IN ¹ naturall bodies, the longer they subsist in perfect health, the more dangerous is the disease when it cometh, and the longer in curing; as ha­uing none of those humours spent, which by di­stemper giue foment and force to the approa­ching maladie. ² So it is in bodies politicke: when warre once seizeth vpon a countrey, rich in the plenties of a long peace, and full with the surfets of a continuall ease; it neuer leaues purging those superfluities, till all be wasted and consumed.

AS ¹ in man (the worlds Epitome) one mem­ber hath neede of another, nor can the more noble parts execute their office and facultie without the assistance of the most base: So in that greater world, Prouidence hath seuerally dispensed her graces and blessings to seuerall countries, that standing in need each of others helpe, there might be a sociable negotiation, and friendly consociation betweene them. ² Hence is it that Leagues are made betweene States, for the mutuall supplement and support one of another. But the Colleagues haue commonly their particular ends, be­sides the generall good pretended.

WHen ¹ the Ballast or lading is well stowed in the shippe, shee maketh good way, and saileth faire­ly: but being vneuenly bestowed, it hindereth her course, and sometimes sinketh her. ² As also, where is an equall temperature of the humours, there is perfect health, and a good constitution of the bo­die: but where these are distempered, and the maligne are predomi­nant, there the former good habite is turned to some desperate dis­ease. ³ So is it in a State, where the vicious and ambitious succeed in the place and authoritie, but not in the vertues and worth of their noble predecessors.

AS ¹ in matter of publicke negotiation, a Prince ought to giue nothing in charge to his Embassador, but what may stand with his owne honor, and good of his State: ² So in the maner of handling, he must prescribe him no vnusuall or vnheard of forme, and for which he hath no former precedent, seeme the motion propounded neuer so plausible.

IT ¹ was a prudent aduice of the late French King, to his brother Henry the 3. who would needs with those small forces they had, sally out of Tours vpon the great armie of Charles Duke of Mayen: Sire (quoth he) n'hazardons pas vn double Henry contre vn Carolus. i. Let vs not venture adou­ble duckat to a single penie. For such gamesters fall to play with ouer­much confidence, and fall by play into very much losse. ² It is therefore an ill grounded deliberation in a Prince, to engage himselfe in an action, the successe whereof can be but sleight and of small moment, whereas the miscarriage may beget dangerous effects to him and his State.

AS ¹ there is no condition of life, be it neuer so happie, but it hath his crosse; to shew vs that perfect feli­citie is to be expected elsewhere. So is there no Prince liuing, be he neuer so wise, but he some­times erreth; for it is of necessitie that he prooue himselfe to be but man.

WEll ¹ gouerned States admit of no alliance but vpon well grounded reasons. No grounds of reason so firme to build such contracts vpon, as those that are con­firmed by former examples. No examples so forcible as those of our owne, and of these, the later the su­rer. ² Yet are we not so peremptorily bound to these, but that we may loosen our selues, and take a new course, when the new deliberation brings with it an apparent and demonstratiue assurance of the publicke good and safetie.

IEalousie ¹ in State, like that in loue, hath a double passion, of feare and hate. ² This causeth the pati­ent to thinke all remedies too weake for the danger; and to apply more violent Physicke then either the qualitie of the disease, or complexion of the disea­sed can sustaine. ³ Then which nothing is more per­nicious either in bodies or States.

THe ¹ Panther carries with him a sweet sent, but an vgly face; that enticeth beasts after him, this af­frighteth them: therefore he hides his head, till he haue the prey within danger. ² So is the sauour of so­ueraigntie very sweet, but the vgly face of those meanes by which it is gotten, men see not, and so runne into the toile, and perish in the pursuite. ³ For being once embar­qued in so bad a cause, the farther they wade, the deeper they are drow­ned in the whirlpoole of their owne errours: the more they weaue in the loome of such deceitfull plots, the faster they are ensnared in the trap deuised for others.

THe ¹ Aspicke pursueth him that hath hurt or killed his mate, and knowes him among a multitude: him he still hunteth, and layeth for his life, and brea­keth through all difficulties and dangers to come at him. ² So doth the malicious and reuengefull. For all vnbridled passions in man, and vpon which reason beares not a hard hand, are impetuous; but that of ambition is impetuously furious, and (when ioyned with reuengefull disdaine) fu­riously outragious. ³ Iniustice is the minister of disdaine, and reuenge is the executioner of iniustice.

THree things are necessary to euery worke: the workman, the tooles, and the matter. So euery matter that fals into deliberation, and is to be con­cluded in Councell, must haue Iustice, for the mouer and efficient: Facility, for the meanes and in­strumental: and Profit, for the obiect and finall cau­ses. Therefore in determinable cases of this nature, the Counsellor must insist vpon these three points, and proue them. ²⁴

SO ¹ goodly a thing is vertue in it selfe, as euen her shadow, if it be in Princes, doth much good: to par­ticular men, by imitation; and to the publicke, by participation. Wherefore, though simulation of what is good, and dissimulation of what is euill, be vices in a priuate man, yet in a publicke person they are necessary euils. In whom, to be ouuert in expressing his nature, or free in venting his purpose, is a thing of dangerous consequence. ² For it harmes himselfe, and armes his enemie with preuention.

IN ¹ consultations a Prince must yeeld least to his owne passions. Graue Counsellors, whose wisedome and experience haue formerly approued their ser­uice, must haue greatest credit in cases of greatest weight. ² Such as aduise, either to soothe the Princes humor, or for their owne particular aduantage, may well be heard, but ought not to be followed. ³ Where it is otherwise, [Page 17] the effects are dangerous.

PRinces ¹ in actions of greatest consequent, should be instructed by the rule of State, or directed by the prudent course of their Predecessors: ² Else they giue warrant to euerie meane vnderstan­ding, to iudge of the action, and fore-iudge of the euent.

HIde ¹ not from thy Lawyer or Physition, the state of thy cause, or body: nor discouer to thy subiect or enemy, thy wants or thy feares: for it giues en­couragement to the one, and quite dismayeth the other. Imitate rather the well-aduised sea-man, when thou steerest at the sterne of a great State, be­set and set vpon by many and great forces: who seeing the clouds ga­ther, the winds rise, and the waues swell, besides diuers Pirates hauing him in chase; as if both heauen and earth had conspired his confusion: he raiseth the deiected thoughts of his souldiers and mariners, with ma­ny words of assurance, in the thightnesse of his ship, the goodnesse of her tackle, the swiftnesse of her sailing, and many other aduantages he hath vpon the enemy (though in his owne heart he truly apprehend the danger as it is). ² Whereby he makes his resistance the stronger, or pro­cures his peace, vpon better termes.

SVch ¹ are the changes and chances of mans life, as are the casts at Dice: good and bad. A good chance may be marred with ouersight, and an ill one helped by good play. ² So must a prudent and well-aduised Prince, take heed that he gouerne his good fortune well: and if the necessities of the times, threaten warre and ruine vpon him, let him seeke to auoide them by all the meanes he possibly may.

THe ¹ defect of a vertue, is commonly much worse then the excesse: because this, though it ouer­passe the golden line of Mediocritie, yet it hath much in it, that still relisheth of the vertue. Where­as that other extreme of the defect, neuer comes neare it. ² Hence is it, that the passion of Feare is of such force, as by it, the timorous are carried to more precipitate reso­lutions, through despaire, then the temerarious, through inconsiderati­on. ³ So violently are they tossed in the sea of dangers, that haue lost their anchor of Hope.

ALL ¹ creatures are naturally skilfull and cunning to know not onely their owne good, but what may hurt and annoy their enemie. And therefore the Dragon biteth the Elephants eare, and thence sucketh his bloud: because he knoweth that to be the onely place, which he cannot reach with his Tronke, to defend. ² So the party iniured (if he finde no other way) reuengeth himselfe vpon the iniurer, by infusing ill counsell into his eares. A Prince therefore, must either not wrong his neighbour, or not take his aduice whom he hath wronged.

NAture, ¹ out of the rich treasure of her store-house, hath furnished many armies of her creatures with armours of defence: but to all in generall she hath giuen a care of their preseruation, and some small meanes to auoide (if not resist) a danger. To man, liable to more dangers, she hath bene more plentifull of her meanes to escape them. ² And therefore when he feares a mis­chiefe, from those whom he hath iustly incensed against him, he faines all artifice of amends, and semblance of friendship, to auoide that iust reuenge, which they might worthily inflict, and he necessarily expect. ³ A course, though not of sinceritie, yet of safetie: though not to be taught for a rule, yet to be excused for necessitie.

THe ¹ Hart-wolfe, be he neuer so hungry and ready to eate, yet if he see another prey, he forsakes his meate and fol­lowes after it. Such a wolfe in the heart is ambitious coue­tousnesse: it makes no vse of what it hath gotten, but gree­dily [Page 28] hunteth after more: and like Aesops dog, loseth the morsell in his mouth, by snapping at the shadow in the water. ² He therefore maketh his bargaine ill, that buyes a future hope with a present losse; and parts from a certaine possession, to make an vncertaine purchase.

NOthing ¹ can quench the combustible slime of the pond in Samosaris, nor the burning flame of the high hill Chimaera, but onely earth. ² So nothing can satisfie the muddie thoughts of the couetous, or the inflamed heart of the malicious, but onely the graue. For when his imagination perswades him, that he hath made sure his first purchase; the vnsatisfied disease of this Drop­fie, driues him beyond all limits of iustice or reason, to thirst after more; and to thinke it good purchase. ³ Whereas there are no perquisites of lasting and sure tenure, but onely those of Vertue and Iustice.

THe ¹ poisonfull Aconite, so much desired of the Pan­ther, is purposely hung vp by hunters, in vessels a­boue their reach: whereof they are so greedie, as they neuer leaue leaping and straining thereat, till they burst and kill themselues, and so are taken. ² So do men that aime at Honor, too high for their reach, and too great for their merit. For a heart ouergrowne with this ranke Aconite, neither admits the beames of Grace to mollifie the hardnesse, nor [Page 31] the bounds of nature to restraine the swelling: but is vnnaturally car­ried to wrong those of his owne bloud that are liuing; and to blemish the honorable fame of his Predecessors departed. ³ Such tyrants may beare themselues vp for a time, but in the end they find, that though diuine Iustice hath leaden feet, she hath iron hands: though slow in comming, yet she striketh home.

IN ¹ schooles of Art, Doubt begetteth knowledge: for he that doubteth much, asketh often, and lear­neth much. ² In the schoole of Policie, she is the mo­ther of good successe: for, he that feareth the worst, preuenteth it soonest. ³ It is true, that man is na­turally apter to interprete things to his owne wished end, then to the good of his enemie: and rather to doubt lesse then he should, then more: ⁴ Though this later, be the surerway.

THough ¹ the generall good of the Colleagues, make the frame of all Confederations: ² yet particular in­terest, is the foundation whereupon they are built: and as this continueth sound or weake, in any one of the complices, so standeth or falleth that great buil­ding. For one State combines with another, in one and the same action, and concurres to one and the same generall end, no longer then it is for it owne proper good. ³ The Practise runnes often thus: the Rule stands otherwise.

THe ¹ lawes Diuine and Humane, haue left men no such bond of assurance, to tie one to another, as that of an oath: which should be taken in sinceri­tie, and kept inuiolably. ² But seeing the depraua­tion of our nature hath peruerted these lawes, and abused this lawfull Act, by Equiuocations and mentall reseruations, making it like a Gipsies knot, fast or loose, at their pleasure: ³ The law of State prescribes vs this remedie, to trust no man of noted falshood, and duplicitie, but vpon good caution. For, he that hath once passed the bounds of honestie, and made no religion of Oath, or Couenant, for his proper aduantage, neuer after makes scru­ple in his cauteriate conscience, to offend in like sort vpon like occasion.

IVstice ¹ and iniustice, are the most generall of all o­ther morall or politicall habits. There is no vertue or vice, which they do not comprehend. ² Therefore he which is vntrue in his word, and vniust in his actions, is apt to perpetrate all other nefarious vil­lanies, and to suborne others to do the like. Where his owne attestation may not be admitted by law, he will foist in false witnesses: and where Iustice and Equitie restraines him, his power and pleasure shall preuaile. For, what he may not do, he will list to do, be­cause he may do what he list.

LOng ¹ festered vlcers are beyond the possibilitie of cure, in a bodie where the humours are ranke and venemous. ² So a turbulent spirit, exulcerate with the corrasiues of many wrongs, and impatient of de­lay in his reuenge, is so farre transported from rea­son, or accepting the supple oile of reconciliation, as he enters into resolutions of desperate consequence; and vents the poison of his malice, by the pipes of his treasonable practises, into euery veine of his natiue countrey. To the great hazard of her health, and publicke safetie.

IN ¹ a warre begun betweene two mightie Princes, it is dangerous for a third, and neighbour to them both, not to be a partie, being called into the action: for he is in perill to be a prey to the victor. ² But to him that is strong, and likelier to get then lose by the bargaine, which side soeuer preuailes, there is the lesse hazard. Therefore in such cases, the safest is to be neuter.

AS ¹ in a generall defection or rebellion, some few, not all, are to be punished, for example: so a gene­rall repulse to a great Princes demand, by a popu­lar State, is not to haue a generall reuenge: It is better to punish the head for the motion, then the hands or the feet for the action. ² Because by this meanes, the Prince may insinuate himselfe into the generall fauour of that multitude, and procure their dislike against his particular oppo­sites.

THe ¹ contemplatiue part of Musick, consisteth chiefly in a true disposition of Proportions: and the Actiue, is in a symphonie and right setting of the Instru­ments one to another, and the voice to both. In Oe­conomie, men must cut their coate to their cloth: and in moralitie, quid, quantum, quibus, quando, and quomodo, are necessary attributes to euery vertue. ² So likewise in policie, a prudent Prince standing vpon the defensiue part, is to mea­sure and proportion his resistance according to the strength or weaknesse of the assailer; ³ and that in due time: ⁴ by frustrating (as much as in him lieth) the Mines made to blow him vp, by his owne countermines of Preuention, and Diuersion.

NOthing ¹ rideth on swifter wings then fame and op­portunitie: here is onely the difference, that flieth still forward, this backward. ² She must therefore be taken by the fore-top, at the very instant of her coming. For occasion past is irrecouerable, and the losse by slacking it, irreparable. Fortune seemes after to crosse all a mans actions: and to be true hand-maide to no mistris, but occasion.

THe ¹ first worke of physicke in a diseased bodie, is to repell the venemous humours from the heart: be­cause a disease once seated in this metropolis, is in­curable. And the first care of the members in man, is to ward a blow made at the head. Art and Na­ture, in preseruing and defending these two nobler parts, are to be imitated by a wise Prince, in guarding a place of chiefest importance. ² He must send in succours, and draw out the discontented and dangerous mutiners: ³ and spare for no cost, to saue that peece, in the losse whereof consisteth the Maine of all his businesse.

ALL ¹ creatures suppose their owne brood the fairest: and all men thinke the aire of their owne country the swee­test. Hence is it, that mal-content exiles stirre vp forrein Princes to warre vpon it: not caring to what perill they expose others, so themselues may be Rimpatriate. ² But no mans strength lies in anothers arme: nor is that power firme, which subsists not of it selfe. Princes therefore that farre engage themselues vpon such instigation, and relie vpon such promise, they do but leane on broken reeds, and build their hopes on sandie foundations.

Sooner ¹ may one preuent, then cure a deadly sick­nesse; and easilier keepe out, then thrust out an vn­welcome guest. ² Such a dangerous disease, and bad guest, is warre to any countrey. Wise Princes there­fore keepe it as farre from home as they can: and neuer quench the fire in their neighbours house, to kindle it in their owne.

MEn ¹ vsually palliate and couer their vices, vnder the cloake and name of some vertue: base couetous­nesse, they call good husbandrie; and prodigalitie, bountie. They blush not at the fact, though they be ashamed of the title. This shewes that the sence of shame is one of the strongest restraints to keepe men from sinne: and the last passion that leaues him. ² He therefore [Page 48] that is once past this apprehension, lets loose the reines of his owne will, and abandons himselfe to all manner of mischiefe.

TRuth ¹ and vertue are rather to be embraced and loued for their owne sakes, then for ours: for that they are good in themselues, not for the good we get by them. ² Princes therfore, that make no difference betweene truth and falshood, vertue and vice, but by the vse: care not whom, or how they deceiue or [Page 49] wrong, so they make that vse. ³ The actions and counsels of such men, as they are tainted in the nature, so are they thwarted in the successe: for they alwaies proue dangerous to those that follow them, but especi­ally to the giuers themselues.

THe ¹ discoursing power of the soule, is the most excel­lent of all her other parts: because the more it con­ceiueth, and the greater the subiect is, the more pure­ly it apprehendeth, and the more perfectly it com­prehendeth. Whereas her other faculties, are, by the difficultie of the obiect, or assiduitie of the intenti­on, dazled, dulled, and stupified. ² Hence is it, that second considerati­ons and resolutions, are more wise and more safe then the former: be­cause they are grounded vpon reasons, not at first considered.

ALL ¹ plants and other creatures, haue their growth and increase to a period, and then their declination and decay: except onely the Crocodile, who euer groweth bigger and bigger, euen till death. ² So haue all passions and perturbations in mans minde, their intentions and remissions, increase and decrease, ex­cept onely malicious reuenge. For this, the longer it lasteth, the stron­ger it waxeth, and worketh still, euen when the maligne humours of aua­rice and ambition are setled or spent. ³ Wherefore such fierie spirits as these, apter for innouation then administration, are alwaies most dan­gerous in a State.

THe ¹ nature of the Basiliske, is to kill all trees and shrubs it breathes vpon; and to scorch and burne all herbes and grasse it passeth ouer. ² Such are the effects of warre. For, be the title neuer so cleare, and the cause iust, yet the meanes are not without fire and sword: nor the end without horrour and bloudshed. ³ Peace therefore is to be preferred; so it be not with the blemish of the Princes honour, or preiudice of the publicke good.

A Businesse well begun, is halfe ended. Wherefore it much imports to the happie, or desastrous issue of any affaire, what manner of entrance and beginning we make, espe­cially in that of warre. For, good successe in the first en­counter, greatly aduanceth the maine of our businesse; and takes away both courage and reputation, yea and resolution from the losing side. Herein therefore ought to consist the chiefe care of a Generall. ⁹⁶

HE ¹ that entertaines an armie of Auxiliaries, takes a Wolfe by the eares: there is danger in holding him, and more in letting him go. And in a State where Legionaries are ordained, the Subiect will be liable to any tailly or imposition, rather then suffer such troupes to be quartered or billetted vpon them. ² A wise Prince therefore, albeit he must vse their seruice, yet he will buy their absence though at a great rate, and vse all possible meanes to keepe them farre off.

WOrth ¹ is valewed by the qualitie, not the greatnesse of a thing. For, as the goodnesse of a fortresse con­sisteth rather in this, that the parts be one to ano­ther conformable, and in distance answerable, then that they be vnproportionably great and capacious: ² So the strength of an armie, stands more in the valour, and good order of the combattants, then in the number. Against which number, are these two principall aduantages, great Ordinance, and good Ordonnance.

AN ¹ In-mate lodged in the middle stage of a buil­ding, is troubled with noise, and fall of vrine, or other filth, from them that dwell aboue him: or with smoake, from them in the neather roome. In such streights is the Neuter, and so he fareth betweene two Princes vp in armes. ² This third therefore, a confiner, and weaker then either; as he must of necessitie adhere to the one: so ought he deferre to declare himselfe, till the times be fit.

THere ¹ is no warrant to runne an extreme hazard, saue onely extreme necessitie. ² And therefore a wise Generall neuer puts his fortunes vpō one daies trial, nor ventures all his rest, vpon one doubtfull chance of battell: where he foresees by all military inductiō, that he may obtaine his purpose without blowes.

AS ¹ poison is of such force, that it corrupteth both bloud and spirit, besieging, seizing, and infecting the heart with the venemous contagion thereof, quite altering the complexion and disposition of the man that hath drunke it: ² So the pestiferous desire of Soueraigntie, though it seize on a minde of milde and mansuete disposition, yet it is of such forcible operation, as it not onely altereth mans nature, but maketh man unnaturall.

WHo ¹ puts to sea for a long iourney, and at a great charge, must resolue to hold on his course, against all winds and weather, or accidents, that may offer to stoppe him. So a Prince farre engaged in a great action, must wrastle with all difficulties, rather then quit the enterprise. Better it were to foresee the dangers at first, and preuent them, or desist from the motion. But be­ing once embarqued, on he must, whether he winne or lose, with a Caesa­rian confidence at the Rubicon, and a Spartan resolution, to go on with the sword, or fall on the sword. For in this, he puts his fortunes vpon triall: but in the other, is manifest shame and losse.

MEn ¹ in disgrace with the State, and dislike of the present times, seeke their reuenge from the common enemie. Who likes well of their motion, accepts their offer of seruice and meanes, and embraceth the a­ction: ² Not for their good that moue it, but because he findes it stand with his owne aduantage.

THe Orator placeth his strongest arguments in the first entrance of his Plea, to perswade and confirme the auditorie. So should a Generall bend all his best forces vpon the first piece he attempteth, to ani­mate and encouraege his souldiers, and to giue re­putation to the action he intendeth. For first, acti­ons make deepest impressions, either of feare or courage. He is there­fore so much to tender his reputation at the first onset, as to leaue no­thing behind him vnbroken, but that which bendeth. ¹¹⁰

IN ¹ the Salentine country, there is a lake brim-full: put in neuer so much, it runneth not ouer; draw out what you can, it is still full. ² Such is the nature of a constant man, resolued to all fortunes. ³ Whereas the man who beares his prosperitie, neither with mo­deration nor prudence, but is full blowne like ablad­der, with the winde of his owne pride; he seldome in aduersitie shewes either constancie or courage: one pricke of desaster empties his swolne [Page 65] heart of all hopes: and like an vnskilfull and deiected sea-man, vpon euery litle storme he cuts Cable and Mast, and throwes all ouer boord; where, but the slaking of some few sailes would serue.

ONe ¹ mischiefe or losse comes seldome alone, but fol­lowes like billowes, one in the necke of another. In which Tide of misfortune, men are in few dayes more ouer-whelmed with the waues of damage and trouble, then they can (after) free themselues of, in the ebbe of many yeares. And therefore they crie out on their Starres, and raile at Fortune, who is so barren of her fauours, and fruitfull otherwise: whereas the starres may rather complaine of them, who are neuer with any good fortune satisfied, nor by many des­astrous accidents warned. ² But wise men (in this sence) do gouerne the starres.

INsolent ¹ carriages, in the most eminent person of a free-State, against any particular man or familie, are long with patience endured, and by his populari­tie and dependance of friends, strongly borne out. ² But when his errours come once to touch the pub­lick, and preiudice the generall good of the com­mon-wealth, then euery member is sensible of the wrong, and puts a helping hand to his downe-fall.

IT ¹ is then sure trusting, when we take from a man all meanes of breaking. For the prouerbe saith, that a true man can scarce hold his fingers, if he finde a chest open. ² As therefore it is a staine to the honour of a Prince, not to keepe his word and couenant: ³ So [Page 69] is it no lesse blemish to the wisedome of a State, in time of iust suspect, not to preuent and stop the meanes of breaking it: or not to take pledges of the discontented and suspected subiect, as well in such iealous times, as formerly in cases of lesse danger.

NOnius ¹ chose rather to lose all his honours and for­tunes, then to quit his Opall ring to Anthonie. Of such a price, but a farre fairer iewell is Libertie: a thing so sweete and precious, as it deserues the sel­ling of all we haue, and running into any hazard. ² Yet, not in equitie to be attempted against a law­full Soueraigne: nor in reason, where the possibilitie to hold it, is not so great as the meanes to get it.

WHile ¹ the Crocodile sleepes gaping with open mouth, the Indian Ratt shootes himselfe into his belly, and gnawes his guts in sunder: ² So entreth Mischiefe at the open gates of Securitie. Selfe-conceited con­fidence in our owne strength, and ouer-weening cre­dulitie of anothers honestie, begets in men this su­pine negligence. ³ But a watchfull prouidence preuents an imminent danger.

PRinces ¹ are said to haue many eyes, and long armes: because, their vnderstanding is enlightned by ma­ny, and their power is exercised afarre off. ² As therefore nothing is more needfull to them, then faithfull Counsellors, and vpright executioners of their will: ³ So nothing is more perillous, when the partie, whose seruice is vsed, directeth his counsels or actions, to his owne particular aduantage.

OF ¹ all the elements, fire is of the quickest and no­blest nature: And of all creatures, those are the bra­uest, and most warlicke, which are by nature of a swift, couragious, and fierie disposition, as the Lion, the Horse, the Eagle, the Dolphin; rather then the hugest and strongest, as the Elephant, the Camell, the Oxe, and the Whale. ² So of the actions of men, those of Courage [Page 74] and braue Resolution are the noblest; because they often preuaile, euen where counsell, wisedome, force, and all other meanes do faile.

NO ¹ necessitie can be forcible enough, nor pretence warrantable, to vrge a man to be disloyall, or make breach of his word and faith to his Prince. ² It is therefore hatefull in all men, but more, when it is in a person noble by bloud, and a souldier; and most of all, when it is accompanied with ingratitude. ³ Who seldome escapes the due rewards for such an offence.

AS ¹ they say in schooles of Art, It is easier to oppose then answer: So they finde by proofe in the art of warre, that it is easier and safer to obuiate and meete danger in the way, then to tarrie till it come home to our owne doores. ² For, besides that the seate of warre is alwaies miserable, there is euer more courage in the assailer, and commonly better successe.

THe ¹ stronger giueth the law, the weaker must take the lesse of euils. Therefore if thou finde thy selfe ouer-weake, make thy peace at as low a rate as thou canst. ² For any conditions are rather to be accepted, then an vneuitable ouerthrow expected. ³ So horrible are the effects of warre.

THe ¹ building, whose ground-sels are rotten, may for a time be vnder-propped, and kept vp: but when it is once falling, there is no possible meanes to stay it. So the Gouernment, whose foundation is laid in bloud, or banishment of the Nobilitie, and oppression of the Commons, may subsist for a while: [Page 80] ² But when it once beginnes to fall, the downe-fall is violent, and so­daine.

THe ¹ conquest is easie, where there is neither valour, counsell, power, nor desire of glorie: though that be more noble which preuaileth against Resistance, and opens his way with the sword, where he findes it shut against him. ² But the greatest and most glo­rious victorie of all, is, not onely to breake the for­ces, but to triumph ouer the broken and deiected heart of the van­quished.

IN ¹ the actiue part of militarie seruice, the Cap­taines greatest vertue is to apprehend a present oc­casion of aduantage, and to take it. ² So on the Pas­siue side, the euasion from a sodaine and imminent danger, is much more noble then a fore-thought of preuention. For in this is onely matter of iudgement, but in that is the life of action and execution.

COntracts ¹ betweene States, must be tied with a Gordian knot, that nothing but the sword, and fine force may vnloose them: else there lies a way open to the Defeizance; and the aduan­tage once discouered, is as easily taken. ² Where­fore the prouerbe, Fast binde, fast finde, is as necessarie a rule betweene States, as be­tweene man and man.

THere ¹ be some people that sleepe with their eyes alwaies open: such are ambitious Princes: for though their sences be sometimes so bound, as they will not heare the truth when it is told them, nor see the danger that is manifestly before them: yet is the eye of their Imagination euer watchfull, vpon euery aduantage, that may seeme to further their end; so as they neuer take houres rest in the sweete sleepe of Content. ² And for want of suf­ficient meanes, or fit instruments of their owne, they sow the seeds of Discontent, and then blow the coales of Sedition in the hearts of rebel­lious subiects.

EMulation ¹ of vertue, in great men is ho­nourable, but of greatnesse, dangerous. For, many times it breaketh the necke of one, or both the Rivals: ² But it neuer faileth of hin­dring their faithfull seruice to their Prince and the State.

VIces ¹ are stronger in the Aduerbe, then in the Adie­ctiue: and so be vertues. To do that is well, is better then to do that is good: for, a man may do what is honest sometimes, against his will: where as in all vertuous actions, there is a free election. ² That Iudge therefore, who giueth sentence before both Parties be heard, may iudge the right, but not aright. A greater iniu­stice it is, to heare the equitie of the Defendants cause, and yet doome for the Plaintiffe: for this man doth neither iustly, nor iustice.

THere ¹ is no such fortresse for the safetie of a State, as the breasts of subiects, armed with loyaltie and loue to their Prince and countrie. ² On the other side, nothing more endangereth it, then their per­fidious and rebellious reuolt: which rebels seldome want succors from the forrein enemy: not in loue to them, or care of their cause, but vpon some other gainefull or reuenge­full purpose.

INiustice is neuer without some pretence to pal­liate her actions: and rather then faile, she mas­keth vnder the vizard of Religion, which makes her more vgly. Euen as ill-fauoured complexions, the more they are painted, the fouler they appeare: and mishapen bodies, by putting on rich apparell, seeme more deformed. ¹⁵⁵

A ¹ Will to do hurt, is neuer lesse in the close then pro­fessed enemie, but the meanes is alwaies greater. ² Because, he that suspecteth least, is soonest and easiest ouertaken and ouerthrowne: like the vn­skilfull Fencer, who while he wardeth the head, is hit at the heart, which lay out of guard.

REligion is rather a setler, then a stickler in policie: she rather confirmes men in obedience to the go­uernment established, then encites them to meddle in the erecting of a new. So ought they of religious order to do: for if they worke otherwise, they la­bour out of their vineyard, and moue out of their proper sphaere. The awfull reuerence men beare to their Cognisance, and the opinion is had of their learning and sanctitie, makes them more powerfull to perswade, then either the sound reasons of the wise, or au­thoritie of the magistrate: and therefore when they abuse this Power, well ordered States should both curbe and correct them; which in a State meerly popular, is meerly impossible.

NO ¹ Prince can challenge so much glorie by victorie, but that Fortune will put in to be sharer with him: because she giues successe, beyond the reach of Rea­son, and all ordinarie meanes. This is the common opinion. ² But the wiser is, that this happie effect proceeds out of former causes, as the direction of the Leader, quicke execution of the souldier, the aduantage of num­ber, order, place, and infinite such like. ³ But the truest is this, an all­seeing eye, much vnlike blinde Fortune; and an all-able hand, much stronger then weake Reason: who, as he is Lord of Hoasts, so is he the giuer of victories.

PEace and Power, are incompatible: they neuer dwell long together. For Caesar will suffer no superiour, and Pompey will admit no peere. As therefore it is princely, to grant the vanquished enemie honorable estates: so is it good policie to prouide, that those E­states lie farre off: Because, it is a grosse errour to grant him any one foote in that kingdome, wherein he was formerly a Competitor, and whereto he may hereafter lay claime. ¹⁶²

THe more eminent men are in qualitie, the more foule is the qualitie of their offence. And therefore, as dishonorable actions are greatest blemishes, in those that are honourable by bloud or profession, (as Gentlemen and souldiers) because vertues are greater embellishments in them then in others: So [Page 98] wicked and vnchristian actions are most odious to those, that are not onely Professors, but professed Patrons of religion and vertue. In these, dissembled hypocrisie doubleth the iniquitie. ¹⁶³

AN ¹ Oath is to be interpreted, not by him that takes it, but by him that takes his assurance by it. ² And therefore, they that make no scruple to breake those conditions, whereto they are tied by this sacred and solemne obligation (if they finde any nice quillet in the Articles, which they may wrest to their pur­pose) [Page 99] they cannot auoide the guilt, though they seeke to remoue the scan­dall. For howsoeuer Politicks haue taken their aduantage out of Cu­stome, their pollicie could yet neuer warrant it out of Iustice.

TO ¹ keepe a field from ouer-growing with weeds, is to plucke them vp in the spring: and to preserue ones bodie from ouer-charging with disease, is to purge the bad humours betime. ² Such seeds of se­dition, and weeds of warre, are Suspition and Iea­lousie. If they be not nipped in the bud, they bring forth much sower fruite, of trouble and danger.

IN ¹ a strict morall sense, to speake and not to thinke, is rather leasing then ingenuitie, and therefore re­proueable. ² But necessitie giues a larger latitude, and freer scope, to the manage of great affaires. For, nothing is here more expedient, then that the enemie know nothing of our deliberations, till they be put in action, nor of our preparations till they be on foote. It is there­fore a vsuall and vsefull pollicie, when such forces are prepared, either by sea or land, to pretend them for one seruice, and intend another.

THe Councell of State is the Cabinet of the Common­wealth, Deliberations the Iewels, and Secresie the lock which shuts vp this treasure from others; then which, nothing more aduanceth the Publicke busi­nesse. Hence is it, that confederate Princes intimate many times to the world, the generall cause of their combination; and reserue to their owne secresie, and for fitter times, the particulars of greatest moment.

HE ¹ liueth safely, that liueth closely, and prouides to meete Danger, which way soeuer it cometh. ² There­fore, when Princes be vp in armes round about vs, and we in doubt whether side to take, it is good pol­licie so to forecast, as we may make our owne State sure, whosoeuer is victor, and saue our owne stake, whosoeuer is loser.

FRiendship in Court, is like Musicke at a feast: a man hath nothing but a sweete sound for his monie. Or rather, it is like those Apothecarie Drugs, which are hot in the mouth, and cold in the operation. It is quicke to promise, and slow to performe; recei­uing substance, and returning smoake: sometimes it moueth the clients cause, but seldome vrgeth it to preuaile. ¹⁷³

IN ¹ the honour of great achieuements, other men partake with the Prince, according to the measure of their place and merite. But the well or ill orde­ring of the things achieued, redounds wholly to his owne proper glorie, or shame. ² He is therefore to haue especiall care in the establishment of his new gouernment, that euery thing be reigled according to rule and order. [Page 106] For, it is greater honour to come off with iudgement, then to go on with courage: to vse victorie wisely, then to get it happily: and more glorie to retaine a new Possession, then to obtaine it.

THe inconstant multitude, is naturally desirous of noueltie, and apt for change: hoping for more then they should, and enduring lesse then they ought; and euer in dislike with the present times. They consider not, that though they change their Lord, they change not their tenure; though they quit their olde master, yet they are still in seruice. They should therefore purge this humour of new-fanglednesse, and remember, that if the same condition of serui­tude cannot be auoided, it skils not whether it be vnder Lo. Iohn, or Lo. Thomas: and so sit still. ¹⁷⁶

WHen ¹ an humour is strong and predominant, it not onely conuerteth his proper nutriment, but euen that which is apt for contrary humors, into it owne na­ture and qualitie. ² Of like force is a strong and wil­full Desire, in the minde of man: for, it not onely feeds vpon agreeable motions, but makes euen those reasons which are strongest against it, to be most for it.

AMan may be ouercome of his enemie, either by for­tune or aduantage: which, when they alter, he may recouer his honour, and repaire his losse; because he still hath the heart and courage which he had at first. But he that is ouercome of his owne passions, is in desperate case: because the inward hold, which [Page 110] was his owne, is lost. It is threfore the greatest victorie to ouercome ones selfe; and to giue his Iudgement power ouer his affections; which will euer aduise him to vnmask those blinde guides, and to looke to that course which is most for his honour and safetie. ¹⁷⁹

WE ¹ may not measure the fize of Wisdome, by the Last of Fortune: for, Euent is the tutor of fooles; to preuent is more iudgement. Therefore the priuate man will so farre forth relieue his distressed neigh­bor, as that he leaue not himselfe vnprouided: for (saith he) Charitie begins with it selfe. ² In like ma­ner, it is good policie in States, so to furnish their allies in time of need, as they disfurnish not themselues, and stand at the mercie of fortune, and euent.

THe ¹ tongue and the hand are vnruly members, where honestie and reason haue not the ruling of them. The tongue is alwaies the more readie; but the hand in this is the more dangerous that, what is spoken may be helped, by supposition of mista­king, or disagreement in the reporters, or death: whereas that of the hand appeareth to posteritie, suruiueth the spea­ker and hearers, and remaineth as a thousand witnesses. ² Wherefore as no vice laies a more foule afpersion vpon man, then that of ingrati­tude: ³ So no euidence is so strong to taint him therewith, or conuict him thereof, as his owne hand-writing in detestation of that vice, and ap­probation of the contrarie.

THere ¹ is much wisedome in that Prince who can iudge of the seuer all aduices giuen by his Counsel­lors; yet greater is his vertue that can discerne and follow the best: but his sagacitie is singular, that can diue into their inward thoughts and pur­poses who giue it. ² Because it is dangerous to be car­ried away with that counsell, which tendeth onely to the particular pro­fit of the counsellor. ³ For where the Prince is of so easie and tractable a [Page 114] nature, it were better for the State to haue him wicked, then for him to haue such wicked ministers.

THe ¹ riuer Nouanus in Lombardie, at euery mid­sommer Solstice, swelleth and runneth ouer the bankes, but in mid-winter is cleane drie. ² Such is the nature of men, vnresolued to seuerall fortunes: they swell in the sunne-shine of their prosperitie, but when stormes of danger and trouble arise, they are dried vp with despaire. For a minde vnprepared for desaster, is vnfurnished to sustaine it when it cometh. He that soareth too high in the one fortune, sinketh too low in the other. Insolent brauing and base feare, are indiuiduall and vnseparable companions. ³ But the resolued man, is euer the same, in the period of both fortunes.

THe ¹ Getulian captiue, escaped the danger of de­uouring by many Lions, through her humble ge­sture, and faire language: as saying vnto them, that she was a silly woman, a banished fugitiue, a sickly, feeble, and weake creature, an humble sutor, and lowly suppliant for mercie. As therfore the Lion is the noblest of all the beasts in the forrest; who neuer shewes his force but where he findes resistance: ² So is the true souldier, the most honou­rable of all other professions; who holds it as great a glorie to relieue the oppressed, as to conquer the enemie.

NOthing ¹ is more necessarie in a Chiefe, then the perfect exploration of the courses his enemie ta­keth, and a true estimate of the forces he bringeth: for, by the ignorance of the first, and misprision of this other, he makes his preparations, and builds his actions vpon supposals and slipperie grounds; and bereaues himselfe of many faire aduantages. ¹⁹³

WHere ¹ there is no hope to escape, Despaire taketh armes: for Necessitie makes the most cowards va­liant. ² Wherefore, leaue thine enemie a Port alwaies open, whereby he may flee: and rather then trie what he can do, (when thou seest what he would do) make him a bridge of siluer, that he may go his way.

THe ¹ Topicke place in nature, that where the cause faileth, the effect also dieth: hath likewise his place in martiall affaires. ² For, where men are coura­gious, not out of true resolution, but out of some conceit of the enemies weaknesse, or wants: they lose that spirit and animositie, when they finde things contrary to those former impressions.

NO ¹ actions of men are more subiect to sodaine and vnexpected euent, then those of war. ² And in war, nothing so soone snatcheth victory out of our hands, as vntimely falling to the spoile. ³ Vpon such disor­der, Fortune alwaies turneth her wheel, and maketh victors of them, which before were vanquished.

EVery ¹ action tendeth to his end: by which we iudge, whether it be vertuous or dishonest; worthy or base. Wherefore of causes, the finall is the most noble: and as the efficient giues motion, and the formall giues essence to the matter; so the finall giues the true iudgement and appellation of all things. ² His claime is therefore best to the title of victorie, and honour of the day, not that killeth moe enemies, or taketh moe prisoners, but that by the battell obtaineth his end, for which he fought.

IN ¹ the countrey Carrinensis (of Spaine) there is a riuer, that shewes all the fish in it to be like gold; but take them into thy hand, and they appeare in their naturall kinde and colour. ² Such are faire promises in his mouth that would obtaine his purpose: bring them to the touch, and thou shalt finde, All is not golde that glistereth. ³ He therefore that will engage himselfe into a great action, vpon promise of great assistance, if he be not as sure of his friends abilitie in power, as readinesse in will, he reckons without his host, and sits downe with the losse.

THat ¹ which paines vs much to endure, glads vs much to enioy, and to remember. For, there is no­thing glorious or sweet in the fruition, that is not difficult and painfull in the acquisition: Nor can we taste the kernell of pleasure, vnlesse we cracke the hard shell of danger. ² Such are the craggie and vntroden paths to vertue and honour: where, though the first en­trance be hard, and many times desastrous, yet ouercome by true reso­lution and perseuerance, it after turnes to a mans greater glorie.

EVery ¹ hath his warrantie, from the collection of circumstances: and among these, that of time is of greatest moment. For, not to aduenture when wee should, is cowardise, not prudence: and to dare when we should not, is rashnesse, not valour. ² A wise man therefore must forme his counsels, and frame his actions, vpon the mould of necessarie circumstances.

WHere Reason sits as soueraigne, and gouernes all o­ther passions and perturbations of the minde, that mans actions are reigled by the squire of vertue, and confined within the limits of mediocritie. Now, because in a multitude, these motions and affections, like so many mutinous souldiers, haue no such cap­taine as Reason, to repaire vnto for direction: they are whirled with a voluble and violent variation from one extreme to another: and neither in obedience nor disloyaltie, loue or disdaine, keepe any setled stay. ²¹⁰

THough ¹ Fortune be said to haue a great stroke in all humane actions, and greatest in those of warre, yet can we not so transferre the fault vpon her, but that the greatest blame will light on our selues. For her two onely aduocates, (blindnesse and igno­rance) which pleade her innocencie, are our chiefe accusers, and proue vs guiltie of our owne destruction. ² It is therefore the part of euery commander, to open the one eye of his prouidence vpon the danger; and fixe the other of his knowledge, vpon the re­medie.

IT ¹ is vsuall, and allowable by the law of Armes, for a publick and professed enemie to attempt that by stratageme, fraud, or suborned trecherie, which cannot be got by fine force, without long time, vtter­most danger, and extreme charge: for this way the purchase is sooner made, and at a lesse rate. ² But it is dangerous for a chiefe commander, to treate in such a practise, and be of the partie, if he be to engage his person, and entrust his life in the hands of the suborned traitor: least, while he seeke to buy other mens liues for money, he sell his owne for nought.

IT ¹ is more princely to en-rich, then be rich. ² This rule in it selfe implieth a limit. For (being so) he maynot impouerish himselfe, to make othersrich: least he be vnable to performe that princely office, and want meanes to reward well-deseruing in o­thers. Wherefore a great beggar must haue a great sayer-nay; and a great giuer, must not so glut his follower, as that he take from him all edge of meriting more, or expecting more good: least he offer the sacrifice of his old seruice vpon a new altar, and turne the point of his power, vpon him that gaue it.

NO ¹ man is more bound to be true, then he that is trusted: nor any more carefully by vs to be tende­red, then they who by our meanes, and for our cause, are brought in case not to helpe themselues. ² It is therefore a shamefull thing in a Chiefe, to giue Ho­stages for keeping of articles capitulated: and after by wilfull breaking of them, to leaue the liues of those pledges at discre­tion, and the enemies mercie.

A ¹ Mans eie and his honour, are two tender parts: the one cannot abide the rough touch of the hand, nor the other endure the smart ierke of the tongue: As therefore by the owners, they are carefully pre­serued, so by others that deale with them, they should be tenderly vsed. Such pregnant wits as had rather lose their friend, then their ieast, must learne the lesson which is taught fresh souldiers, to take heed, while they leuell and discharge vpon others, they lie not so open that they be hit thēselues. ² For as wittie speeches lose their relish, when they are ouer-seasoned with the sowre sawce of repre­hension: so, when they come from him, vpon whom they may be iustly re­torted, by way of recrimination, they are most odious.

MEns ¹ manners change with their honours: and therefore popular States haue cut off aspirers to ouer-much greatnesse and popularitie, (though o­therwise men of eminent vertue and worth) be­cause it is scarce knowne to themselues (much lesse to the State) what maner of men they would proue, hauing gained their purpose. ² So do mens fortunes often change with their honours: for as historie giues vs instances of diuers Princes, to whom successe and desaster, glorie and disgrace, haue bene alternatiue: so are they plentifull in examples of such as haue had a continuall cur­rent of good fortune, to a certaine period; and then a perpetuall ebbe, [Page 138] and course of the contrarie, all their life after.

VNlawfull ¹ actions, proceeding from our free electi­on, can no way be salued, nor pargetted ouer with a­ny colour of excuse: the wound may well be bound vp, but the scarre will alwaies remaine. For, if law were to be violated, it should be for a kingdome at least. ² But neither the greatnesse of the purchase, nor of the partie, can extenuate the qualitie of the fact; nor patronize either the offender, or iustifier of the offence, from iust reproofe.

SCarres ¹ in a souldiers face, are the markes of ho­nour; and wounds in his weake bodie, are strong pleaders for reward. ² Such therefore as shall lose a­ny limme in their countries seruice, and be disabled for other emploiments, are by law and their right, to be maintained at the countries charges: for, Re­ward is as strong a supporter of the State, as punishment. Wherefore they who actually performe what such lawes iustly prouide, deserue the sword of a souldier to be drawne for them in their need, and to be inrolled in the register of Fame for euer.

THe ¹ Ciuicke Garlands and Coronets, were giuen by the old Romanes, to those Generals that had saued the liues of many Citizens: and these were held more noble, and of greater honour, then either the Murall and Vallare garlands, giuen to them that first entred the enemies towne or campe: or then the Nauall, for doing some braue exploit at sea. For, they valewed the life of one of their owne, at ten of the enemie. ² Wherefore a worthie Ge­nerall should not hazard to get that by fine force, and assault, with ma­nifest losse of his men; which by all militarie collections, he may be sure to carrie otherwise.

CVstome to do well, is like the Dyers scouring, it clean­seth and purgeth the minde of vicious dregs, by E­ducation: and then Reason and Exercise finding a subiect so well prepared, giueth it the tincture of vertue in graine. Such is the effect of martiall pra­ctise and discipline in the exercise of Armes: it not onely habituates and inures men to be good souldiers, but euen incorpo­rates the vertue in them and their race. But morall vertue, for want of exercise, and through dis-use, cometh to lose her accustomed habit, and turneth to the former soile of ill manners and vice. So doth the ver­tue militarie. ²²⁹

COntrarie ¹ causes, cannot but produce contrarie ef­fects. ² Sanctitie and integritie of life (with puritie of doctrine) gaue the first maiestie and awfull re­uerence to the Sea of Rome, and made her the most eminent seate of Ecclesiasticall iurisdiction and au­thoritie: which, since, by the dissolute conuersation of those men, and corruption of religion in that Church, is verie much di­minished, and verie worthily. If they will call men to their former obe­dience, let them first re-call themselues to their former puritie of do­ctrine, and integritie of life and good manners.

NEcessitie is neither ruled by Law, nor ouer-ruled by Power: her force is great, not onely in a passiue re­sistance, against all hard impressions; but in an actiue impetuositie, and violent passage, through all re­spects, obstacles, or dangers whatsoeuer: she will find a way, or make it. And among all her triumphs ouer man, this is not the least, she will make him honest in spite of his teeth. ²³²

IT ¹ sufficeth not to the strength of the armes, to haue flesh, bloud, and bones, vnlesse they haue also sinewes to stretch out, or pull in, for defence of the bodie. ² So an armie consisting of many valiant men, and fur­nished with all other warlick habillements, is but lame, and vse-lesse, and vnable to moue it selfe, with­out monie, the sinewes of warre.

IN ¹ a fearfull tempest at sea, where men are in dan­ger of ship-wracke, they throw part of their goods ouer boord, least the rest, the ship, themselues, and all should perish. ² So must a wise Prince, in the tem­pestuous stormes of warre: he must adapt his con­sultations and actions to the necessitie of the time: and not expose the Maine to a manifest losse, by seeking to saue the Bye. Wisedome is therefore more necessarie in a Chiefe, then valour.

IT ¹ is a Prescription in the Physicall rules of diet, not to receiue more meate into the stomack, then the naturall heate may well digest, and the expulsiue fa­cultie easily discharge: least it ouercome nature, and ouerthrow the state of the bodie: So is it a Militarie precept, to entertaine no moe mercenaries into thine armie, then thou maist well order and vse, or discharge at thy pleasure. ² For, as they haue not so noble ends as other souldiers (thy naturall sub­iects,) so are they apt vpon euery base cause, and fit occasion, to violate all lawes of armes and discipline.

AS ¹ we obserue in nature, that keene and razor­wits, which will take a haire off the hand, do turne edge at a more solide substance; and are apter for a fine conceit, then a sound deliberation: where­as the tough and dull Axe, is able to encounter the hard and sturdie Oake, and to ouer-master him: So experience teacheth vs, that hot and fi­rie spirits, are apter to get a purchase, then to keepe it, and to winne the garland, thento weare it. ² Whereas the benefit of treasure, is not in the acquisition, but in the fruition: for goods are not good, but by the vse. ³ He therefore that hath the fortune to get the victorie, but not the iudgement to make vse thereof, hath both the one and the other, for his greater fall.

INa Mediocrity of Fortune, men haue measured thoughts, and teddered within the limites of their meane estate: But hard it is to fore-iudge of those men, how they will prooue in their greater prosperi­ty: So dangerous a bolus this is to be swallowed, wel digested, and turned to good humour: For it filleth euery veine in the heart, with a windinesse of vain-glorie, and thirsti­nesse after more: ouerflowing the boundes of Reason, Equitie and Iustice. ²⁴²

CIneas ¹ the Embassadour, after the first dayes audi­ence, could remember euery Senators name in Rome. And Cyrus was able to call euery poore Souldier by his name, that was in the campe. Such perfect me­mories as these, men naturally haue of euery little wrong done vnto them. For benefites they write in dust, wronges in marble: as well those they offer, as those they suffer. ² Therefore the guilt of hauing done a wrong, hath such deepe impression in the iniurer, as he neuer after affieth in the party iniured, nor treat­teth with him in any sinceritie.

THe ¹ beautie of Truth is in her nakednesse, and therefore she seekes no corners, to hide it: But fals­hood is vglie, if stripped bare, and therefore like ill complexions, she borroweth colours to couer her deformitie. Men iustly taxed with this foule as­persion, are not to be treated with, much lesse tru­sted. ² But he which first and last keepes touch with his Allies, is a mir­rour of men, and a patterne of Princes.

THere ¹ is nothing more sacred, or more religiously to be obserued, then the inuiolable priuiledge and free­dome of Embassadours: for, they sustaine in their person, as well the maiestie of their Master, as the manage of his affaires. No Prince therefore ought to arrest his Embassadour, with whom he is not in open warre and vtter defiance, or hath had the like first offered to his owne. ² He that doth otherwise, violates all lawes of armes and nati­ons; and leaues example of detestation, rather then of imitation.

CVstom ¹ hath taught natiōs, and Reason mē, and Na­ture beasts, that self-defence is alwaies lawfull: but inuasion hath her prescribed limits. ² For, though the law of nature, which gaue omnia omnibus, seeme to allow it: yet the law of State, which made meum and tuum, restraines it to these two conditions, ei­ther to reuenge an vniust wrong, or to recouer a iust right. Wherefore Glory and Empire, are two goodly things, if gotten well: but they are no good motiues to make a warre, or encroach and entrude vpon the posses­sions of others.

AS it is fit, that Princes in one hand should hold those in extraordinarie place of fauour, whom they shall please; being more eminent then others, either in bloud, merit, or some cause else, best knowne to them­selues: So is it as requifite, that in the other hand they should hold the rod of Iustice and correction ouer them, when they abuse this fauour. For when the fauourite shall dare to contradict, or disobey the expresse commandement of his Master; and to giue him check-mate, by stopping the draught of his power, it is intollerable: it derogateth too much from his honour that so ill bestowed the fauour, and staineth the honestie of him that so vnworthily recei­ued, and so vngratefully requited it. ²⁵¹

SMall ¹ matters haue great effects in all humane a­ctions, but greatest in those of warre: for, one one­ly word mis-vnderstood, ouerthroweth many times both the action and the actors. ² Wherefore a wise Generall, should accustome his souldiers to this dis­cipline, Neuer to take a-larme, or apprehension of sodaine danger, from what other doe or say; but from his owne imme­diate Officer, or them in place aboue him.

HE ¹ that will venture to sea, must prouide Biscot; and he that will enter into warre, must haue meanes of his owne. ² For to settle his assurance vpon the bare promise of Seconds (without couenant or cau­tion) is to set vp his Rest when he sees but Colour: and to embarque himselfe into an affaire of charge and danger, in hope of their aid, is to put his goods in a rotten bottome. Such venturous Gamesters, often misse an en-counter: and such Mer­chant-venturers seldome escape the Counter.

THe ¹ olde Spartane that had conquered by pollicie offered an oxe: but he that preuailed by force, offe­red onely a cocke: Because the greater sacrifice of thankfulnesse was due to the gods from him, and the greater praise and reward was due to him from the State. ² But this is the greatest glory of all, to driue out the nayle of thine enemies practise, with a stronger of thine owne, and to blow him vp in his owne mine. Pollicie against force de­serueth much, and preuaileth often, but by stratageme to preuaile against pollicie, is euer excellent.

ALL ¹ things haue their time. The Romane that won­dered at those peoples folly, who plaied with their little dogges and munkeyes, hauing little children of their owne to play with: what would he haue said to such, who pursue their delights with greatest ear­nestnesse, when they are farre engaged in businesse of greatest consequence? For, we should deale with our pleasures, as with little whelpes: Neuer play with them, but when we haue nothing to do: or for want of better company. ² That Prince therefore that preferres the sweet of his delights, before the care of his safetie, and loues his ease more then his honour, makes his enemy the stronger to offend him, and disables himselfe of all meanes of defence. These appetites that are rather liquorous of toothsome then holesome things, are dangerous as well in States, as in mens bodies.

AVthority ¹ is the life and soule of a Monarchie: And contempt of the Prince in a subiect, is more dange­rous then hate: for, it is better to liue in a State, where nothing is lawfull, then there where a man may do what he list. ² That Prince therefore, who suffers the vassall, to turne his awfull obedience, into wilfull contumacy, without condigne punishment, hindreth his present affaires, and dishonoureth his present gouernement.

THe ¹ best armour of proofe and tower of defence to a Prince, are his vertues, if he commaund ouer loyall subiects: and the best Bridles for head-strong rebels, are Cittadels, then which nothing is more necessary to curbe and restraine them. ² But such people, who hold themselues subiects, not slaues, call them the Nests of Tyrants: and therefore when they get them into their hands, demolish them to the very foundation. As therefore it is good policie, to restraine that nature by force, which will not be wonne by faire meanes: so on the other side, it is a great ease to the offender, to see the rod burnt. Wherefore a people should either not deserue them, or en­dure them: and a Prince should either not build them, or keepe them safe from surprisall.

THe ¹ vaine-glorious man lookes vpon himselfe through a false glasse; which makes euery thing seeme fairer and greater then it is. And this flatu­ous humour, filleth the emptie bladder of his vaste thoughts, with so much winde of pride, as he pre­sumes, that Fortune, who hath once bene his good Mistris, should euer be his Hand-maid. But the wings of selfe-conceit, wherewith he towereth so high, are patched of borrowed feathers, and these imped in the soft waxe of vncertaine hope, which vpon the en­counter of euery small heate of danger, will melt and faile him. ² For For­tune deales with him, as the Eagle with the Tortoise, she carries him the higher, that she may breake him the easilier. ³ And therefore a Prince, in the middest of his prosperitie, must thinke of the worlds instabilitie: and that Fortune is constant in nothing but Inconstancie.

ELder ¹ times held her to haue sufficient dower, that was vertuously endowed: But these latter, hold her good enough, that hath goods enough. ² So fa­reth it in publike purchases: for, the old position was this, Iustice is to be preferred before profit: But now the tearmes are transposed in the proposi­tion: and the ambitious desire of rule, neuer disputeth the equitie, but the [Page 174] benefit of the action it vndertaketh. Thus standeth the obseruation, but the praecept teacheth the contrary.

HE ¹ that weareth his heart in his fore-head, and is of an ouuert and transparent nature, through whose words, as through cristall, ye may see into euery corner of his thoughtes: That man is fitter for a table of good-fellowshippe, then a Councell table: For vpon the Theater of publick imployment either in peace or warre, the actors must of necessity weare vizardes, and change them in euerie Scaene. Because, the generall good and safetie of a State, is the Center in which all their actions, and counsailes, must meete: To which men cannot alwaies arriue by plaine pathes, and beaten waies. ² Wherefore a Prince may pretend a desire of friendshippe with the wea­ker, when he meanes, and must, contract it with the stronger. He may sometimes leaue the common high way, and take downe an vn-used by­path, in the lesser of dangers, so he be sure to recompence it in the grea­ter of safetie.

NOthing is deare, that is not of necessitie. Some things are prised at a high rate, either for the raritie of the matter, or curiositie of the workmanship: but these (being onely for ornament and pleasure) are not deare, because we may be without them. Things of ordinarie vse, are at reasonable rates; because there be many sellers, as well as buyers: but things of extreame necessitie, are valewed according to his need that must haue them. For though so small a thing as the twig of a bough will saue a man from drowning, yet if he meete with a hard Chapman, he must giue him his asking, least he sinke and perish: So must a Prince that is on the losing hand, rather yeeld to a­ny vnreasonable demands, then to lose all: for losers must be no choosers; nor beggars their owne caruers; but contented to part with a part, that they may saue the rest. ²⁷¹

SOme ¹ States haue got more vpon their neighbours by treaties, then by the sword, through their serious consultations, and slow resolutions. For, euery thing is done soone enough, that is well enough done. ² Wherefore, great actions require great delibera­tions; and (if once resolued) speedie execution. All delaies in this case are dangerous: especially such as are vpon triuiall and sleight occasions. For, they both preiudice the successe of the affaire in hand, and blemish the honour of the vndertaker. A Prince therefore once embarqued into an action of this nature, must not say and stay, but say and doe.

ARmour for warre, comes out of the publicke Maga­zine: but the weapons of victorie, are formed on the forge of Discipline. For, if they haue not this temper, they lose their edge in the triall, and turne their point into his bowels that vseth them. Where­fore, nothing is more necessarie in a martiall gouern­ment, either for the generall good of the affaire, or safetie of the soul­dier, then obedience. ²⁷⁴

SOme ¹ men are safe, but not secure: Such are they, who after a foule fact secretly committed, or a great wrong closely offered, haue a conscience of the guilt still dwelling in them, though the danger of the pu­nishment be ouerpast. For, albeit they labour to hide it from others, and by all veiles of artifice to keepe it from the light, yet can they neuer perswade themselues but that it is knowne: ² And therefore as they in their nature euer feare the partie wronged: so the other in his reason, should neuer affie in them. For there is no sinceritie in reconciled enemies.

TWo ¹ things are necessarie for a merchant: Monie in the purse, and credit on the burse: So is nothing more needfull for a Prince, then treasure and reputati­on: He that will physically compound a right Dosis of these two simples, must, for euery ounce of the for­mer, put in two of the latter: So shall he preserue in health and safetie, the bodie of his state. But, he were better to lose his reputation abroade, then not to hold it at home: For, neither his maturi­tie of iudgement to vndertake, nor his alacritie of spirit to execute, auaile in the perfecting of his intended and resolued enterprise, where he hath not a powerfull maiestie to command, and his officers an awfull readinesse to doe as they are commanded. ²⁷⁸

THe ¹ greatest assurance of an armie, is in the pru­dent gouernement of the Commander. The greatest weakening thereof, is by disorder, and want of disci­pline. The greatest cause of disorder, is want of pay. For pay is the poore souldiers Aqua-vitae. ² But want is such an Aqua-fortis, as it eates through the iron doores of discipline. For the enemies sword, and forraine force, do not so easily breake the Squadrons of an armie, and put all to rout, as the steely headed weapon of this home-bred mutiner, hunger. That Prince therefore, who would be well serued, and obeyed in what he com­mandeth, must take heede, that he suffer not a greater power in the campe, then his owne. This powerfull Commander is necessitie.

SCilurus ¹ shafts, while they were close bound in a bun­dle, could neither be broken nor bowed: but taken one by one, they were easily knapped in sunder. So fareth it with the forces of an armie, whose safetie chiefly de­pends vpon the vnitie and mutuall coniunction of the inferiors with the superiors, and of these one with ano­ther. ² Wherfore, nothing is more dangerous in the seruices of warre or peace, then discord and faction among the great ones.

THe two famous souldiers of Rome and Greece, which shot like two thunderbolts into the West and East, and filled the whole world with the fame of their victories, are renowned for nothing more then their celeritie in doing, and preuenting the ve­rie report of their coming. For, there is nothing so excellent in a Chiefe, as preuention: it blesseth the action with successe, and crowneth the actor with glorie. He therefore that would arriue at the Port of Victorie, and by her gates enter the Tower of Fame, must saile by this way. ²⁸³

THings ¹ easiest got, are soonest lost. They are like summer fruite, soone ripe, soone rotten; they cannot last out one winter of troubles. For as we obserue in all Natures, of reason, sense, or vegetation, that, the sooner they come to their growth & perfection, the sooner they decline to their corruption and disso­lution: So is it naturall in all kingdomes and States, the sooner they are gotten, the hardlier they are kept, and easilier lost. ² Wherefore the greater a mans fortune is in the winning, the greater must be his care for the sure establishing of what he hath wonne.

ACtions ¹ once resolued, like fixed starres, should hold one and the same station of firmenesse, they should not be subiect to irregular and retrograde motions. For, the vacillation and irresolution of a Prince, whose thoughts are whirled about the voluble Sphaere of seuerall perswasions, and neuer fixed in one Center of resolued constancy, turnes to his dishonour, and preiudice of the affaire in hand. ² He must therefore not resolue, or go through with his resolution.

WEake appetites are drawne to take vnpleasing meates, by the sauourie relish which the cunning hand of the Cooke giueth them: So the Politician draweth on his confederates to actions vnpleasing, by seasoning them with the sweet sauce of profit, and gaine For States are without naturall affections, they contract not amitie as priuate men, by a sympathie of will, and a similitude of manners; it is particular aduantage, that knittes them to­gether. ²⁸⁸

THe ¹ weapon of a Generall, is his truncheon; of a souldier, his sword: he, onely to command: this, onely to execute: for, in this is the danger but of one mans life, but in that, the hazard of all. That Commander whom his companion thought to out-braue, because hee had receiued moe wounds in the warres: And I [Page 193] (quoth he) hold this the greatest imputation which euer fell iustly vpon me, that in the siege of Samos I approched so neare to view the fortifi­cation, as my life was in danger by a shot from the wall. ² Wherefore a Commander in chiefe should alwaies stand couered vnder the seuen-fold shield of Aiax: and neuer expose his person to apparent perill, but in case of a generall ouerthrow, and manifest deffaite.

THe ¹ nature of deepe Dissimulation, is to hide it selfe vnder certaine veiles and filmes, like the Optick ver­tue in the eie, that it may see all things and not be seene it selfe: but the most frequent and safest cou­uert (though the most dishonest) vnder which it lies tapissed and harboured, is fained friendship. ² The wisest and readiest way to vnkennell this Foxe, and vn-earth him out of this den of fained Protestation, is by a false fire of fained Credulitie.

WHere ¹ the Embassadour hath Charge without limi­tation, he may negotiate in the businesse according to discretion, and as he sees occurrence of circum­stances and occasions offered. ² But when it is in prescript and expresse tearmes limited, he must [Page 196] imitate the Camel, who neuer will carrie any more weight then what at first was laid vpon him; nor go one foote beyond his ordinarie iourney: No more must the Embassadour exceed one iot of his commission, but tie himselfe to the strict words of his instructions.

NO ¹ causes are warrantable for the vndertaking of awarre, if Iustice be not one of the Quorum: ² For the Iustice of the action, is the Cape of good hope, by which men saile to the assured Harbour of safety, and fortunate Ilands of victory, and glory. ³ Wherefore of all encouragements to men of warre, none ought to be more forcible, then the equitie of the cause: Because, iust actions, besides the ordinary indeauour and helpe of man, are often aduanced by fauour of the heauens.

ONe especiall care of a Captaine and among the first, for successe in the action, is, to looke well to the armes, and armour, of the souldier: For, these often pre­uaile, both against the number, and valor, of the e­nemy. Wherefore, if Seconds in simple fight be very circumspect, that there be no oddes in the combat­tants weapons, whom they put together vpon all equall and indifferent tearmes: Much more is a Leader to beware, that the enemy haue not this [Page 199] aduantage vpon him. Because, in single fight, the dexteritie and skill of one of the parties in vsing his weapon, or his agilitie and nimblenesse of body, or his alacrity and viuacity of spirit, may preuaile against this oddes: But in a battaile, where the fight is in a firme station, and a greater desire of offending and killing others, then of defending and sauing them­selues, oddes of the weapom is much more aduantageous. ²⁹⁸

PRooue ¹ a man vnthankfull, and disprooue all his o­ther actions: taint him iustly of this, and twit him worthily with all that naught is: For there is no ob­ligation to tie a man to honesty and faithfull perfor­mance (next that of oath) so strong, as this of gra­titude. ² And therefore, there can be no such macula­tion to the honour of a Prince, as to abandon men of great worth and small meanes, who haue engaged their liues, and are taken prisoners in his seruice: giuing them ouer to perpetuall imprisonment, or to pay their owne ransome.

FRendship ¹ once broken is hardly peeced. ² And pee­ced Enmity neuer surely sodred: Reconcilement a­mong such is like that supple ointment which onely easeth the present smart, and skins the sore, but searcheth not at the roote, to eate out the ranke flesh, and draw out the maligne humour. It is therefore impossible to cure this exulcerate wound, and establish a sound and sin­cere friendship betweene them: because the old rancour of malice is neuer well purged from the dregs of diffidence, and desire of reuenge. But the greatest disease of distrust and most incurable, is in him who hath wronged his Prince, whose guiltie conscience feeds euer on fearefull distrust, though no iust occasion at all be giuen.

THe ¹ rigour of the old Romanes, to punish the trans­gression of a commandement in warre, though the good successe approoue it, is not so strictly to be forced: because in actions of this nature, we often meete with those aduantages by accident, which Reason and Iudgement could not possibly fore-think of, much lesse direct. For, things giue better counsell to men, then men to the things. ² But he that hath once transgressed the limits of his com­mission, and thereby hath faire occasion offered, to make an honourable a­mends, and in ample sort to iustifie his first transgression, and wipe out the forfeit; that man makes a double fault, not to take it.

NAture yeeldeth for mans vse, the Bud, the Flower, and the Fruite: But if he will haue the flower for his pleasure, he may not nip off the bud: and if he will enioy the fruite, for his vse, he may not rash off the flower. So in a mans actions, he must suffer euery precedent cause to ripen, and haue his season, if he will reape the fruite of a wished effect. ² It is therefore a well-groun­ded deliberation in States, not to snatch greedily at the flower of a faire offer, except it certainely bring with it the sweete fruit of profit: Nor to enter into a warre, though for a iustreuenge, and lawfull recouery of their owne, except there appeare pregnant and demonstratiue assurances, of the good successe. ³⁰⁶

CRedulity ¹ is rather a fault, then an offence. For, it hurteth no man, but it selfe. But in deceipt is both the offence, in promising the credulous more then he meanes to performe, (for, so he doth what he should not:) And the fault in failing of what he promised, (for, so he doth not what he should.) ² The Maister­peece of this art, is to draw on the credulous by performance of small things, that he may the more finely fetch him ouer in the greater. ³ The onely remedy against such Craft-masters is this, not to trust: For he that trusteth not, can hardly be deceiued.

TRagedies ¹ and Comedies are no where so rife, as vpon the bloudy stage of warre. Hope and feare are incompetent Iudges in these listes: and cannot deter­mine which side hath the better: ² Because the e­uent, prooues for the most part contrary to the be­ginning: Wherfore let not him triumph that putteth on his armour, but him that putteth it off.

THankfulnesse is accounted a heauy burthen: Re­uenge, a sweete refreshing: Hence is it that men na­turally are more prone to reuenge a wrong, then re­quite a good turne. Especially the enuious, who like the Toade in the fable, swelleth to be as big as the Oxe, though he burst in swelling: and with a spitefull eye, like that of the Basilisk hurteth the obiect vpon which it fixeth. For, such men cannot endure the prosperity of others, (especially such as were sometimes their enemies) though the record of that former wrong hath since bene cancelled, with the accumulation of many bene­fits. ³¹²

WHere ¹ Election is free, we are to choose the best of benefites: where it is restrained, we must take the least of dangers. Wherefore in a treatie betweene States, when a demand is made, which the weaker would not willingly grant, (in distrust of bad mea­sure from the stronger) let him rather propound some impossible caution, then make a flat deniall: because, it giueth the deman­der no better aduantage, and yet procureth himselfe lesse displeasure. ² For, nothing is more harsh to him that motions a matter, then a pe­remptorie refusall: and we daily obserue, that many sutors are sent away without their purpose, better satisfied; then others that with bad tearmes and in ill manner obtaine it.

AS ¹ he that is friend to all, is true friend to none: So that which hath many heads, hath no head at all. A multitude is this many-headed monster, which hath neither head for braines, nor braines for gouerne­ment. And as in a medicine, if there be not a due proportion of the Simples in the mixture, there is a mischiefe for a remedie, not a remedie for a mischiefe: So, in a popular State, where there is no equall temperature, and counterpoise of the no­bilities power, against this strong Ingredient of the multitude, there is disorder, and a way open to confusion. ²

AN ¹ ill executor of lawes, is worse in a State then a great breaker of them. Not to punish an offence, be­ing vnder our charge, and in our power, is to com­mit it. There is no greater offence to the weale-pub­lick, and quiet thereof, then a factious partaking and deadly Feud among the great ones. ² Conniuence therefore in a Prince, to winke at such factions, and slacknesse not to suppresse them, is dangerous.

THere are degrees of vices: and how soeuer Ethicks out of their Philosophie determine those of excesse to be lesse odious and hurtfull: yet Polliticks finde out of their experience, that they are rather to be iudged by the effect, then the defect. By which rule, Lust and Ambition are two vices of all other the most hatefull: Because they are most powerfull ministers to all nefarious actions. ³¹⁹

NOcuments ¹ are Documents: and great afflictions are good lectures, to reformation of life and man­ners. For, the harder the pressure is with calamity, the deeper is the impression of our frailty, and lya­blenesse to misery: ² But in a heart neuer moistned with the dew of Grace, and obdurate with the conti­nuall practise of wickednesse and villany, they take no deeperoote: Such mortars will still sauour of the garlicke.

IN Treason, the concealement is as capitall as the practise: Here are no Accessories: All are in like predicament of offence, and danger of law: For, he deserues as ill of the State, that will not reueale a publicke mischiefe and preuent it, as he that inten­deth and practiseth it. Wherefore no punishment for such, can by law be too sodaine, or too cruell: though (vnlesse the de­lay do much endanger the State) it ought euer be such, as the law in like cases ordaineth. ³²²

PRecedents, are no iustifiable warrants of Princes actions, when they are taken from those who are generally and iustly taxed of iniustice. Yet such is the deprauation of mans nature, as he rather imi­tates the worse, then the better: And in ill, to exceed: in good, to come short of the example. ³²³

IVstice and Fortune are painted blinde: to shew vs what the one doth, and what the other should not do: for, the one vseth to giue without respect, and the o­ther in no respect is to take. Those Princes therefore, that for bribe, feare, or any other particular end, faile of doing euery man right, swarue from the pre­script rule of Iustice and Equitie, which admits of none to sit in her Seate but such, whose eies are seeled from respecting persons, and hands closed from accepting rewards. ³²⁴

HE ¹ that beares one blow at an enemies hand, as keth another: and he that endureth one contemptible neg­lect from his subiect, shall be sure of many. For, not to haue sense of a forreine affront, and be displea­sed at home-bred abuses, and capable to redresse both, [Page 220] are things much derogating from the honour of a Prince: the first argues a pusillanimitie of spirit; the other a debilitie of iudgement. ² He there­fore that will not be wronged the second time, must remedie the first: a­gainst a stranger, by the Lance; against a subiect, by the Law.

AS ¹ sacred things should not be touched with vn­washed hands: ² So State matters should admit no vulgar handling: Prayer is here the Church-mans onely weapon. He must neither lift vp his hand to reforme, nor his voice to reprooue. To mooue to trouble and commotion, is a motion Exentrick, and out of his commission. They are all in these cases barred Bye and Maine, except they be of the Councell, and in Councell. For seditious Preachers against the State Politick, and scandalous inueighers against the State Ecclesiastick, vnder which they liue, bring distraction in those States, and destruction to themselues.

AMong ¹ States that haue entercourse of traffick, or dispute of right together; euery alteration in the one, begets new deliberations in all the rest: Especially vpon the death of any Prince, in whose State appeares a new face of all things. Wherefore in these deliberations, the neighbour States must imitate the Camaelion, who often changeth his colour, and is alwaies with his eyes open. ² So must they change their former resolutions, and looke as well with the left eye, vp­pon what may be hurtfull: as with the right, vpon what may be aduan­tageous to them.

AFaire maide richly endowed, is neuer without Sutors: And a great State newly fallen, neuer with­out claimers: nor these ambitious competitors euer without some colour of title. In which concurrence of pretenders, not the iustest claime, but the shar­pest sword commonly preuaileth. ³³¹

IT ¹ is as great a folly to lose what is our owne, through ouer-much negligence, as it is an offence to intrude vpon others through too much ambition. For, not to seeke our right, is want of prudence; not to recouer it, is want of power; but not to demand it at all, is to quit it altogether: as gamesters that giue ouer their game, yeeld it lost. ² Wherefore the Prince who meanes not to quit his right, must from time to time put in his claime.

THe ¹ Ethiopian Yeale hath two hornes of a cubit long, which he can in fight moue as he list, either both forward to offend, or both backward to defend, or the one forward and the other backward, to both vses at once. ² So should wise men apply their coun­sels and actions, to the times: and either put forth the hornes of their power, or pull them in, as present occasions are offe­red. For, as the Mariner changeth his course vpon the change of the winde and weather, yet still holdeth his purpose of getting in to the har­brough: so should States-men, vpon euery new occasion alter their sailes, and veere another way, still making their course to the Port of the pub­licke good and safetie.

AS ¹ in nature, so in gouernment, nothing is perma­nent that is violent. It is therefore hard to see a Tyrant olde. For though for at time he vphold his State by force and policie, ² yet in the end diuine iu­stice confounds his practises, and infatuates his counsels, to his owne ruine and ouerthrow. ³ For as in that mortall warre betweene the great Elephant and poisonfull Dra­gon, this one with his taile enclaspeth that others feete, making him fall, and he in his fall bursteth himselfe, and crusheth that other in peeces: So when Ambition and Enuie meete as combattants in the heart of a man, he needs no outward force to assaile him: for the venemous taile of his Enuie entangleth the winged feete of his Ambition, making him fall, and in the fall to burst with his owne weight.

THe ¹ Frogge and the Mouse were better take vp their quarrell, then that the Kite should be their vmpire. For it hath bene a practise as old as since Philip of Macedo, to nourish warre betweene two neighbour Princes, to the weakning one of another, that the third, a stronger, might take his aduan­tage, and seize vpon both. ² It is therefore a prudent deliberation in the weaker (hauing smoaked his drift) to compound their difference be­tweene themselues, and preuent the practisers desseigned plot.

SVch ¹ is the force of Fate, as it can and will effect it endes, without any assistance, against all resistance. Yet commonly it worketh not alone, it is attended with second and subalterne causes, concurring in the partie himselfe whose ruine is destined. ² For, his counsailes and actions alwayes change with his fortunes, and make the way to his downe-fall.

THe ¹ Monarch first propoundeth honour: then the publick good: and lastly proprietary interest and pro­fit. ² But the popular State euermore inuerteth this order: For it hath priuate gaine in the first intenti­on, the common good in the second, and honour in the last. Which diuersity of proceeding ariseth, not out of the different formes of their gouernement, but out of their diffe­rent natures that gouerne. So great oddes there is betweene a Prince and a Citizen. ³⁴⁴

THe ¹ Dolphin finding himselfe vnable to hurt the Crocodile, by reason of his hard scales which no weapon can pierce, diueth vnder him, and with his sharpe finne striketh him into the bellie being soft and tender, and so killeth him. ² What Nature hath taught the creature, Experience hath taught man: To strike the enemy where he may be most hurt, and leaue things impossi­ble vnattempted. For Prudence is of force, where force preuailes not. ³ And therefore Direction is left to the Commander, Execution to the souldier: who is not to aske why, but to do what he is commanded.

THe ¹ countrie Cormorant makes his aduantage of his poore neighbours distresse, and raiseth the market as he sees his need. So a couetous Prince will not affoord one barly corne of his assistance, at a lesse rate then one of the fairest gemmes in his neighbours Crowne. A price so high, and his necessitie so great, [Page 235] as he can neither with his honour grant, nor with his safetie denie. ² But in so desastrous a Dilemma as this, he is rather to stake all his fortunes vpon one chance of hazardous battell, then to share with so couetous, ambitious, and false afriend.

IN moralitie, it is a greater vice to commit a wic­kednesse, then to omit the doing of a vertuous act: So in martiall gouernment, it is worse for the soul­dier to do what he is forbidden in his owne campe, then not to do what he is commanded vpon the ene­mie: For this onely bereaues him of some faire ad­uantage; but that laies himselfe open to all ambush and defeat. ³⁵⁰

HOpe ¹ is in the minde of man, as is the vitall spirit in his body: the first that possesseth, and last that lea­ueth the heart. But hope fastned vpon no other ground but will, is like the Mushromme, which star­teth vp in a night, and onely of all other Plants growing without roote, is easily blowne away, and perisheth. ² So do the actions of men, built vpon this light sand and loose hold of wilfull hope. Because it makes that seeme easie and feasi­ble to the eye of their imagination, which reason and the euent shewes to be most difficult and dangerous.

STatesmen must not alwaies be fixed in one Center of resolution, but mooued with the turning Sphaere of their Common-weale: carried alwaies to that point of the circle in their present occurrents, wherein their publicke profit and safety chiefly consisteth. ³⁵³

WHile ¹ the riuer runnes entire with all his water in one bed, his current is the swifter, and his force the greater, and danteth the most hardy to aduen­ture passage: But being diuided into seuerall streames, it prooues so slow and shallow, as it may with safety, and at ease, be waded ouer. ² So is it in the current of warlike actions: Power vnited is the stronger, and the best meanes to weaken it, is by diuersion and distraction into seuerall seruices.

TO ¹ nourish faction betweene officers in a great hous­hold, or great men in a Monarchie, is no ill policie; so it haue his awfull limits curbed in the supreame po­wer; but in a free State it is very dangerous: be­cause in such a gouernment, great men of factious emulation, are like strong (but contrary) windes; and the multitude is like the sea (immoueable of it selfe) but stirred to furie and rage by others motion. ² The effect therefore of such factions in such States, is either a generall dissipation of the whole, or a particular vsurpation of the victor.

AS ¹ we feele more sensible comfort of the Suns heate when we are cold: So, the greater our extremitie is in any danger, the greater we hold the power by which we are relieued: ² attributing that to fortune and miracle, which is in nature. ³ Yet is it most true, that all such operations (though naturall) are gui­ded and disposed by a supernaturall prouidence, which prepareth and disposeth the Obiect to the present Influence.

THe ¹ Sunne shineth brightest through a vapour dis­persed, and vertue shewes her best lustre vpon an encounter. Men therefore that would stand before others in glorie, must striue to breake through the mistie clouds of all passions and perturbations, that their vertue may shine aboue others in worth. Such contention as this, (to be best) is the whetstone and spurre to courage and wel-deseruing. ² But an emulation to be first, is the Remora of all good seruice.

IT ¹ were better not to make lawes against the abuses of the times, or corruption of mens manners, then being made, and broken, not to put them in exe­cution. For, this maketh euery priuate mans offence, the sinne of the publick. Because, to omit the punish­ment thereof, is to commit it. ² Wherefore, direction for suppressing a conspiracy, and punishing the offenders according to law, is not onely fruitlesse, but dangerous, when the execution both of the one and the other proceedes not speedily: being misled by a credu­lous negligence, and miscarried by a foolish lenity. For, there is a cruelty in some kind of mercy, though there be no mercy in cruelty.

THe ¹ furious courser breaketh his winde, and bur­steth himselfe in the middest of his carreer: whereas the Snaile comes to the toppe of the hill in her due time as well as the Eagle. With time and straw men ripen medlars, and their affaires with leisure and meanes. ² Wherefore he that will do athing well, must haue patience to tarry till it may be well done. For, it hurteth as much to anticipate the occasion, as to fore-slow it being offered: And to [Page 247] pluck her as fruite before she be ripe, harmeth as much as to suffer her rotte: Men of hotte spirits erre in the first; for scarce do they perceiue the shadow of her, but they runne to catch at it, and thinking to take hold of the solide substance, embrace nothing but the emptie aire. Whereas the wary and well aduised Commander, holdes it safer to weary and weare out the enemy by cunctation and delay, then to put all to hazard by hast: In this is danger, in that a Fabian vertue.

HE that giueth life to the law, may giue life forfaited by the law: he may pardon the offence, though he can­not wipe off the guilt. But vntill a law be abrogated by the same power it was established, he can neither disanull the force, nor warrant the fact: Much lesse can man dispense with the lawes diuine, or war­rant and approue what they condemne. Wherefore the Sea of Rome where all things are vendible, and nothing vnlawfull that is not vnpro­fitable, dasheth against this rock. For it bindeth and looseth, giueth and taketh away, inuesteth and againe deuesteth, so it be for promotion and preferment: Diuorces without iust cause, and dispensations against di­uine lawes are granted, in case the Grantee will pay well for the purchase. ³⁶⁷

HE ¹ that propounds an affaire to his inward friend, would be aduised. He that imparts a resolued busi­nesse, would haue it concealed. In the first case, the Counsellor must vnlocke his heart: in the other he must seale vp his lippes. ² For it is dangerous to be of a great mans counsaile, and not to keepe it.

THere is alaw of Nature, another of Societie, a third of Armes, a fourth of Nations, a fift of State. And each of these in their order bridle and restraine one another with certaine cautions and prouisoes. For, though the arbitration of a third man betweene two parties in difference, either comes not within com­passe of those former lawes, or else is permitted without limitation of circumstance, yet the law of State allowes it not, but with this restricti­on, Neuer to referre any matter of great importance to one much migh­tier then thy selfe; as doubtfull of his indifferencie, and fearfull of his greatnesse. ³⁷⁰

A ¹ Staffe is easily found to beate a dogge: and a small quarrell will serue against him, whose fortunes are in their ebbe of declination. For, where there is no feare of reuenge, there is little conscience of offence: ² Especially in the auaricious and greedie minded man, in whom many fauors receiued, are not so strong to make him sure vnto thee, as one small request refused, to cast thee off.

THe ¹ name of Equality truly vnderstood, is one of the most iust and profitable things, that is in a State: namely, when it is taken in a Geometricall sense and proportion. For as in matter of taxe or imposition, the best leuy is not by the pole, but according to euery mans hability; and as in conferring of dignities and [Page 254] offices, the best choise is according to euery mans worth and sufficiency for the place: So in the deliberation of State affaires and decision of doubts of greatest consequence, the soundest iudgement should haue the greatest stroke: and voyces should be considered, not by the number, but by the weight ² But in free States, plurality of voyces ouers wayes the strongest and best grounded reasons. And therefore this forme of go­uernement cannot be so good, as that of a Monarchie.

GReat ¹ affaires require many heads to aduise, and ma­ny hands to effect. One braine is not capable of so great a charge, one arme vnsufficient for so insup­portable a burthen. ² A Prince therefore ought not to stand so stiffe in his owne opinion, though groun­ded vpon probable supposition, as not to yeelde to his faithfull Counsailors, vpon more forcible and demonstratiue reasons. For, he that refuseth all counsaile is worse then a beast: he that needeth none, is more then a man.

THose ¹ dangers are least auoided, which are vn­knowne or vnexpected: ² And those counsels are best carried, which the enemie sees in execution, before he heares them by relation. None in the armie must know to what seruice scipio leades his troupes, but onely C. Laelius: nor is it fit, things determined in Councell, should be communicated, but to those without whom they can­not be effected. For as Expedition is the life of Action: so is Secrefie of Deliberation.

IT is a manly vertue in a Prince, and a Manlian ad­uice, to prepare for warre when he propounds for peace; and not to stay his prouisions for the one, though he be treating vpon conditions for the other. Because otherwise he seemes to beg or buy his peace, and gets it not but at a high rate. Wherefore peace is neuer to be treated with our armour off, or sword sheathed: nor to be concluded, but vnder a buckler, and vpon sure tearmes. ³⁷⁹

IT ¹ is hard for a man, so warily to walke in any con­dition of charge or seruice, as that he dash not his foote against the stone of offence: especially in that of command, where he must vse his authoritie spa­ringly that would keepe it long. ² Wherefore that Ge­nerall which bindes not himselfe within the limits of his commission, nor vseth the aduice of his Councell of warre, shall ne­uer want secret enemies among these he hath neglected, to vrge his transgression, and worke his confusion.

POpular ¹ States attribute good successe in warre or peace, to their owne proper courage and direction: what falleth out crosse, they lay to the Generalles fault and imputation. Against whom, no mans tong seemeth prompt enough, or mouth sufficiently wide, to breathe out contumelious menaces. ² Wherfore let [Page 262] him that standeth charged with so great an account, take heede that he make a good reckoning, and that his present actions wipe out all scores of former iealousies and surmises: for if he be once in suspect, and after trip neuer so little, it is impossible to keepe him from falling.

EVery ¹ man must haue credit in the art he professeth: but no power to perswade to a businesse which we call into deliberation, and may concerne his aduantage in particular. For the Architect and master of the workes will alwaies aduise vs to build, though we neither haue matter enough prepared, norpurse suf­ficiently lined for such a purpose: because it is for his proper imployment and benefit. ² So States must be aduised and ouer-ruled by the souldier, in the manage of a warre; but he seldome admitted to the deliberation of vndertaking it.

AN ¹ Award betweene States in difference, is like Phy­sicke ministred to a body, wherein is a hotte liuer and a colde stomacke: what helpeth the one, commonly hurteth the other: ² So this seldome contenteth any of the parties, and often displeaseth all. Wherefore as these are carefull, that there be strict cautions and obligations for abiding the Award, so should he be well aduised before he vndertake the charge. For it is better to sit still, then be imployed in a businesse where a man is in no hope of getting any thing to himselfe, but in danger of losing both his paines, and his friends.

THe friendship of Princes is often personall; of free States neuer: for they, either vpon some friendly en­terview, or entercourse of kinde letters, or enter­change of good turnes, or affinity of bloud, do condole the losse, congratulate the successe, supply the wants, relieue the distresses, and redresse the wrongs one of [Page 266] another, through some bond of bloud or affection. Whereas free States performe none of those good offices, but for their owne ends: and they that receiue them, are thankful no longer then while they are in receiuing. For nothing is shorter liued among them then the memory of benefits. One ounce of supposed vnkindnesse ouer weigheth a pound of former friendship. And, Not to continue to do them good, is to begin to do them wrong. ³⁸⁸

A Man of noted credit, may passe with a lie, and set a currant stampe vpon such false coine. But hee that is notorious for his perfidious and double dea­ling, is alwaies abnoxious to this one ineuitable plague, Neuer to be beleeued, though he tell the truth. ³⁸⁹

HE ¹ that is a temporizer and deceiuer himselfe, hath not whereof to complaine, if he be deceiued in that kinde: and where is no iust cause of complaint, there is no true proofe of iniustice. ² Wherefore, because States are many times ouerthrowne by fraud and deceit, they hold it lawfull to preserue them by the same meanes from a publick and professed enemy, and one that is a Ma­ster in the same facultie.

THere is ¹ nothing so dangerous in a great affaire, as Irresolution and Tergiuersation: especially in that Prince, whose good fortunes are come to their last period, and his whole estate set vpon one cast. But destruction decreed, cannot be resisted; for ² the obiect destined hereunto, loseth himselfe in the in­tricate maze of his owne perplexities: by vn-doing what he hath done, to his owne vndoing.

Fiue ¹ things are required in a Generall: Knowledge, Valour, Foresight, Authority, and Fortune. He that is not renowmed for all, or most of these vertues, is not to be reputed fit for this charge: Nor can this glo­ry be purchased but by practise and proofe. For the greatest Fencer is not alwaies the best fighter, nor the fairest Tilter, the ablest souldier: nor the greatest fauourite in Court, the fittest Commander in a campe. ² That Prince therefore is ill aduised, who conferres this charge vpon his mynion, either for his courtshippe, or what other respect, neglecting those more requisite and more noble pro­perties.

OF ¹ all bad ingredients into the heart of man, there is none poisons it so much with the venome of treaso­nable thoughts, as that of disdaine. ² The Prince that sees this mischieuous seede planted and growne amongst his captaines in time of their employment, and seekes not to roote it vp with a quick and sharpe hand, is in the high-roade to his owne ruine.

WHen ¹ a Prince beginneth once to be hated of his subiects, and in declination of his fortunes, be it well or ill that he doth, all is ill taken. ² For reformations are no remedies, except they be in season; as Physick ministred out of due time, rather poisoneth then pre­serueth the bodie.

CReatures ¹ are cherished onely for the vse we haue of them: when the Iade can worke no longer, we take his skin; when the Silk-worme hath wouen her web, we let her flie or die. As people deale with brute beasts, so deale Princes with that brutish and beastly sort of people, that betray their Prince or countrey to them: they cherish them but for their ends; they loue the treason, but not the traitor: ² whose surest and sorest scourge is his owne conscience.

LIghtning ¹ hurtes not the Lawrell, nor is seene in places farre North and remote from the Sunne: ² no more is a peaceable and meane estate subiect to the force of Fortune, or danger of higher Powers. For, the tall Cedars on the mountaines top are shaken and ouer-turned with tempest, when the low shrubbes of the valley are in quiet. So likewise, the meanest estate stands vpon Brasse, the highest vpon Glasse: The way vpward is craggie, downeward ycie: Men climbe by degrees, but fall at once. ³ Betweene the highest for­tune and lowest there is no stay.

WHen the stomack hath receiued plenty of foode, all the heate in the exterior parts hath recourse thither, to dispose it to nutriment, and expell what is hurt­full. For nature rather defendeth her selfe against an intestine then forraine enemy, (as being the more dangerous, either to the health of a man, or safety of a State.) And therefore she drawes all her forces from these Suburbs of the body of a man, to this Metropolis of the stomack. As it fares in this direction of nature, so stands it in the discipline of warre: and as in the body so in a Garrison towne, the chiefest forces must be naturall, and of our owne subiects: For, if the Maior part be Mercenaries and stran­gers, it is alwaies in their power to curbe or crosse our command: and to giue vp the place at their owne pleasure. ⁴⁰⁵

ALL things requisite for a worthie Generall, are in himselfe; either by nature, praecept, or experi­ence; saue onely Fortune, which crowneth his other vertues with the wreathe of glory. For, to be for­tunate is not in our selues, we haue it from aboue. And therefore Knowledge, Valour, Foresight, and Authority, leade on the Van-gard of their actions with small successe, ex­cept Fortune bring vp the Reare. ⁴⁰⁶

IT is à hinderance to the generall seruice, and a fur­therance to the Generals destruction, to giue him manifest cause of discontent, and yet after employ him in a great place of charge. For, neither can the State be assured of his fidelitie, when he is vsed; nor he of their fauour, when he is accused.

WHen ¹ we are vnable to hold in safetie anything which is deare vnto vs; the more another desires the safe-keeping of it, and the more he pretends it for our good, the more cautelous and scrupulous we should be of entrusting him therewith, least it be for his owne particular end. ² For it is vnsafe to commit the Lambe to the Wolfes guardiance: and as dangerous it is to put the childe that pretends a iust title, into his hands that hath the possession.

A ¹ State lately lost by the crueltie and oppression of the Prince, being newly conquered, is preserued by the contrary meanes, and better kept by loue then by force. ² The victor Prince must thinke that he is as well the States, as the State his: ³ And therefore he ought be well aduised, not onely how he gouerne him­selfe among these new subiects, but also in his absence what gouernour [Page 284] he substitute to keepe them in obedience: least what he got by the ounce, he lose by the pound; and with more dishonour in the depriuation, then he had glorie by the purchase.

CElerity, besides the inward vertue and actiue life it hath in it selfe, hath also the outward assistance of Fortune: vpon which she more willingly and fre­quently attendeth, then vpon cold and considerate consultation. Wherefore an action once resolued must be put in present execution: because nothing more aduanceth the affaire, then expedition. ⁴¹³

THough ¹ it be true, that the Statesman as the Steeresman, may shape his course according to the winde and weather of present occurrences, that he may arriue to the harbrough of safety; sailing be­sides compasse, and swaruing from the direct line of sincere and ouuert dealing: ² Yet may he by no meanes, nor for any end whatsoeuer, be false of his faith or breaker of his word.

MErcenary souldiers, though leuyed by commission, are worse then those that are natiues: But such strangers and straglers as are taken vp by drum, are worst of all. For, their actions are euermore taxed with the dishonour of cowardise, or tainted with the reproach of persidiousnesse. A Prince is therefore to beware of such Swallowes and swallowers of the Exchecquer: And not to raise them but by publick authority of the State: as also, neuer so farre to trust them, as to put his life and fortunes into their hands. ⁴¹⁶

SParing ¹ is a good reuenue to a priuate man: but to a Prince nothing is worse beseeming his honour, nor indeed more preiudiciall to his affaires. ² For, there is no baite to the golden hooke; nor weapon to the siluer speare; nor Fort be it neuer so strong, that can long hold out against the Mulet charged with trea­sure.

THat mans happinesse is greatest, who hath bene in miserable condition: for he tasteth the double sweet, of remembring his fore-passed misery, and enioying his present felicitie. So on the contrary, the greatest misery is to haue bene happie. Various is the estate of men in their greatnesse, and great is their mise­rie in their fall. ⁴¹⁹

AS ¹ many men sinke for want of some small thing to hold themselues up aboue water: so many o­thers fall to the bottome of desperate ruine, by seeking to embrace too much: For to ouer-graspe straineth and weakeneth the sinewes, and for­ceth the hand to let fall what before it held fast. ² It is therefore the part of a wise Prince, to stint and moderate his fortunes; whom it importeth in his greatest successe, rather to looke backward then forward: and rather to stop the current of dangers ensuing, then to follow the streame of that victorie by which they will more be increased.

SInce ¹ Profit began to ouer-ballance Honour, men traffick their friendship and protection for money: So much are these times for gold: But in the golden times, onely Religion, Iustice, and the publick Quiet, were the three Ioynt-purchasers of aide and friend­ship. ² Wherfore that old rule ought still stand in force, and when the case is betweene Honour and aduantage, the publick nego­tiator (aswell as the Prince himselfe) ought to haue the equity of the cause, and honour of his master, in more especiall recommendation.

POwer ¹ and worth in the Commander beget feare and loue in the souldier: and they are in warre as heate and moisture are in nature: They giue life and growth to the seruice in hand; without them, both to will and to do withereth in the army: For where his power hath no vertue of heate to enforce and en­flame the souldiers cold stomacke to courage, nor his worth the power of moisture to supple and quicken his dull limmes to the action, there the hope of all good successe doth wither and decay. ² Men are not there­fore to be dignified with those high places, that are not qualified with those noble partes.

MEn ¹ can see to do right betweene partie and partie, when it concernes not their owne particular: But be­ing parties themselues, the case is altered. For here they which before were as sharpe sighted as Lynx, turne as blinde as a Mole: and no maruaile, ² for pro­fit and bribes put out the eyes of Iustice. Where­fore let him that would speed in an honest cause neuer referre it to a cor­rupt Iudge.

RAshnesse ¹ is obnoxious to all manner of ambush and surprise: it is hot at hand, but tireth at length: and hauing vented the first furie, dieth like a waspe that hath lost her sting. Wherefore men must looke before they leape, and consider the danger before they runne into it: least as they go on with small heed, they come off with lesse gaine. ² For as the Puffen, a fish of all other the most dull and slow, is often found with a Mullet in his belly, of all other fishes the most swift in swimming: so wise and well aduised men do al­waies ouertake and ouerthrow the head-strong and hastie.

THere ¹ is nothing so dangerous in a State or Campe, as contempt of the Prince or Generall: there is no­thing breeds it more in the subiect or souldier, then remisnesse and lenitie. For he that suffereth one mischiefe passe vnpunished, inuiteth another, which bringeth the command into discredit, and the seruice into despaire. ² Wherfore, as in men of great ranke, it is lesse blame-wor­thy to be ouer-stately and imperious, then ouer-familiar and base: So in men of great office, it is a lesse fault to be ouer-rigorous, then not to pu­nish offenders at all.

AS ¹ in Schoole disputations, where one absurditie is granted, infinite others follow: so in those actions of State which are disputed by the sword, one error be­gets another, and this a third, a worse: ² especially in those men that will not acknowledge their first o­uersight: who, howsoeuer they seeke to transferre the imputation and blame vpon others, the losse and shame lighteth on them­selues.

AMong ¹ Sutors in loue and in law, money is a com­mon medler, and driues the bargaine and businesse to an vp-shot: By it, those contract their mariage, and these conclude their peace: ² But it is no sure con­tracter of friendship between States. Amity baptised [Page 301] in this water is soone renounced: and bonds that are knit by this knot, are easily by the same dissolued.

IT ¹ is so farre from scandall or reproofe, to circum­uent and entrap a publicke and professed enemy, as it is rather iust, lawfull, and profitable, be it by any meanes possible but by breach of oath or couenant: ² For, but vpon relyance of one of these, an enemy is not properly said to be deceiued. But to betray a kinseman, friend, and confederate, is contrary to all law, odious to all men, iniurious to the party, and impious to God.

PErfidious violation of oath and couenant is as dam­nable as Atheisme (if not more:) Because it wilful­ly and wittingly abuseth and scorneth that Deity, which it necessarily, though vnwillingly acknow­ledgeth. But when it is accompanied with vnnaturall lust, and vnhumane cruelty, hell hath not a fit name, nor the world a sufficient punishment for it. ⁴³⁸

THankes for benefits receiued, are turned into hate when they are so great as they cannot be requited; or when they are bestowed vpon him who takes them as done of dutie or necessitie, and is vnwilling to re­quite them. For in such a man, the desire of hauing more, is stronger to wrong his friend and make war vpon him, then the memory of kindnesses receiued, either to requite those former fauours, or relinquish the action vndertaken. ⁴³⁹

IT is a damnable policie to make those whose confu­sion thou doest wish, the instruments of their owne destruction: and no lesse diuellish a deuice it is, to draw men into the complice of thine offence, that they may bee copartners of thy punish­ment. ⁴⁴⁰

IF it be lawfull to capitulate and couenant with the enemie, it is vnlawfull and vniust not to keepe touch vpon the accord. If faith be not to be kept with such, why then doest thou capitulate? In contracts there­fore of truce or peace, take heed how thou trust him in anything, who is ready to yeeld to euerything. For he that speaketh much more then he thinketh, performeth alwaies much lesse then he speaketh. ⁴⁴¹

A Large kingdome is a great morsell, yet not enough to suffise the hungrie mawes of two that are ambiti­ous: each will winne the borse or lose the saddle; haue all, or lose all: for Loue and Lordship brooke no fellowship. It is therefore great imprudence in him that admits of an equall, where himselfe may be sole commander, or at least chiefe vmpire. ⁴⁴²

IN ¹ the Tribunall, where mens actions are brought to triall, the eare is but a promoter, the eye is both witnesse and iudge. For, if what we onely heare by report do enforme vs, and not what we see in effect and by proofe, there must needes be error in that iudgement: ² Because morall honesty like Christian piety, consists not in verball profession and protestation, but in actuall practise, voide of all corruption, and spotlesse. Hee therefore that will not be deceiued by State-hypocrites, who make honesty and religion the cloake of their ambition, must not listen after their words, but looke into their actions: least his eares that tickle with such pleasing report, do af­terwards tingle with the smart of the blow.

THe mother of him that feareth, seldome weepeth. Men must therefore looke before them least they stumble, and behind them least they be ouertaken; and on either side, to meete danger which way soeuer it cometh: for no man is in greater perill then he that feares it least. Wherefore, vpon a parley and treaty of peace betweene the besieged and the leaguer, neither part must be secure, but stand vpon like guard of diffidence, as when they were in tearmes of greatest deffiance. ⁴⁴⁵

ADuersity bendeth but neuer breaketh a noble and vn­daunted courage: he abandons not himselfe though all the world forsake him: but hopes that when Fortune is come to the Brumall solstice of her frowning, she will be retrograde, and shine againe vpon him with the beames of better successe. A Prince therefore plunged to the lowest deepe of desasters, must beware he sincke not to the neathermost hell of despaire, whence is no redemption: but reserue himselfe to better fortunes. ⁴⁴⁶

WHere Ambition is Captaine, and Profit carries the Colours, there the Troope of vices is strong: which breakes through all lets, and makes way against all opposition, of iustice, honestie, promise, oath, or what other religious obligation soeuer. And so ranke is this weede, as it ouer-growes all vertuous and wholesome plants in the garden of Simples, or hearts of sincere contra­cters. But so venemous withall is the poison thereof when it seizeth vpon man, as no Antidote of former iudgement, worthinesse, courage, or noble qualitie whatsoeuer, is soueraigne enough to cure it. ⁴⁴⁷

ALL ¹ Morallists hold nothing profitable that is not honest: ² Some Politicks haue inuerted this order, and peruerted the sense, by transposing the tearmes in the proposition: holding nothing honest that is not profitable. How soeuer those former may seeme too streight laced, these surely are too loose. ³ For there is a middle way betweene both, which aright Statesman must take.

IT is no Paradox, to be rich with little, nor to be poore with much because Content is the poore mans riches, and Desire the rich mans pouertie, which is neuer sa­tisfied. For whereas all things in nature are finite and terminable within the limits of their peculiar pe­riod, and all humors and affections of the minde are fixed vpon their proper obiects, and quietly setled in the center of their fruition; onely that of ambitious Couetise is infinite and endlesse: For it giues as much vexation of soule after the purchase acquired, as there was at first trauaile in the acquiring; still suggesting and supplying new fewell to the fire of his desire. ⁴⁵¹

THe vicissitude of things and change of times, begets new counsailes and deliberations in States, and en­forceth necessarily the knitting or dissoluing of Ally­ance betweene them. What is vsefull to day, may be hurtfull to morrow, as showers that are seasonable [Page 317] in the Spring, and vnwelcome in the Haruest. Wherefore, to temporise by leuelling and adapting our actions to the occasion present and presen­ted, is requisite policy. ⁴⁵²

AS in things we haue, so in those we do, each hath his proper tryall, to prooue the excellencie thereof in his kinde: Gold by the test, the Diamant by his hardnesse, Pearle by his water: So, the best discoue­rers of mens minds are their actions: the best directer of actions is counsaile: and the best triall of counsailes, is Experience. ⁴⁵³

AS in a particular Purchase, so in partage of a King­dome, each boundary and butting must precisely be set downe: And the names of places must be taken according to the latest and most vulgar acception: but yet, with an aliâs dictus, and relation of their ancient appellation, to auoide all causes of litigious quarrell, either by the law, or the sword. For such is the wilfulnesse of couetous purchasers and ambitious Princes, as these limites are seldome so perfectly butted out, but that they yeeld matter of difference and oc­casion of warres to such as these, disposed euer to quarrell. ⁴⁵⁴

VPon ¹ certaine notice of some treasonable plot or practise in a towne, the Gouernour must first assure the place, and then more fully search into the treason, and punish the traitors: either all, for the offence; or the ring-leaders for example. Seueritie in this case is but Iustice: Lenitie puts all in hazard. ² Wherefore against such intestine ambush, we must first take vp the buckler of safe­tie, and then draw out the sword of iustice.

MVch ¹ hurt hath often bene done by small contempti­ble creatures: a great towne in Spaine vndermined by Conies; another in Thessaly by Moles: in Assricke the people were forced to quit their countrey by Lo­custs: out of Giaros they were driuen by Rats. ² Like hurt doth the contemptible multitude in a State meerly Popular, vpon any case that comes into deliberation: because there is a disparitie of prudence in their vnderstandings, and yet a paritie of power in their voices, by which all great affaires are carried and resolued.

IT ¹ was one of his policies, out of whose Actions sprang many of the Florentines Axiomes, To giue most assurance of his faith and friendship to that man, whom he first meant to deceiue and despoile of his State. ² He therefore that vpon such trust dis­armes himselfe, and puts the sword into the others hand, is guiltie through his foolish credulitie, of his owne proper ruine. For such actions as these, are plaine perfidie in the one, and meere mad­nesse in the other.

THe ¹ neighbourhood to danger is dangerous: And therefore men must seeke to quench the fire in the next howse, though it be their enemies, least it come to their owne. ² But such generall desires are often thwarted and made frustrate; because the ends of those few from whose meanes and authority such actions must haue their life and performance, are commonly contrary to the willes of those many that make the motion.

ENter into no warre but that which is iust. No warre can be iust, vnlesse it be for the sauing of thy honour or estate. Wherefore when two Princes are in armes, and neither of these two Iewels in any danger of pre­iudice, engage thy selfe with neither: for in this case, it is better to be a looker on, then to be an abettor. ⁴⁶³

IN an ancient Inheritance and well setled State, for­tresses are onely needfull vpon the Frontiers, and a­gainst the bordering enemy: But in the bowels of a country they are vselesse, and in some cases preiudi­ciall and dangerous. If therefore a Prince be forced to abandon his State, and giue way to necessity, and will euer hope to returne when the times are more propitious; let him raze all these in-land forts before his departure: He shall finde his re­turne and restitution more easie. ⁴⁶⁴

THere is no security against a reconciled enemy, and one of notorious perfidy; but diffidence, and bol­ding him out at the swords point. For if thy credu­litie bring thee within distance of his reach, and that he seethy life lie open without good guarde, his malice and reuenge straight take the aduantage, and play their parts: making the Act tragicall, and the Scaene bloudy. ⁴⁶⁵

SEldome ¹ shall we see such a father as Alexander, without such a sonne as Valentinois: nor such a sonne but of such a father. For the plant is knowne by the fruite: and as is the egge, so is the bird that hatcheth it: ² Yet as in Physicke, wholesome vse is made of [Page 331] poison and venemous things; so in policie men may learne by the villa­nous and bloudie carriage of such mens actions, how to manage a iust and lawfull cause in doing execution vpon rebels and traitors: Namely, to do nothing to the halfes: but when the sword of iustice is drawne, to throw the scabberd into the fire.

SOme aduantages in battell are personall: as better men and horse, or more numbers of both. Some are reall: as more money, or better armes. Some are for­mall: as better discipline in gouerning, and better or­der in fight. And some are accidentall, as the Sunne, the winde, and the place. Now among all these, the two last ( ¹ of better order in fight, ² and better ground to fight on) are not the least meanes of obtaining the victorie.

EXample ¹ is of greater force then Precept. ² It therefore behoueth a Generall, as well to be a good souldier, as an able directer: that by his presence and personall performance of what he commands others, they may be encouraged to endure any paines, or vn­dergo any danger. For vpon his actions and vertue especially, depends the successe of all the seruice. Whereupon the Greeke Leader truly inferred, that an army of sheepe led by a Lyon was better then an army of Lyons led by a sheepe.

NOble and generous spirits striue as much not to be ouercome in courtesie, as the valiant and couragious not to be ouerthrowne in combat. Hence it is, that nothing more obligeth the promiser to an vnfeyned and free performance, then the free and confident assurance, which the promittee professeth to haue in the word and offer made him. Whereas on the contrary, many haue taught others to deceiue, while they haue appeared too fearefull and iealous of being deceiued. ⁴⁷²

IN ¹ professions either Ciuill or Military, those are more honourable which haue greater charge, or re­quire greater knowledge. As to rule a State, is more noble then to gouerne a towne: and this, more emi­nent then to order a family. In which respect, though the true end of horse and foote be one and the same, to defend a right and redresse a wrong, (and percase that of foote be gene­rally more vsefull:) ² Yet this of horse is the more honourable seruice. Because his vertue and knowledge is exercised, as well in managing and defending of his horse as of himselfe: vpon whose safe-gard his life and honour depends, as well as in immediate defence of his owne person.

HIstory ¹ is the Kalendar of time, and hath her Critick daies as well as Physick: whereby Conceit fore-ho­peth of the good successe of an affaire, as Art fore-iudgeth of the decrease of a disease. For we haue it exemplified by many instances, that certaine daies haue bene perpetually succesfull to certaine persons or nations: ² Which, howsoeuer some men may interprete to Fate and Necessitie, or others to some other cause of circumstance or accident; yet is it the part of a wise Leader to make vse thereof, and to nourish and cherish that former conceit in the common souldier, because he shall there­by the better encourage him to an alacritie of spirit, and a hope of the victorie.