ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING 391 



which is the securest method of extending an empire. I 

 have often wondered how the Spanish government could 

 with so few natives inclose and curb so many kingdoms and 

 provinces. But Spain may be esteemed a sufficiently large 

 trunk, as it contains a much greater tract of country than 

 either Rome or Sparta did at first. And although the Span 

 iards are very sparing of naturalization, yet they do what 

 conies next to it: promiscuously receive the subjects of all 

 nations into their army; and even their highest military 

 office is often conferred upon foreign leaders. Nay, it 

 appears that Spain at length begins to feel their want of 

 natives, and are now endeavoring to supply it. 



It is certain, that the sedentary mechanic arts, practiced 

 within doors, and the more curious manufactures, which 

 require the finger rather than the arm, are in their own 

 nature opposite to a military spirit. Men of the sword uni 

 versally delight in exemption from work, and dread dangers 

 less than labor. And in this temper they must be somewhat 

 indulged, if we desire to keep their minds in vigor. It was, 

 therefore, a great advantage to Sparta, Athens, Eome, and 

 other ancient republics, that they had the use, not of free 

 men, but generally of slaves for this kind of domestic arts. 

 But after the Christian religion gained ground, the use of 

 slaves was in great measure abolished. What comes nearest 

 this custom is to leave such arts chiefly to strangers, who for 

 that purpose should be invited to come in, or at least be 

 easily admitted. The native vulgar should consist of three 

 kinds; viz., husbandmen, free servants, and handicraftsmen, 

 used to the strong masculine arts; such as smithery, ma 

 sonry, carpentry, etc., without including the soldiery. 



But above all, it is most conducive to the greatness of 

 empire, for a nation to profess the skill of arms as its prin 

 cipal glory and most honorable employ; for the things 

 hitherto spoken of are but preparatory to the use of arms; 

 and to what end this preparation, if the thing itself be not 

 reduced to action? Romulus, as the story goes, left it in 

 charge to his people at his death, that of all things they 



