CHAP. III.] SEDENTARY ARTS ENERVATE. 343 



Romans acquired the most extensive empire oil the globe. 

 It was their custom to give a speedy denization, and in thfl 

 highest degree ; that is, not only a right of commerce of 

 marriage and inheritance, but also the right of suffrage, 

 and of candidature for places and honours. k And this not 

 only to particular persons ; but they conferred it upon entire 

 families, cities, and sometimes whole nations at once. Add 

 to this their custom of settling colonies, whereby Roman 

 roots were transplanted in foreign soil. And to consider 

 these two practices together, it might be said, that the 

 Romans did not spread themselves over the globe, but that 

 the globe spread itself over the Romans : 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 Spaniards are very 

 sparing of naturalization, yet they do what comes next to it : 

 promiscuously receive the subjects of all nations into their 

 army ; and even their highest military office is often con 

 ferred upon foreign leaders. Nay, it appears that Spain at 

 length begins to feel their want of natives, and are now 

 endeavouring to supply it. 



It is certain, that the sedentary mechanic arts, practised 

 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 

 universally delight in exemption from work, and dread dan 

 gers less than labour. And in this temper they must be 

 somewhat indulged, if we desire to keep their minds in 

 vigour. It was, therefore, a great advantage to Sparta, 

 Athens, Rome, and other ancient republics, that they had Die 

 use, not of freemen, 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 

 &amp;lt;&amp;gt;f three kinds ; viz., husbandmen, free servants, and 

 * Cic- pro L- C. Bl, 



