240 FABLES. 



title, considering that the success of all the engage- 

 ments you have with the enemy depends chiefly 

 upon my courage and conduct; and you very well 

 know that wars are too expensive to be carried on 

 without large supplies. Then, nodding his head 

 towards the third, that I shall take by virtue of my 

 prerogative, to which I make no question but so 

 dutiful and loyal a people will pay all the deference 

 and regard that I can desire. Now, as for the 

 remaining part, the necessity of our present affairs 

 is so very urgent, our stock so lo\v, and our credit 

 so impaired and weakened, that I must insist upon 

 your granting that without hesitation or demur; 

 and hereof fail not at your peril. 



APPLICATION. 



No alliance is safe which is made with the wick- 

 ed, if they be superior to us in power. The most 

 solemn treaties will be disregarded as soon as they 

 can be broken with advantage. Powerful poten- 

 tates, when they are regardless of moral obligation,, 

 and consider might only to be right, will never 

 want specious pretences to furnish out their decla- 

 rations of war, nor hesitate about inveigling less 

 powerful states to join them, and after subduing 

 the enemy, and seizing upon the spoils, will fall 

 upon their allies on the slightest pretences, or for 

 no better reason but because they are powerful 

 enough to do so. No man ought to be entrusted 

 with unlimited power; and when a community has 

 been stupid enough to put the management of their 

 affairs into such hands, they have ever found their 

 confidence abused, and their property invaded. 



