THOWE ô Emperour hauing honoure farre aboue all honours , honorest aboue all God , whiche iudged the worthy the same , because to the similitude of the heauenlye kingdome he hath geuen thee , the Scepter of the earthly Empire : that thou maiste teache men the keepinge of iustice , and punishe the barking of those , whiche rage against it , thou thy selfe being ruled by thy owne lawes , and rulinge thy Subiectes by theim .

2 The circumspect vnderstanding & minde of the Emperour , Watcheth alwaies as a Maister of a ship , holding fast the rother of iustice , driuing away manfully the Waues of pertialitie : that the Boate of the beautifull Common weale be not broken with stormes of iniquitie .

3 The lesson is godly , and first we mortall men be taught , eche one to knowe hymselfe . 〈…〉 knoweth hymselfe shall know God : who truely knoweth God : will bee like to God : he shall verily be lyke to God , whiche is made worthy of God : hee is made worthy in dede of God , which doth nothing vnworthy of God : but thinketh truely that appertaineth to him , speaketh that he thinketh , and doth in deede that he speaketh .

4 Let no man here bragge the nobilitie of his progenitors , because all haue earth the forefather of their kinred : aswell thei which triumphe in purple and silke , as thei that bee oppressed with pouertie and sicknes : bothe thei which be adorned with crownes , & they that watche the chambers . Let vs therefore , not be glorious in our earthly kinred , but in gentlenes & godly manners seeke we prayse .

5 Knowe thou O diuinely framed example of godlines , that the more benefites God iudgeth the worthy , the more art thou bounde to giue him thankes : render therefore to God which is liberal , the duety of thankes giuing : which accepteth dueties ●s a benifite , & recompenceth thy good turne with many , for he alwaies preuenteth and first aydeth thee wyth his benefites , bestowinge his grace and free giftes , as a duetie vpon thee , renderynge of thankes therfore requireth he of vs , not such , as by the vttering of good wordes , but by the shewing of godly deedes , is performed .

6 Nothinge maketh so muche a man good & honest , as to be hable to do truely all that hee willeth : bothe to will forsoth , and to do that is humaine and gentle , because therefore power is giuen to thee of God , the whiche thy good wyll , for vs , did neede . Will all , and do all , as pleaseth him , which hath giuen to thee the same power .

7 The vnstable riches of earthly goods and landes , be like the side and runninge of the Waues in waters , bicause for a while they flowe to those whiche thynke to haue theim , but shortly after , thei ebing againe , go away to others . Onely the threasure of well doing is stable , and stedfast to the possessors of it : for the thankes of good workes retourne to the doers .

8 No man Verily may come to thee , for the highnes and excellencie of thy Empire here beloue : the needy and poore may easily come to thee , for the force and puisaunce of thy power aboue , thou openest thy eares to those whiche are besieged with pouertie , that thou may finde the eare of God opened to the lyke as we be to oure fellowes and compagnions in seruice , suche shall we fynde the Lorde towardes vs.

9 The careful minde of the Emperour and Kinge moste lyke a lookinge glasse bewyped and made cleane , that it may alwaies shyne wyth godly beames : and from thence learne the precise iudgment of matters , nothing maketh so much to see that is needfull and necessary , as the keepinge of it alwaies withoute spot .

10 As it commeth to passe emong Saiclors , when a Marinor doth erre , he bringeth smale harme to those whyche saile with hym , but when the rother Maister himselfe offendeth , he leaseth the whole ship . Euen so , if any subiect in a Citie or Realme committeth a fault , he hurteth not so much the Publique Weale as hymselfe : But if the Prince iniurieth he ouerthroweth the whole Common Weale . Let him therefore , as one which must render no smale reckninge , if he neglecte any thinge that ought to be done : with exquisit diligence bothe say and do all thinges .

11 A certaine circle of worldly affaires runneth rounde in compasse , carryinge them hither thither , and about . Also in them is vnequalitie , bicause none of the thynges present remaine in their selfe same state . Therefore must thou O moste mighty Emperour kepe thy reason and godly meaning in this tumblinge chaunge chaunge of thinges vnchaungeable .

12 Abhorre & disdaine the deceiptful words of flatterers , as the greedy manners of Rauens : the one diggeth out the eies of the body , the other maketh dull and blunteth the vnderstanding & senses of the soule , not sufferinge to consider and set the truth of thinges . For either thei praise , when the thing is worthy of rebuke : or oftentimes thei discommended , that is aboue all commendation . Wher thei offend in one of these twaine , either the euill thei praise , or good , dispraise .

13 The minde of the Emperour muste alwaies be equal and moderat , for to be chaunged with the chaunge of thinges , is the sure signe of an vnconstant minde . To sticke stedfastly in good thinges , with the which constancy your godly Empire is made strong , neither with wanton prid to be extolled , neither with sadnes discouraged , is an euident argument of constant men , hauing their minds stable .

14 Yf any man hath his minde and vnderstanding cleane of the fraude of man , & seeth the vilenes of his owne nature , the shortnes and sodaine perishing of this present life , also the vncleanes coupled to the flesh , he wil not fall into the daungerous place of pride : although he be in highe honor and authority .

15 Aboue all the noble and excellent things of a Realme , the Crowne of godlines garnisheth & beutifieth a Kinge : riches vanisheth away , the praise of the people and glory passe ouer , but the fame of godly gouerning is continued and prolonged to the worlde immortall , and maketh her possessors stande still beyonde forgetfulnes .

16 It seemeth to me most inconuenient and against all reason , that the riche & poore men of vnlike , suffer like hurte and damage , the one bursteth with fulnes , the other perisheth with honger : some possesse the boundes and endes of the worlde , others haue not wheron to set their soles of their feete . That therfore bothe may obtaine health , thou muste by taking away & geuing , heale them bothe . Also thou must reduce and transferre to equalite , the vnequalitie .

17 In our daies is showen the time of a prosperous and good life , which some of the aunciauntes did prognosticat , shoulde come to passe : when either Philosophers shal be kynges , or Kynges Philosophers . For aswell vsing Philosophie ye be iudged worthye and apte for a Realme , as , when reigning , ye forsake not Philosophie , if the loue of wisedome wisedome is the feare of God : which in your breaste alwaies you haue . It is euident how true it is that I haue spoken .

18 In very troth , I iudge and esteeme thee an Emperour , because thou art hable to rule vanquish and bridle thy voluptuous and carnall affections : whiche arte aswell garnished with the Crowne of temperance , as apparayled with the purple robe of iustice . For other kinde of power hathe death to succession : but suche a kingdome keepeth and possesseth an immortall perpetuitie other manner of authoritie is resolued and made of none effecte in this age , but this is deliuered of the punishment perpetuall .

19 Yf thou wilt take the fruite of honoure from all men , be thou a common freind & good doer to al men , Forsoth nothing getteth good will so muche , as the gift of a good tourne , bestowed vpon those whiche haue neede , the reuerence done for feare is colored flatterye , deceiuing with the little of feined honour , those whiche truste to it .

20 With good reason your Empire is to be reuerenced and estemed , because it sheweth to the enemies the power , but to the subiectes it rendreth humanitie and gentlenes : it vanquisheth theym with the force of armor , beinge vanquished of her owne vnarmed loue and charitie . Howe muche distance is there betwene a wilde beast and a shepe , somuche difference your Empire iudgeth betwene the one and the other .

21 In the substaunce of his body the kynge resembleth all men , but in the power of his dignitie and honor he is like to god aboue all : for he hath none in earth higher then himself he muste therfore as God not be angrie , neither as a mortal men be proude & arrogant . For although he is honored , as the ymage of God , whome he representeth . Yet notwithstanding he is framed & made of earthly dust , by the whiche he is taught the equalitie , wherin he is like to all men .

22 Accept and approue those whiche wyll councell good thinges , but not those whiche wyll studie to flatter alwayes . The one in very truth considereth that becometh and is necessarie , thother foreseeth the thinges whiche please the mightie and puisaunt : folowynge the shadowes of bodies , they consent to all that they speake .

23 Be suche towardes thy seruauntes as thou wishest the Lorde to be to thee , for as we heare , we shal be hard , and as we regard and see , we shal be regarded and seen of the visage of God lokyng : vpon all , Let vs therfore firste geue mercie , for mercie , that we maye receyue the like for like .

24 As lookinge glasses exacte and perfecte shewe such phisionomie of the visages , as the principal example and Patron : of the mer●y , forsoth mer●y : but of the sad , truelye sad .

Euen so , the iust iudgement of God is made like to our doinges : suche as our workes be , suche he geueth to vs , requittinge vs wyth the like .

25 Consult the thinges whiche thou must doe slowlye , execute and finish whiche thou haste determined diligentlye : because hastines and negligence in matters : be daungerous . Yf any man will consider in his minde the mischiefes comminge throughe lacke of consultation , then shal he well know the commodities of good Councel , as after thexperience and poofe of sicknes , they shall fele better the pleasauntnes and good gyfte of health . Thou must therfore O moste discret and prudent Prince : with very wittye Councel and feruent prayers search out diligentlye the thynges whiche wilbe profitable for the worlde .

26 Thou shalte best rule thy noble and excelent Realme , if thou studie to see & all suffer not to ouersee , and neglect any thynge . It is not forsoth smale in thee , which appeareth smale in comparison of thy subiectes : a litle worde of the Kynge hath greate efficacie and power emongest all .

27 Inioigne to thy selfe a necessitie to kepe the lawes , seinge there is none in earth hath power to constrayne thee : so shalt thou shew the reuerence of the lawes thy selfe , in reuerensinge theim before others : and it shal be manifeste to the Subiectes , that the transgression of the lawes is not withoute daunger .

28 To offend and not prohibet those which offende iudge theym to be lyke euell : for if any man dwellynge in a Towne liue after the lawe , and beare wyth theym which liue against the lawe , he is iudged a compagnyon and helper of the wicked . Yf thou wilte be allowed and praysed two maner of wayes , regarde both the wel doers , and rebucke theim that doe euel .

29 I thynke it very profitable to flee the company of euell doers , for he that is alwayes with euel men , muste nedes eyther suffer or learne some euell thyng . But he that lyueth wyth good men , eyther learneth a folowing of good thynges , or the diminishyngs of hys vices .

30 Considering , God hath deliuered in trust to thee , the kyngdome of the world , vse none of the wicked to the seruice of the affaires thereof : for what wronges they doe , he shall rendre accompt of theym to god , who hath geuen to theym the power to offend . Let therefore the promotion of Magistrates be done with great diligence and inquisition .

31 I thincke it an equall euel to be angre with the heynous offences of the ennemies , and to be entreated with the flatterie of freindes . For both muste be resisted gently : neuer departing from comlines neyther reuenginge the vnreasonable euel wyll of the one , neyther regarding the feigned good wil of the other .

32 Esteme those to be the truest freindes , not whiche praise all thinges that thow speakest , but those which studie to doe all thinges with a iuste iudgement : reioysynge when thou speakest or doest any thyng well and sorie , when thou doest the contrary . These forsoth shewe in very dede the token of all d●ceipt .

33 Let not the greatnes of this earthly power chaunge thy valiant and courageous minde , but as rulinge a dominion bruckle and subiect to death , kepe thy vnderstanding stable , in these matters vnstable : neither with muche gladnes exalted , neyther wyth sadnes discouraged .

34 As gold is wrought , although sometime of this fashion , and somtime of that fashion , and is transformed by arte to diuers shewes of setting furth & beautifieng : yet not wythstandyng , it remayneth the selfe same thyng that it is , and suffereth not his nature to be chaunged . So thou most famous Emperor : albeit thou hast obtayned gouernaunce after gouernaunce , and is come to the highest honor : thou remaynest the same man in thinges that be not the same , hauing in thy office thy mynde vnchaungeable .

35 Thincke then thou reignest surely and without peril , when thou reignest ouer men that be willinge : for that thynge that is subdued against the will , floweth ful of sedicion when oportunitie serueth . That thyng that is ruled wyth the bandes of good wyll kepeth stedfast obedience to the ruler .

36 That thou maye make the power of thy Empire famous and euerlasting : how much anger thou hast against thy Subiectes offendyng , iudge that thou muste haue somuche anger against thy selfe , if thou doest offende . For noman is hable to correct thee , being in so great auctoritie : but thy owne reason moued of thy selfe , that offendest .

37 He that hath greate auctoritie , let hym to the vttermost of his power folowe the geuer of the same : if therfore he beare the image of God in al thinges , and by hym possesseth the dominion of all : verelye in this pointe he shall moste followe God , in iudgeing nothyng more precious then mercie .

38 Let vs laye vp to our selfe , in treasure aboue gold and precious stones the riches of well doinge , and liberalitie , in helping those that neede : whiche reioyceth vs heare wyth hope of the fruition that shal be , and bringeth a swetnes to vs in the life to come : by proofe & taste of the blessednes longe looked for . Let not these thinges whiche nowe appeare about vs , as nothyng perteynynge to vs , to muche delite vs.

39 Studie to rewarde wyth goodly gyftes those whyche willynglye doe that ye commaunde , for by thys meane , thou shalte encreace the good wyll of the good , and teache the wicked to forget their wyckednes . It is to muche truelye oute of reason , to thyncke those worthy of the same giftes , whiche doe not the same .

40 Reigning is a most precious thyng , but then moste of all it is of that sorte : when he whiche possesseth the power is not inclined to selfe loue , and pride : but regardeth mekenes & equitie , abhorryng rigor and crueltye , as beastly : shewynge humanitie , as a thinge resemblyng God .

41 Geue iudgement equally to freindes & foes , neither pleasurynge good willers for good will , neither resistynge euel willers for ennimitye and hatred : far the absurditye is lyke , to iustifie the vniust , although he be a freind : and to iniurie the iust , althoughe he be an ennemy : truely the vice is lyke in both , albeit it is founde in contrarys .

42 Iudges of matters must geue good eare wyth a stedfaste mynde . In verye dede the finding out of the iust right , is hard to be perceyued , and easely escapeth those whiche take not good hede . For if they leauyng the craftie eloquence of Oratours and Lawiers , not regardynge the lykenes and resemblance of the trueth in thynges that be spoken , enter into the depnes of the purpose . So shal they drawe out that they seke , and eschew double offence : neyther theyr selfe betrayenge honestie , neyther suffering others to do it .

43 Althoughe thou possesse good workes equall in nombre to the starres , yet shalte thou not ouercome the goodnes of GOD . Whatsoeuer any man shal offer to God , he offereth but that is his owne , and as noman can passe ouer his owne shadowe in the Sunne , whiche preuenteth hym , albeit he come neuer so swiftly to it : So no men shal be hable to excede wyth good workes the inuincible goodnes of God .

44 The riches of liberalitie and wel doing can not be spent , for in geuyng they be gotten , and in scatteryng abrod they be gathered . Hauyng this riches in thy mynde most liberal Emperour , geue liberally to all that aske from thee : for thou shalte haue infinit recompence for theym , when the tyme of requittyng & rendring of good workes cometh .

45 Obteynyng the kyngdome by the wyll and pleasure of God , folowe hym in good workes : because thou art borne in the numbre of those whiche be hable to doe good , and not of these , whych haue neede of helpe . For the prouision and store of the aboundance of riches hath no stoppe to benefit the poore .

46 As the eye is framed and naturallye placed in the body , so a Kyng is prepared and made fit for the worlde : Geuen of god for helpynge and workynge of those thynges whiche be expedient and profitable . He must therfore prouide for all men , as for his owne proper members , that they maye profit in good thynges , and be not hurte wyth euell .

47 Iudge the surest salfegard of thy halth to consist in hurtynge none of thy Subiectes at any time . He that hurteth none , suspecteth and feareth none : If the iniuring of one maketh the salfe : To benefit and doe good maketh thee a great deale more salfe : for it geueth salftie , and doth not forsake charitie .

48 Be thou most godly Emperor feared of thy Subiectes for the preheminence of thy power , and loued for the geuynge of benefytes : Neyther despisynge the feare for the loue , neither neglecting the loue for the feare but hauynge humanitie and gentle maners with out despisyng ▪ and seuere gratuitie despised of many .

49 What thynges thou prescribest to thy Subiectes by reasonable wordes , as a lawe , thou preuentyng hast done the same in dede : that a good and honest lyfe maye be agreable to the wordes , wyth the whyche thou persuadest : for so shall they afferme and pronounce the Empire to be commendable , if thou reasonest not without workinge , and workest not wythout reason .

50 Loue more , moste famous Emperour , theym which request to receyue giftes from thee , then those whiche studie to offre thee presentes : For thou art bounde to requite the one sorte , but the other maketh God the debtor , clayminge and chalengynge all the thynges donne to the same suppliantes to pertaine to hymselfe , rewardyng wiih good recompences thy godly and gentle mynde .

51 The worke forsoth of the sonne is to lighten the worlde with his beames , but the vertue of a Prince is to haue pitie of the pore . The godly Emperour truely is more honorable then the selfe Sonne , for he geueth place to the nighte folowynge , but the vertuous Prince geueth no place to the roberie and extorcion of wicked men : but wyth the light of trueth rebuketh the secretes of iniquitie .

52 The Empire verelye hath beautifyed . The Emperours whiche were before thee : but thou most mighty Emperour hath made it more famous , measurynge the burthen of the power with gentlenes , and ouercoming wyth goodnes the feare of those whiche come to thee : wherfore all they which haue neede of pitie and compassion enter into the hauen of thy calmenes : and beinge deliuered from the waues of pouertye , send often to the hymnes of thankes geuyng .

53 Howe muche thou excellest all men in power , endeuor thy selfe also to shyne somuch before other in workes . Thincke truely that the workyng of good and honest thinges , is looked for , aunsweringe in proportion to the greatnes of thy power : that thou may be published of God , as it were by a Trumpetor , The victorious conquerour , to haue gotten in possession not onely the Crowne of the inuincible Empire , but also the Crowne of well doing to the poore .

54 Considre well , are thou commaundest , what thynges thou wyllest to be done : that thou maist commaunde wittely that is lawful for the instrument of the tongue is slipper & mutable , and bringeth the greatest daunger those whiche be negligent . If forsoth thou makest godly vnderstandyng the cheefe ruler as musicke to it . A swete songe of vertue perfect in melodye wyll be vttered .

55 It is expedient for a Prince to be sharpe and wittie in all thynges , but moste aboute the iudgementes of hard matters : & to shewe hymselfe very slowe to anger , because vtterly to be voyde of anger is despised . Let him be angrie in measure , and not be angrie . The one forsoth that he may represse the confederacies of the wycked , and the other that he maye searche out the cause of good men .

56 Vnderstandynge circumspectlye in the perfect councel place of thy hart the maners of those whiche be in company wyth thee , that thou maye knowe perfectly both those whiche in loue reuerence thee , & those which by craft flatter thee . For many feigne theim selfes to beare good wyll whiche hurte very muche those whiche beleue theim .

57 When thou hearest a communication hable to helpe and profite , receyue it : not only with hearinge , but also in dede practice it . For so the dominion of the Emperour is set furth and beautifyed , when eyther he seeth hymselfe the thynges that by necessarie , or doeth no wayes despise that is wel inuented and found by an other : but learneth truelye wythout shamfastnes , and executeth in dede that he hath learned wythout prolongyng .

58 A Castell verelye fortified wyth inuincible walles despiseth the ennemies , that besieged the same : So thy godly Empire walled wyth mercye and compassion towardes the poore , and fortified wyth Towers of prayers , is made vnpreignable to the weapons of the ennemyes : settynge vp againste theim famous tokens of victorie .

59 Vse as behoueth this kyngdome beneth , that a lather may be made to thee , of the glory aboue : for they that gouerne this kyngdome wel , be iudged after this , worthy of the other . They forsoth gouerne this kyngdome well , whiche shew to the subiectes a fatherly loue , receyuynge againe from theym feare due to a Prince , repressyng so wyth threatnynges the vices , neuer forseinge theym to the experience of punishement .

60 Apparel that can not be olde , is as garment of well doinge , and a robe vncorruptible is the loue towardes the poore . He therfore whiche wyll reigne godly , must garnish beautifully his soule wyth suche garmentes . For he that is clothed wyth a purple vesture of loue towardes the poore , he is also thought worthy of a heauenly kyngdome .

61 Seynge thou hast receyued of God the Emperiall scepter , consider howe thou shalt please hym whyche hath geuen it to thee . And as thou arte honored of hym before all others , make hast to honor hym aboue all others . This is iudged the greatest honor , if thou regardest theym whiche he hath made , as thy selfe , and be liberall to theym , as thy duetie is .

62 Euerye man whiche desireth health , ought to haue recource to the helpe whiche cometh from aboue : but specially the Emperor before all other , as careful for all . For he beinge defended by God , doth aswell ouercome stoutely his ennemyes , as diligentlye salfegarde his Subiectes .

63 God verely hath neede of nothyng . The Emperor hath neede only of God : Followe hym therfore that hath no neede , and be liberal to those whiche aske thee mercie , not recknynge straytly the charges of thy householde , but grauntyng the petitions of all to the helpe of their liuinge . For muche better it is for to haue mercie of the vnworthy for the worthy sake , then to defraude the worthy of that they deserued , for the falt of the vnworthy .

64 When thou askest forgeuenes of thy offences , forgeue also those whiche offende thee : for God forgeueth theim that forgeue , and for the reconcilynge and peace makyng wyth thy neyghbours and compagnions in seruice , the familiaritie and peace of God is rendred vnto thee .

65 A Prince that studieth to reigne wythout blame and falt , must beware of defamation that cometh outwardly : & be ashamed hymselfe to synne before others , that he may abstayne to doe amisse openly . For the aduoidynge of euel example geuyng to others . And he must be refrayned of hym selfe to offende in priuat places . For if the Subiectes appeare worthy of reuerence in hauing feare to offende , muche more is the kynge iudged worthy the same reuerence , beyng a shamed to do amisse .

66 I affirme and truely saye that the falte of a priuat person is to doe euell and thinges deseruynge punishment , but certenly the offence of a Prince is , to doe those thinges that be not honest and profitable for the publique Weale : for the absteining from euel thinges , doth not iustifie the mightie , but the doinge of good workes crouned such one . Therfore let not onlye a man thyncke to abstayne from euell , but also let hym studie to embrace iustice .

67 Death feareth not the brightnes and glorie of the state of Nobilitie , for he casteth violentlye vppon all his deuourynge teeth : Therfore let vs carie hence the abundance of our goodes into heauen , before his cominge that can not be eschewed . For no man departynge thyther carieth wyth hym those thynges whyche he gathereth in the worlde : but leuynge all the earth geueth naked accompt of his life .

68 The Emperour is verely lord of all , he is truely wyth al the seruaunt of God . Then certeinly shall he be most of all called , Lorde , when he is Maister of himselfe , and serueth not his vnlawfull pleasures : but takyng to helpe his godly reason inuincible , and Empresse of brutishe and beastly affection , shall wyth the armour of chastitie ouercome his vntamed and wilde lustes .

69 As the shadowes followe the bodyes , so sinnes followe the soules : and shew wyth a liuely ymage the doinges : therfore we can not deny in iudgement , for euery mans doynges shal be wytnes againste hymselfe , wythout speakyng a worde , but appearyng plainly in suche sorte as we did theym .

70 The shorte estate of this present lyfe is like the passynge of a ship through the Sea , deceyuing vs her Mariners , drawynge her course by litle and litle , she bringeth eche one to his iorneys ende . Consideryng these thinges be so , let vs ouerpasse the slipperie trafficke and troubles of this world , and runne to those thynges which remayne for euer .

71 Let not the proude and disdaineful man exalt himselfe like a high horned bull , but let hym consider the substaunce of his fleshe , and represse the swellyng of his hart : For albeit he is made Prince of the earth . Yet let hym not forget that he is made of earth , when he ascendeth from dust to the place of estate : and after wythin a shorte time , discendeth into dust againe .

72 Studie alwayes inuincible Emperour , and as they that begynne to go vp a lather , stynte not in vp going , till they come to the highest gri●● or ronge : So sticke thou continually in the vp going of vertuous and honeste thynges , for in so doing , thou maye haue the fruition of the kingdome of heauen : whiche to thee and to thy wyfe , God graunt , that Chryste geue , the Kynge of the kynges , and Subiectes in Kyngedomes , world with out ende . Amen .