Life of the Duke 155 



XXVIII 



That the taxes should not be above the riches of 

 the commonwealth, for that must upon necessity 

 breed factions and civil wars, by reason a general 

 poverty united, is far more dangerous than a private 

 purse; for though their wealth be small, yet their 

 unity and combination makes them strong; so that 

 being armed with necessity, they become outragious 

 with despair. 



XXIX 



That heavy taxes upon farmes, mine the nobility 

 and gentry; for if the tenant be poor, the landlord 

 cannot be rich, he having nothing but his rents to 

 live on. 



XXX 



That it is not so much laws and religion, nor 

 rhetorick, that keeps a state or kingdom in order, but 

 armes ; which if they be not imployed to an evil use, 

 keep up the right and priviledges both of Crown, 

 Church and State. 



XXXI 



That no equivocations should be used either in 

 Church or law ; for the one causes several opinions to 

 the disturbance of men's consciences ; the other long 

 and tedious suits, to the disturbance of men's private 

 affairs ; and both to oftentimes mine and impoverish 

 the State. 



XXXII 



That in cases of robberies and murthers, it is better 

 to be severe, then merciful; for the hanging of a few, 

 will save the lives and purses of many. 



