240 OP A WAR WITH SPAIN. 



gerous opinion, for the pope, emperor, and elective 

 kings ; it is true, it is a dangerous opinion, and 

 ought to be a dangerous opinion, to such personal 

 popes, emperors, or elective kings, as shall transcend 

 their limits, and become tyrannical. But it is a 

 safe and sound opinion for their sees, empires, and 

 kingdoms ; and for themselves also, if they be wise ; 

 &quot; plenitudo potestatis est plenitude tempestatis.&quot; 

 But the chief cause why I do not search into this 

 point is, because I need it not. And in handling 

 the right of a war, I am not willing to intermix 

 matter doubtful with that which is out of doubt. 

 For as in capital causes, wherein but one man s life is in 

 question, &quot; in favorem vita?&quot; the evidence ought to 

 be clear ; so much more in a judgment upon a war, 

 which is capital to thousands. I suppose therefore 

 the worst, that the offensive war upon Bohemia had 

 been unjust ; and then make the case, which is no 

 sooner made than resolved ; if it be made not en 

 wrapped, but plainly and perspicuously. It is this 

 &quot; in thesi.&quot; An offensive war is made, which is 

 unjust in the aggressor ; the prosecution and race 

 of the war carrieth the defendant to assail and invade 

 the ancient and indubitate patrimony of the first 

 aggressor, who is now turned defendant ; shall he 

 sit down, and not put himself in defence ? Or if he 

 be dispossessed, shall he not make a war for the 

 recovery ? No man is so poor of judgment as will 

 affirm it. The castle of Cadmus was taken, and 

 the city of Thebes itself invested by Phoabidas the 

 Lacedaemonian, insidiously, and in violation of league: 



