and chiefe happinesse , and ignorance the greatest ill : vpon the first depends all humane felicity ; Isocrates ad Demoniac . vpon the last assured misery . Aristippus made choyse , rather to bee a begger , then vnlearned , because by the one hee wanted onely externall and temporall riches , but by the other humanity , knowledge , and endlesse wealth . Sola omnium possessionum immortalis scientia .

Wherefore ( to conclude this point ) learning keepes states from returning to their former Chaos of confusion ; Cic. pro Arch. Aug. super psal. 101. it is the sun that enlightens the minde of Princes , and being remooued , gouernment by disorder , turnes into tyranny , and is obscured with the darke cloudes of ignorance .

Alphonsus Aragonum Rex , cum audisset quendam dixisse non decere principem scire literas , fertur exclamasse : eam vocem bouis esse non hominis , cum a rationis iuditio non profecta , sed insulso belluinae ruditatis instinctu fuisset effusa .

SECTIO . III. Of the vertuous life of Princes : of the election of their Councellors , officers , and seruants .

THere be three inseparable companions that ought to accompany Princes ; Impera tibi , impera seruis , & impera subditis . Sociad . First , the care of themselues ; Secondly , the care of their subiects , Thirdly , the care and iudicious choyce of Councellours , Virtutes Principis per omnium imperiorum corpora diffunduntur . Senec. de Clement . officers , and seruants . The first is the rule whereby the second and third are squared ; the good life of a Prince , is the fountaine from whence the waters of life , of countrey , city , and court flow : The Prince is the head , they the members , he is of no lesse force in their politicke body , then the head in a naturall ; which being crasie or diseased , imparts sicknesse or death to the weaker parts ; Princes are of star-like influence vpon inferiour bodies ; If the ayre bee infected with an epidemicall quality , they that dwell therein cannot be very sound : If Princes bee giuen to goodnesse and vertue , the subiects and seruants like apes imitate them ; if vicious , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Epist. Ex Plut. they exceed in all licenciousnesse and insolency . This exemplary life of Princes was the ground-stone whereon Platoes Republicke was builded ; Fla. vopisc . in aurel . old Solons faithfull counsell to Princes , was to goe before their people in vertue and goodnes , which precedency is the maintainer of piety , honesty , and obedience : Secundum iudicem populi sic & ministri eius , Eccles. 10.2 . saith the Wiseman .

Philostrat . lib. 9. The Annals of all nations demonstrate , that whatsoeuer vertues or vices Princes haue followed , such were the patternes from whence the life of subiectes and seruants were drawne . Ex dione cassio . lib. 9. Efficacissimum est exhortationis genus Principem hoc facere quod ab alijs fieri velit .

As this personall care is the first royall wisedome , and the frame of good gouernment ; Opera danda , vt & Princeps suos mores integros & incorruptos praestet reipublicae & quoad licet omnes subditos , proceres , aulicos ac ministros sui similes habeat . Eras . in stit prin. so is the wise election and making choyce of counsell and helpes ( for supporting the heauy burthen of a diadem ) the next neighbouring vertue . Certum est Principem non posse sua scientia cuncta complecti , itaque conciliari eorum quae inter homines sunt diuinissimum est .

Princes then are first to consult with that supreme King by whom they raigne ; hee is Magni consilij Angelus ; admirabilis consiliarius : Esa. 9.6 . Humana consilia castigantur , quando Coelestibus praeferuntur . Max. lib. 1. without this counsell all other is erronious and full of danger . Dauid consulebat dominum antequam facta ardua agrediretur .

Next vnto diuine consultation , the helpe of counsellours and fit persons ( for seconding so weightie a charge ) offereth it selfe to the iudicious view of Princes , and wherein the following cognizances are to be obserued : First , that such as are admitted , to so honourable a place , bee religious fearing God , Ambros . 3. de offic. and of vpright life , Consiliorum gubernaculum lex diuina , & in consilijs acquirendis plurimum adiungit vitae probitas : Secondly , Principi consule non dulciora sed optima Solon . apud Laert. that they be fidi rerum hominumque periti , faithfull in counsell , skilful in affayres and conditions of people . Thirdly , that they be free of flattery ; tantum nocet adulatio in consilijs , quantum veritas consilij . Fourthly , that they may bee wise , graue , well affected and seene in matters of State , of good experience , and such as by their various fortunes haue learned the art of counselling : Ioan. Pall. par. 1. ca. 9. Mihi fortuna multis rebus ereptis , vsum dedit bene suadendi , saith Mithridates . Fifthly , counsellours must bee calme and humble , ( euer shunning foolish ambition and downe-throwing pride . Consulta● oportet , operari velociter : consulere autem tarde Arist. Eth 6. Consiliarij sint stabilitate solidi . ne moneantur , timore : amore , vel cupiditate , in consilijs dandis , lib. 5. Histor. tripart. ) But well aduised and free in deliuering their counsell , and full of courage in the execution of those things , that doe concerne the weale of their Soueraigne and state . Sixthly , they are to bee constant in their actions and deliberations ; Prudens & sapiens non semperit vno gradu , tamen semperit vna via . Seuenthly , that they be modest in their gesture and actions ; Nullius seruilis sententiae sponte authores , & quoties necessitas ingrueret prudenter moderantes .

Adeo occultum tenebatur consilium apud Romanos , vt arcana Patrum conscripta multis seculis nemo Senatorum enunciauerit . Val. lib : 3. cap. 5. Lastly , because secrecy is the key of the rich cabinet , wherein counsell is inclosed , Kings are to bee carefull that their councellours bee secret and close in matters consulted vpon . Taciturnitas optimum atque tutissimum rerum gerendarum vinculum , quia res magnae non possunt sustineri ab eo cui tacere graue est .

These be the rare rich robes , wherein councellours are to be inuested ; whereof Princes are to take such notice that none be admitted to so eminent dignity , without their wedding garments : Consiliarius tibi sicvnus ex mille Eccles. 6. That ( if it be possible ) they may bee eyther well knowne to the Prince , or by his diligent inquiry tryed by the touchstone of good fame . Singuli decipere & decipi possunt , nemo omnes neminem omnes fefellerunt . Next vnto the election of councellours , succeedeth the choyce of followers , officers , and seruants ; wherein there qualities , places , and number is to bee considered : For the first , Psal. 101. King Dauid leadeth the way to succeeding Kings : Ambulans in via Domini mihi ministrabit ; Let them be of the faithfull of the land , vertuous , diligent and honest in the discharge of their places , bending all their studies promptly , Plat. 7. de rep. Arist. 5. 6. Pol. Thucid. 6. Plut. in Pol. carefully to aduance the weale and honour of their Soueraigne ; they that are in most eminent places , and neerest to the persons of Kings , as they ought to be well educated , generously inclined , endued with wit and discretion : so must they not thinke that all men are borne for them , and they for no man ; but that the loue they owe to their countrey , tyes them ( as feeling members of one body ) modestly , and in a fit time to offer vp the griefes , or reasonable suites of such subiects whose condition , or place , admits them not to the presence of Princes .

Lastly , wisedome aduiseth all sort of followers of Princes , ( from the Cedars to the shrubs ) to shun softnesse , delicacy , Et qui mollia gestant in domibus regum sunt , Math. 12. Has pofundas vitiorum radices euellat princeps . Et Colloq. Ger. Nou. Agricol . in prouerb . Ger. and idlenesse ; to abandon all such vices as are the poyson of Countrey and Court : Such are Atheisme , blasphemies , voluptuousnesse , flattery , detraction , hypocrisie , & other such staines of Court , as Agricola wisheth to bee farre remooued from the Courts of Christan Princes ; & which he pointeth out thus : Fides , honestas , humilitas , ac veritas Pudor decens , & mentis alma castitas , Simplex nitentis pectoris prudentia , Integritas , & omne virtutis iubar : Ex principum modo palatijs procul Fugere quorum ( proh dolor ) vices gerunt Fraus aetra , perfidia , procacitas , sales , Calumniae , palpatio , ronchi , doli , Naesuta sanna , scomma , ludus aleae , Potationum crebra concertatio Summi nihil dei metus perpenditur , Curatur & nihil respectius vltimi Fati , nihil tormenta dira tartari .

The last obseruation is in the number of attendants and seruants , Quint. Curt. wherein Princes ( with Alexander ) may more safely make choyce of few and sufficient , Ael . Spart . Minus iniucunda est aula , quam infinita famulorum maximè seruilium capitum , parasitorum , Lurconum & scurrarum multitudo complet . Eras . de instit . Prin. then ( with Xerxes ) of confused multitude of parasites , false louers , or ignorant followers , and the reasons be these :

First , as the most populous feast ( although most suptuously prepared ) is full of clamors and incombrances , is troublesome to the master , and oftimes ministers discontent to the guests : So populous courts are euer so interlarded with seruile , illiberall , thrasonicall , intruding and vnprofitable spirits , that for their owne ends haunts the Court , and ( although maintained with great charge ) are euer subiect to quarrelling , wrangling , enuy , and discontentment , thereby enforcing Princes to leaue their kingly Soueraignty , In infinita aulicorum multitudin sunt Versipelles , exploratores , qui Latebras aularum omnes excutiunt x quae nouerint produnt . Petrar . dial. 22. and become painefull spectatours , diligent mediators ouer them , whom they ought to command . Secondly , where there be many followers , the most secret affayres of Kings are ( by cunning of corrupt flatterers , spies , and intelligenciers ) exposed vpon the rockes of discouery , and parat-like tongues of the fame spreading vulgar . Thirdly , many attendants ( by the prodigall exhausting of reuenewes ) so disables Princes , that ( without emptying their coffers , and impayring the publike good ) they can neuer satiat the waste and inexpleble bellies of all such followers . Fourthly , Arist. 5. ex dione Cassio Val. max. lib. 9. Paucos seruos bene regere difficile , plurimos impossibile est : As it is difficill to gouerne few well ; so it is impossible to keepe many within the precinct of loyalty and obedience .

〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . li. 2. fol. 70. To shut vp all , the kingly structure of Court , ought to be a patterne of vertues , is builded vpon the exemplary vertues of Princes , strengthened and vpholden by the faithfull aduice of honourable counsellours ; preserued & garnished by true hearted subiects , and domestickes : is ruined or defaccd by such of those , as make other vse of their places , then that to which they were ordained ▪ of whom Horace thus complaineth . Orat. 1. Epist. 15.

Pernicies , & tempestas , barathrumque macelli Nos numerus sumus , & fruges consumere nati , Sponsi Penelopes , nebulones alcinioque In cute curanda plus aequo operata iuuentus , Cui pulchrum fuit , in medios dormire dies , & Ad strepidū citharae cessatum ducere curam .
SECTIO . IIII. What generall obseruations the happy and quiet gouernment of a Prince requireth .

THese bee the chiefe obseruations that are necessary for the right tempering of the actions of Princes : Greg. apud Iob. and attaining to a wished calme amidst the tempestuous seas , wherein they daily saile ;

First , that their desires be consonant to reason , then which there is nothing that more beseemes the dignity of Kings .

Cic. 1. offic. Secondly , that they wisely estimate , the weight of matters in hand , lest more or lesse care be taken then is needfull .

Thirdly , that iudiciously they moderate those things which doe belong to the dignity , or indignity of affaires , neither comming short , or exceeding a Princely decorum .

Fourthly , that they bee couragious in suffering : free hearted in giuing : thankfull in rewarding : mercifull in pardoning , and ( setting aside their priuate respects ) referre all to the publike good : Plato . de rep. Vt tutela sic procuratio reipublicae , ad vtilitatem eorum qui comissi sunt , non ad eorum quibus comissa est , gerenda est .

Fiftly , that Princes manure the whole body of their Empire , by the equall distribution of iustice , lest by labouring to make one part too fertill , they leaue other parts barren : Totum corpus reipublicae cura , ne dum partem aliquam tuearis reliquas deseras .

Lastly , Princes are to make vse of the worthy counsell , that the Philosopher did giue to Candicius the Theban : which was , Epist. in ad . Eand . Epist. 9. that men of mature age , grauity , & vpright iudgement , might bee his Deligates and helpers : that yong men might goe to the warres , or be otherwayes vertuously imployed . That women might keepe within doores : for ( said hee ) if old men sit by the fire : yong men be giuen to idlenesse ; and women goe about mens affayres , the Common-wealth shall neuer be without danger , neyther thy person without paine . Principis est , pro salute Reipublicae & noua excogitare , & antiqua restituere .

SECTIO . V. By what meanes the generous mindes of Princes are knowne .

ALthough Salomon sayth , Cor regis non perscrutabile sicut alitudo Coeli & incomprehensibile , Prou. 25. sicut profundtas terrae : Yet as the powerfull planets of heauen , and the fruites of the earth worketh vpon , & nourisheth inferiour bodies ; so be there many heauenly influences & signes whereby the generous mindes of Princes are made knowne to their subiects : some whereof I will shortly touch .

First , the true generous minde , of Princes , is knowen by their due respect to the Lawes of their Maker and Supreme King : Salomon pe●tit a deo sapientiam ad regendum populum dei , cui dedit Dominus , Cor sapiens & intelligens 3. Reg. 15. with Salomon they are earnest with God , that their chiefe wisedome may be in his obedience , their delight in his commandements , that in their owne time iustice and peace may flourish , and that their posterity after them may bee worthy to sit in the chayre of of Dauid .

Secondly , the minde of true borne Princes , Senec. Epist. 15. is not capable of base and sordid actions ; but is delighted in high and rare designes : Senec. Epist. ●9 . for as the flame of fire ( whose nature is to ascend ) cannot be depressed : So the minde of such Princes , the more noble , Macrob : lib. 2. cap. 4. Alezander nihil animo nisi grande concepit . Senec. de benef. li. 2. the more inclined to Princely heroicke actions ; euer contemnes those things , which the vulgar holdes most deare . Principis animus quo vehementior , eo nobilior & actuosior est ; num foelix qui ad meliora hunc impetum dedit , & extra ius ditionemque fortunae se profusit ; Contemptor eorum quae vulgus admiratur : Their care is to bee approoued of the good , Eras . instit . Princ. such they preferre , such are their counsellours , such are alwayes about them ; they are neuer ( tyrant-like ) cruel , nor vindictiue ; nothing offends them more then the spoyle of vniust officers or corrupt iudges . Pescennius imperator Consiliarijs suis ne vel aliquam onerandi pauperes occasionem haberet , addidit sallaria , dicens , iudicem ac officiarium nec dare debere nec accipere .

D●og . Laert. Thirdly , such Princes suffer not good men , basely to prostitute themselues , or seruily demand iustice ; but are willingly inclined to giue accesse and hearing . Aristippus , being reprooued by his friend , for lying so long at the feet of Dionisius ; answered : I am not in the fault , but Dionisius that hath cares in his feet .

Bero●l de opt . stat. Baptist . Fulg. lib. 4. Cic. ad Brut. This Princely minde is euer giuen to follow the workes of light , as charitie , peace , meekenesse , goodnesse and temperance ; is wholly addicted to shun vices and follow vertue ; wherin ( euer keeping a golden meane ) they are meeke and mercifull ; but so as by lenity they nourish not the vices of their people : seuere , not inclined to tyranny , but in repressing iniuries , & terifying others from offering them . Beroal . de opt . Stat. Qui veterom fert iniuriam , inuitat nouam , si quis primus laeserat debitas dedisset penas , caeteri ab iniuria temper assent . Chilon of Lacedemon aduiseth Princes so to moderate their actions , as they be neither fearefull to their inferiours , or contemned of their equalls ; the one sauours of tyranny , the other of pusillanimity .

Fourthly , the mind of Princes is giuen to true liberalitie : Prou. 10. Goodnesse and truth vpholdes the throne of Kings , base auaryce is the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , chiefe of euills , and most distant from true noble mindes .

It was written vpon the tombe of queene Semiramis ; Quisquis Rex pecunijs eguerit , operto monumento quantum voluerit , Plut. in apo. capiat : Couetous Darius hauing taken the citie , ( expecting great store of riches ) caused the monument to bee opened , wherein he did finde nothing , but this following inscription , vpon the other side of the stone , Ni vir malus esses , & pecunia inexplebilis , haud mortuorum loculos moueres ; wherof the morall is , that Princes are not curiously to search , Eras. 7. apo. neither affect perishing riches : Auarus Princeps , facultates suas non possidet , sed ipsum possident .

Lastly , the constant high minde of Princes , is not troubled with vnsetled resolutions , Eras . instit Princ. but at all times is armed with true fortitude : they are neyther puft vp with prosperitie neither deiected with aduersitie , their maiesticall countenance is euer one , at home or abroad .

Rebus aduersis animosus atque Fortis appare , sapienter idem Contrahe vento nimium secundo Turgida vela ,

This Princely minde simpathises with such as are of vpright heart , constant and true . Placeant regibus , Prou. 16. labia iusta & veraces diliguntur . The true friendship of Damon , and Pithias was so pleasant to Dionisius ( although a tyrant ) that hee not only pardoned the offence of the one , Val max cap 7. but desired to bee admitted into their friendship . A poore man exhibiting his bill fearefully to Caesar , was by him thus checked , or rather comforted . Ma●rob . lib. 2 cap 9. An putas te assem dare Elephanto .

In one word , the kingly minds of good Princes , are free of all such taints and violent passions , as praecipitates maiestie ; are endowed with true patience , which is none of the least Princely vertues ; and was so eminent in Augustus Caesar , that he could abide the byting iests of his meanest subiects . Conuitia si irascare agnita videntur , spreta exolesount . When Agathocles , Plut. in apo. the sonne of a Potter ( crowned with regall dignity ) had besieged a certaine towne , and entred the same , and had sold such for slaues , as had vniustly depraued him ; hee did meekely tell them , ( if they did so any more ) hee would complaine to their masters . Non homines occidit , sed ciuiliter illis exprobarit & intempestiuam maledicentiam , & seruitutem maledicentiae praemium .

SECTIO . VI. Of Nobilitie .

WHere the seede of honour hath a true discent from nobilitie of ancestors , a ground of vertue , springing by noble deserts , continued with wisdome , and maintained with care , a fruitfull haruest , and plentifull winter cannot but follow : for as subiects are most easily inclined to follow ancient nobilitie ; so oftimes vertue followes nobilitie of blood , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . lib. 2. fol. 97 and is the chiefe meanes whereby Princes attaine to the due respect of neighboring friendes and subiects . Yet this nobility of ancestors is not so to bee relyed vpon , as if it could adde any thing ( except seconded by goodnesse ) to the dignity of Princes : Salust . in Iul. For nobility is the act of time , and dieth with the Father , if the Son be not alike vertuous . Chrysost. in Math. Nobilitas cognatorum non valet , nisi fuerimus nos ipsi boni ; Nobility then by discent ( without vertue ) is rather an imaginary and vulgar opinion , then reall and true nobilitie : Nam genus & proauos & quae non fecimus ipsi Vix ea nostra voco .

It is a ridiculous and ostentiue humour , Francis . Petr. dial. 6. to glory in the merit of others vertue ; for certainly the splendour of ancestours , is the greatest staine , that can taint degenerating posterity ; the very name of a Prince , imposeth a necessity of well doing vpon Kings ; to this purpose Chrysostome sayth well , Ille clarus , ille sublimis , ille tunc integram nobilitatem suam putet , qui dedignatur seruire vitijs & ab eis non vult superari . Iphicrates , the sonne of a Shoo-maker ( preferred to Emperiall dignitie ) being taxed by degenerate Hermodius ) for the basenesse of his birth ; Eras . apo. answered , I am the beginner of my nobilitie ; but thou the extinguisher of thine . Caius Marius did glory in the multitude of wounds hee had receiued in defence of his Countrey ; not in the glorious monuments or images of his Ancestours . Iuuenal . ●at. 5. Iuuenall did hang Publius Plancus ( who vsed to boast himselfe discended from the noble family of Drusus ) by the nose ; intimating to all succeeding proud glistering Thrasoes ( that like Statues are good for nothing but to looke vpon , or talke of the nobility , powerfulnesse , vertues and riches of their Ancestours ) that they are worthy to be laughed at . Frontinus gaue charge before his death , that no monument should bee built for him : For , sayd hee , if I haue liued vertuously , my memorie shall not perish ; Eras. 8. apo. neyther needeth any Monument of Gold , Marble , or Brasse : but if I dye viciously I am worthie of none ; they shal rather reuiue my infamy then illustrate my memory . Qui vere clarus videri velit ne ostentet sculptas aut coloribus ad vmbratas imagines , in quibus si quid verae laudis est , id pectori debetur ; sed potius virtutis monumenta moribus exprimat .

SETCIO . VII . Antidotes against the poysoning of vaine glory , and ambitious thoughts , that intoxicates the mindes of young Princes .

ALthough greatnesse hath euer many soothers in vice , Eras . instit . Prin. persons of base condition , attending and hemming it round , with perswasions of selfe conceite ; yet is earthly glory a deceiuable picture drawne with false colours , blemished with euery breath , the worke of fortune , blindly imparted to the good and bad . On the contrary , the true suruey of greatnesse , is a diuine worke , and able to restraine the most powerful monarches from the dangerous pathes of pride , tyranny , Plin. Paniger . and ambitious aspiring . Supra non extra homines Princeps , non minus hominem se quam hominibus praeesse cogitet . This serious examination hath the true originall from the due consideration , what Princes are in their conception , in their birth , in their life , and what they shall be after death : Is vitam aequa lance pensitauerit qui semper fragilitatis humanae memor fuerit . Hiron . in Math. They are ( as all men ) conceiued in sinne , borne naked , lesse able then many more base creatures to take food , or helpe themselues : they liue not onely exposed to humane diseases and worldly cares , to which priuate men are subiect ; but to many miseries , from which the vulgar are exempted : after their death , they must bee food for wormes , and againe , ( with all men ) assume those same bodies , and in them receiue a correspondent reward , as they haue vsed their talent .

Princes are to consider , that all goodnesse is the free gift of God ; Eras . in Mil. Christ . freely bestowed vpon them , for the weale of them and their subiects : but euery disordered affection , proceedeth from the corruption of nature , and enclineth vnto tyranny : They ought to thinke that their Vicegerency from God is their greatest glory ; Fortunam tuam O Princeps , pressis manibus tene . lubrica , est , nec in vito teneri potest ; impone foelicitati fraenos , facilius eam Reges . Curt. lib. 8. that they are to exercise it but for a short time : that although they bee entituled to all such glorious titles as may exalt swelling pride ; yet who knoweth but to morrow they may bee ( where all kings before them are ) the foode of Serpents and Worms . All flesh is but Dust and Ashes , and therefore hath no cause to be prowd : It is like to the grasse of the field , this day greene to morrow withered . Brittle is the greatnesse that fadeth in a moment . An ignoras magnos arbores diu crescere , vna hora extirpari idem Curt. If Princes had the wisedome of Solomon , the beautie of Absolon , the strength of Sampson , the riches of Craesus , and the long life of Methusalem , what shall all these fayling vanities auayle , except by a vertuous raigne in this short kingdome of cares , August . de natu . & gra . they so dignifie themselues , that they may bee entailed to an euerlasting kingdome of Ioyes . Where be the glorious shewes of most powderfull Monarchs ? whose pride builded high aspiring Babylon , whose ambition one world could not containe ? Ambros . in exam. where bee the inuincible Emperours that did ouer-rule the world , the horse , out-landish attire , number of attendants , leaders of troops and al other false pleasures that did atttend vpon pride ? are they not turnd into ashes ? doth not the least push of death make shepheards and kings equal ? was not the birth of those great Cedars of Lebanon weake , their life inconstant , their death putrifaction ? looke into their sepulchers , and discerne who was a king , who was a subiect , who was rich , who was poore ; finde out ( if thou canst ) the victor from the conquered , the strong from the weake , the beautifull from the deformed : or trye some cause of humane arrogancie , Agap . ad Iustin . thou shalt finde pride and ambition neither amongst the counsels of the wise , nor bodies of the dead . Factus es princeps in terra , ne ignores te ortum ex terra ex puluere ad solium ascendere , atque in eundem puluerem discendere necesse est .

SETCIO . VIII . How Princes ought to moderate their power .

THe due calling to mind that a Prince is homo ( vnder which all worldly miseries and vanities are comprehended ) ought to bridle his power , and the consideration that he is Deus , or , vice Dei , Gods vicegerent , ought to curb his will . Memento ait mihi omnia in omnes licere . Suet. Meminerit princeps non solum quantum sit tibi comissum sed quatenus fit permissum . Quod libetlicet , is the dictum of a Tyrant , & the right mixture of contraries , is the true temper of gouernement , nothing being more hurtfull to authoritie , then vntimely interchange of pressing and relaxing power . Varie temperandum sceptrum & laxandae aut addendae imperij illae habenae . Plut. in apo. The arrogant presumption that all thinges are lawfull , Diog. lat. is the poyson which once drunke , makes Kings abuse their authoritie and encline to licentiousnesse and tyranny . Antigonus did seuerely checke one of his Courtiours who did suggest that all things were lawfull for Kings . Not so ( by Iupiter ) sayd he , onely to tyrannous and barbarous Kings ; but to mee nothing is lawfull but that which is honest and iust : authority is not giuen to be the supplement of vice or the protection of tyrranny ; but to be the defence of vertue , and patterne of iustice . A recte agendo vocati Reges , Greg. 11. Moral . quod recte agendo regale nomen obtinent amittunt peccando . The right tempering of authority is somtimes to dull the edge of the imperiall sword with leuitie and mercy , Erasm . instit . prin. which makes subiects more carefull to offend . Other times kingly authoritie is restrained from things that are lawfull to others : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . lib. 1. fol. 2. errors in priuate persons are vices and blemishes in kings .

Finally , the affecting of iustice , the florishing estate of the commonwealth , the modest life of subiects , contempt and hatred of tyrrannous liberty , Argumentum recte gubernati regni , si subdito ; videas locupletiores ac vehementer modestos cura principis reditor . Rein. lor. Isocrat . ad Nicol. voluptuous and superfluous aboundance , wicked followers , and blindfolded ignorance is the true extent of authoritie . Ne animum inducas tuum alios debere honeste vitam agere , regibus immodeste viuendi relicta licentia , sed ea sis temperantia vt exemplum recte viuendi alijs constituas , compertum habens subditorum mores prorsus ad similitudinem principis componi .

SECTIO . IX . Whose image good and bad Princes represent , by what Epithetes they are knowne , and of their seuerall actions .

Eras : 3. Apo GOod Princes represent the image of God , Vt deorum cum sint optime natura proprium est , benefacere omnibus , nocere nemini : ita princeps salutaris quo nihil deo proprius , omnibus prodesse nemini stude incomodare . Plato . de repub. ex Iulio polluc . whose vicegerents they are ; him they do imitate ( to whom it is essentiall to be goodnesse it selfe ) in doing good to all , and incommodating none . They do not ( like wolues ) prey vpon their people , but cherish and protect them : they punish but seldom , & then are vnwillingly drawne to it ; and therfore iustly , such Princes are intituled to the names , of fathers , religious , meeke , gentle , prouident , iust , humane , magnanimous , free , liberall , contemners of riches , commanding and ouerruling their affections , of sound iudgment , wise in counsell , sober , Demost aapud Stob. vpright , firme , full of authoritity , princely Maiestie and industry , carefull watchers ouer their people , ready to do good , slow to reuenge , sure , constant , enclined to iustice , easie to giue accesse , courteous in speech , louing the obedient , louers , procurers , keepers of peace , yet friends to soldiers , and ( if need be ) can be both kings and captains . Such Princes are born to the good , doe liue with the fauor , and die with the regrate of all men .

On the contrary , if Apelles should delineate a tyrrannous wicked Prince , he could not do drawit otherwise than by the pattern of the Prince of darkenes , a monstrous mishapen creature , an armed dragon with many eyes , Ex Erasm . more teeth , sharpe clawes , insatiable belly , crammed with humane blood , euery way fearfull , and offensiue to all , but especially to good men , abusing his power , to the preiudice of the Commonwealth . Such a Prince was Nero , such was Caligula , such was Heliogabulus and many others , whose birth and life were plagues to the world , and did iustly merite the Epithetes of tyrants , vngodly , cruell , sauage , violent , auaritious , deuourers of their people : prowd , Tamerlanes Scitharum rex rogatus , quid tantum seuitiae indulgeret , toruo vultu respondisse fertur , anme hominem esse putas , an non potius dei iram ad hominum perniciem in terris agentem . Sabel . de ir . difficill in giuing accesse , vncourteous , irefull , terrible , slaues to lusts , intemperate , inconsiderate , inhumane , vniust , light , vnconstant , incorrigible , contumelious , the authours of warre , haters and disturbers of peace , borne to be the ( Tamerlan like ) scourges of the world , reigning with discontent , and dying with applause of all good men .

As the Epithetes of good & wicked Princes are , so are their actions different , Salust . in Caril . the one aduances & Confirmes the common good , preferres it to al priuate respects : tyrrany aymes altogether at their owne priuate ends , neglects the publicke good ; either approuing the detestable oath of Oliarchy , Plebem odio persequemur & pro virili adnitemur vt illi sit male , Arist. pol. 5. Or with arrogant Xerxes consulting vpon affaiers rather to shewe their power ; then for the weal of their subiects : Eras . apo. 5. Ne viderer meo consilio agressus contraxi , vos , interim mementote mihi parendum magis quam suadendum . In a word the difference betwixt good and bad Princes , is such , as is betwixt louing fathers , and rigorous Masters ; the one affectes the weale ; and health of their children , the other the gaine they make by their slaues . Good Princes commands things that are profitable to the State , Tyrants such as are pleasant , to their owne humours . It is the glory of good kings to follow vertue , of tyrants to embrace vice , of good Princes to be secured by the loue of their subiects , Isocrat de bell . fugien . of tyrants by the strength of wals , and multitude of guards .

Finally , the frame , the actions and qualities of good Princes and Tyrants are so vnlike and different as God and Belial , Cicero offic. 3. Light and Darkenesse , White and Blacke : so that there is no blessing vnder heauen giuen to man more profitable then religious wise Princes , no greater curse aboue hell , more pernitious then Tyrants , placed in authoritie .

I haue insisted this farre vppon these diuers attributes and differences , that thereby good Princes may bee incited ( at fit times ) to peruse the Annals & Histories of former times , wherein they may reape much fruite , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . li. 2. fol 93. Eccles. 1. by conferring things past with things present , Nihil nouum sub sole , there they shall finde the true proportion , liuely colours , and bright shining lustre of vertue , and the vgly deformed shape of black neuer dying infamy . Principibus bonis nihil melius , contra nihil peius tyrrannis qui eius modi belluae sunt , vt non alia sub sole portenta neque noxia , neque magis omnibus inuisa .

SECTIO . X. By what meanes a Prince may secure himselfe in his kingdome and obtaine the loue of his subiects .

AS wisedome ( which is the brightnesse of the euerlasting light , the vndefiled myrror of the Maiesty of God , and image of his goodnesse ) is the sure ground of the stately pillar of gouernement : Prudentiae ad omnis res humanos vsus , sed ad imperium maxime quod sine ea non solum infirmum sit sed nullum . Lip . lib. 3.1 . so is the fauour of subiects , the maintainer of so glorious building , and the kingdomes that are gouerned by the vertue of Princes , and loue of subiects are most quiet and firme . The most vndomeable beasts are made more easily mylde , by gentle familiar vsage , then by roughnesse or stripes ; and the loue of Subiects ( without which Princes can neuer be secured ) is sooner conciliate , by beneuolence , then by vnbridled authoritie and crueltie . Mat. 5. Blessed are the meeke in heart for they shall possesse the inheritance of the earth , Psalm . 36. and shall be delighted in the multitude of peace , was not written in vayn , but for the instruction of kings , & establishing of kingdomes , by the fruits of wisdome , not by the effects of Phalarisme . Diog. lib. 2 Ciuibus placere stude , habet id multum gratiae , was the worthy sentence of Bias : for ( sayd he ) if Princes should desire to equall or exceed Cecrops in nobilitie , Policrates in happinesse , Craesus in riches , Xerxes in armies , Caesar in victories , and Pompey in tryumphs : Eras . in paneg . ad Philip. no helpes can so auayle them as the vnited and true loue of subiects , which is the impregnable strength , and neuer emptyed treasure of kings ; Claudiam in uonsul . honor . Non sic excubiae , non circumstantia pila quam tutator amor .

The Empire of kings ouer their subiectes is compared to the command of fathers ouer their children , or masters ouer their schollers : Senec. de Clement . as he is no louing father that beates his son for euery slight fault , and no lesse cruell master that punisheth his scholler for the natural defects of his sight or hearing . So many rigorous precedents of punishment are no lesse disgracefull to a king , Ferina est rabies sanguine gaudere & vulneribus , abiecto homine in Siluestre animal transire . Rhen. Lor. then many buryals to a Physition . Seueritas amittit assiduitate authoritatem . The more remisse kings gouerne , the more they are honored , loued , and obeyed : no vertue becommeth them better then clemency ; neither more surely bindeth the hearts of people . What is more ioyfull then to rule with the applause of men ? Who dares imagine any harme against that Prince that is meeke and mercifull , vnder whose sheltring wings Iustice , Peace , Security and Honours flourish ? Eccl. 10 : 15. Luke 1.52 . & 14.11 . Meekenesse and Mercy establisheth the throne of a king : Pride and Crueltie ouerthrowes the seate of a Tyrant . Psalm . Sedes diuum superborum distruxit D us , & sedere fecit mites pro eis . The house of the wicked shall be ouerturned , but the tabernacles of the godly shall florish . Let the short raigne and tragicall end of Dionysius , Caligula , Vitellius , and many others , ( whose tyrrannous life hastned their wished , yet immature death ) confirme that no tyranny is of long continuance , that such are much deceiued that dreames stabilitie , Eccles. 10.10 . & 18.19 . 1. Sam. 2.7.8 . Thales Milesius interroganti . quid difficile senem inquit , videre tyrannum . ap. Stob. Cic. 5. offic. or securitie to Princes without goodnesse . Existimatum demum te tuto regnare cum volentibus imperas : the Prince that wants the fauour of his people hath lost his chief guard and that Prince that is fearfull to many , must of necessitie be afrayd of many . Non sunt adamantina imperij vincula quae Dionysius Tyrannus dictitabat . ex Plut. Dionysius the Tyrant excruciated with this feare , did make choice to suffer the paine of singeing the haire of his beard with hot fire , rather then commit his conscious life to the trust of a Barbors rasor . Acl. Soart . Alexander Pharees neuer entered his Queenes chamber before diligent seareh was made , that no priuate weapon were hidden in it : yet ( if wee will wade into the shallow brookes of the heathen ) wee shall find that the liues of these and thousands more of heathen Princes was tyrannous , & their death miserable : but we Christians learne our lesson from our maker . Mihi vindicta , vltio mea est , ego retribuam , sayth the Lord. Deut. 32. Rom. 11. We must thinke our sins the iust cause of our afflictions , and that God sometimes sends wicked kings to the punishment of wicked people ; Dabo reges in surore meo . Osee . 13. Qui malum rectorem patitur Deum non accuset , quia sui fuit meriti , peruersi rectoris subiacere ditioni . Gre. sup. Iob. and as God giueth them for the punishment of sinne : so must Gods people onely by repentance and amendment , submit themselues to his pleasure , in whose hands are the hearts of kings . It is not lawfull to think an ill thought of kings , far lesse to lay hands on the Lords annointed . Potestas omni , siue bona , siue mala , à deo est , Itaque potest tibus siue bonis , siue malis honortribuendus est . Augu. contra Manichae Let not the hand but the hart of a traitor be acursed , let his flesh be carnage to the foules of the aire , his bowels sacrificed to the hangman , & his memory eternised vpon the tables of blacke infamy . But to come to my purpose ; Rein. Lor. Isay a Prince hath many gates to receiue the fauour & loue of his people , amongst which I shall shortly poynt at foure .

First , because pride is hatefull to all men ; Eccles 10.7 . Cic. de or●t . Senec. Epist. 18. Princes shall shun the enuy that comes therby , if they do not boast of their high fortune , power , riches , or what else is more deare vnto them , accounting no otherwise of them , Plut. in . Pol. then as of the vncertaine goods of fortune ; and that they can auayle them no further , but according to the good or bad vse of them . Potentiae , in insuetudo ●ungatur , pi●l●ag apud ●●ob . Modestie and humility are no lesse eminent in Princes then subiects , and are the actractiue Adamants that drawes the loue of subiects to their king : Greg. moral . 17. we do see the motion of the Sunne is most slow , when it is highest in his Zodiake : So the more highly greatnesse is promoted , it ought to be the more setled & calme . Salomon ( to this purpose ) giueth aduice ; My sonne , Eccles. 3. in all thy workes embrace meeknesse , and thou shalt be loued aboue the glory of men .

Secondly , there be two things peculiar vnto kings , of themselues iust and lawfull , whereof the timely or vntimely pressing auayleth much to conciliate the loue or dislike of subiectes . The first is , imposing and raysing of subsidies for the publicke good , and maintaining of the great charges of kings : although they be as due to them from their people , as iustice , clemency , Rom 13.6 . Mat. 22.21 . Mar. 12.17 . Luc. 20. and protection is from Princes to subiects : yet are they to bee imposed as seldome as may be , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . lib. 2. de fol. 99. and onely when the weighty affaires of Princes and state so requires . Ieroboam by imposing heuy burthens & exactions vpon his people was punished by the cutting off ten tribes from his kingdomes ; Pater meus cecedit vos flagellis ego cedam vos scorpionibus . 1. Reg. 11. wherby is intimated to future posterity that altaints of ( tirantlike ) oppression & base auarice ( euer liable to contempt ) are from kings far to be remoued . Phil. Com. 10. The other obseruation is in making of new , or reforming ancient lawes or customs crept into abuse , Xen. in Cir. or remouing such as at the institution were profitable , yet for the present time , are either hurtfull or not necessary : Legis legibus non recreatae marcescunt . Plat. de leg . in all which Princes are to keep such temperate , mean , as their proceedings may bee warranted by the generall consent of the most wise and best sort of subiects , Arest . 5. pol and freed from all suspition of particular ends or rashnes . Nouum omne , Dion . 22. Thuc. 6. & quod incognitum est , suspectum est . The very name of nouelty is oft times more offensiue to state , than the benefit that commes therby profitable . For this cause Princes somtimes tolerate such things as without the preiudice of the Common-wealth , and their royall dignity , may be suffered : otherwise things that haue had long continuace are by little and little to bee reformed . Si quid eiusmodi erit vt ferri possit aut tollerare conueniet , aut commode ad meliorem vsum deflectere .

Thirdly , if Princes shewe themselues affable and exorable not vindictiue and seuere in the rigorous execution of lawes for euery light offence ; they shall much obliege the fauour and obedience of their subiects : for as impunity begetteth contempt of lawes : so frequent punishment ingenerates hatred , senslesse stupiditie , carelesnesse , & contentious repugnancie . Marcus Antonius was so familiar with his subiects that hee did louingly name some father , some son , according to their dignities & qualities . This Princely familiarity made him so beloued , Quae hoc tempore habemus bona ob nullam aliam causam adepti sumus , quam ob praestitam obedientiam principi . Pith. apud Stob. Salust . ad Caesar . in his life time & at his death so condoled with the brinish teares of his sorrowfull subiects , that it is recorded to his neuer dying prayse : Cum extremum diem clausisset , tantus illius amor , eo die regij funeris claruit , vt nemo illum non plangendum censuerit .

Fourthly , because animaduersion in the liues and manners of people , euen in matters whereof penall lawes takes little or no hold , is powerfull in conquering the loue of subiects , and to eternise the memoryes of Princes with true glory . They are carefully to curbe blasphemy , luxury , Iuuenal . Sa. 6. Tacit. 12 Anal. Drunkennesse , prodigality , idlenesse , and such other vices as are ( in all ages and sorts people ) repugnant to godlines or good manners . Prauas artes malasque libidines ab iuuentute prohibebunt , a senibus eas voluptates quas eorum aetas sine dedecore non attingit , ab vniuersa plebe otium . They are carefully to preserue their people from blood-sucking vsury , Vbi diuitiarum cupido inuasit , neque disciplina , neque bonae artes satis pollent itaque merito princeps pecuniaestudium tollet , aut quo ad res feret minuet , atque alligabit illud vtbibus vetus , faenebre malum . Arist. pol. 7. Tacit. 6. anal Plin. paneg . & exorbitant extortion , so oft accursed in Gods sacred word , & accounted ( with traitrous Iudas his 30. peeces ) the price of blood . Lastly , Princes are to forbid all sumptuous riot and prodigally profused charges in building : ne nimis struant , aut instruant : in house keeping or dyet : ne luxus mensae profusis sumptibus exerciatur . That in clothing a deeent modestie amongst all degrees , sexes and ages be kept , Ne vestis promiscua viris & faeminis , nobilibus , & plebeijs , nam conuiuiorum luxuria & vestium , aegrae ciuitatis indicia sunt .

SETCIO . XI . Princes ought be easie in giuing accesse , and ready to hoare the complaints of the oppressed and poore

THe hearing of the causes of subiectes the iust ballancing & determining them , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . lib. 2. fol. 35. Diues rogans in tormentis , non exauditur , quia rogantem pauperem non exaudiuit in terris . August . hode diuit . is the chiefe part of a kings office . Mercy and truth establisheth the throne of kings , but hee that regardeth not the crye of the poore , shall cry and not be heard . To this purpose S. August . aduiseth Princes to be easie in giuing of accesse , & hearing of the complaints of all men , Quia inauditi atque indefensi tanquam innocentes pereunt . Moses did heare the people from morning til euening . Exod. 18.19 Salomon did wisely determine the cause of a poore prostitute harlot . 1. Reg. 3.17 His father Dauid did delight in vpright iudgement . Suet. in Caes But to leaue this diuine Ocean , and come to the shallow riuers of the heathen ; Octauius Augustus did sometimes spend whole dayes , and best part of the night in the administration of iustice . Alexander Seuerus did the like , Acl. Spart . and did seuerely punish such subordinate Magistrates as were found slacke in their office . Methridates did minister iustice in 21. languages to the people vnder his Empire . Imperatorem stantem mori oportet , hoc est in causis audiendis , rebusque componendis strenuum & erectum vsque at extremum vitae momentum oportere . As the people do much magnifie and honor such Princes as willingly doe heare their complaynts and determine their causes : So doe they contemptuously ( although secretly ) hate those , whose pryde , tyranous answers and difficill accesse , do vnworthily challenge the name of Empyre . Amongst these was Demetrius who ( after two years attendance ) did returne the Athenian Embassadours without answer ; and at another time did publish , Mulier quae dam Adrianum Caesarem rogauit vtse audiret cui ille , otium mihi non est , illade inde clamans ait , noli ergo imperar . Ex Plut. that vpon a certain day ensuing hee would heare the complaints of such as were greeued : but when at the prefixed time hee had liberally receiued their petitions , hee did throw them all into the riuer : Axis , by which carelesse discouery of himself he did mightily exasperate and alieanate the hearts of his people . Good princes are to direct their course ( by the compasse of a good conscience ) a quite contrary way they are not to throw the groanes of their subiects in the riuers of obliuion , Beroal . de opt . statu . neither in the all consuming fire of carelesnesse , or commit them to such persons who endeares more their owne priuate gaine then the publicke good : but are to appoynt them seasons of hearing , and returne them louing and Princely answers . Erasm . instit . princ . If sometime multiplicity of state affaires withdraw them , they are carefull that their deligates neither carelesly deferre hearing , nor coueteously exact vpon suitors . Persarum reges , domi abditi vitam exigebant , omniaqueregni nego tia rejiciebant in consiliarios ac officiarios . Eras . ee instit . princ . Senec. de clement . The obscure life of the Persian kings , and committing all the affaires of state , to subordinate persons , was neuer approued of the wise , and euer recorded to their discredit . Lastly , ( to trusse vp al ) it is the glory of kings to imitate those famous Princes that did equally administer iustice , giue easie accesse , louing answers , strengthening the weake , and rewarding the vertuous , and punishing the wicked , and were carefull that their Deligates did second their expectation in the trust committed to them-This kingly function rauisheth the hearts of subiects to their Prince , and freeth Princes from the propheticall sensure . Eccles. 27. Pricincipes tui infideles , socij farum , omnes diligunt munera , sequuntur retributiones : Pupillo non indicant & causa viduae non ingreditur ad illos .

SECTIO . XII . Of the necessitie of Princes knowledge in the affaires of their Empire , and presence ( so farre as is possible ) in the administration of Iustice .

THe ancient Hierogliphicke description of Princes , Deus in coelo constituit solem , omnia fulgore suo per. lustrantem . ita inter homines principem , cuius oculorum perspicacitas luceret in populo , cunctisque perspiceret colocauit . Iust. Caesar Homer . Illiad . ( picturing scepters with eyes ) did mystically containe the most necessarie parts of the office of kings ; whose quicke seeing eyes must see into the most darke corners of their dominions . The Sunne is the eye of the world , but sees not , but the king giues light to his subiects : must with Eagles eyes looke vpon all subiects , pry into all Courts , obserue Iudges and Officers ; lest the golden cloaked reasons of the rich or corrupted ouersway the innocency of the poore . Princes are the keepers , or ( as Homer calls them ) shepheards of their people . Studeat imprimis princeps regionum ac ciuitatum situm , consuetudines , ingenia , instituta ; populos cognoscere . Erasm . de instit . princip. Ne subditi a Deo optimo maximo sibi concrediti a lupis rapacibus deuorentur : They are exactly to know the true estate and peccant humours of their people ; to which they may easily attaine , by Geography , History , frequent progresse , and sure intelligence : by these they shall learne the scituation of their seuerall Countreys or Prouinces , the customes , Princeps tam acutè quam serpens Epidaurus cernere debet , quid in cancellarijs , quid in dicasterijs agant , an Iustis iudicijs , iudicetur populus . Macrob. li. 2 Deligat princeps quosdam , vel aulicorum , vel subditorum , non a●uaros , sed fide charitate conspicuos , quos clanculum ad singulos regni terminos ableget , expiscatum & perceptum omnes vel relaxationes vel agrauationes imperij . Arist. Pol. liues and manners of their people . It is written to the prayse of King Ierion , that hee had many hands , more feete , and but one minde , by which hee gouerned his people : That many other wise Princes haue secretly employed such , of whose integritie and loue to the publicke good they were well assured , to take true information of the remisnesse or strictnesse of gouernement : in what estate publicke and priuate affaires did remaine : how the people were affected to obedience and vertuous liuing : whether Iudges , Magistrates and Officers were enclined to Iustice and vpright dealing , to the publicke good , or their priuate gaine : that after true notice thereof , Presentia principis facit omnia iusto ordine procedere Arist. Aecon . such mysty cloudes as did ouer shadow their people , might ( by the Sunshine of reformation ) be dispersed . But although this secret enquirie by others is prayse worthy , yet is the presence of princes ( so farre as is possible ) of much more consequence . Non tam feliciter procedunt , Si magna paruis licet componere , vt oculus Cresini fertilissimum agrum : ita principis oculus paruam tempublicam florentissimam reddit Agricol . in prouerb . Ger. quae oculis agis alienis , quam quae oculo domini praesente administrantur . Cajus Furius Cresinus being accused for the practising of sorcery , in multiplying the encrease of a little field of corne , answered , Omnia instrumenta mea rustica in forum affero , venificia mea Quirites haec sunt : Then layde hee open his diligence , his paines and continuall presence , Principe dormitante , suboriri solent impostores fraudulenti , fenaeratores auari , & exactores iniusti , qui suis stipendijs nunquam contenti , miseros subditos concutiunt exhauriunt & perdunt . Rhein . Lor. then which there is nothing more beseeming Princes in their royall office , neither more profitable for subiects in the augmentation of their priuate gaine : for to what greater indignity or contempt can Princes bee lyable then to cecity and senslesse stupiditie ? by which they doe not feele the abuses , whereby ( vnder the vayle of their princely authority ) the poore are oppressed , the sweat and oft times the blood of the miserable and weak is exhausted , the possessions , houses , fields , goods of widdowes and orphants ( by these that in wickednesse and authority are powerfull ) are either deceytfully purloyned , or violently bereft . By the strickt obseruation or carelesse neglect of this princely suruay , many famous kingdomes haue florished , or beene vtterly ruinated : amongst which I wil illustrate this poynt , by a short view of the causes of the large dominions , long continuance , and sodaine ouerthrow of the Romaine Empire .

Romani propter oculatissimam in publices functiones intentionem atque conseruatas iustitiae leges , Val. Max. lib. 4. sapientissimi atque optimi duces vbique gentium caelebrati sunt ; Rectores ac domini totius ferme terrarum orbis floruerunt tantisper dum Iustitiae studium , atque concordiae in imperio suo non emarcuerunt : at postquam ambitio , simultas , luxus , ac pecuniae libido , ( quae generis humani certissimae pestes ) ingruerunt , statim praepotens illud imperium , praeclara dignitas , atque gentis omnibus stupenda Populi Romani maiestas , ad nihilum redacta corruit , in memorabile cunctis mundi gubernatoribus exemplum .

SECTIO . XIII . Of Lawes and Iustice .

ALL humane lawes may bee reduced to a threefold diuision , viz. to the lawes of nature , Egip . de leg : the lawes established , and to the ancient costomary lawes . That which the ancients did call the law of nature ( as to do good and shun euill , August . de Ciuit. dei . doe to others , as we wold others should doe to vs ) needes no great learning , because naturall reason draweth men to the knowledge of it .

Aul. Gel. lib. 5. The lawes established are such as are prescribed by Emperours and Kings for the gouerntment of their people , and do consist , partly in reason , partly in opinion .

Customary lawes are such , as by little and little , Haelinand . lib. 7. haue bin brought among people , and haue no other force , but in being well or ill obserued . In short , we call the law of nature that wbich reason commands ; the lawe established that which is written and confirmed : customary Law that which hath long beene , and now is in vse .

Other ancient lawyers subdiuides lawes , Gratian , lib. 3. in lawes of nations , ciuill lawes , consular lawes , publicke lawes , military lawes , Romane lawes , and lawes of Magistrates .

The law of nations is a law by all people generally obserued : Papinian . lib. 3. ( as to seize vpon that which hath no owner , to defend their countrey ) it is called the law of nations , because amongst all nations it hath bin generally receiued and obserued .

Iustin . Cod : 4. The ciuil law hath the institution from the right instruction and prosecution of processe : to assigne time , to answer , accuse , proue , oppose , cite , alledge , report , conclude , giue sentence & to execute it , to the end that euery one might haue their due and be defended from wrong . Consular law did enact what men of life Consuls should bee , what habit they should haue , how they should be accompanyed , Trog . Pom. lib. 2. where they should assemble , of what affairs they should treat , how long they should sit , and what goods they should possesse . Iust. lib. 22. This law was peculiar onely to the Consuls of Rome . Leges Quiritum were Roman lawes or priuiledges , proper to foure sorts of noble , ancient , & worthy Roman gentlemen , Patricijs , veteranis , militibus , & Quiritibus : al which names were imposed according to the variety of time : by this law they were priuiledgd to sit in their temples , not to be imprisoned for debt ; & if any of them were seized by pouerty , to bee sustained vpon the common good , to be liable onely to the Iudicatory of Rome , to bee free of taxes and subsidies , and to haue the benefit of diuers other priuiledges , that none except the aboue named persons enioyed .

Lsges publicae were common ordinances or statutes , that all the people did obserue , as repayring of Temples , common houses , Capitoll . lib. 3. walls of citties , measuring of streets , prouiding of things needfull to the common vse , gathering of taxes , impositions , and the like .

Veget lib. 7 Lawes Militar were such as were made by those of iudgement and experience , to whom the ordering of military affairs was committed , and do chiefly consist in denouncing war , confirming peace , making appoyntments , taking assurance , in paying of souldyers , setting of guards , watches and sentinels , making of trenches , assigning of battels , in giuing the assault , making the retreat , redeeming prisoners , appoynting of tryumphs , and finally , in whatsoeuer did concerne the gouernment of military affayres .

The lawes of Magistrates were lawes made by diuers Princes and Consuls , and had their names from the authors as Lex Caesarea commanded gates to be open at time of meales : Corn. Nepos . Lex Pompeia did assigne tutors or curators for pupils : by the law Cornelia , lands were diuided . By the law Augusta , Augustus did impose tributes vpon the people for the publicke good . The Consul Falcidius enacted the law Falcidia , by which fathers were holden to be carefull for the education of their children . By the law Sempronia it was enacted , that no father might disinherit his sonne , not being a traytor to the Roman Empire .

But ( because the variety of laws is impertinent to my purpose ) I will come to the most necessary considerations that princes are to lay before them in making , disanulling , renuing , interpreting , & executing of lawes .

First , in the making of lawes ( as the necessitie of time shall require ) kings are to consider , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 lib. 2. fol. 27. Ex tractat . de 12. abus . Omnium legum est inanis censura nisi diuinae Legis imaginem ferat . Aug. de Cin. D. 6. Possid . lib. 3 Plat. 4. de rep. 6. de leg . that lex Dei , is , via regalis ; quae nec ad dextram , nec ad sinistram declinat . First , these things which doe belong vnto the true worship of God , are to be confirmed : next , those things that are conuenient for the commonwealth : then those that are honest and commendable , & thereafter things profitable : the laws made must be rather wholesome then many , that they taste not of couetousnesse , oppression , or priuat gaine .

Lawes may bee disannulled wholly , Arist. 1. in Rhet. when they are repugnant to religion and pollicy : in part , when some things ate to bee changed which formerly the necessitie of time , or some other causes haue tollerated .

In the interpretation of laws , August . de dic . Sapient sanctity & equitie , rather then the literall meaning are to be respected , lest by wrested glosses , legitimate lawes be bastardized , white be made black and blacke white .

In the execution of laws , vnderstanding what good is to be done , what euill is to be repressed , is required , who are worthy of reward , Arist. 7. pol Plato . 2.10 de Rep. who of punishment : for the lawes are no lesse ordayned to defend and prefer the vertuous , them to punish the wicked . The execution of laws must neither be ouerstrictly , or remissely vrged , but enforced or moderated as occasion shall serue , and offenders merit , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 lib. 2. fol. 30. & 85. Seueritas nisi in tra cōgurentes nocentium paeuas se coercet , saeua crude liuas est . Lact lib. 6. Summum ius , est summa iniuria ; when seueritie hath his rigour oft times it pulleth vp many goodly plants ; which ( being manured with clemency ) might produce many excellent fruits of obedience , seruice and merit .

Lastly , Amor & odium , & proptium commodum fac●iunt saepe Iudicem non agnoscere veritatem . Arist. Rhet. 1. the equall obseruation of lawes and distribution of iustice by Princes is carefully to be looked vnto least the mighty and powerfull offenders escape , & onely the weake and poore bee punished and wronged . Old Cato , Stoicall Diogines , wise Anacharsis , and many others , did complayne vpon this error , because they did well know that it is the height of vniustice to execute lawes in equally .

Contingit sepenumero , vt qui parua tollunt depraehensi pendant , magnorum autem raptores aut splendidi depeculatores ( factis argento vijs ) euadant .

Arist. apud Diog. lib. 5. Sine iustitia ne Iupiter quidem principem agere potest . Lud. Viues super Aug. Eurip. in Ores . The Princely distribution of iustice , is nothing else but suum cuique tribuere , is the helme of gouernment , the happinesse of kings and people . From Iustice ariseth religion , peace , truth , innocency and true friendship : in it Princes are to bee noble , iudicious , graue , seuere , inexorable , powerfull , and full of maiestie ; neither enclining to the right or left hand , to the rich or poore , but determining all matters vnder their censure , Ansel . super ep. ad Rom. Ambros . de offic. as they looke to bee iudged by that supreame Iudge whose Lieutenants they are .

Finally , let subordinate Iudges so administer iustice , as they wil be countable to both their heauenly and earthly masters ; assuring themselues ( howsoeuer they escape here ) that there is , Vnus Iudex , vnum Tribunal incorruptum , ante illud stabunt mortales , ea in sella quisque sedet qui iudicat , vbi si iniuste iudicabitur , nec pecunia , nec gratia , nec falsi testes , nec deserti proderunt patroni .

SECTIO . XIIII . Of the wrath of Princes , when and how they should punish .

AS clemency , slownesse to ire , & proanesse to mercy , Greg. Moral . 5. are the diuine and kingly robes of good Princes : so furious anger , and desire of reuenge , are the tyger-like and deformed garments of tyrants by which wisedome is banished , iustice is forgotten , peace is ouerthrowne , the common-wealth ruinated , and the gates of crueltie vnlockt and layd open : Eras . de Iust prin. for this cause Princes are carefully ( setting before them their fatherly affection to their subiects ) to restraine the impetuous and dangerous inundations of such passions , as are preiudiciall to themselues , hurtful to their people , and vnworthy the title and dignity of kings . Zelus & iracundia minuunt dies , ideo vitanda non tantum moderationis sed etiam senectutis causa Cotis king of Thracia ( being naturally chollerick , Plut. in Apo. and a seuere punisher of offences ) hauing receiued diuers rare & curious wrought ( but fragile ) vessels : ( after hee had bountifully rewarded the giuer ) did breake them all , and being asked the cause , answered ; lest I should be moued to anger , and seuerely punish my seruants for breaking of them , I haue broken them my selfe . This worthy Prince did well know , that the feare of the king is like the roaring of a Lyon : Prouerb . 20. and hee that prouoketh him vnto anger , sinneth against his owne soule : and therefore did remoue such combustible matter , as might set a fire his death threatning furie . There is nothing more opposit to counsel and deliberation , Ira atque cupido consulto●es pessimi . Salust . in bell . Iug. Quoties ira animum inuadit , mentem edoma , vince te ipsum , differ tempus furoris : dum tranquilla mens fuerit , fac quod placet . Greg. Mor. than temerarious and sodaine anger : therefore Bias Priaeneus prescribeth delay as a soueraigne remedy against it : for by intermission , furious passions languishes , and the mystie cloudes that oppresse the minde either doe vanish or become lesse . Anthenodorus the Phylosopher did aduise Augustus Caesar , at such time as hee was angry , to rehearse twenty foure Greeke letters .

In punishing Princes are to keepe such golden meane and temperate mixture betwixt lenitie and seuerity , that the subiects bee neither wounded by the one , or become insolent by the other . Leones quos mansuescere volunt homines , iubebat olim Phraotes verbe ibus non cedi , nes rursus blanditijs nimium leniendos putabat , quia sic nimium superbieuaderent opinibatur , itaque blanditijs minis permix is facilius ad mores optatos posse deducere .

Lastly , in punishment ( if necessity enforce Princes to draw the sword of Iustice ) great care is to be had , that it be done vnwillingly , as with weeping eyes . Iustice without Mercy is as cruell as Mercy without Iustice is foolish : Bern : for although Iustice doth tell Princes , that not to punish an euill , is to allow of an euill ; yet Mercy oft times pardons those that deserue it not : wounds ought to bee healed not hurt : Cic. 1. Offic . onely ▪ incureable members are to be cut off : and punishment ought to be agreeable to the fault , and without partiality ; lest some be punished and others escape : and finally , all priuate respects in punishment are to bee remoued , Ambros . de vid. lest vnder the shadow of Iustice , cruelty and tyranny be sheltered . Si omnino misso sanguine fuerit opus , considerandum est Principi ac sustinendum , ne vltra quam sit necesse incidat , cauendum ne maior paena sit quam culpa , & ne eisdem de causis alij plectantur , alij ne appellentur quidem .

SECTIO . XV. Of two sorts of flattery , but chiefly of the last , that haunts the courts of Princes ,

THere be two chiefe enemies to vertue in all men , but are more specially preiudiciall to greatnes : the first is , the inward 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . lib. 2. de fol. 93. proceeding from home-bred weakenesse , which dayly suggests store of false coloured imposture . Adulator bonum quod est abscondit , & malum quod non est mentitur , Greg. Mor. 65. The second ( whereof I am shortly to speake ) proceedeth from the oyly trowell of the smooth tong of a monstrous man , called a flatterer . This last sort of flattery , is a false prayse of that which is not praise worthy , Plato apud Plut. de amic . & adul . or a smooth detracting from the merit of goodnesse , Bias apud Plut. ibidem Demost. in Philip. decl . 3. the waspish honey of an impudent tongue , the bondage of the eares , the fayned friendship of a false heart , and the chiefe Anuil whereon the diuell forgeth his most poysoned weapons : or it is the Ioab or Iudas like kisse of a smiling countenance , the poyson of truth , playne dealing and honesty , that ( Camelion-like ) can turne it selfe into all colours , Plut. de dist amic . & adul following the fortune of Princes and not themselues .

Plutarch ( not without cause ) giueth warning to Princes , of the twofold cunning of flatterers : First , ( sayth he ) they faine ignorance of all matters of moment , whereof loyaltie should oblige them , eyther freely to admonish or louingly aduise : but in friuolous indifferent or light affayres , they shew their care and officiousnesse . If a Cobweb bee in the Princes Chamber , or a Fustian doublet ( oft times lined with more true loyalty and sufficiencie , then such glistering worme-spun statutes can containe ) be in the chamber of presence than keeps the flatterer a stur , cryes out vpon his fellow seruants , chamber keepers and vshers : for as knauish Empirickes for curing a sore in the foote , August . ad Cassal . cutteth the haire in the head , or pareth the nayles of the hand : so flattering Mountebanks neuer touch those things which they ought , Beata mens quae nec adulatur , nec credit adumilanti . Hier. de●●riten . In obsequio comitas ad sit , adula●io omnium vitiorum nu trix procul amoueatur . Cic. in L●l . and are onely busie in matters pernitious or triuiall . It is musicke able to make an honest mans teeth ake , to see a young Catecumenist flatterer , after some short trauels ( bought perhaps at a deare rate ) at his returne , vent his Matchiuilian foppery with a salutation of Monsieur ie base le vmbre de vostre gartier : and at his farewell confirme it with per Dieu ie suis vostre seruitour Monsieur : Emolliri adulationibus non solum fortitudinis non est , sed etiam ignauiae . Xen. in Cir. this he performeth , not onely to such great ones , in whose fauour he would gladly insinuate himselfe , but to his very corriuals , whose requiem eternam hee would gladly sing ( for enuy hath euer murdring eyes ) but that such Sinon songs is the true Canaan language I much doubt .

Secondly , ( man being endued with two faculties , Plut. de dist. Amic . & adul . Is . in Sym. Plato in Phedr . rationall and irrationall ) the one heauenly , delighting in goodnesse ; the other brutish , giuen to false pleasures and to the corruption of nature ) the flatterer either ( Athiest like ) contemnes the heauenly parts of the soule , or takes no notice of them at all ; the terrestriall other parts , hee cunningly and couertly foments , vntill such time as the vse of reason is quite extinguished .

As holesome meate ( sayth Augustine ) neither nourisheth the body , August . ad Cas. nor strengtheneth the sinewes , Princeps adulatores hosti●m numero ducat , & fides existime● amicos , ●on qui● quicquid dixerit , aut fecerit . laudant , sed qui errantem audent increpare . ●so ad Nico. but leaueth corruption in the stomacke : so flatterers adde nothing to wisdome and vertue , but stirre vp vice . If Princes be angry , their flatterers bids them bee reuenged ▪ if they be iealous , they bid them beleeue it : if they be couetous , they aduise them spoile their people : if sometime Princes be graciously pleased to admit to their presence a playne Countrey man ( whose education , modestie , or bashfulnesse hath not taught him in Kings presence to maske himselfe with a Brazen Face ) then the flatterer laughes , scoffes , iests , and takes exceptions at euery wrong hayre in his Beard .

It is cleare then , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . lib. 2. fol. 63. that flatterie is the pest of Princes , and the soft Bed whereon Princes lye , in the Lethargie and vnsure securitie of Vice ; the Circean Musike , that drawes them from the true Rule of Reason , and discerning of Truth : and the gilded pylls , vnder which is hidden most deadly poyson .

When Alexander in drunkennesse had killed Clitus ;

Quin. Curt. Gell. lib. 17. Plut. in Alex .

Victus Alexander pellacibus adula●orum Lenociniis , ita Matri scrips●t : Rex Alexander , Iouis Ammonis filius Olympiadi Matri ●alutem dicit . Atr. in gest . Alexand. Oros . lib. 2. Frequentissimum calamitaus initium securitas . Tacit . 4. hist.

his flatterer Anaxarchus was ready to tell him , that he had iustly deserued his death . So long as Alexander followed the wholesome aduice of Philosophy , so long did Wisdome moderate all his actions ; then did hee throwe Aristobulus flattering Verses in the Riuer Hidaspes : but when Flatterie had once whispered in his Eare , then Pride , Cruelty , Ambition , and Forgetfulnesse of Humane Frayltie did intrude in the places of his former Vertues : Then did he kill his true hearted Seruant , bewayle the want of Worlds , to satiate his aspiring Minde , call himselfe the Sonne of Iupiter , and forget that he was the Sonne of Philip of Macedon . Xerxes ( whose Armies Graecia was too little to contayne ) trusting in flattery , had an ignominious ouerthrow at Thermopylas : One told him , that the Sea groaned vnder the heauy burthen of his Nauy ; others , that it was to be feared , that by escape of the Enemy he should lose the triumph of a glorious Victory . Amongst many thousands one faythfull Demaratus was onely found ; this braue Courtier did tell him , that his confused Multitude had more weight then strength , was ill to be gouerned , and not to be trusted .

Sith then there is no such dangerous domestike enemyes to Princes , as Flatterers ; it concerneth them ( after notice of such attendants , who by flatterie insinuates themselues in trust ) neerely to distinguish such Sicophants from honest men ; to discountenance them , and not to preferre them to places of credit : so long as they are fed , Agap . ad Iust . Plutar. de Amic . et adu . Petrar . lib. 1. Dial. 19. Eras. 6. ●po . so long shall they magnifie the Liberalitie and other Princely Vertues of their Soueraigne , but if he leaue off , or be exposed to the least aduerse fortune , then shall cunning Proteus change his shape ; when true attendants are most obsequious in aduersitie , and more willingly follow those whom Fortune hath left . Tarquinius the prowd ( being in exile ) did oft times say , that he did neuer know his true friend from his flatterer , Ael . Lamp . till he was neyther able to reward the one or the other . Alexander Seuerus did so detest flattery , that he caused Thurinus , a corrupt Flatterer , to bee smothered with smoake ; Let him ( sayd he ) that did sell smoake , dye by smoake . Ageselaus did tender those as his most faithfull followers , that did most freely admonish him ; true wisdome made his vertuous minde to bend rather to that which was good in it selfe , then to that which by euill mindes might bee iudged good . Accepta eos qui bonorum conciliarum te admonitum esse volunt , non eos qui adulantur .

SECTIO . XVI . To whom Princes may safely commit publike Functions .

Xen. in Cir. Plato . Pol. Iso . de Reg. THere is no man so carelesse , that will commit the charge of a Shippe , or of his Goods ( although of small value ) to an ignorant Steeres-man , or vntrusty Factor ; neyther wise Prince , that will commit the Gouernment of the Common-wealth , the Goods of his Cities , and Liues of his People to such , whom Homer calls Deuourers of People . Homer . Iliad. 17. The wrong election or suffering of wicked Officers , Negotijs , quae per te non geruntur , viros eiusmodi praefice , tanquam omnium quae illi commiserint , culpa tibi imputanda sit . Agap . ad Iust. Non tanquam ad nundinas , & Macello eundem est ijs , qui sibi gubernacula reip. comm●● volunt . Plat. in Pol. makes Princes lyable to their faults ( the Censure being all one , whether Errors be committed by themselues , or their Vice-gerents : ) for Princes must not onely answere to God ( whose immediate Vice-gerents they are ) for themselues , but for such whom they depute to any part of their charge . Wherefore ( seeing the good or bad estate of the Commonwealth depends chiefely vpon this choyse ) two considerations are worthy the obseruation of Princes , in preferring of Delegates & Officers : First , that none make merchandize , or by Money incroach vpon publike Functions , or wickedly hunt after them : that they bee conferred vppon such , whose Life is vncorrupt , and their Knowledge sufficient to discharge their places : for certainely , the loue of Iustice and Common-wealth , is the least part of the ayme of such who by Money comes vnto preferment ; their chiefe designes are builded vpon their priuate gayne , and pillage of others : Eras . instit . prin. by raysing such to Dignities and Offices , Princes wrong themselues , and others ; themselues , in promoting such as are not worthy ; and others , in barring those whose merit deserues preferment .

Next , because Couetousnesse is the most dangerous euill in a State , Caput sit in omni procuratione negotij , & muneris publici , vt auaritiae pellatur etiam minima suspitio . Cic. 2. offic. Ex Dione Cassio . Eras. 6. apo. and drawes men headlong into wickednesse and miserie : therefore it concerneth Princes to be carefull , that Iudges and other publike Officers be not onely free themselues from disloyalty , bribery , or corruption , but their followers and attendants also from the least suspition thereof . Apollo Pithius ( by Oracle ) denounceth the ouerthrow of Sparta : O Sparta ( sayd hee ) whosoeuer is your King , Lady Pecunia is Queene , therefore your destruction is at hand . This was a true Oracle from a false God , yet worthy the obseruation in the Morall . Theopompus being asked how Princes might iustly gouerne their people ? Ex Plut. answered , By giuing his Friends no more liberty then is iust , and by carefull watching , that subordinate Officers vprightly discharge their places . Augustus Caesar oft times did preferre his Friends to eminent places of Authority ; but they were such , whose sufficiency did answere his expectation in the administration of Iustice and good example .

Rhein . Lor. Suet. in Caes . Secondly , it is necessary for Princes , by admonitions and louing exhortations to recommend Iustice and Vprightnesse to their subordinate Delegates ; other times , by threatening and exemplarie punishment checke the least suspition of corruption . Agesilaus vsed often to exhort his Deputies , Plut. in Pol● that they should rather study Iustice and publike good , then the insatiable desire of Riches . Flauius Domitian did not onely seuerely checke suspected Iudges , Hinc Lex repetundarum promulgata , & strictissimè conseruata fuit : Qua repetebātur omnes res , vel dolo , vel vi ablatae . Sabell . but did giue way to all such as were wronged by them , to enter suit against them , and did seuerely punish such as were found guilty . Epaminondas hearing a poore man ( who had beene long kept in suit of Law ) complayne of want , did send him vnto the Iudge of that Court , where hee was in suit , with a Warrant , to receiue a Talent of Money ; the Iudge did deliuer it vnto the Beggar , but did humbly petition vnto the King , that hee would be pleased to shew him the reason why hee had imposed such a great summe vpon him ? Because ( sayd Epaminondas ) the man whom I sent , is poore , and honest ; but thou art rich , and a robber of him and the Common-wealth . A notable example for Princes , to looke vnto such as in Magistracie haue indirectly encreased Riches . Salomons sentence against such , was , Qui iniuria afficit pauperem , vt detescat ipse , dabit ditioribus & egebit ipse . Acl. Spart . For certainely , no punishment will so curbe such as are corrupted , as sometimes ( for example , after lawfull Tryall ) to seize vpon their vnlawfull Purchase .

Adrianus Imperator , quos pauperes & innocentes vidit sponte ditauit ; quos calliditate ditatos summo odio habuit & ad paupertatem redegit .

SECTIO . XVII . Of Secrecie , in the managing of the weightie affaires of Princes , and what Iuditious Policie Princes may sometimes lawfully vse .

SEcrecie is the best and most sure Guardian of great Affaires ( to which there is nothing more preiudiciall Veget. de Re. Mil. then immature discouerie ) and is recommended to Princes as a chiefe Pillar of Empire . Diog. apud Stob. Omnium difficilimum areanum reticere , ex dog . Philos. Vt Principis est , secreta non facile alicuj concredere : ita nemo prudens studuetit indagine , consequi principum arcana : Eras . ● . Apo. Counsell without secrecie , is like an abortiue birth , brought forth without life ; and therefore to be imprisoned in the Wombe of secret thoughts . Salomon to this purpose sayth , In absconditis conciliabitur . Because Secrecie is a most difficill Humane action , the ancient Heathen did picture their Gods with one hand vpon their mouth ; morallizing , that important Affaires by Princes are onely to be imparted to such , of whose secrecie and loyaltie they are well assured . Great Alexander hauing receiued a Letter from his Mother Olimpias ; giuing it to his Secretary to reade , did touch his mouth with his Signet ; thereby enioyning secrecie to him . Philippides the Fauorite of Lisymachus , being demanded by his Soueraigne , what Benefit hee desired to haue conferred vpon him ? answered ; I refuse nothing , O King : onely impart no secret to me ; for it is difficill to keepe counsell , and dangerous to reueale the secrets of a King .

Arcanum neque tu scrutabris vllius vnquam , Horat. lib. 3. Commissumque tegas , et vino tortus , et ira .

Augustus Caesar caused the bones of Thallus ( who had opened a Letter committed to his trust ) to Suet. in Caes . be broken , to the terror of such vntrustie attendants . This secrecie ( the necessitie whereof is knowne to such who are entred in the first elements of State ) is seconded by the wise choyse of such whom Princes priuately imploy in matters of weight : Plut. in Poll. For sometimes , to good ends , both good and bad subiects are to be conciliate . And although Princes do detest trecherous and wicked followers , yet make they vse of both sorts , for the effecting of good and commendable purposes . Est quaedam honesta , atque commendabilis calliditas . Bas . Which politike parts of Gouernment ( otherwise then they fall out ) cannot be reduced to a definite number , neyther bee better illustrated then by precedent Examples , and are to be vsed according to the necessitie of time .

Qui regnare volunt multis dormire sagaci Multaque concilio dissimulare solent .

Hannibal hauing resolued to beleaguer Sagunth , Liu. lib. 2. Bell. Prin. 2. did bring his Army against another Citie , lest his intention against Sagunth should be discouered . Another time the same Hannibal did spare a field of Corne that did belong to his enemy Fabius ; Val. lib. 7. cap. 3. thereby giuing cause of suspition to the Senate against Fabius . This cunning clothed practice might haue somewhat preuayled , if the Pietie of Fabius and Pollicie of Hannibal had not beene well knowne to the Romanes .

Sometimes Wisdome aduiseth Princes rather to winke at capitall Offences , Trebell . Pol. Dissimulat iniuriam callidus , at stultus statim prodit iram suam . Pro. 12.13 . Liu. lib. 3. Bell. Prin. 2. Omnia Hannibali hostium non secus quam sua nota erant . Liu. 22. then violently , in an vnfit time , to bewray their iustly conceiued displeasure . Marcus Marcellus hearing that some of his Councell had priuate intelligence with his Enemy Hannibal , did conceale his knowledge , till such time as Hannibal was past hope of taking the City Nola : Then did he shut his Gates , strengthen his Guards , and call the Conspirators to an accompt .

Amongst all these , and many other Pollicies , there is none more profitable for State , then to haue good intelligence of the Affayres of Enemyes , or of such , of whose friendship Princes are least secured ; to prie into their Strength , Intentions , & Preparations . The Carthaginians fearing the Power of Alexander , Fron. lib. 1. cap. 2. Plut in Pos . lib. 2. did send a Citizen of courage ( as banished ) to entreat the protection of Alexander ; who being retayned , did skrew himselfe into the councell of Alexander , and discouer his Intention to the State of Carthage . These , and the like , be the wise Pollicies of Princes : all which are euer to be warranted by a safe conscience and good ends .

Vbi Leonina pellis non pertingit , oportet Vulpinam ( sed semper ad bonum finem ) assuere .

SECTIO . XVIII . Vpon whom Ecclesiasticall Functions by Princes are to be conferred .

THere be three inseparable companions whereupon the sole felicity of wel-gouerned Commonwealths doe depend : Greg. in Regist. The first , is the right education of Youth ; the second , Religious and holy Pastors ; the third , Vpright and Iust Magistrates : Without the first , the second and third cannot subsist ; and without the second , the first and third are without effect : for without good education there can bee neither holy Pastor , nor iust Magistrate : without religion Learning and Iustice are improfitable : for this cause , Episcopi sacris literis eruditi sint , Patres non Domini Hier. ad . Paul . & aduers . Luc. & Epist. Paul . Princes are carefully to prouide , that the care of the soules of their people bee not committed to wicked or ignorant Pastors . Causa sunt ruinae populi sacerdotes mali , quoniam peccatorum participes fiunt qui ministeria , quod aiunt , portantibus asinis curam animarum crediderunt , aut ineptos homines exemplaria posuerunt . Church benefices are not rashly to be conferred vpon euery one , but vpon such , who in good workes , Tit. 1.6 . 2. Paral. 17. 1. Tim. 1. Pet. 2.3 . sound doctrine , and irreproueable life are worthy of so high a calling . Good king Iehosophat is a patterne for succeeding Princes , in making choyce , and preferring men learned and holy : Princeps dignos solum & in via domini probatos eliget , ac beneficijs ornabit , non currentes euehet lupos hiantes . Isidor : Etym. cap. 2. Nauis praelatorum tribus lateribus compacta esse debet , cordis puritate conscientia bona , & fide non ficta . Bernard . in fest. Magd. Serm. for none can preach except they bee sent ; and none are sent who by simony , pride and ambition , or other indirect meanes intrude themselues into the Lords haruest , seeking their priuate ends , and not Gods glory .

Finally , as Plato did thinke no man fit for gouernment , but such who did vnwillingly vndergoe the heauy burthen thereof : So Princes are to preferre none to Ecelesiasticall functions but godly , learned , & honest men , whose merit rather then desire of dignity challengeth such place . Princeps imprimis eos suspectos habeat , qui se negotijs ingerunt ambitiosi , qui sua quaerunt , non quae Dei sunt , qui denique voti compotes , vel praece vel praecio fieri contendunt .

SECTIO . XIX . Of Church controuersies , ciuill contentions , seditious Pamphlets , infamous Libels , and how carefully by Princes they are to bee repressed .

ALL Controuersies may bee reduced to Ecclesiasticall or Ciuill : such as concerne the Church are either touching the true worship of God , or high mysteries of saluation , of which it is true . Non seruatur vnitas in credendo nisi eadem sit in colendo : Or they are of matters of discipline , Church policie , and indifferent ; the first are broached and entertained , either by Athiests , Idolatrous , suspitious Hereticks , or conceited Schismatickes ; the second are set on foote and vpholden by seditious , Sunt quos ambitio impell● : qui priuatim degeneres , in publicum exitiosi , nihil spei nisi per discordias habent Tac. 11. Anal . ambitious , singular or ignorant persons , who preferre fishing in turbulent waters & their own priuate ends to their duty to Princes , their obedience to their superiours , to the care of their flocke , or peace of the Church , accounting it their chiefest honour to call in question things indifferent , and by refractory , repugnancy , Arte contra dicendi omnia in dubium vertere . Plato de scient.

I wil not enter into the first sort of Church controuersies , because they are sufficiently conuinced by the sacred scriptures , and many orthodoxall Councels . The controuersies themselues of the second sort are also already determined by the generall consent of the Church , and writings of many religious and no lesse learned : neither doe I intend to plow the spacious fields of ciuill contentions , I leaue them to the wisedome of Princes , Tit. cap. 3.10 . and to such graue and learned Iudges to whom the subordinate determining of causes amongst subiects is committed : I wil onely ( in few words ) touch the seuerall parts of my deuision .

First , Athiests , Idolatrous , superstitious heretickes , and obstinate schismatickes , are eyther by sound doctrine and charitable perswasions to bee reduced to the right way , Tit. cap. 3.10 . or ( as tares from the wheate , or the sowre leauen of the Pharises ) to be distinguished and separated from loyall and dutifull subiects , lest the good be corrupted , or the whole lumpe infected . The others , who affects certain cognizances & badges of curiosity , Anarchie , confused parity , or false named purity , ( euer holden dangerous in all sound gouernment ) & seeks to correspond amongst themselues & be separated from the church ( not knowing , or not seeming to know , tam sunt mores quidam schismatici quam dogmata schismatica ) I leaue them to the care of such prouident Princes as ( without doubt ) in a fit time will obuiate such euils as with draws the obedience of subiects , or disturbes the peace of the Church . If my request might haue due respect amongst such persons , Satagunt inquirentes & quae subter ter●am sunt & supra coelum . Tacit. 4 Anal. Ioan. 19.23 . I should sincerely wish that they would wisely perpend , that the supreme Bishop did recommend peace vnto the Church , that whosoeuer sowes dissention in the Church , rents the seamelesse coate of the Lord of the church : that without brotherly loue , Qui secundum Deum est zela à superna potentia dependet , & diuina quadam a● moderata concinnaque ratione gubernatur . Niceph. Greg. lib. 6. Chrys. sup. Iohan. hom 7. blinde zeale doth not profit , but leades to destruction : Vbi zelus & contentio ibi inconstantia & omne opus prauum . That the bonds of religion are our faith , our baptisme , and not our ceremony , our policy : that such who are giuen to vnfruitfull and vnnecessary controuersies , vnswadles the church of her bonds of peace , opens a gap to all disorder and scandall , 1. Cor. 7.12 25.11.16 . giues aduantage to the common enemy to make musicke by their discord . Let them remember that insanae disputationes a Satana suggeruuntur . That they would doe much better to leaue the turbulent and ouer-weaning Opinions of these Times , and reuiue the blessed proceedings of the Apostles and Fathers of the Primitiue Church , which was in the like or greater cases , not to enter into assertions and necessitous positions , but to deliuer counsels and aduices . Saint Paul was content to say , Ego & non Dominus secundum concilium meum . Lastly , Sine imperio nec domus vlla , nec ciuitas , nec gens , nec hominum vniuersum genus stare , nec rerum natura omnis , nec ipse mundus potest . Cic. 1●1 de legibus . my earnest desire should be , that all such as haue lost the characters of loue , and by fire-brands of inconsidered zeale haue abused the patience of Princes , by stirring vp needlesse controuersies , and haue neglected superiour powers , by contemning the authority of their mother the Church might wisely consider , that hominis est errare , sed nullius nisi insipientis perseuerare in errore . That where offences are incorrigible , the slownes of Iustice is retaliated by the seuerity of punishment . That scepters haue eyes , and Princes long hands that will see and ouer-reach their most secret and far distant actions of this quality .

The ciuil dissentions that do concern Princes to looke vnto are either betwixt subiect and subiect vpon some inueterate malice , or new conceiued quarell , and are to be appeased by louing admonitions or royall authority : or they are propter meum & tuum , for titles to goods or lands , & are to be determined according to equity and law , the right vse whereof is suum cuique tribuere , & rather to determine matters of weight then to authorise , Plut. in Demet . multiplicity of wranglings , vnbrotherly contentions , & endles suites a-amongst subiects : wherby their estates are either weakened or ruinated . Iam quidem omnino delictum est in vobis quod litigiosa iudicia habetis inter vos . 1. Cor. 9 7. This vncharitable going to Lawe , and endlesse ende of Law hath euer beene esteemd the fruits of Athisme , contentious spirits or idlenesse and eminent badges ( howsoeuer cloked ) of corruption and iniustice : For this cause , the checking and abridging of the impertinencie and delay of Suits belongs vnto supreme Magistrates and subordinate Iudges . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . lib. 2. fol. 92. Lis de rebus facile corruptibilibus celeriter debet terminari vel res vendi , ne legibus fundata ciuitas , legibus euertatur .

From the infected Fountaines of Church-controuersies , ciuill contentions and factious courses by them arising doe flow the poysonable Riuers of Enuy , Cic. in Catil 2. Tacit. 1. Histor. Salust . orat . fil . Non est subditorum temerè vitam regentium iudicare . Greg. Mor. Malice , Discontent , Vncharitable censure , seditious and infamous Libels , not onely against the persons of priuate men , but against Princes and superior Powers , against whom wee are not to thinke an ill thought , al which machinations , and ( Catiline-like ) firebrands , are to be censured as the monstrous births of Parricides and Traytors , or the intemperate extrauagant councels of light persons , ( that thriue best in the mutations of state ) and are lyable to the seuerity of exemplary punishment to bee inflicted vpon the Authors , deuulgers keepers or allowers of such hellish trash as infatuates the hearts of the foolish light vulgar , Multitudo omnis sicut mare mobilis est quibus in seditionibus , in pace turbae sunt . Liu 28 with a sinister misprision of best actions , and brands the authors with all such taints as disgrace may acumulate vpon such disloyall subiects . The contagion of this disease ( as the waters that gain a breach ) is to bee stopped at the first , least such inundations ouerflow the fields of dutifull subiects , and bring contempt vpon authority . Omne malum nascens facile opprimitur : inueteratum fit plerumque robustius .

SECTIO . XX. Of the liberalitie of Princes .

PHilip of Macedon being aduised to punish Nicanor ( who had vniustly detracted from the merite of so worthy a Prince ) answered , Nicanor non est Macedonum pessimus , Ex Plut. videndum est igitur ne nos cessamus in officio : This wise Prince knowing Nicanor to bee poore , did presently giue order that a guift should bee sent vnto him ; Tutius Principi munificentia & benificentia sibi consiliare beneuolentiam hominum & amariquam metui . Eras . apo. some few daies after ( by the same informer ) it was told to Phillip that Nicanor did much magnifie him : You see then , sayde hee , that it is in the power of Princes sometimes to cure the diseases of scandalous tongues .

As God is liberality it selfe , is bountifull to all men needeth not , nor requireth any gaine , onely affecteth the sacrifice of a true penitent and right thankefull heart : so true liberality not onely conciliates the loue of subiects but maketh ( in some sort ) the faces of Princes , to shine with the goodnesse of their Maker , in the distribution of their goods without respect of retaliation or gaine . They doe vse their people as good Shepheards their sheepe , they feede them vpon the greene and wholesome pastures of munificence and liberalitie , Xen. in Cir. and do not suffer them to range in the barren deserts of pouerty , to bee torne with thorny brambles , neither to be a prey to deuouring Wolues . Instabiles d●uitiae fluu●orum imitaritur cursum . Agap . ad Iust . Wolues . They doe well know that earthly riches are vncertaine , not permanent , but perishing , temporary and dayly transferred from one to another , gotten with care , Beneficentiae thesaurus stabilis est possidentibus cum Beroal . de Op. kept with danger , and left with sorrow ; but munificence and liberality are firme permanent and perpetual , purchased by vertue , exercised with ioy , and recorded vpon the table of inobliterable true honour . This due consideration will make liberall Titus Vespasian bewayle the day wherein he had done no good . Alexander Seuerus inuite the poore & indigent to bee beholden to him . Cum sit vbique v● 〈◊〉 modus , aeque peccat quod excedit , quam quod descit Sence . de benef. But although long discourse embellished by a reuiued Demosthenes with all the ornaments of art could adde nothing to the perfection or due prayse of this Princely vertue : yet lest the poore virgine liberalitie become prostitute and common , she is to bee confined within her owne limits , and tyed to the following circumstances . First , ( because vertue consists in the mean ) Princes are iuditiously to examine their ability lest they giue more then they may , Diog. apud Stob. or lesse then they should . They are not to giue too much , lest in watering the channell they empty the spring : nor too little lest they empayre theyr royall dignitie . They are not to giue to all men , because the vnsatiable belly of the multitude can neuer bee satisfied . Si passim , si omnibus quis finis ? Their liberalitie must bee chiefly extended , Virtute preditis indigentibus , aut bene merentibus ; to the vpright vertuous that stands in neede , or to the well deseruing : if sometimes they giue to the vitious it is in commiseration of theyr wants or in hope of theyr amendment , Benificium ab homine duro & aspero datum panis lapidosus est , qu●m e●urienti excipere necessarium , est tamen acerbus Senec. de benef. and not to add matter to theyr insolent life , Qui homini nequam dat , non homini dat sed humanitati . Next the time of giuing ( consisting in timely giuing , and not keeping sutors in suspence ) is worth the obseruation : Bis dat qui cito dat : timely liberality sheweth a free and true noble willingnesse , and delayes doe discouer a refractary consent , looseth the guift and the thankfulnesse of the acceptant . The place of giuing is rather to be priuate than publicke , Beneficia non sunt reu●landa nisi cogat necessitas nec exprobanda apud memores : true liberality can neuer abide pharisaicall ostentation , neither doe goodnesse and charity participate with hypocrisie , hope of gaine , or glorious shewes . Id pie iuste humaniter fit , Recte facit qui silentio tegit opus suum , & necessitatibus singulorum occulte sub uenit . Amb. 1. offic. quod sine spe recipiendi fit . Lastly , the benificence of Princes is to bee of their owne goods , not vniustly taken from one and conferred vpon another , least the grudge of the wronged , exceed the loue of receiuers . Qui alijs nocent , vt in alios liberales sint non benefici nec liberales , sed perniciosi iudicandi sunt .

SECTIO . XXI . Of the mutuall friendship ; and correspondence that ought to be betweene neighbouring Princes and contiguous kingdomes .

SAlomon preferreth a friend that is neere to a brother , Prouerb . 27.10 . that is farre of , Chremes ille Terentianus in propinqua amicitiae parte ponit vicinitatem Plut. in apo. intimating thereby that neighberhood & vicinitie of place , hath a chiefe interest in the degrees of friendship : Themistocles hauing a parcell of ground to sell , gaue order to the Cryer to make it more vendible , to adde the commendations of his neighbors . The dolefull experience of many famous nations , noble houses by bloody warres and dissentious , now ruined and desolate , Atrox pestis vicinus malus , contra maxima commoditas . Hesiod . de Agricul . doe demonstrate that the intertaynement of neighbouring friendship and mutuall respect , is a redoubled strength of kingdomes , and maintayner of families : Omnis vis vnita plus est , quam multiplicata . Aetoli & Acarnani inter se mutuis cladijs euerterunt . By discord the noble families of Scillans and Marians , Caesarians and Pompeians were ouerthrowne . But if I had the pensill of Apelles I should neuer bee able to giue the due proportion & liuely colours to neighboring friendship : but ( leauing the Art that farre transcends my reach ) I onely doe commend vicinitie and vnited strength , Nihil tuarum rerum facile inter ib it , si habeas vicinum bonum qui statim in periculo succurat . Hesiod . as the chiefe humane blessing imparted to Kings or people : First , by the vtter euersion or irrecouerable losse of such famous kingdomes and honourable families as now ( by bloody warres and iarres ) are either desolate or not scarre-cured . Discordia atque seditio omnia oportuniora facit insidiantibus Liu. decad . lib. 4. And secondly , by the multiplicitie of benefites and the most wholesome fruites of peace , plentie , loue , free intercourse , and common societie : all which by scissure and and disrenting of the hearts & affections of such whom the maker of all things hath framed in one mould ( euer opposite to humane policie , Dissentiones nunquam debent amari , sed aliquando aut charitatem probant aut à charitate nascuntur . Aug. Epist. 87. and lyable to diuine censure ) are quite ouerthrowne and extinguished .

For these and many other causes ( which I might aleadge ) good Princes are carefull ( if it be possible ) to be at peace with all Christian Princes , whom they vse as their brethren and friends , conciliating them by Princely offices , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . lib. 2. fol. 55. mutuall correspondence , euer doing to others , as they would others should do vnto them : but more neerely they tender the benefit of such who liues within the precinct of their territories & command , them they striue to vnite in religion , lawes , and hearts . Facile coit amicitia inter eos quos lingua communis regionum propinquitas , ingeniorum ac morum similitudo consiliat .

SECTIO . XXII . Of warre : what Princes are to consider before ▪ they enter in warre ; for what causes they may lawfully take armes , and how to behaue themselues in warre .

ALL warre may be deuided in royal , ciuill , Isid. lib. 2. more then ciuill & personall warre . I call that royall warre which is be betwixt king and king , kingdome & kingdome , which ( as some doe affirme ) was begun , Lucan . lib. 1 Genes. 14.16 . Varro . Diod. Sic. Quint. Cur. de gest . Alex . and had the name of Bellum from Belus sonne to Ninus and did begin in Assiria : others that Chedelaamor king of the Elamits ; others affirm that Prometheus was the first that tooke armes . Such royall war was betwixt Alexander and Darius , Rome & Carthage . Ciuill warre is betwixt neighbor and neighbour , citie and citie , such was betwixt the Hannonians & Asdrubal ; in Rome betwixt the Pompeians and Caesarians . More then ciuill warre is betwixt father and son , Tit. Liu. cousen and cousen , vnckle and nephew ; such was betwixt Herod Ascalon and his two sonnes , Alexander and Aristobulus , betwixt Caesar and Pompey at the battle of Pharsalia , where did lye dead the father killed by the sonne , Ioan. Car. the brother by the brother , and the cousen by the cousen ; and if wee will come neereer such bloody warre was in England , betwixt the house of Lancaster and Yorke now happily vnited . Seru. in . Aeneid. . Virg. Personal warre is the debating of some matter of consequence , and somtimes for the maintaining of matters of small moment , betwixt prince & prince , subiect & subiect , & of al other sorts of war ( Dauids fight with Goliah , 1. Sam. 17.50 . and the like excepted ) least warrantable amongst subiects , Quint. Cur. far lesse amongst princes vpon whose safetie dependeth the publicke good ) whose persons are not to be committed to singular hazards : such war was betwixt Alexander and Darius for the mariage of Sabina Heretrix to the kingdome of Albanie , betwixt the Emperor Constantinus and Maxentius . But I will leaue the curious deuision of warre , Omnis pax à deo est Greg. lib. 17 and shortly speake of that warre which is royall . I doe confesse that peace is the Nurse of all happinesse , and the arch blessing that ( by the Almighty ) is imparted , Pacis bono omnia bona constant Aug. de ciu. dei . c. 19. Eccles. 3. either to Princes or people , yet can I not deny that there is a time of warre , wherein Princes may lawfully take armes : Duo sunt decertandi genera vnum iure legum , alterum per vim , confugiendum est ad posterius , si non satis est vti superiori ; when reason is extinguished then force may succeede : Bonus princeps non facile prouocabitur ad bella gerenda , sed prudentior expendet quantum intersit inter hominem paci ac beneuolentiae natum animal & inter feras belluas predationi genitas . Rhein Ler. yet before attempting warre , Princes are wisely to expend the difficulties and bloody dangers that doe attend warre . That they truly inform themselues of the causes which moue them , of their abilitie to vphold so sumptuous a charge : they are seriously to meditate with themselues , and debate with their Councell vpon the irrecouerable losses , the chaos of confusion , the multitude of miseries , the inhumane cruelties , the shipwracke of conscience , the spoyles , rapes , tyrannies , murthers , cares , dangers , losses , cryes of fatherlesse and widdowes , and vpon the Ocean of euils that do accompany al-deuouring warre ; they are wisely to consider the endlesse charges , that vpholds it , the encrease and multiplying of it , the easie beginning , the difficult and vncertayne issue of bloody warre , and that they must not seeke to obtayn that with blood and shame , Quam calamitosa & res scelerata bellum , hinc malorum omnium quasi mare quoddam exundat semelque cuncta quamcunque peruaserit calamitatum fluctibus operit bellum . Erasm . inpaneg . ad phil. which they can neither get nor keepe , without sin . These and the like euils are able to check the inordinate desires of ambitious enlarging of dominions , of vayn glory , or tyrannous reuenge . Princes are to call to mind that innocent blood is botled in heauens treasure ; that there is a strict account for the least drop of humane blood , spent in their default . To this they may add the fraylty of the life of man , the millions of diseases , hourely accidents , and fatal blowes that dayly besides war assaults the ruinous Cottage wherein the life of man is enclosed .

Secondly , let them descend to the true causes of warre , ( from which are to bee excluded the ambition of Alexander , the confidence in the number of Xerxes , Bella suscipienda vt iniquitatis causa tollatur & propter pacis necessitatem . Aug. contra Faust . the couetousnes of Cr●sus , and priuate ends of Caesar . ) Gods glory , the defence of kingdomes from forrayne iniury and enioying of peace , are the true causes that ought to sound the trumpet in Sion , and vnsheath the regall sword : Ex Plut. these moued Dauid to put his hand to the sling : Iudas Machabeus boldly goe against Gods enemies ; many braue Princes to contemne death in his face , for the honour of their supreame King , and safety of their Countreys . Augustus Caesar did say that warre ought to bee commanded by the Gods , iustified by Phylosophers , maintayned by Princes , and executed by wise Captaynes ▪ and couragious Souldiers . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . lib. 2. fol. 55. Princes then for the aboue named causes ( after they haue lawfully denounced warre in publicke and honourable forme ) may lawfully take armes ; wherein they must bee religious , prouident , iudicious , iust , politike , vigilant , skilfull , strict obseruers of discipline , and mercifull . So long as Moses lifted vp his hands , so long had the people victory . Prouident Scipio did scorne to say non putarem , I did not thinke it should fall out thus . Iudicious Alexander made rather choyce of few skillfull , In alijs rebus si quid erratum est potest post modum corrigi , prae●orum delicta emendationem non re〈◊〉 . Veget. lib. ● then of confused multitudes . Iust Seleucus did rather share in one Eye with his sonne , then to bee taynted with iniustice . Politicke Sertorius was more confident in counsel then strength . Pescennius did watch when his souldiers did sleepe . Skillfull Hannibal did range his battels to disaduantage his enemies . Val. Max. Alexander Seuerus did so strictly obserue Military discipline , that he did punish the least contempt thereof . Mercifull Mithridates did not insultingly triumph ouer his vanquished enemies .

Next , in the hazards of war Princes are to be neither carelessely nor timerously suspitious of the euent which may sinisterly succeed , Optimus locus inbello est medius . quia fortes tenent locum medium inter timidos & audaces . Arist. polit. but iealous & head-full in dangers , stretching and tentering their wit vpon the racke of inuention , till their setled and steele-armed resolutions may boldly aduenture the chance of Dice , & attempt their fortune . The Emperour Lucullus vsed to say , se malle vnum militem suume manibus hostium eripere , quam vniuersas hostium copias sibi vendicare . Hannibal to this same purpose sayth , Se magis cunctantem & acquiescentem Fabium , quam pugnantem Marcellum formidare . It hath euer beene the wisedome of greatest Captains rather by pollicies , stratagems , Ael . Spart . and wisedome to ouerthrow the enemy , then by hazards & vncertain battle , Eutrop. lib. 3. Caes . de bell Isoc . ad Nicocl . Reg. and rather by councell then by force . Lacones si quando stratagemmate , hoc est Callido consilio hostem superassent , Marti bouem immolabant , sin aperto praelio gallum ; hoc pacto consue facientes belli duces , vt non solum fortes essent ad praelium verum vt callidis potius consilijs aduersus hostem instructi , victoriam incruentam consequerentur .

In warre also magnanimity and courage in most eminent dangers is requisit ; because the quality of warre is such , that the fearefulnes of one , discourageth others . Wherefore base feare ( the badge and terror of peasants ) doth not beseeme commanding Princes : Plut. in Pol. for certainly where feare is , there can bee small hope of victorie . Iudas Machabeus ( enuironed by the multitude of enemies ) was aduised to turne backe . 1. Mac. c. 9. ●0 . God forbid ( sayd he ) that we should do this thing to fly from them if our time become let vs dye manfully for our brethren , and let vs not stain our honor . Alexandrias captaine of the Spartans , being demaunded why his people did make choyce , Suet. lib. 5. rather of death then to yeeld to the enemy ; because ( sayd he ) it is a law obserued amongst them , rather to offer theyr bodies to death then to captiuitie . Bias ( hauing warre with Iphicrates King of the Athenians ) being surprized by an vnexspected ambush , Val. Max : and seeing his people abandon him did thus encourage or rather checke their cowardise : Trog . Pom. tell you , said he , to the liuing , that I your Captaine do die fighting ; and I shall tell to the dead , that you did leaue me like cowards . The strength of the Assirians was in the courage of their commander Belus : of the Persians , in Cirus : of the Thebans , in Hercules : of the Hebrewes , in Iudas Macchabeus : of the Grecians , in Alcibiades : of the Troians in Hector : of the Egyptians , in Ogiges : of the Epirotes , in Pirrhus : of the Romans in Scipio : of the Carthaginians in Hannibal .

By these & the like it is cleere that moe famous victories , & more prosperous successe hath happened , by the wisedome , dexterity , and courage of Princes and Commanders , then by the strength of souldiers arms .

Lastly , because warre ( as all humane actions ) must haue an end , the seuerall issues of warre present a three-fold consideration : First , if Princes attaine to the most fortunate succes that can bee wished , they are modestly to curbe their immoderate ioyes , insulting pride , and inhumane cruelty , remembring Ezechiels wheeles ( counterfeited by the Poets , in rota fortun●e ) whereby is denoted the volubility of worldly affayres , that the euent which falleth this day to the victor , may fall the next to the vanquished . Fortuna vitrea est cum splendet frangitur . When Dauid did heare of the death of Saul , Plut. Quin. Cur● Salust . Iulius Caesar see the head of Pompey , Great Alexander , Darius dead in his presence ; Marcus Marcellu , Siracuse burned ; Scipio Numance destroyed ; and Hannibal behold the prostrate Embassadours , sorrowfull widdowes , and fatherlesse children at Cannas . These great Princes did testifie by ( their commiserate plaints and bitter teares ) the sorrow they did conceiue at the fall of their most obstinate enemies ; for pittifull respect of the miserable , is the sister of mercy , & compassionate sorrowes are able to extract teares from stone-hearted cruelty : Much more from such good Princes as are secondary patternes of clemency and mercy . Epimanundas cum alias hilari vultu solitus est in publicum prodire , Basil . in Epist. Ambr. ad Vercel . Ep. postridie eius diei quo feliciter pugnatum est in leuctris , processit squalidus & submissus ; amicis causam sciscitantibus , nihil inquit , sed heri , Hier. in Glos . sup. Math. 5. sensi me plus aequo mihi placuisse , eius gaudij intemperantiam hodie castigo .

Secondly , if the victory encline to the enemy , wise and couragious Princes are neither to contemne matter of such importance , Eurip. in Phaenis . Demost. ex arg. lib. Plato apud Stob. neither to bee ( cowardlike ) deiected ; effractis rebus violentior vltima virtus : they are to recollect themselues with the remembrance that vnconstant warre sometimes exalts the conquered and subdues the Conquerors : Grauissimae sunt morsus irritatae necessitatis ; therefore they are to vse the best meanes in their iust causes , to recouer their losses , or prepare the way to an honourable peace , or with their reunited forces , try the more fauourable aspect of death-thundring Mars . Demost. in or . ●uneb . Cic. ad seru Time admits not many words where danger knockes at the doore : Omnia experire more anguium , qui capite obtrito cauda minantur .

The third and last consideration , is in binding vp of peace , wherein Princes are to shew themselues confident in arms . Sub Clipeo melius succedit pacis negotium : They are so to negotiate that their laying downe of armes , Plato . de Rep. Cic. 2. Phil. 2. Veget. lib. 2. Liu. lib. dec 10. may bee vpon sure and honourable conditions . Vt vere pax easit , non pactio seruirtutis . But when Princes know their own weaknesse , and the powerfulnesse of their enemies , wisedome aduiseth them to yeeld to such conditions , as by the dextrous managing of matters of such importance they can procure . Sit pax aliquando , ●emachus apud Plut. in apo. quauis tuta conditione , nam gubernator vbi naufragium timet , licet iactura , quicquid sanari potest redimit , necessitati parendum , quam ne dij quidem superant :

SECTIO . XXII . Of Souldiers and Militarie discipline .

THe name Miles , or warriour ( after the building of Rome ) was by Romulus , giuen to a thousand select men , and called Milites , quasi vnusex mille , Polib . lib. 7. aut vnus mille valens , one out of a thousand , or one worth a thousand . The name of a souldier , is a name of honour and labour , saith Polibius . In making choyce of souldiers the ancient Romans did chiefly obserue two things . First , they were carefull , Non minus in milite modestiam & continentiam , quam virtutem animi magnitudinem desidero . Caes . de bel . Gal. lib. 7. that they were young , generously and vertuously enclyned . Iuuentus dat vires , virtus idoneum militem facit , & verecundia dum prohibet fugere sepe facit esse victoerm : the one giues strength , the other addes courage , the champion of victory . Veget. lib. q. cap. Secondly , such as were elected had their oath ( by Lucius Flauius and Caius Varro Consuls ) these words , iurabant se fugae , aut formidinis causa non abituros , neque ex ordine recessuros , nisi teli petendi aut hostis feriendi causa , aut ciuis seruandi ; that they should not goe away , or leaue their stations , except to take vp a dart , hurt an enemy , or saue a friend . This oath was thoght so necessary , that sine electione nemo conscribebatur ; sic sine sacramento nemo nomen militis aut officium sorti us est : as without election none were enrolled : so without the oath , none did enioy the name or place of a souldier . Marcus Cato sending his sonne to the warres vnder the command of Pompilio , did by his letters sollicite , that hee should not bee admitted vnto the army till hee had taken his oath ; and his reason was , Militem non credebat nisi eum qui sacramento in militiam consecratur ; vt Deo primum fides debita , deinde Principi & reipublicae seruetur in columis . Because he did not beleeue any worthy the name of a souldier , but such who by their oath had consecrated themselues to warre-farre , that their faith to God and loyalty to their Princes might be safely preserued . In this election the making choyce of forraine auxiliary souldiers , hath beene by many debated , and by some iniustly altogether disabled : from whom I do the rather dissent , because I do finde both in ancient and moderne warres that forraine helpes haue with the like ( if not with greater ) valour and faith mantained their reputation , then the natiues : yea I may safely affirme ; that forraine courage & strength hath repaired the losses of such Princes and states , who now alloweth their merite no other Chronicles then their owne wounds : howsoeuer , Nichol. Match . in Princip. that Matchiuell-like inference of Nicholas Matchiuell doth not hold good , wherein ( to disproue the helpe of alients ) hee presents Dauid vpon the stage , refusing Saules armes to fight with Goliah : but certainly Dauid was encouraged by an higher power then all the subtillty of Matchiuels wit could reach : and if he had not ( vpholden by that same power ) beene more confident in his owne armes , hee would not haue refused Saules offer . But because I doe make haste to speake somewhat of military discipline , I will onely recommend these cautions to Princes in the admission of auxiliary strangers . First , that they admit no moe , then they stand in neede of , may command , and are able without mutinity to keepe in pay . Next , that they choose them of such neighbouring Countreys as stands well affected to their state . Ioseph lib. 1. Auli . Pius 2. apud Plat. lib. 2. These two obseruations beeing kept Princes may safely ( if their owne forces bee not sufficient ) make election of forraine supplyes .

Next , vnto the election of such whose bodyes , Veget. lib. 9 Val. lib. 1 mindes and fayth are answerable to their charge : the second care is , that by discipline they may be made skilfull , conformable to good lawes , and obedient to the commaund of their Princes . This military discipline doth consist chiefly , Aug. apud Diog. lib. 5. in exercitatione , in abdicatione voluptatum , in cohibitione commessationum rapinarum otij & innobedientiae . By exercise soldiers becom skilfull in their armes , strong in their bodyes , and couragious in their mindes . Demet. In omni praelio , non tam multitudo & virtus indocta quam ars & exercitium solent praestare victoriam : Oft-times skill and exercise effect more in warre then multitude or vertue without skill . On the contrary , Socra . apud Stob. Zenon apud Diog. lib. 7. Pith. in suis praecept . idlenesse ( as it doth to all men ) doth infect the bodyes and minds of souldiers , with a senslesse securitie , and dulnesse to doe good , and stirres them vp to all such vices as may offend others , and are the staines of reputation and breach of good lawes ; & therefore great Captaines can neuer bee assured of exspected successe , without keeping of souldiers in dayly exercise . Although Asia had no vse of ships yet lest the souldiers might be dulled or corrupted by idlenesse , order was giuen to build ships : for ( one wittily sayth ) homo sanus otiosus , quam febricitans multo miserior est : a man that is in health idle is in a more dangerous estate , then he that is in an ague .

Secondly , luxury of souldiers makes them become senselesse of reputation , effeminate and soft , and is to be choaked in the birth , lest enchanting Circes change Vlisses followers into swine : or luxurious Campania , blemish the famous victories of Hannibal , and in the end deliuer him vp as a subiect to adorne the Trophes of his most contemned enemies .

Thirdly , by discipline souldiers are to be restrained from rapes , ryots , and disorders . Marcus Cato did enact that the hand of him that committed theft , should be cut off . Lycias that whosoeuer did offer iniury , ryots , or abandon his place without command , should be seuerely punished . Manlius Torquatus filium quod ipso ignorante ad dimicandum discenderat , Val. Max. mactari iussit satius iudicans patrem forte filio , quam patria militari disciplina carere : This great Captaine did preferre the care of discipline to his victorious sonne : but as in all other rigorous execution of Iustice : so in military discipline seuerity is to be inflicted , first , Emendandi causa , that the party punished may be therby bettred : for sometimes seuerity cutteth off many , that thereafter might proue profitable members in the body of an army . Veget. lib. 5 Plat. Epist. Secondly , seuerity is to bee vsed , cum dignitas eius in quem peccatur tuenda est , ne pretermissa animaduersio contemptum pariat : When neglect of punishment begetteth contempt against the person of commanders and good lawes . Thirdly , Salust : ad Caes . de rem ord. punishment must haue its force , vt metu penae ceteri terreantur , that examplary punishment vpon corrupt and vncurable members may terrefie others .

The necessitie of military discipline is demonstrate , Pub. Mim . by the benefite that commeth to Princes by it , and by the losses that idlenesse confusion , & the neglect thereof doe beget , Alexander Macedo exiguam manum militarem a patre suscepit , Val. Max. Quin. Curt sed doctam , qua asuefacta militiae orbem terrarum aggressus , innumeras hostium strages fudit : the small but skilfull force that Alexander did receiue from his father , did challenge the whole world , and subdue infinite number of enemies . The Romane Empire was begun , augmented , and continued by military discipline and obseruation of good lawes , Polib . lib. 6. cap. 7. vtterly euerted by luxury , idlenesse , and the like , consuming plagues . The fearefull name of Xerxes ( by foolish confidence ) was ecclipsed by two shamefull ouerthrowes giuen him at Thermopilas & Salamine , where too late hee did complaine , Se habere multos homines raro autem disciplina tenaces .

SECTIO . XXIIII . Of the meditation and preparation of Princes against the day of death .

AS there is nothing more certain than deaths neuer failing arrest , neither more irreconciliable terrible & dangerous enemy to the corrupt sons of Adam then death : Greg. Mor. 18. So is there no more heauen pleasing care , then the watchful attendance for death , no truer badge of fortitude then the couragious defiance of death , & no such glorious victory as in the triumph ouer death .

This due meditation & preparation against the comming of death is the Anuill whereon the armes that must conquer him are forged . Bernard . Moral . 18. The victorious ouercomming of death is the crowne of a good life here , Aug. de mort . and the earnest of assured happinesse hereafter ; and ought to be common to all men and proper to Princes . First , least greatnesse , honours , riches , power , or other deceitfull vanities transport them , & make them forgetfull of human condition inuegle the eyes of their soules with security of long life , or make the remembrance of death bitter , O mors quam amara est memoria tua homini pacem habenti in sulstantijs suis . Prouerb . 8.31 . Eclles . Solomon ( who had long enioyed honor , riches , and whatsoeuer else might dignifie and exalt him ) did in end draw the short conclusion , that all things vnder heauen are vanitas vanitatis , that the onely true comfort in this earthly kingdome is in exspectation of a better hereafter : and that the soule staruing-pleasures after which he had formerly hungred , were but vanities and vexation of spirit . When sickenesse or old age ( the harbengers of inexorable death ) such Princes to yeelde nature her due , they may thus meditate and reason with themselues : Aegritudo & senectus mortis nuncij sunt . Chrys. hom 5. death is not to be feared where a good life hath prepared the way : to heare of death is no nouelty : that they with al men are borne to dye : that all their auncestors are by death dissolued : what numbers of Monarchs are before them , & that all shall follow them : that death is the end of miseries , & entry to true happinesse in heauen , where incorrupt treasure abides them : that the mercie-Master the true Samaritan , and great Physition of soules hath a salue for euery sore ; that hee did cure the woman whose faith was great , saued his Apostles whose faith was little and hath promised ( by the similitude of the Mustard seed ) to receiue in his kingdome the widdowes mite , Math. 8.25.26.13.31 . Si possemus super talem ascendere speculum de quo vniuersam terram sub pedibus cerneremus iam tibi ostenderem mundi ruinas , gentes gentibus , reges regibus , regna regnis collisa : alios torqueri , alios necari alios absorberi fluctibus , alios in seruitutem trahi , hic nuptias illi . planctum illos nasci istos mori . Hieron . ad Heled . or the least dram of sauing faith . To these meditations may be added the weakenesse , shortnes and frailtie of the life of man , subiect to sicknesse , pouerty , iniuries , violence and millions of downe-throwing miseries : yea miserable man is dayly tormented with the chief pleasures of life . Delicacy of meates begetteth cruditie & indigestion ; strong drinke palsie and trembling ; lust , stupidity , weakning of the body : riches enuy in possessing of them , and sorrow in leauing of them : in one word , euery Ioy hath his ensuing sorrow , life is blinde , doubtfull and full of troubles ; honors swelleth it , sorrow extenuates it , heate exsicates it , surfets oppresse it , sadnesse consumes it , solitude imprisons it , security duls it , yong age exalts it , youth profuseth it , old age makes it feeble , and death ruines it : what a foolish frailty is it then to feare death , when in each or most of these calamities of life , we wish death should cease vpon vs .

Wherefore seeing the body of man is but the ruinous cottage wherein the soule of man is imprisoned , and dayly assaulted with neuer ceasing enemies : the best way to auoyd a more glorious & sure dwelling place for so heauenly a guest , is timely to teach the soule to despise the body , that she hath no interest in it ; is a stranger , a pilgrime , and a wearied guest , trauelling towards her long wished home , and vnwillingly detained within the dungeon of corrupt flesh : that because death is the way wherby she must arriue at her long wished heauen , shee must willingly acquaint her selfe with death ; to discouer the dangerous ambuscadoes , and ensnaring traps that are hidden vnder the ouershadowing groues of greatnesse and prosperitie .

This serious meditation of death , the familiar conuersing with death , and timely disiunction of the soule from the body is the right preparation to dye , and when death comes , boldly with a kingly courage , triumphantly demand him in the face , Death where is thy sting ? Maximilian the Emperour caused his tombe fiue yeares before his death be carried whersoeuer hee did goe , Ex orat . funeb. Sueu . that by the remembrance of death he might dislodge ambitious , foolish , deceitfull , wordly , affections , and be ready with old Swan-singing Simeon to receiue his safe conduct , Luc. 2.25.26.27.28.29.30 . and say , Now Lord lettest thou thy seruant depart im peace for mine eyes haue seene my saluation .

Secondly , death is carefully to be premeditated , because the forgetfulnesse of death increaseth the horror , and augments the feare of vnexspected death . Aug. de mort . Omnia repentina grauiora sunt , sed premeditatio futurorum malorum lenit eorum aduentum .

This consideration of the vncertainety and vnexspected comming of death and carefull prouision for his comming is able to withstand the furious assaults of fearefull rebellious flesh , Petrar . dial. 28. ambition and down throwing pride of the most powerfull Princes ; Luc. 21.29 . Thess. 1.5 . Reuel. 3.3 . is a carefull seruant for the comming of the master : a neuer sleeping watch , attending the theefe & a prouident Oeconomus for laying vp of true store . Remember O king , sayde Agapetus to Iustinian , that death feares not the spenldor of honour or greatnesse , Eccl. 12.7 . but impartially d●uoures Kings and Beggers : therefore before his comming lay vp prouision in heauen where no corruption shall haue entry but shall returne to dust & ashes from whence it did come , Iob. 1.21.7.5 . and man borne naked shall goe hence naked , death shall finde him as life leaues him , and iudgement shall finde him as death leaues him . A●g . de doct thist . Lact. lib. 3. ● 19. Non potest male mori qui bene vixit & plerunque mala mors est , quam mala vita praecessit , nam sicut vita ipsa bonum est cum virtute viuitur malum si cum scelere ; Ita & mors ex praeteritis vitae actibus ponderanda est .

SECTIO . XXV . Of mourning for the dead , and of Christian and Princely burials .

LEt such Critickes who condemne mourning sermons , Christianorum iustorum defunctorum corpora ( quibus tamquam organis ad bona opera vsus est spiritus sanctus ) officiosa pietate curanda exequtae caelebrand ae● sunt . Aug. in Pat. and funeral honours to the praise of the faithfull departed ; consider that ignorance or singularity is the mother of their errour , and as it is true , that Christians translated from this life : Non sunt omissi sed praemissi , so is it as true fidelibus defunctis debito honore ac funebri oratione parentare , nulla vnquam pietas aut religio vetuit . The redoubled groanes of our Sauiour at the death of Lazarus demonstrate that mourning for the dead is a true signe of the pietie of the liuing . Iohn . 11.33 38. Stephani Martyrium maximis Christianorum planctibus & gemitibus fuit coronatum . Act. 8.2 . Ieremias did bewayle the death of king Ics●●s in the assembly of the people . Abraham his wife Sarah : Gen. 23.2 . the whole house of Israel did mourne for Moses and Aaron thirty dayes . Deut. 29.8 . King Dauid did lament for the death of Absolon his sonne , Sam. 2.19.18 . and for the death of Saul his enemy . The holy fathers did bemone the death of their Princes and others their friends . Ambrose did most richly garnish the hearse of Theodosius with a learned Sermon and eloquent oration . Gregorius Nazianzenus mortuum fratrem Caesarium laudauit eiusque memoriam posteris funebri oratione commendauit . Greg. de Sepul . Hier. in pan . Ierome Damascen and all the ancient pillars of the Church did honourably regard the funerall and last honors done to the Christians deceased .

I cease to speake of honors done to Princes after their death by the Phylosophers and ancient heathen : it is dolefully registred , that at the tragicall funerals of Achilles & Patroclus killed by the Troians , Homer Illi . Lachrimis non solum arma lugentium rigarentur , sed & arenae quoque madescerent . Old Solon did delight to bee beloued in his life time , that at his death the sorrowfull complaints of his friends might accompany him to his graue . Ex dic . Phil ● . ● . Iulius Caesar questor Iuliam Amitam vx remque Corneliam pro rostris laudauit .

All lawes doe warrant such offices as are done at the funerals of such as haue beene profitable to the commonwealth wherein they did liue , to be iusta & iure acta , Iust . and the least defacing of sepulchers of the dead , or touch of reproach hath beene holden an offence of higher quality then the ruinating of the houses of the liuing or spoken against their persons in their life time , In iuris prudentia quotiescunque leges viuentium pugnant cum legibus po-sthumilijs semper preualent posthumiae omniaque iuris priuilegia fulta fauore publico cedunt & vincuntur ab vna sola actione funeraria .

The ancient Christians did accompt it the extremity of persecution that they were compelled ( sine supremo honore canticorum & himnorum ) to burie their dead in silence . Dion . apud . Stob.

I should exceede the limited breuity that I haue enioyned to my selfe , if I should recount the various and superstitious funerall rites obserued amongst the heathen , or the sumptuous and vnprofitable charges bestowed amongst some Christians . Egyptij condiebant , Persae cera circum linitos condebant mortuos eosque domi seruabant vt quam maxime permanerent diuturna corpora . Magorum mos erat non humare corpora , nisi a feris antea fuissētlaniata . Messagetae cognatos & propinquos mortuos deuorant , ducentes honestius ac rectius a se quam a vermibus commedantur .

I leaue the funerall fiers wherein anciently , Sepulturae Pompa magis est , Solarium vinoquam mortuorum praesidium . Aug. de cura promort . and yet , the bodies of the dead haue beene and are consumed to ashes : neither will I speake of the precious iewells , rich clothes , gold , siluer , seruants , horse , & other conceited fooleries , Ioan Boem . de morib. omn. gen - wherewith in diuers Nations , Princes are interred . I doe onely allow of such honourable buriall of Princes , as is obserued amongst Christians , & which is rather accompanied and condoled with the presence and teares of al good subiects ; sermons funerall orations and charitable almes ( thereby in citing the succeeding posterity to imitate the vertues of the deceased prince ) them defaced by superstitious rites or prodigall profusion of superfluous and vnprofitable charge . Ecclesia fulgeat in parietibus , sed ne egeat in pauperibus , lapides auro induantur , non vt Ecclesiae filij nudi deserantur :

FINIS .
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