OF THE TRUE GREATNESS OF BRITAIN. 313 



First, That in the measuring or balancing of 

 greatness, there is commonly too much ascribed 

 to largeness of territory. 



Secondly, That there is too much ascribed to 

 treasure or riches. 



Thirdly, That there is too much ascribed to the 

 fruitfulness of the soil, or affluence of commo 

 dities. 



And fourthly, That there is too much ascribed 

 to the strength and fortification of towns or 

 holds. The latter will fall into this distribution : 



First, That true greatness doth require a fit 

 situation of the place or region. 



Secondly, that true greatness consisteth essen 

 tially in population and breed of men. 



Thirdly, That it consisteth also in the valour and 

 military disposition of the people it breedeth : 

 and in this, that they make profession of arms. 



Fourthly, That it consisteth in this point, that 

 every common subject by the poll be fit to 

 make a soldier, and not only certain conditions 

 or degrees of men. 



Fifthly, That it consisteth in the temper of the 

 government fit to keep the subjects in good 

 heart and courage, and not to keep them in 

 the condition of servile vassals. 



And sixthly, That it consisteth in the command 

 ment of the sea. 



And let no man so much forget the subject pro 

 pounded, as to find strange, that here is no mention 

 of religion, laws, or policy, For we speak of that 



