328 OF THE TRUE GREATNESS OF BRITAIN. 



ncxed to largeness of territory, that is, that 

 they be joined with martial prowess and 

 valour. 



Secondly, That treasure doth then advance great 

 ness, when it is rather in mediocrity than in 

 great abundance. And again better, when 

 some part of the state is poor, than when all 

 parts of it are rich. 



And lastly, That treasure in a state is more or 

 less serviceable, as the hands are in which the 

 wealth chiefly resteth. 



For the first of these, it is a thing that cannot be 

 denied, that in equality of valour the better purse is 

 an advantage. For like as in wrestling between 

 man and man, if there be a great overmatch in 

 strength, it is to little purpose though one have the 

 better breath ; but, if the strength be near equal, 

 then he that is shorter winded will, if the wager 

 consist of many falls, in the end have the worst: so 

 it is in the wars, if it be a match between a valiant 

 people and a cowardly, the advantage of treasure 

 will not serve ; but if they be near in valour, then 

 the better monied state will be the better able to 

 continue the war, and so in the end to prevail. But 

 if any man think that money can make those pro 

 visions at the first encounters, that no difference of 

 valour can countervail, let him look back but into 

 those examples which have been brought, and he 

 must confess, that all those furnitures whatsoever 

 are but shews and mummeries, and cannot shrowd 

 fear against resolution. For there shall he find 



