OF THE TURKISH MONARCHY. 3 



to check and subdue the first symptoms of rising independence and 

 insurrection. The author of Oceana* considered the pohcy and 

 structure of all absolute monarchies in the East, to be not only con- 

 tained, but meliorated in the Turkish government ; and if we reflect 

 upon the short duration of some of the Asiatic dynasties in Persia and 

 India ; if we consider that China has been four times subject to Tar- 

 tar nations since the tenth century, we have reason to conclude that 

 an empire which has now supported itself nearly five hundred years, 

 has not been placed on weak foundations. While the Turkish 

 Sultans were at the head of their troops, and kept in fear and sub- 

 jection the different provinces, they could enforce and establish 

 their ordinances ; they were ready to protect or punish ; they were 

 rarely disturbed by the struggle of different competitors for power ; 

 the vigoiu" of the armies was not suffered to relax. But a due regard 

 to the extensive concerns and interests of the empire has proved a 

 task too great for the degenerate successors of Selim, Mahomet, and 

 Soliman. The stability of their monarchy depends on an adherence 

 to those principles which first formed, and afterwards maintained it. 

 The military ardour of the people is no longer nursed by fanaticism 

 and enthusiasm ; a decrease of reputation abroad, has been accompa- 

 nied by internal weakness and decay. In proportion to the want of 

 firmness and energy which have characterised the measures of the 

 Divan, its authority has been disregarded, and the governors of 

 various parts of the empire have had time to form their schemes of 

 aggrandisement. While the customary tribute has been delayed by 

 some, under various pretences, others more or less openly, according 

 to the opportunities which present themselves, have disclaimed all 

 allegiance ; whole tracts are wasted in the wars kindled on these occa- 

 sions ; and in the nature and violence of the hostilities we are fre- 

 quently reminded of those which belong to the history of the feudal 

 times in Europe. 



* Art of Lawgiving, 368. 

 B 2 



