ESS A YS CIVIL AND MORAL, 



towards the afflictions of others, it shows that his heart is like the 

 noble tree that is wounded itself when it gives the balm. If he easily 

 pardons and remits offences, it shows that his mind is planted above 

 injuries, so that he cannot be shot. If he be thankful for small 

 benefits, it shows that he weighs men s minds, and not their trash. 

 But above all, if he have St. Paul s perfection, that he would wish to 

 be an anathema from Christ for the salvation of his brethren, it shows 

 much of a divine nature, and a kind of conformity with Christ himself. 



XIV. OF NOBILITY. 



We will speak of nobility first as a portion of an estate, then as a 

 condition of particular persons. A monarchy, where there is nc 

 nobility at all, is ever a pure and absolute tyranny ; as that of the 

 Turks ; for nobility attempers sovereignty, and draws the eyes of the 

 people somewhat aside from the line royal. But for democracies, 

 they need it not ; and they are commonly more quiet, and less subject 

 to sedition, than where there are stirps of nobles ; for men s eyes are 

 upon the business, and not upon the persons : or if upon the persons, 

 it is for the business sake, as fittest, and not for flags and pedigree. 

 We see the Switzers last well, notwithstanding their diversity of 

 religion, and of cantons ; for utility is their bond, and not respects. 

 The United Provinces of the Low Countries, in their government, 

 excel : for where there is an equality, the consultations are more 

 indifferent, and; the payments and tributes more cheerful. A great 

 and potent nobility addcth majesty to a monarch, but diminisheth 

 power ; and putteth life and spirit into the people, but presseth their 

 fortune. It is well when nobles are not too great for sovereignty, nor 

 for justice ; and yet maintained in that height, as the insolcncy of 

 inferiors may be broken upon them, before it come on too fast 

 upon the majesty of kings. A numerous nobility causeth poverty and 

 inconvenience in a state, for it is a surcharge of cxpcnce ; and besides, 

 it being of necessity that many of the nobility fall in time to be weak 

 in fortune, it makcth a kind of disproportion between honour and 

 means. 



As for nobility in particular persons : it is a reverend thing to sec 

 an ancient castle or building not in decay : or to sec a fair timber tree 

 sound and perfect ; how much more to behold an ancient and noble 

 family, which hath stood against the waves and weathers of time ? for 

 new nobility is .he act of power, but ancient nobility is the act of time. 

 Those that are first raised to nobility, are commonly more virtuousj 

 but less innocent than their descendants; for there is rarely any 

 rising, but by a commixture of good and evil arts : but it is reason 

 the memory of their virtues remain to their posterity, and their faults 

 die with themselves. Nobility of birth commonly abateth industry ; and 

 he that is not industrious envieth him that is. Besides, noble persons 

 cannot go much higher; and he that standeth at a stay, when others 

 rise, can hardly avoid motions of envy. On the other side, nobility 

 extinguished the passive envy from others towards them, because 

 are in possession of honour. Certainly kings that have able men 



