334 OF THE TRUE GREATNESS OF BRITAIN. 



superior globe. But I understand proprieties and 

 respects merely civil and according to the nature of 

 human actions, and the true considerations of estate. 

 Out of which duly weighed, there doth arise a triple 

 distribution of the fitness of a region for a great 

 monarchy. First, that it be of hard access. Secondly, 

 that it be seated in no extreme angle, but eom- 

 modiously in the midst of many regions. And 

 thirdly, that it be maritime, or at the least upon 

 great navigable rivers ; and be not inland or me- 

 diterrane. And that these are not conceits, but 

 notes of event, it appeareth manifestly, that all great 

 monarchies and states have been seated in such 

 manner, as, if you would place them again, observing 

 these three points which I have mentioned, you 

 cannot place them better ; which shews the pre 

 eminence of nature, unto which human industry or 

 accident cannot be equal, especially in any conti 

 nuance of time. Nay, if a man look into these 

 things, more attentively, he shall see divers of these 

 seats of monarchies, how fortune hath hovered still 

 about the places, coming and going only in regard 

 of the fixed reason of the conveniency of the place, 

 which is immutable. And therefore, first we see 

 the excellent situation of Egypt ; which seemeth to 

 have been the most ancient monarchy, how con 

 veniently it stands upon a neck of land commanding 

 both seas on either side, and embracing, as it were 

 with two arms, Asia and Afric, besides the benefit of 

 the famous river of Nilus. And therefore we see 

 what hath been the fortune of that country, there 



