The Fourth Book : Essays and Discourses 129 



XLI 



That in a kingdom where subjects are apt to rebel, no offices 

 or commands should be sold ; for those that buy, will not 

 only use extortion, and practise unjust ways to make out 

 their purchase, but be ablest to rebel, by reason they are 

 more for private gain than the public good ; for it is probable 

 their principles are like their purchases. 



But, that all magistrates, officers, commanders, heads and 

 rulers, in what profession soever, both in Church and State, 

 should be chosen according to their abilities, wisdom, courage, 

 piety, justice, honesty, and loyalty ; and then they'll mind 

 the public good more than their particular interest. 



XLII 



That those which have politic designs are for the most part 

 dishonest, by reason their designs tend more to interest than 

 justice. 



XLIII 



That great princes should only have great, noble, and rich 

 persons to attend them, whose purses and power may always 

 be ready to assist them. 



XLIV 



That a poor nobility is apt to be factious ; and a numerous 

 nobility is a burden to a commonwealth 1 . 



XLV 



That in a monarchical government, to be for the king is to 

 be for the commonwealth ; for when head and body are 

 divided, the life of happiness dies, and the soul of peace is 

 departed. 



XLVI 



That, as it is a great error in a state to have all affairs put 



1 Compare Sir Edward Walker's Observations upon the Inconveniences that have at- 

 ended the frequent Promotions to Titles of Honour, since King James came to the Crown 

 of England {Historical Discourses, p. 291). 



S 



