THE ADVICE OF Charles the Fifth, Emperor of GERMANY, AND KING OF SPAIN, To his Son Philip the Second; Upon his Resignation of the Crown of SPAIN to his said Son.  
LONDON, Printed for H. Mortlock, at the Sign of the White Hart in Westminster-Hall. 1670.   

TO THE READER.  
A Long preface to a little book, is a Giants head, on a Pigmy's shoulders: This shall be so short, as not to spend a line in promising brevity. The following discourse really contains Magnum in parvo; being of small bulk, but treating of the greatest Subject, Government: to Authorise it, I name the Author Charles the fifth Emperor of Germany, and King of Spain. That he was a person of as exalted reason as quality; One Argument pertinent to the matter in hand shall serve, instar omnium, that in the height of prosperity, and flourishing in reputation, He resigned his Crowns to enjoy himself.  
That the day after his resignation, was the first of his repentance, will appear to them who weigh the grandeur of his spirit, and actions, a saying of more sharpness than solid truth; and Calculated to the Meridian of their thoughts, who admiring Crowns they never possess, make their passions the measure of other men's Actions; and conclude no man can willingly part with what they so vehemently desire. But the Genius of Charles having attained these altitudes others aspire to, as the Ne plus ultra of humane happiness; quitted them to mount into a higher sphere. The Roman Empire ruined, (as it raised) itself, and having awed all foreign hostilities into subjection, or alliance; Employed against itself, the strength and reputation of its Arms; which had not left in the world an Enemy that deserved the honour, of falling by so vast a Power. Charles the fifth held it Greater Glory to Conquer himself, than the Nations he had subdued: and finding no Antagonist worthy his encounter, like the Roman State, turned his force against himself; but with this difference, that the Romans by Civil War, destroyed their Empire; Charles by conquering himself, in vanquishing those ambitious passions which reign over Kings, and have Emperors their vassals; by retiring from the Throne into an Ermitage, obtained a Crown more Glorious than that he resigned: having divested himself of temporal honours, to fit himself for investiture in Celestial Dignities.  
But admitting that saying as true, as 'tis smart and piquante; and that he quitted his Crowns, for fear of losing them; it derogates not from the authority of his discourse, nor diminishes the reputation of his wisdom. For if he had Cause to fear the loss of his Crowns, it argues greater prudence, by resignation to make an happy Exit in full felicity; than to outlive his happiness, by seeing his Sceptre wrested out of his hand; and the glorious day of his splendid triumphs, ending in the dismal Storms of War with his Son, like a new Phaeton justling his Father out of the throne.  
The Discourse is of Government, but presumes not to instruct our Governors; and thought it may please the humour of the times, where Subjects are more inquisitive into the duties of Sovereigns, than careful to practise their own, readier to learn what Princes ought to do, then to perform what Liegemen are bound to: and like the Scribes and Pharises in Moses seat, study Law and policy, to teach others, not themselves. 'Tis published to do it right, as worthy of public view, and for public advantage; For 'tis with men in society, as with figures in Arithmetic; they receive their value from the place they stand in: but authority thought it enlargeth the influence, doth not change the nature of persons; as the figure that signifies a million, is the same as when it denotes One; the greatest Kingdom, is but a Society made up of individuals, as the greatest numbers are composed of the Digits, and the hugest volumes of the Letters of the Alphabet. The Emperor and his Subjects, being a grand Corporation, as a Major and Commonalty are a lesser, which resolves into that of Masters and Families; and they consist of particular persons, whereof every one is a Corporation in himself; as made up of a mind to govern, and a body to obey. 'Tis a maxim in Philosophy Simplicia Compositis priorca: And the model of Civil Government, was taken from the natural, where the Soul is Sovereign to direct and command; and the affections and members, are subjects to obey and execute. Thus private men are Princes; and have a harder Prevince, than the greatest Sovereigns: for those lusts and passions which are private men's Subjects, have reigned over Sovereigns, and conquered Conquerors, who bridled Nations, and governed the greatest Communities.  
These are advices to Govern a Kingdom; but by the trick of Mutatis Mutandis, what was designed only for John at Noke, may be fitted for John at Styles: and what Charles delivered for a direction to order States, may serve you for instruction to govern yourself.   

THE ADVICE OF Charles the Fifth, Emperor of GERMANY, To his Son Philip the Second, King of Spain: Upon the Resignation of his Hereditary Crowns to his said Son.  
Most dear Son,  
NO Jewels appear so glorious as those that embellish the Crowns of Princes: Sovereignty is the Mistress to which the Greatest Spirits devote their Services; Making the Universe a Theatre of Heroic Actions, to Justify their Title to the Dignity they Affect. This hath made the Regal State an Object of Veneration or Envy to a●l Inferiors; and given cause to Kings to think the Earth a Stage too narrow whereon to display the Beams of their Majesty, and the Prerogatives of that Condition which hath no Equal under the Sun. This hath raised Ambition to that height, that Men trample on all Rights, Civil or Sacred, that obstruct their passage to the Throne: And even divest themselves of Humanity, in offering violence to the Laws of Nature, that they may with more security put on and wear the Royal Purple; sacrificing the Lives of nearest Relations to the Interest of the Crown. Hence it is that the Examples of Quitting Crowns, and Resigning Sceptres, are so rare, that succeeding Ages entertain the Relation thereof as Fancies, rather than Historical Truths. So natural to Man is the thirst of Independent Freedom, that the Quitting of that which all desire to enjoy, seems a Paradox not to be esteemed true in any Case, but Theirs, who by their incapacity to use that Excellent Privilege, are unworthy to enjoy it; or by pretending a Voluntary Resignation, think to palliate their Weakness, and hid their Disability to hold that Sceptre, which if not yielded, would be wrested from them. Like those vain Sophists, who decried Riches, not out of a real Contempt of them, but because they wanted them, and knew not how to gain them.  
The value of Gifts depends much on the Knowledge or Ignorance of the Donor, in proportion to which, it rises and falls: The most magnificent Present from the hand of him that esteems it mean, becomes common, and lays on the Receiver an Obligation not answerable to the intrinsique value of the Gift, but suitable to the Estimat of the Giver, which like the Prince's Stamp, often makes the same Piece Currant, at a higher and lower Rate: A Wedge of Gold bestowed by an American, who thinks Glass more precious, deserves only the small Acknowledgements due for a Present of Glass, not of Gold. What I have said of the Excellency of the Regal State, infers not an Alteration of my declared Resolution to Refign my Diadems to you; but that as you shall receive a Gift of the Greatest Magnitude, it comes from my hand, who perfectly know the transcendent value of what I give. And that you may see your Obligations to me, as my Bounty to you, equally superlative; and read my Excess of Kindness for your Person, and high esteem of your Abilities in the Character of that Love which hath engaged me freely to transfer from myself to you the Supreme Authority, to which the Greatest Persons in past Ages, have aspired with that Ardency, and possessed with that Jealousy, that Sons, Fathers, and Brothers fell Victims to their Passions, for Gaining or Keeping the Throne; though they, if devested of that Sovereign Dignity, would have redeemed with their own, the Lives of their Relations.  
That no Man Resigns the Royal Power, but for Incapacity to manage, or Fear to lose it, will be henceforth listed in the Catalogue of Vulgar Errors, upon the convincing Evidence of my single Instance; who can without Vanity call Europe, Asia, Africa and America, to testify my Ability to sway and keep the Sceptre in my hands; having fixed so many recent Trophies of Conduct and Valour in these parts of the World, that the Antipodes must be searched to find out an Enemy who may dare to attaque that Person, whose Prudence and Prowess have gained him the Honour to be ranked amongst the greatest Heroes.  
Animals arrived at the years of maturity, are naturally inclined to preserve their Species by Propagation, and delight in the Productions of their kind: It is my desire, and will be my greatest pleasure, to see the exercise of these great Politic Virtues conspicuous in my Actions, continued by you; and to behold my Qualities and Dignities, as well as my Person, survive myself in you the Image of my Person, the actual Heir of my Dignities, and emulous Imitator of my Examples.  
The Sun, who in his Meridian— Chariot guilds the World with glorious Beams, equally admirable as profitable to the Universe, withdraws at Night to rest in the Curtains of his beloved Thetis; that Mortals, who prise good things more by Privation than Fruition of them, may be taught by the Darkness that ensues his Retirement, to wish for and receive his morning Light with due Respect: I am now resolved to confine myself to the Privacies of a Religious House, that the sudden Eclipse of a Person whose Influence hath made this Empire and other States to flourish many years, may cause them to fix their Eyes on you, as the Rising Sun; and with full Acclamations promise themselves from your good Government, the continuance of that Happiness they enjoyed under mine: And look upon you, not as Philip the Son of Charles, but as Charles the Fifth, revived like a Phoenix out of his own Ashes, to renew the course of his youthful Triumphs.  
That you may answer their Expectations, before I Resign my Crowns into your hands, I shall give you some Directions which you are to esteem as highly as these Diadems, which have derived their Majestic Lustre on my Head, from the Rules you shall receive, more than from those Orient Diamonds that adorn them.  
'Tis not my Intention to mind you here of those Duties of Piety to God, Temperance, and Magnanimity in your Actions, and Justice to your Subjects; which are the Basis of Thrones, and Pillars of Sovereignty: For that I am satisfied by your Practice, that you have hearty embraced those Excellent Principles of your Education: And that whether you converse with the presennt or past Ages, you cannot want frequent Admonitions by Men or Books, to urge the exercise of those Fundamental Virtues. My Design is, to commend to your Observation some Rules and Maxims which my Experience, as Emperor and King of Spain, hath confirmed useful in the Government of those States I shall Resign into your Hands.  
When you consider the numerous Dominions you are to succeed in, in Spain, Flanders, Italy and Germany; with the different Constitutions and Inclinations of the People, the variety of their Laws and Politic Interests, you will presently conclude, That great Governments are great Burdens; and the Prerogatives you enjoy above other Princes, are but Intimations and Marks of greater Cares and weightier Duties incumbent on you. The Cares of a Pilot are circumscribed within the narrow Compass of the Ship he guides; but those of an Admiral extend to the whole Fleet: The vigilance of other Princes, like the single States they Rule, is short and narrow; yours must be proportionable to your Dominions, dilated from East to West, and reach even to a New World. But that you may not be discouraged at the Troubles that attend your Greatness, Remember that as your Government is more Weighty and Large, so will your Glory be; which will run parallel with your Cares, and make you Renowned in those Remote Regions where the Names of other Princes are never heard of.  
To advise a Great Prince to be content with the Dominions he is born to, may seem absurd to them who judge Contentment a private Virtue only, and extol an Insatiable Ambition as the greatest Glory of a King. But those Rules of Justice that prohibit Injuries between private Men, do so much the more oblige Princes not to violate the Rights of their weaker Neighbours, as the Consequences of their Actions are more generally fatal, involving not Families only, but Nations in Common Ruin; And as Princes, who are the Fountains, ought also to be the Examples of Justice to other Men. Besides, I look on the Empire as swelled to that Bulk, that to add to it, were to cram meat into a full Stomach, which will not nourish the Body, but oppress the Concoctive Faculty, and render it incapable to digest the Aliment it had received before. Sure I am, it will be more acceptable with God, and pleasing to men, for you to preserve the Grandeur of your Estates by good Government, than by a wild Ambition of New Conquests, to hazard your Hereditary Crowns.  
The Life of a Prince is like the Body of the Sun, which draws the Eyes of all Mortals towards him, and is as conspicuous as the Rays of Light: To think the bad Actions of a Prince can escape discovery, is to believe the Sunbeams invisible. 'Tis beneath your Dignity to do any thing that may fear the Censure, or not abide the Test of the whole World. And when you reflect upon the Jurisdiction of Princes, that it extends only to the Hands and Tongues, but reaches not the Thoughts and Conceptions of their Subjects, which are exempt from Earthly Powers, and triable in that Court only where the Gods of the Earth stand at the Bar to account for their Actions, it will appear that though the bad Actions of a Prince may escape the Lash of his Subjects Tongues, and the violence of Revenge, they will be certainly Arraigned, Sentenced, and Condemned in their private Thoughts, which fear not the Rigour of Humane Laws, nor the Treacherous Malice of Informers. And the Sentences pronounced there, will be readily executed, when a fit occasion promises Indemnity; and with so much the more eagerness and virulency as their former fear to express their Grievances was great: Like hidden Fires, that burst forth in more violent Eruptions. The end of this Discourse, is, to persuade you to such a Comportment as becomes your Dignity, and may satisfy your People that they are happy under your Conduct, by the Protection and Security they receive from your Care and Vigilance, in recompense of those Duties of Subjection and Obedience they pay you. This will beget an entire Confidence on their part in your Prudence and Goodness, and establish your Throne in the Hearts and Affections of your People. And though it be much controverted whether Princes are more secure in the Love or Fear of their People, I commend it to you as my sense, That the security of Government depends more on the Love than Fear of the Subject: And take it as my Advice to choose the way of sweetness and Clemency to make your Throne durable, rather than that of Violence and Rigour, to render yourself more absolute; but withal to entail the hatred of the People on your Posterity. How fatal it hath been to Princes to press their People with excessive severities, appears by those Examples, where the Tyranny of the Old, forceth the People to entertain thoughts of New Masters; who are never wanting to invite them to Disloyalty, by Promises of Ease and better Usage: And the People, willing to believe what they passionately wish, are easily persuaded to change that Condition than which they think none can be worse.  
It is a vain Opinion, That the Security of Governors consists in the Poverty or Slavery of their People, whom you must divest of Humanity, before you can render them senseless of those Pressures and Miseries that attend a needy and servile Condition; nor is it possible for men under Pressures and Miseries, not to desire Ease and Happiness. And how frequent opportunities a Politic Body may have to attain their desires in this kind, is sufficiently illustrated by the hatred that attends Tyranny, the natural itch of Innovation, and Subtleties of Ambitious Men, who never fail to improve all occasions to raise their Fortunes on the Ruins of their Superiors.  
It is the happiness of Princes, that the things which naturally procure the Love of the People, are also most worthy the practice of the Prince: And that it is their Interest to exercise those Virtues which they are obliged to embrace for their Native Beauty and Excellency, though Naked and Destitute of Foreign Advantages. What can more become a Prince, than the Religious observance of Faith, Continence, and Justice? And what can more endear him in the Affections of his People, than the practice of these Virtues, which will infallibly beget an entire Confidence in his Goodness, a hearty Kindness and Love for his Government, and a sincere Veneration and Reverend Regard for his Person and State: Faith in your proceed, and keeping your Word, will gain Credit to your Promises at home and abroad; and the respects due to a Generous and Noble Prince, whose Word hath some resemblance with that of God, which never deceives them that rely on it. Continence will make your Person venerable; and besides the influence of your good Example will convince your People of the excellency of your Virtue, who being above the power of Law, are a Law to yourself; and by a voluntary Election and generous Inclination to Goodness, can keep within due bounds that unruly Passion which hath left a stain on the Names of the greatest Monarches, and the Severity of Laws and Rigour of Punishments cannot regulate in meaner men; whom you can then freely reprove of those Vices, which if guilty yourself, you could not without Blushing rebuke in others. Your Justice will fill your Dominions with Men of Worth and Merit, who seeing the Way to Honours and Preferments open only through the Temple of Virtue, will become Votaries to Goodness, that they may receive from your Justice the Rewards due to excellent Actions, and escape those Punishments and Disgraces your just Severity inflicts on Vice and Wickedness. These Virtues will implant in your Subjects Minds such Esteem for your Person, and Opinion of your Goodness, that when any miscarriage in Government happens by Injustice, or otherwise, they will impute it to the failings of your Ministers; Judging it as impossible for you to deviate from your Justice and Goodness, as the Sun to vary his constant Course.  
The Affairs of Princes are divided between Peace and War, which have their particular Ways and distinct Rules of Management, and afford Occasions for the Exercise of different Virtues: It is the prudence of a Prince to make the one subservient to the other; and in the Sunshine of Peace to provide for the Storms of War, which is a time of Expense, as the other is of Gain: Both have proper and peculiar Arts, wherein the dexterity of a Prince is much seen, in using both to best advantage. And as the best end of War, is Peace; so a wise Prince in the Securities of a deep Peace, hath War in prospect.  
The certain Charge that attends the Conduct of great States, is so vast, and the Emergencies that may require extraordinary Expense, so frequent and various, that Frugality and good Husbandry justly claim an honourable place in the Choir of Royal Virtues, it being impossible to act those great things that become a Prince, and make Thrones Renowned, without a stock of money to supply their Occasions; the provision whereof, as it denominates a Prince frugal and prudent, so it strikes terror into his Enemies, procures respect from his Allies, reverencee from his Subjects, and lies in readiness to serve his Glory: Whereas Contempt is the inseparable Companion of Poverty, though sitting in a Throne, and adorned with a Diadem.  
The first step to make yourself rich, is to make your People so; and that your Treasure may be full, endeavour that theirs may abound and overflow. Let it be your principal care to secure their Traffic, and protect them in their Commerce. This, besides the advantage of your Exchequer by your Customs, will win you the Affections of your People, whom nothing pleaseth more than the increase of Wealth, which makes them esteem him the best Prince under whom they thrive most. The improvement of their Estates is a sensible benefit and effect of your Protection, and an Argument so convincing and demonstrative of good Government, that they yield a voluntary and cheerful obedience to that Regiment from which they derive such real and palpable advantages; and will esteem it a Privilege, not a Burden, to obey. When you are thus become Master of their hearts, you may at a pinch command their Purses, who cannot but hold themselves obliged in good Nature and Interest, to part with a pittance to supply his Necessities, to whose Care and Protection they own their Abundance; and may expect an increase of their store, by the Continuance of his Favour, as their denial may incline him by remissness and neglect of their Concerns, to expose what they profess to hazard and danger; and dash all hopes of future improvement.  
It will be a singular means to gain Esteem and Love from your People, if you make Provision of Necessaries against times of Dearth; And by affording them at reasonable Rates for Relief of their Wants, it will appear to them that you prefer public Satisfaction before your private Benefit: And the Reputation of your prudent Foresight and Care for their Good, will implant in them a solid Love for your Person, and Esteem for your Conduct, than which nothing can be of more advantage in the Course of your Affairs. No Benefits leave so deep impressions as those that come seasonably for Relief of Necessities; which being a clear Evidence of your Love to your Subjects, will beget a reciprocal Love from them. 'Tis vain to think a Grieved People can be Courted to forget their Miseries by Sports and Pastimes, or fooled out of the memory of their Sufferings, into Affection to their Oppressors, by Shows and Spectacles, which may for a moment please the fancy; but work not any other Effects than merely superficial, as light and empty, as vain and transitory, as their Causes: The Bonds of Policy are real and ponderous, and Subjection a serious thing, which affects so deeply the Hearts of Men, that nothing but the sensible Effects of a viligant Protection, derived to them by solid Advantages from their superiors, can make them love those Chains which Nature abhors.  
And since the Necessities of State may often force you to press your People to extraordinary Supplies, by Taxes and Impositions; you are to consider that the power of a Prince depends upon his People's Conformity to his Directions, and uniform assent to serve and honour him. And inasmuch as nothing touches them more nearly in their Estates and Fortunes (the Blood of the People) than the Exaction of New Aids, that Golden Mean which is the best Rule of Humane Actions, is to be observed accurately in these Affairs: And you are to take special heed not to strain the strings of your Power too high, to prevent those Jars and Discords that usually disorder the whole harmony of Government on these occasions. And though in this advice I may seem to contradict my own practice, having often burdened my People with Taxes and Impositions; I have this to justify my Assertions, that I never took that Course, but forced by indispensable necessities of my Wars, nor made use of it but against my Will; and that I never had encouragement from the effects it wrought in my People's Hearts to reiterate the practice.  
To give you some Directions in a matter of so great moment; I observe that Moneys are drawn by Princes from their Subjects two ways, voluntary and compulsive: I call that voluntary, when the Subject does, as by Contract, receive quid pro quo from his Sovereign, in some particular Benefit, for the Money he pays; as in the sale of Offices, farming of Lands, etc. Compulsive, when no particular recompense is made by the Prince for what he receives, and the Subjects Money exacted from him: for though in truth, when Taxes and Impositions are raised to serve Public Necessities, and employed accordingly, the Prince is but the People's Steward, to dispose of their Aids for their benefit, wherein they receive the recompense of their Supplies: Yet these Benefits being commonly remote, general, and diffusive, pass as it were invisible and unperceived, by the particular Members of the Body politic, who are little affected with any Advantage, but what sensibly accrues to them in their private Concerns. This is the reason why this later seems so harsh, and the other pleasant to the People; and may incline you to use this, rather than that. The Court of Rome may encourage all Princes studious of their profit, to establish the sale of Offices, as a great Help to fill their Treasures; which is clearly proved by the experience of the Papacy: for be the Church never so poor in the Vacancy of the See, the succeeding Pope never fails to furnish himself abundantly in the very entrance of his reign by this single means of the sale of Offices.  
That other way of Supply by Taxes and Impositions, is not so odious, but by dextrous management, discreet Officers, and precedents of other Countries under heavier Burdens, it may be practised without inconvenience. But it will concern the Prince by easy Access, kind Reception, satisfactory Answers, and obliging Carriage, and by making out the Necessities that occasion this Grievance, to sweeten the Affections of the people into a Belief that he hath not taken this course willingly, but compelled by urgent Occurrents of State, and for the defence or other advantage of his Subjects. And in levying these Impositions, whether temporary or perpetual, have a watchful Eye on your Officers, lest by Exactions and Violences they add to the People's miseries, and render them less able to furnish you another time.  
Never impose high Customs on those things which are imported or exported to serve the Necessities of the place; for in that case the moderate Custom makes the greater vent, and proves more advantageous than heavy Impositions, which discourage Trade, and not only deprive the place of Necessaries for subsistence, but stop the sale of those Superfluities it can spare, by the thin resort of foreign Merchants, where Great Customs devour the Gains of those that Traffic. To impose high Customs on foreign Superfluities imported, is not only just, in making them that affect those Novelties pay dear for their Fancies, but in deterring others from the vanity of expending on those Trifles the Moneys that may be otherwise better employed.  
Allow convenient time for payment of your Taxes, and let them be gathered by ordinary Officers, not new Commissioners, whose violence commonly exasperates the people to the danger of the State. In a word, choose rather to pawn or sell part of your Revenue to supply your Occasions, than by increasing the people's Burdens, to force them to a desire of Change. And when Necessity leaves no other way open, consider the nature of the places you Tax, what they can best furnish you withal; as Spain, with Money; Germany, Men; Italy, both Money and Men. Sometimes ingratiate yourself with the people by a voluntary Remission of part of the Assessments; and let all matters of Grace flow to them immediately from yourself, and refer to your Ministers what is harsh and odious. Above all, see that what is so dearly purchased with the people's groans and your danger, be brought to your Purse, and not diverted to the private profit of your Officers. Keep Credit with the Merchants, protect them in their Trade, and secure their Commerce; especially those of Genoa, whose Loans you will find useful in many Emergencies, which may require quicker supplies than can be raised by the ordinary ways of Tax and Impositions.  
The absolute necessity of an able Council, is evidently gathered from the impossibility of dispatching the Affairs of State, by a single person, though of prodigious Abilities: And that several Princes of dissolute Lives, and weak Capacities, have reigned with honour to the State, and to the satisfaction of their people, merely by the prudence and faithfulness of their Ministers; to whom the greatest Princes own most of their Glory, as the Atlas' of their Government, on whose shoulders they are triumphantly carried through the Difficulties of Policy, into the Temples of Immortal Honour.  
Your Wisdom cannot appear in any thing more, than in the choice of fit persons to serve you in your weighty Affairs, by Counsel and Execution. And the better to guide your Election, think no man worthy employment under you, but such whose Wisdom enables them to discharge their Trust to best advantage, and secure them from those Inconveniencies wherein men are involved by Ignorance and Imprudence. And lest passion or interest should incline them to employ their Talents to your prejudice; and study their own, more than your Interest and Honour: Your next care must be, That their Wisdom be attended with a generous Faithfulness to discharge their Trust, entire Love for your Person, and a virtuous Disposition, without which, it will be impossible to give the people satisfaction, when the scandalous Lives of your Ministers shall give them cause to suspect all their Actions, and to presage nothing but Ruin to the State from their Conduct who cannot govern themselves. 'tis an excellent Secret, and one of the prime Mysteries in the Art of Government, for a Prince incapable to manage Affairs of State, to cover his Defects by employing men of Excellent Abilities, well-disposed, and faithful to his Crown. The Glory of their Actions redounds to the Prince; and the people, never curious to inquire from what hand they receive their Happiness, rest so well satified with the Effect, that they care not to pry into the Cause, but applaud him an Excellent Prince, under whom they enjoy peace and plenty, though perhaps he contributes little to the Felicity they live in.  
The Advantages of Honour and Profit that attend the service of Princes, attract multitudes to seek and press for employment; but you are to remember that most of these men come to serve their ambitious and covetous Humours, not the Interest and Honour of the State. But as I will not condemn all that catch at employment, and offer their services, so I advise you to think your best diligence well laid out, to find men in all places of your Dominions, fit to serve you; and having found them, to esteem your Treasures of Wealth and Honour never better expended than in encouraging such men by ample Rewards, and obliging them more strictly to your person and interest: The rather, for that the World affords numbers of excellent persons, who in private Fortunes have princely Spirits, elevated to that pitch, that they admire not Riches or Honours, but prefer the Liberty of an obscure Retirement, before the splendid Servitude of high Employments. Yet these men, when drawn forth to appear on the Theatre of State, have acted their parts with singular Dexterity, incomparable Integrity, and admired Courage. And settle it for a Maxim, That in matters of importance, a prudent and courageous Counsellor may promote your designs by his sound Advice, more than Legions of Soldiers, and whole Mountains of Treasure. And you may observe that the greatest Princes in all Ages have made choice of, and been served by the ablest Ministers; whereof Caesar, the greatest Prince in my Judgement, for Peace and War, that ever appeared on the Stage of the World, is a sufficient Instance; No Age having produced a Prince equal to him, or a Prince's Ministers comparable to those he employed. The Reason is obvious, Like will to like: And a gallant Prince presently discovers the Weakness of a Minister, and slights him; as a weak Prince comprehends not the Excellencies, and therefore seldom uses the Service of an able Officer.  
'Tis useful and necessary to observe the Genius of your Officers, and fit them with Employments suitable to their Inclinations and particular Excellencies: For a Minister who may perform Excellent Services to your Crown in Spain, if employed in Italy may prejudice your Affairs there, which are to be carried on with other Maxims, and managed by persons of tempers different from your Spanish Ministers. In the choice of Generals and Captains of Armies, this Rule is of singular benefit, which may appear by that eminent Example of Hannibal, inferior to none in Conduct or Success in Land-Wars, but most unhappy in Naval Engagements: So rare a thing is a man absolutely wise, that can at all times, in all places, and on all occasions, merit the praise of a dextrous Minister.  
Lest the date of your Happiness expire with the Lives of your able Counsellors, fail not to train up others for your service, in the life-time and under the tuition of your greatest Ministers, to be a Nursery of gallant persons, whose eminent Abilities and worthy Actions, may perpetuate the Felicity of your Estates. Take the Romans for your Example, who to prevent the Inconvenience might ensue the leaving the stress of their great Affairs, to rely and depend on the Life of a single person, in all their Armies made provision of several able Commanders assigned to succeed in the Office of General, in case of misadventure to the person actually officiating the Chief Charge.  
Never hazard matters of Importance in a time of danger, upon their management, who were never employed in Affairs of equal weight: In which Cases you are to prefer the experience of your Ancient, before the Humours of your younger Counsellors.  
'Tis a common Observation that young men are generally bold and credulous, as old men fearful and suspicious; therefore in the choice of Counsellors, respect chief the middle Age, as a mean between those Extremes: But rely most on their Advice, who have given proof of their sufficiency in dangerous occasions, and are grown grey with the Cares of Government; whose Experience may tune the dissonant Humours of jarring Councils to a perfect Harmony: But think not I exclude young or old men from your Councils, for the Common Observation like General Rules hath its exceptions in many Instances of young men of ripe Understandings, and old ones of flourishing Wits and warm Courage. I rather commend to your imitation that Roman Medley where the heat of young men was tempered by the cool and stayed prudence of gray-heads, and the quintessence of both concurred in men of middle Age, who partaking of the vigorous Heat of the former, and sober Wisdom of the latter, were excellent both for Counsel and Execution, and together made up the Body of a Roman Senate.  
The Ancient Greeks, in four famous Examples, have intimated to us four special means to attain Wisdom.  
The first by Experience: Expressed in the Story of Agamemnon and Menelaus, represented as persons grown wise by variety of Business, and Observations gathered out of frequent Audiences, Treaties, and Consultations.  
The second is by Histories and Memories, which in small Volumes comprehending the Transactions of many Ages, afford Instructions useful in Occurrences of the present Times, and furnish the Reader with Examples of all sorts, discovering not only the miscarriages of former Times, but the Causes of them; and showing those Rocks on which unskilful Pilots have split the Ship of State, direct the diligent Observer to steer his Course into a safe Port. This we have figured in Solon and Socrates.  
The third by Travel into foreign countries' to mark the variety of Laws, of Policy, which may be useful in Occurrences at home, represented in Ulysses.  
The fourth in Nestor, by long Life, where one Lesson learned yearly, swells at last to a System of Wisdom. When all these concur in one person, they make his person reverend, and his Counsels Oracles.  
Nor will it be unsafe to rely on their Advice, who have joined Historical to Experimental Wisdom: And though the length of time supposed necessary to attain these several sorts of Wisdom, seem to exclude young men from being Masters of any of them, yet a young Prince may soon attain them all, by frequent converse by the Eminent in every kind, and discreet use of their Counsels.  
The second qualification of a Minister, is, That he be a Good Man: Where the exquisite Arts of Hypocrisy, those invisible Deceits and Labyrinths in the hearts of Men, have made it almost impossible to pronounce a right Sentence without long and accurate Observation of their Actions: for Actions may be good in Substance and Effect, yet not denominate the Agent a Good Man, because they may be done with a bad intent, or ill designs, or by accident, or may proceed from a wavering mind, not out of Love to Virtue, but to serve its Interest, or gratify itself with more ease and security in some corrupt Lust, or vicious Practice; to promote which, the same person will by and by act things quite contrary to the good now done. He only deserves the Title of a Good Man, who having well weighed the Pleasures and Profits that court men to Vice, makes a deliberate Election, and gives the preference to Virtuous Courses, being satisfied he hath an absolute Obligation to Truth and Goodness, devested of all Secular advantages: Acts well, out of a Generous Principle, That 'tis his Duty to do so, and improves this Principle by constant Practice into an habitual Goodness: This is that fixed  Man, that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, who must cease to be, before he can deviate from the Rules of Virtue. Prefer this qualification in your Minister, before Riches, Favour, and all the Goods of Fortune; which if they want, let them be furnished by you, in reward of their Services; the rather, for that the meaner his Fortune was whom your Bounty exalts, the stronger will the Obligation be, and his gratitude greater. That favour is most acceptable, which is proper and agreeable to the humour of him on whom it is bestowed: Therefore you are to dispense your Bounties in Honours, Profits, and Pleasures, as most suitable to their various Inclinations. And let not your Favourites or Officers deprive you of any part of that Gratitude which is due to your Bounty, which they will certainly do, if your favours flow not immediately from yourself, but are got upon their motion and entreaty, or conferred by their hands.  
Scorn to be so much your Favourites or Domestics Servant, as to confine yourself always to their Advice in what concerns your Family or Person, but use your Liberty to take Counsel, where your Reason suggests the best may be had; and prefer the Considerations of Wisdom and Virtue, not only to those of Riches and Honour, but the nearest Relations of Domestics, or Favourites, not commended by the same qualities to your special respect.  
Cherish Emulation in your Ministers, by giving assured Hopes of Nobler Rewards to the better desert, but take heed this Emulation between them proceed not to Jealousy, and perpetual Dislikes, as very prejudicial to your service in the Clashing of their Counsels and Actions, and in the envy that attends the Preferment of the most Meritorious, which involves the Inferior in perpetual Discontents, and engages him to levelly all his Designs more to cross and lessen the others Authority, and traduce his Services, than to promote your Interest.  
'Tis a common Error in Princes of great Parts not to consult with, or to neglect the Advice of their ablest Ministers, lest these should claim a share in the Glory of their Actions, and rob them of part of that Honour which they would entirely enjoy: For since the Advice of Counsellors depends so much on the Resolution of the Prince, what reason is there, but that the Prince may justly assume the entire Glory of the Action, though proceeding from his Minister's Advice; which, if not actuated by the Prince, had remained a formless imperfect Embryon, without Beauty or Efficacy? As the Architect carries the Honour of the Edifice, though the Model was framed with the Advice of a Labourer. Besides, you may make great advantage of sounding the opinion of your Counsellors, without imparting to them the Secret of your Designs.  
What is said of Counsellors, will be of use in your choice of Governors of Provinces, Towns, and Places of strength. I will add only this, That I hold it most secure for the Prince to grant such Offices for some short time only, to prevent the danger of making Parties, and carrying on disloyal Designs; which the Opportunities of a long continuance in Office may tempt ambitious Spirits to. Nor can frequent Changes of this kind displease the People, who are naturally addicted to Novelty, and apt to nauseate things accustomed, though never so Good.  
Easy Access, and free Audience, are great Obligations to the Commons; especially when you apply Remedies to the Grievances they complain of; and by the same means you will gain great Knowledge and Experience in business, and an insight into a thousand Designs, which otherwise you had never heard of.  
The like, and many other good effects will attend the Progresses you are to make into the several parts of your Dominions; but take heed the frequency of them render them not contemptible, nor the Charge burdensome to your Subjects. As they must not be too long intermitted, lest hope of impunity move your Deputies and Magistrates to oppress the People, and their hopes of Relief from the presence of their Prince, be extinguished.  
Receive Petitions courteously, hear patiently, express Compassions to those in misery, and endeavour that none may departed unsatisfied from your presence. See that the Power of Great Ones weigh not down the Right of the Poor. And in giving of Judgement, respect not for the time, the good or ill report of the Persons, but the merits of the Cause. Confer Offices of Judicature on Persons of Learning and Integrity. And to engage them to discharge their Duties well, give them cause to believe that the first step to higher Dignities, is to behave themselves well in the lower.  
Conscience and Charity oblige to a special regard of Churches, Orphans, Widows, Prisoners, Captives, and all Persons in misery and necessity; fail not to relieve them with expedition in their Causes. And settle it in your mind as an undoubted Truth, That God, who judges all without respect of Persons, hath declared himself propense and ready to hear the Cries of the Distressed, and will certainly punish those Kings and States, where such Causes are slighted, or sacrificed to Power or Affection: Which I could clear to you by Examples in the compass of my Experience; but that your Piety and Tenderness of Conscience make it superfluous to add more on this point.  
The like expedition is to be used in the Causes of Merchants and other men, who lose more by spending time in attending the tedious and chargeable formality of Courts, than the matters in difference amount to in value.  
Dispatch in person what Causes you can, the rest refer to your Officers; to whom you are for expedition to assign severally their proper Tasks.  
In capital matters, temper Severity with Lenity, and incline rather to absolve a suspected Criminal, than condemn an Innocent Person, but let not your Lenity be so excessive, as to encourage Offenders. Weigh seriously the circumstances of Persons, Times, and Places; and hold not yourself so obliged to the strict observance of the dead Letters of your Laws, but that on just grounds you may dispense with the Rigour of those punishments they inflict. Frame your Proceed by the Lesbian Rule, pliable to the variety of Circumstances; for then only the people have just cause to complain that Justice is not equally administered against Criminals, when they see the same Crime in several persons unequally punished, but cannot discern any Reason of the diversity.  
However, have such respect to the majesty of your Laws, that the power of Dispensation may remain in yourself incommunicable to any, but by special Commission on weighty Occurrences: And in these Cases, Governors of States are the best Judges to moderate Laws, who see those Reasons to incline them, which pass the Knowledge, and exceed the Capacity of ordinary Advocates: But be sure this moderation arise out of a Right in Equity, not Error in Affection.  
Let no Service done you pass unrewarded; at least in good words, which may beget an expectation of real Benefit, when time serves. Be not curious to inquire into the private Actions of your Subjects, but let it satisfy you that they live conformable to your Laws, without scandal and manifest offence to the majesty of your Government. Leave secret faults to his Judgement who searches the heart, and sees all things: What reason is there our hands should execute, where the Eye cannot pierce. Beware of prejudicated Opinions, and ever reserve an Ear for the other side in matters of complaint: Encourage not undue Practices by too much Facility, nor discourage just Addresses by a Rigour that may preclude all expectation of Reason from you of your proceed.  
Never pass sentence in Choler, or any other perturbation, lest you give just Cause, as Philip of Macedon, of Appeal from yourself, blinded with Passion, to yourself seeing with the Eye of Reason.  
Let the Guards of your Person be so kept about you, that it may appear done more to set forth the majesty of Government, than out of any necessity to secure your Life.  
To use Princely Garments sometimes, begets Reverence for your Person, and strikes Awe into the Multitude; but generally to wear a plain Habit fitted to the Mode of the Country, procures much love; the Subject being much pleased to observe in their Prince a careless contempt of those Compliments in which others vainly place their principal felicity: Observe the like Rule in your Diet; neither incurring hatred from the people by Excess and Profuseness; nor Contempt, by sinking too near the condition of a Subject.  
To conclude this point, the time of Peace is most fit for adorning Cities, repairing Highways and Bridges, making Rivers Navigable, building Churches, Hospitals, Guild-Halls, reforming Abuses in Religion, visiting Universities, Colleges, and Courts of Justice, Education of Orphans, Marriage of poor Maids, Redemption of Prisoners, and other Works of public Benefit, which will oblige the People to Love and Thankfulness, remain Monuments to Posterity of your Goodness, and happy Reign, and crown you with Eternal Glory.  
As the Tempests and Storms of blustering Winter, do by natural Revolution succeed the serene and calm Summer Season; So the tranquillity of the securest Peace, does by the Politic Vicissitude and Circulation of Affairs, end in the Troubles of War, by a necessity immutable as the Laws of Nature. But my present Business is not to demonstrate the Truth of this Sepeculation, but to direct your Conduct in Military Business, by Rules approved by my long experience in several Wars of greatest importance.  
The Skill of a Pilot is not seen in the Halcyon Days of fair Wether, when a rude Seaman in a Cockboat can lead a Dance for a whole Fleet to sport securely on the smiling Ocean; but when the angry Marine Gods in a scornful defiance, swelling their huge Waves unto the Clouds, threaten to throw back those Waters into the face of Jove, which he had showered down to make a disdained Addition to the liquid Element. The Ship of State is easily guided in Times of Peace, when all Discontents are hushed into an entire Obedience to the Laws, and no Disturbance nor Contention appears, but what arises out of men's Emulation to conform to their Prince's Wills: To steer an even and steady Course to your desired Port, through the Audacious Tumults of Popular Insurrections confronting your Authority, the violences of Foreign Enemies, who attaque your Power; as it will try your Prudence and Courage, so it is always attended with the Glory due to an excellent Conduct, and will crown your Head with the Immortal Laurels of a Triumphant Conqueror.  
Directions are so much the more necessary for the Affairs of War, than Peace, as the accidents of War are more various and unexpected, the Conduct thereof more uncertain, and subject to alteration on all sudden Occurrences; and the Errors irrecoverable, or not to be redeemed without much Damage and Inconvenience: Nor can a Prince give better proof of his Virtue and Goodness, than by Moderation in time of War, when Custom seems to tolerate, and Power tempts him to all licentiousness, when Ambition prompts him to break through the Spider Web of Legal Bonds, and scorn any Rule of his Desires or Actions, but the Dictates of his Will; And his Sword promises security against the weak opposition of the tame Arts and unarmed Rights of Peace.  
As the Majesty of your Empire will certainly expose you to the Envy of Christian States, the Jealousy of the Turk, and the Enmity of both; So it will render War a matter not of Conveniency only, to purge your Dominions of those superfluous humours that may molest, and corrupt Members which may destroy so great a Body, but of absolute necessity for your Interest, that you may never be unprovided of powerful Forces and expert Commanders, to serve your designs of enlarging your Empire, and to secure you against all Attempts os Foreign Power, and rebellious Subjects, to which so great and divided a Dominion as yours, is as subject by the various Humours, Inclinations, and Interests of its Members, and the busy Arts of your Neighbours, as the Region of the Air to storms and tempests, by the bustling violences of Winds and Vapours. Besides, there is just cause to fear that the disuse of Arms, will no less weaken and corrupt the Body Politic, than want of motion the Elemental Substances: And it will be very difficult to bring them back to endure patiently the Hardships of War, who have drunk deep of the delicious Nectar of Ease and Rest, and enjoyed the soft Pleasures of Peace, or to keep them within the Bounds of Civil Laws, who have been long used to the Licentiousness of War: For as Martial Discipline seems too rigid and severe to those, so the Experience of several great Monarchies hath confirmed, that the Threats of Humane Edicts cannot deter them from pursuing their Lusts in despite of Laws, the first Principle of whose Profession, is, Not to fear; and whose Conversation with Death the King of Terrors, hath made the Loss of Life so familiar and contemptible, that like them who by constant use of Poisons, have exempted themselves from the fatal effects thereof; Those Capital Punishments which appear to others as Bug-bears to fright them from transgressing the Limits of their Duties, have no operation on their tougher Constitutions, who having often exposed their Lives to utmost perils, merely to serve the interests of their Leader, will not scruple to hazard them to please themselves.  
The Jealousy of his Equals, the emulous ambition of his potent Officers, and the suspicious Capricchio's of inferior Subjects, oblige a Prince to be always on his Guard with his Sword in Hand, to prevent those Injuries which unprovided Security will invite them to offer him. And to complete your Glory in matters of War, five things are chief requisite; Armies, Forts, Garrisons, Provisions, and Knowledge of the Nature of Places, and Humours of the Inhabitants.  
It was the Custom of the Romans in the height of their Power, and is now the Turkish Custom to bring prodigious numbers of men into the field: but the great Victories the Romans obtained before with small numbers against vast multitudes of the barbarous Nations, And the Conquest of Asia by those few Troops which made up Alexander's Army, do clearly demonstrate that huge Bodies of Armed men are more for show than service; more fit for ostentation, as Marks of Power, than requisite to bring Erterprises to effect; which they obstruct more by their confused multitudes, than they promote by their seeming strength; Experience having taught us, That the greater part were Spectators only, not Actors in the Battle. This hath induced me to concur with the Modern Captains in their opinion, That thirty thousand Foot and four thousand Horse, or thereabouts, may stand for a complete Army, without Excess or Defect, as a Number requisite to serve the Designs of a Prince, and sufficient for the greatest Undertake, easier disciplined, paid, and provided for, than greater Bodies, most agreeable to the Modern Art of War. And as the Victories obtained by such reasonable Forces are more honourable, so in truth 'tis rare to see a place so free from Ditches, Rivers, Woods, Lakes, Mountains, and other Impediments, as to be capable of a greater Number in Battle Array.  
Besides, We see that the Turk lays the stress of his Battles, and builds the Glory of his Victories, not on those infinite multitudes which swell his Camp, but on the Valour and Experience of those few Regiments of Janissaries that attend him, as Caesar placed more confidence in his tenth Legion than in all the rest of his Army, though the far greater Number and no mean Soldiers. And as Caesar notwithstanding the detriment by Battle and other Accidents, did by constant supplies preserve that Legion always entire, so must a Prince take care by new forces to make up the number of those Companies which the fate of War, the necessity of Garrisons, or other Occasions, shall withdraw from his Army, which must be maintained in the full number we have prescribed. And supplies of new men may be rationally thought to increase the Gallantry of an Army, in that their want of experience makes them run more boldly into those dangers which the tried Soldier cunningly declines, or meets with caution.  
Next the proportion of your Army, the Discipline of your Camp claims your diligence: And herein be sure to establish such Rules that the Principles of Religion and Justice, may flourish there, that your Soldiers may pay the Duty they own to God, who is Lord of Hosts, and to themselves in a virtuous and honest Life, which must be attended with obedience and due respect to their General and all subordinate Officers: To effect this, encourage the Dutiful by Rewards and Honours, and punish the Stubborn and Contumacious by Disgraces and Rigorous Corrections. Stifle Mutinies in the Birth by sharp Executions, as the best means to make impressions in Soldiers hearts, whom Rhetoric makes more insolent. Soldiers, as other men, have times of leisure and vacation from the Exercises of the Camp; therefore to prevent the entrance of Sloth and Idleness, 'tis the General's part to invent such Divertisements as may by constant employment secure them from those Vices, and withal render Military Engagements more familiar, and so less formidable to them. The duty of a Soldier is to obey willingly, and execute readily the Commands of his Officer: And that of a Commander is to act with Courage, Discretion, and Faithfulness, to win them to a prompt obedience by Good Words, (as Caesar called them Fellow-soldiers) and by care of their Persons, Relations, Credit, and Interest, which will oblige them upon occasion to humble Acknowledgements and real Gratitude.  
When you have thus settled the proportion and Discipline of your Army, you cannot rationally presume of success in your erterprises, without good Rules and Orders for fight; which though they vary in this of War, as in other Arts, according to the different circumstances of Action; yet Maxims grounded on Reason and Experience will fit a man to use all occasions to best advantage: I have often observed a great disorder in the Modern Discipline, and had an earnest desire to redress it, which will appear to you by my large Collection of Notes to that purpose; but could never obtain leisure from my Great Employments to perfect my Design, which may deserve the Pains of so great a Prince as you to complete: The disorder is, That our Battles and Squadrons are marshaled in a direct Line, every particular Man, and the Ranks in general standing directly behind one another; so that 'tis impossible for the first to retreat without disturbance to the next Ranks: And thus the full strength and effect of the Army, depends on the three or four first Ranks of the Battle. My design was, to find out a method whereby the first Rank being forced to retire might not bear upon the second, nor the second upon the third; but that the hinder Ranks might without disorder or disturbance readily step forward into the place of the wearied men, and at once relieve them and engage the Enemy; so that no inconvenience may befall the Army upon the Retreat of the first Ranks; which I look as the chief Perfection of the Roman Discipline. To effect this, my project was, to divide the Vantguard-Battel and Rereguard into three Squadrons, one to another's side in a Triangular Form; the first to represent the point, the other two the sides; for being thus disjoined and severed by Art, it were easy to bring forward the second to fight, without disturbing the first; and the third, without disordering the other two: Whereby, besides other Advantages, the fortune of the Field will be thrice attempted in one Encounter. And from this rough draught of the Design, you may proceed to an exact Method how these Squadrons being subdivided into smaller, may relieve one another with like Advantage, which Experience must perfect.  
Another Error in the Modern Discipline, is, That the best Soldiers are put in the first Ranks; whereby it comes to pass that if these begin to shrink and give back, the rest by their example do the like, as if it were their Duty to imitate their Betters even in bad Actions; which hath been the Ruin not only of Companies and Regiments, but entire Armies: And herein the Romans are worthy imitation, who placed in the Front those they called Hastati, or Pikemen, consisting of young men of greatest strength and courage, mixed with a third part of old Soldiers, to temper the heat, and direct the valour of the Youth; in the second Squadron, called Principes, were two parts of old experienced Soldiers, and a third of young: The third called Triarii, was entirely made up of the most expert and courageous in the Army. By this excellent Order it came to pass, that not only the first onset of the Roman Army being made by the warm Blood and emulous Courage of their choicest Youth, was violent and impetuous, and their Defence vigorous against the most brisk Assaults; but that if at any time they gave back or were repulsed, the second Squadron was ready to sustain the shock with greater Bravery; and upon their Retreat, the Triarii succeeded to maintain the fight, with assured hopes of Victory, to beat off those Enemies who could not but be extremely weakened by the Valour of the Hastati, and expert Courage of the Principes. This Order I approve of, as of greatest use. And though the high Reputation of the Roman Arms may by their great and long success in War, justify the imitation of their Discipline without further Reason; yet 'tis obvious to every Eye on what solid Grounds of Prudence this Order was established, and that of the Greek Phalanges marshaled in direct Lines rejected by the Romans, who though they received the Rudiments of War from the Greeks, became greater Proficients in the Art than their Teachers; making themselves Masters of the one and the other, by conquering Greece with those Arms the use whereof they derived from the Grecians. Another Argument for Collateral Squadrons, is, That the Phalanges or Ranks marshaled in a direct Line, are subject to greater Execution by the Enemy's Artillery, which scours all that stands before it in a straight Line. Besides many other Observations which you will find scattered in my Notes for your direction in this and other points of War.  
Nothing can render your Name more Illustrious than the Glory of perfecting this project for the better ordering of Forces in Battle. But let not your Employments at Land, make you forget that the Sea is part of your Dominion: Provide stores of all necessary Implements for Fleets; Let your Vessels be well rigged, manned, and employed in the service of the State, and augmented to that number that may be sufficient to serve your Designs, without depending upon your Neighbours or Subjects. And never admit any Vessel into the List of your Fleets, but such only wherein you have propriety: For private men are so wedded to their particular Interest, that upon the appearance of danger their study is to preserve their Vessels, though to the Ruin of the State.  
'Cause your Forts to be often viewed, their works frequently surveyed, and see them repaired and improved where requisite; and the Stores filled with all necessaries. Provide faithful, expert and courageous Governors, and trusty Soldiers: The Accidents of Death, Sickness, and loss of men, will prompt you to exceed in number, rather than fall short; but make choice of such as may give you cause, with the Romans, to rely more on the Valour of your Soldiers, than the strength of the place, though never so well fortified by Art and Nature. Let your Forts on the Frontier be few but strong. When you are assaulted, rather meet your Enemy bravely in the Field, than coop yourself up in a Garrison. When you are the Aggressor, choose to annoy the Enemy by Forts and Sconces raised for that purpose; and not with intolerable expense of Moneys and Time, and loss of Men, to sit down before his places of strength, which seldom recompense your pains in the taking. In erecting Forts take your Model from the nature of the place, and apply your Industry to make the whole proportionable to the parts, and the parts to the whole. And though no place can be impregnable, make yours of that strength that may deprive the Enemy of hopes to take them without a tedious siege, great loss of men, vast expense, and other disadvantages that attend those difficult Erterprises.  
The Provisions of War are Victuals, Artillery, Ammunition, Supplies, and Coin; which are then sufficient when the quantity seems to maintain an Army in a capacity to perform any Martial Attempt; which had my weighty Occasions permitted, I had reduced to a certainty. My project was, to raise a Gallant Army composed of Flemins, Germans, Spaniards, and Italians, to be kept in constant exercise against the Turk and Christian Princes whom Danger or Interest should oblige me to engage with. For their Maintenance I designed to capitulate with them, That all Booties belonging to the adverse State, as Artillery, Ammunition, etc. should be entirely mine and my Successors, and all private Spoils to be distributed among the Soldiers; yet so, as to oblige them at reasonable Rates to sell to an Officer to be appointed to that purpose; such Garments, Victuals, and other things of that nature, as were not necessary for present use, which should be stored up by him, and sold again to the Soldier upon occasion with some profit to me. This had been of great conveniency to me, but more to the Soldier, in having at hand all Necessaries to supply his wants, at cheaper Rates than he could expect to receive them from those who follow the Camp to raise their fortunes, and make unreasonable Gains by excessive Prices.  
This done, my intention was, to constitute an Officer to receive and secure such Moneys or Goods as the Soldier upon apprehension of any dangerous Service, or other consideration, should deposit with him; and to be answerable for the same to the Soldier, his heirs and assigns with allowance of a reasonable gain at so much per cent. for the use, with Provision that the goods of such as died without Heirs, should according to the course of the Civil Law, belong to the Chamber of the Prince, and the like Constitution for such as departed intestate: and what Soldier in the Army, whether private or in Commission, would not prefer the securing of his Goods, where he, his Heirs or Assigns should certainly receive them, before the exposing them to the hazard of Loss by the Enemy, and other Accidents? And to defray the charge of Carriage requisite for such things, allowance should have been made by the Soldier out of the Gains to come to him from the Use. This Course will be of great Advantage to the Prince, who may make considerable profit of the Moneys remaining in the hands of his Officers on this Account, to supply his Occasions for payment of his Army, and other necessary Charges, without injury to to the Proprietors: And besides this, it will secure the dependence of the Army upon him, the things deposited being good Pledges of their Loyalty, and serve as an inexhaustible Mine of Treasure, by the Moneys and Goods of those that die without heirs and Intestate, or forfeit them by Disloyalty.  
Notwithstanding the received Opinion that Moneys are the Sinews of War, you may believe it on my Experience, that it conduces much to the strength of an Army well appointed in all other things, but is far less necessary than good Discipline, Courage, Experience, and other Conditions requisite in well-ordered Troops, and indeed of no efficacy in point of War where these are wanting. Therefore think yourself more obliged to provide able Leaders, expert Soldiers, and good Orders for your Forces, than Moneys; the reason is, That such an Army under the Conduct of a valiant and prudent General, can never want means to maintain itself by Pillage and Victuals, to be gained even in the heart of their Enemy's Country. And though Provisions may be sometimes scant, the bare Promises of Pay and Rewards from a Prince in Reputation with his Army for Power to perform, and for keeping his Word, will keep them in heart in the greatest Difficulties. 'Tis true, the nature of War is such, whether offensive or defensive, and the Charge so excessive, that without some help 'twere impossible for a Prince to bear it; but the Courses intimated before, and the Booty of rich Towns and Cities to be gained by Sieges or Stratagems, will render it tolerable and easy: And it must be your Care to make the War contribute to the maintenance of itself, by employing your Forces in Actions attentended with Profit as well as Honour, and declining all useless and unprofitable Erterprises.  
Mortality and other Accidents common to Man, make it impossible for an Army to subsist long entire in the same State without Supplies; in order to which, you are to cause frequent Musters to be made in all Places of your Dominion, fit to yield Supplies of men, and Registers to be kept of all the Youth able to bear Arms, where it may be done without apparent danger to the State by Tumult and Insurrection. And as your old Soldiers must be preserved from Sloth by constant Exercises, so must the Youth that is to supply the Camp, be trained by sufficient Leaders, for the Service of the War. In your choice, prefer those who are naturally addicted to Arms; and amongst them, chief those who have Lands, Goods, or Relations to secure their Loyalty to your Crown, and implant in them a greater fear of shame or punishment, than can be expected from them who carry all their Interests in their Persons, and have nothing to care for but their own safety: But never press any man upon whom the subsistence of a Family depends, but such only who may be spared without great inconvenience, whom you are to encourage with hopes of Honour and Profit by the War.  
The Dominions you succeed in, are so many and populous, that they will easily furnish you with means to raise and maintain a potent Army according to the Rules I have showed; And if you keep good Correspondence, and preserve the Amity established between Us and our Allies of the House of Austria, you will, besides the Flemish, Italian, and the Spanish Nations, have the Germans at your Devotion, who are a mighty and a brave People; and make yourself formidable to the greatest Powers on Earth: Whereas if you be at Discord with your Kinsmen of that House, it will impair your Authority, encourage your Enemies, weaken your Power, and cool the Affections of your ancient Friends. Above all, have due regard, and express extraordinary respect for your Cousin the King of Bohemia, as a person of so much worth, that the greatest Empires are too narrow for the exercise of his Excellent Virtues. And observe it as a Maxim, That though matter of unkindness may sometimes fall out between the nearest Relations; yet more good may be hoped from the Love that springs out of Consanguinity, than the fairest pretences of Amity from a Stranger: And that it is more glorious to preserve the Good Will and Friendship of your Kindred, by yielding to them in some things to end differences, than by Arms to force Strangers to a Compliance with your Will.  
To conclude this point of training Youth, please their Humour, and encourage their love to War by Privileges of wearing Weapons, and exemption from the burdens of Civil Offices, etc.  
Study an exact knowledge of the situation and nature of all places under your Government, wherein their abundance consists, and where their defects; supply these, and use the other as a means to establish Amity between the several Members of your Empire, making the Abundance of one part to fill up the Defects of the other: Cause Plots to be drawn of all their Places of strength, Mountains, Rivers, etc. That by resorting to your Map, you may upon occasion order matters with more certainty.  
Think it worth your pains to inquire not only into the Humours and Dispositions, but the Interests, Alliances, and Factions of your potent Subjects, for the Balance of Authority remaining in your Hand, you may easily make that side most weighty and considerable that is best affected to your service, and prevent all disorders that may ensue upon their engagements in Parties against one another.  
If any of your Countries stand in danger of a Confining Enemy, secure them from injury by your providence. And when you have an exact account of their Inclinations, Power, Alliances, Interests, Wants, Stores, Customs, Affections, Commodities, Incommodities, and Dependencies, use all to your best advantage: Then consider the State and Power of those you esteem your Friends, or stand Neuters in the Quarrel: Weigh well the Persons, Places, Times, Natures, Customs, Neighbours, Officers, Adherents, and other siderations incident to the Affairs of your Foes and Friends. For nothing conduces more to a happy Victory, than a perfect knowledge of your own and your Enemy's Abilities, and a prudent use of that Knowledge. Be sure you never quarrel a great Potentate for relief of such whose weakness will rather endanger than assist your Crown, unless it appear that their Ruin may turn to your Inconvenience.  
In War, who spends most, makes least waste: Never engage in a Quarrel but on just Grounds, and with prudent forecast of the Event; but when engaged, assure yourself 'tis never safe to dally or delay. Make Provision ever in the best time, and of more than may seem necessary, for the loss in the overplus can be but small; and though it were great, can bear no proportion with the danger of of hazarding the greatest undertake by want or scarcity: Victory is the mark of the Art Military, and requires in the beginning Wisdom, Diligence, and Vigilance; in the pursuit, Courage, and Perseverance: Rather assault first, than stay till you are set upon, and lose the advantages of making War in your Enemy's Country: If your Enemy prevent you herein, make Good your Defence, and by all means endeavour by diversion to force him to retreat. Repose not the whole confidence of success in your Armies at Land, nor Fleets at Sea, which are subject to great uncertainties, as the Waves that bear them; but think Prudence and Courage the best means for Victory; and remember that at Sea commonly the greater Number prevails Caeteris Paribus. But for your further Instructions in matter of War, I refer you to my Notes, which will afford you Rules for all Occasions. And now I shall apply my discourse to the Enemies you are to grapple with, that you may perceive my sense of their several Conditions, and your Conduct in your Wars against them.  
The Turk is your greatest and most certain Enemy, both on the Account of Religion, which you are to prefer before all other Interests; and that the violent Constitution of his Tyrannical Government keeps him always on his Guard, to secure his Power against sudden Attempts; and so his Forces are ever in readiness to be poured where hope of success invites him, who desires no other Cause of Quarrel. When I consider the long course of Danubius, and the great Champaign of Hungary, the situation of Vienna, and Neighbourhood of Germany, with the Power of the Neighbours on the one side, and the desert Condition of the Borders on the other, I am induced to believe that he will wave the prosecution of his Conquests there for the present, and bend his Forces against the Islands, and your States in Italy, which he will assault before he breaks with Venice; the reason is, That if he fall on the Venetian first, he may expect greater Opposition by such Auxiliary Forces as you may send in their Aid; but need not fear the Venetians engagement against him in your Quarrel in a time of peace with them, as well for that all Republics, whether Aristocratical or Democratical, flattering themselves with hopes of a perpetual subsistence, do naturally decline all hazardous Undertake; especially when the Tranquillity they enjoy, and dangers of Action, represent every Alteration for the worse. Besides the plausible pretext of keeping their Faith inviolable, and the necessary dependence of the Venetian on the Ottoman Empire in point of Traffic; and the reasons they have of being satisfied with their new Acquest of the Isle of Candy from the Turk.  
The Turkish Empire hath its period, but known only to God; and 'tis in vain to expect his Fall by Miracles from Heaven, which must be effected by sound Policies and strength of Armed Men. The poor effects Experience hath showed of an Universal League and Combination of Christians against the Turks, afford you this Rule, That while men manage the Affairs of the World, they will often sacrifice the best Cause and nearest Concerns of true Interest, to Humours and Passions; whereof you have a pregnant instance in the behaviour of the French King on a causeless Jealousy in the matter in hand. This makes me conclude it a common Error that the excessive Power of the Ottoman is to be humbled rather by the United Forces of several Princes, who cannot but have several Designs and several Interests, than by the strength of one mighty Potentate, whose Designs are like his Person, single and entire, and his Interest one and the same. This great Work seems reserved for you, as the greatest Prince of the Christian Profession; and with the Aid of your Allies of the House of Austria, of sufficient Ability to encounter that Pagan Giant; but not without a serious Consideration of the most proper means to attain your ends, by such ways as sound experimental Wisdom shall direct.  
And first what War is most available against him, Defensive or Offensive, by Prevention or by Diversion? As for Defensive War, nothing but pure Necessity can justify the choice of it; being the most unprofitable, uncomfortable, and dangerous, as that wherein we do but expose and lay ourselves open to the injuries of Hostility, to the manifest consumption of our strength, and to the apparent danger of our whole Interest, without hope of Restitution of Loss, or Reparation of Damages.  
The impossibility of making the Preparations requisite for an Offensive War, without the knowledge of the Turk, and finding him on his guard, may dissuade you from that course; as the multitude of Forces he maintains in constant pay, and always in readiness, anticipates all Designs to molest him, by preventive Wars, or by way of Diversion; so that my Advice is, To avoid the simple kinds of War, and to resolve on a mixed, Defensive in appearance, but Offensive in act; which if wisely managed, may by degrees of Prevention and Diversion, be at length converted into a pure Offensive; which must be effected more by slights and stratagems, than plain force, against this potent Enemy: And to his purpose you will find frequent Opportunities by the Troubles and Encumbrances of his other Wars, his Losses, and the Disorders of his Camp, and the Discord about the succession of the Empire. But rely chief on the favour of God, which is partly procured by the use of means approved by humane Discretion, as conducing most to the ends we aim at; and therefore you are to preserve the Affections of your Allies of the House of Austria, to your Person and Interest. And as the state of their Affairs cannot but oblige them to a strict Correspondence and Amity with you for the better Achievement of their Erterprises; so you are to believe that to maintain Friendship and Good Intelligence with them, will not only strengthen your Interest in general, but is of absolute necessity in order to Success against the Turk.  
Account that your best time of war with the Ottoman, when he is engaged with some potent Enemy else where, or perplexed with dangers and seditions, discontents or factions at home: But if the Condition of your Affairs cannot conveniently allow the expectation of these opportunities, when your preparations have given him the Alarm, and drawn his forces into the field, make use of shifts and delays to frustrate his designs by declining engagement, and putting upon him the loss of the whole expense of that Campagn: And the next year take the advantage of his security, want of preparation and disability to appear on the sudden in complete equipage: And be sure to march forward with all expedition, that you may fortify your new Conquests, and be in a capacity to maintain them against him by a resolute defence before he advances to stop your course: and dispose your affairs, so that when he gins to disband and draw off into his quarters, you may be ready to fall on: And by renewing the war, put him on the necessity of continuing his vast Armies in pay, (which he can by no means endure long,) or reduce his Army to so mean a proportion, as may give you assured hopes of victory.  
No place is fit for the seat of the war, than in some parts of Hungary remote from Danubius; for besides the narrowness of several passages extremely incommodious for the huge bodies of his Cavalry, He will be destitute of those Conveniencies which the River affords for that immense baggage, and cumbersome train usually attending his Camp, whereof you may make excellent use to the benefit of your, and prejudice, if not ruin of his designs. And to that purpose, I again Commend to you a good Correspondence with your Uncle the King of the Romans, to whom you are to Grant and offer all Aids of men or money to keep the balance even, till you find an opportunity to appear in the field.  
The Turk relies entirely on the number and strength of his men: And your way to defeat him being by stratagem; be careful to draw him into strait and narrow places, where he cannot for want of room make use of his whole power. And may be pinched for defect of Carriages, and necessary provisions. In Engagements and Conflicts, provide Stout Companies of Foot to annoy his horse; who being generally without Armour, are soon routed by the strong impressions of a Gallant infantry. 'Tis a point of the Turkish discipline, to reserve the Janissaries for the last onset and recourse to victory: And if a choice sequadron be picked out to engage them, from the beginning to the end of the battle; the unexpectedness of the stratagem will surprise, and much disorder the Janissaries, and abate the courage of the rest of their Army, who are never out of hopes of victory, till the Janissaries are engaged and repulsed. By this policy Hannibal gained several victories against the Romans: And to it the Romans own theirs over the Latins. Use all endeavours to invite the people to Rebellion against him, by good usage, immunities, exemptions; or by building rampires and forts fit for defence and offence; wherein you will find excellent instructions in my memorials for speed and cheapness, and in the work their best use when perfected, to subdue the forces of a great estate; whereof Caesar's actions in France are an instance, as related in the Commentaries: And you may esteem the least declination of the Ottoman power, a great advantage to your affairs, by the opportunity it affords his suppressed subjects to endeavour the recovery of their lost liberties, which his tyrannical government makes them willing to embrace, when invited by a fit occasion.  
The solid strength of the Kingdom of France receives addition of power by the willingness of other Princes, (and especially the Italians) jealous of our forces, to Assist that Crown against us: therefore let us consider next the best way of making war upon the French. Had they known to improve the taking of Casab, or Revolt of Sienna to the best advantage, we had felt  this by dear experience, how much the Italians are inclined to novelty; and the great benefit the French may obtain with inconsiderable charge in the wars of Italy: For though it cannot be doubted, but that the Government of the French, if possessed of those places we hold in Italy, would in a short time become more offensive and insupportable to the inhabitants, than ours: yet such is their itch of change, so great their jealousies of our forces in Milan, Naples, and Sicily that they throw open their Arms to receive any that promises to restore their liberty, which they think lost in the fetters of our power, in the places I have named. But 'tis your happiness, that by assaulting that King in his own dominions (which you can easily do) you will infallibly force him to recall his forces from Italy, to defend France: And gladly employ them to quench the fire kindled in his own house, whom he had commanded to burn yours. It hath been their maxim long, not to leave an Enemy behind them: it must be yours to win, and fortify some place of importance in their passage to Italy, which may either stop their farther march, or at least entertain their forces so long, till yours be in readiness to receive them by defence, or stop them by diversion.  
To this end, it was my design to build two or three forts between Turine and the Alps, of that Art and strength, that m●ght deter the French from attempting Italy that way, by the difficulty of reducing those places to their obedience at so great distance from their Country: But this (as other designs) was prevented by my employments else where: So that I propose it only, as worthy your consideration, and hasten to give you brief rules for your wars in France.  
That King may be assaulted in his own Country two ways, by taking some strong places upon the frontiers, or by entering the heart of his Dominions with a complete Army, and making yourself Master of the field. But the strength of his Towns and Castles on the borders, the vast expense, and tedious difficulties of Sieges, the constant charge and great Garrisons requisite to maintain and preserve them in your obedience, when taken; and the opportunities given him to Muster his forces, and make defence, before you can probably reduce the place you attaque; may induce you to wave that course, and embrace the latter: and the rather, for that you have the conveniency of Arming a great deal sooner than he; And thrust your forces into the bowels of his Kingdom, before he can be in readiness to come into the field: And that his Country abounds so much with Victuals and other provision, that an Army cannot want in so great plenty: And needs only use its power to maintain itself by the spoils of the enemy. You cannot expect by one Assault, to break the force of so compact a Body as the Kingdom of France; but think that expedition well made, wherein you become Master of a Limb, and bring some small part to your obedience; if you make good your ground, and retain firmly what you gain by peicemeal, every step you make advances you further towards the Conquest of the whole. This was Caesar's method in subduing that Nation. When you have once got footing there, a thousand opportunities from the distraction of that state, by their divisions and animocities in matter of Religion, the ambition of the great ones, and other accidents, will present themselves for improvement of your interest. The Sun though he moves insensibly, doth compass the world in 24 hours. And common sense informs, you that the smallest particle taken from the lesser quantity, and added to the greater, Augements the one, and diminishes the other: which I mind you of, that you may not be discouraged, though you cannot on the sudden overcome this Kingdom; but persevere in the prosecution of your design upon this Assurance, that by gaining the parts, you will at last Master the whole.  
If the French Kings motions give you cause to believe, that by the advantage of the season, and forwardness of the Country, he may enter Italy some months before your Army can arrive in France; Make show of early, and great preparations against France, to march thither as soon as the season of the year will permit: And by this stratagem you will oblige him to use those forces for defence at home, which he designed for foreign Conquests: So jealous is he of that Kingdom; So contrary is it to the Maxims of his Policy, to leave his frontiers unguarded with an Army, when threatened with hostility from abroad, or to expose his Kingdom to an invation, in the absence of any considerable part of his forces.  
When you have resolved on either of these courses of war with France, take heed of wavering from your choice, as a thing most destructive to your affairs: and avoid it as a Rock shown you by a Pilot, whose ship was split thereon. I entered France towards Landrecy, with full purpose to have advanced into the heart of the Kingdom, before the Swissers arrived to their aid, but the altering of this resolution in my stay, to win some Towns on the frontiers (which detained me longer than I expected, being deluded by the facility of reducing the first I attaiqued,) gave the King time enough to provide strength sufficient to encounter me; and proved so fatal in the consequence, that I was constrained by plain force to retire, and yield to conditions, which (to be free with you) served only for a Colour of retreat, without any advantage to my affairs.  
Pursue your victories in France effectually, and with diligence: And having forced them to seek Aids from abroad, fall on them afresh before the Auxiliaries Arrive: And when the success answers not your expectation, repair your forces, and hold them so long in play, till the season of the year make them despair of any advantage to be made in Italy by your retreat: Rely not on the multitude, but choice of your men; and prefer a gallant, though small Army, before a numerous: and against France make special povision of strong Companies of foot to encounter their horse.  
I will reiterate my advice against sitting down with your forces before any place of strength that may require a long siege, unless invited by correspondence within, or some other particular advantage, that gives assured hopes of dispatch: and that not only for the reasons given before, but that it is a matter of extreme difficulty, to maintain an Army long at a siege, where convenient room is not made for the Convoys. My randezvous a Marseilles, frustrated my design against Provence, and opened the eyes of the French King to spy his advantage, by diversion in Turine; where he made war with security, forced me to retreat with great danger, gained credit with the States of Italy by the action, and had hazarded all the estates you hold there, had he known as well to use, as perform his undertake.  
The difficulty of recruiting your Armies in Italy by supplies from Spain, when requisite, upon any misadventure; and the propensity of those States to Revolt from you, must incline you by assaulting France, to prevent that King from casting his thoughts to disturb you in Italy; rather than to be on the disadvantage of an after gain, in expelling him from thence: And assure yourself, that States, and especially the Italian, have no affection but for their interest, and will stick to you, to their own prejudice or danger, but will be ready upon the least appearance of your declining, to espouse the quarrel of the prevailing party, and follow the fortune of the Conqueror. bend all your force to recover Sienna, that other States may by that example, perceive and fear the danger of slighting your Authority, and intermeddling with strangers, to the prejudice of your affairs: And that you may by that means cut of the Correspondence between France and Italy.  
Get perfect information of the affections, humours and interests of the persons in greatest favour and credit with the French King, and the competitors for great offices, and use the best means to gain the strongest parties to your devotion; as the necessary and most excellent instruments to promote your designs. In alliances and treaties, Esteem the removal of the French from Piedmont, above millions of Crowns in Dower, or the most ample conditions in a league: And endeavour earnestly to induce them to a desuetude from Arms, and a forgetfulness of military exercise. And when an opportunity is offered to your advantage, lose it not: As to Piedmont I will repeat my advice for recovery of it; and believe it from my experience, to be of more importance to your affairs, than if on the Flemish side you had bereft the French King of a third part of his Kingdom.  
Your interest in Italy, is the main Artery by which the pulse of all your power beats: And wherein lies the greatest mystery of your Policy: therefore must your eyes be ever open that way, even to Jealousy: To preserve it the better, Use all devotion and kindness to the Pope and Apostolic See; Be courteous to all the Cardinals, Bishops, Prelates and other members of the Court, and ever ready to defend them, and the Catholic profession. In the Elections of Popes, when all the competitors are worthy of the dignity; Strive not to advance one before the other: And never use any means indirect, unlawful or unchristian, to prefer your friends or creatures to the Chair; but look upon it as a sacred action to be left as the election of Mathias in the tent, to the disposal of the Holy Ghost. The expression of due respects attended, with the consideration of your Dominions situate in the midst of Italy, and other means in your power, as King of so many Countries, and Patron of so many great Ecclesiastical benefices, will infallibly procure you the friendship of the greatest, and make the best amongst them dependants upon you, without loss or hindrance to Princes of your quality, though the Pope were elected by the votes of that party, who declared for another. But let me enjoin you to prefer always the universal good of Christendom before your private benefit, though the Examples of others seem to invert the Counsel I give you. As the Dominions of the Church, are the centre of Italy; So, if Sienna were recovered, they would be surrounded with your Territories to the greater convenience for your designs, and most commodious for an influence over the Court of Rome: If men of Piety sit in the Chair, they will in a religious tenderness of promoting Charity among Christians, both court and desire your love: if the Popes be worldly minded, and study more their pleasures and interest, than the duties of their office, (which God forbidden) they will be glad to preserve his friendship, whom they dare not displease. Stick not to pour the treasure of your bounties on that Court, in obliging the Cardinals, Bishops, and other Prelates, by dignities and preferments in your several Dominions; but especially them who are most intimate with the Pope, as most useful in matters of grace and favour to be obtained from the Holy-Chair: though you are to rely most on the Justice and equity of your Demands, and the affection of his Holiness.  
The impressions of religion are so deep in the hearts of men, that nothing can prejudice your affairs more, than to leave in their minds an opinion of your being disaffected to the Ministers of God: therefore if necessity force you to break with the Pope, be sure to clear yourself from the imputation of the rapture, by making it appear, that the cause of unkindness proceeded not from you, but from the other side: And that the course you take is not voluntary, but upon indispensable obligations of security and self preservation. In matters relating to a General Council, conform yourself to the determinations of the Holy-Chair; and whatever happens, let the world still perceive your Religion is unchangeable.  
As to the Venetians, you are sure of Peace with them, while you think fit not to break the league; by reason of their fearfulness to engage in war, though no assistance is to be expected from them for the reasons I have showed. And that jealousy, and apprehensions of ill from the increase of power, will have greater influence in their counsels, than any other considerations. Their long neglect of military discipline, and disuse of Arms, their letting slip so many brave opportunities, the distractions of this age afforded them to Aggrandise their estate, may invite you to assault them; and their custom of making advantage of their weak neighbours miseries, may in a manner justify it. A slothful disposition and moderate prosperity, have inclined them to presume, their greatness may be maintained by ordinances of peace and sober rules of the Long robe. But if you set upon them briskly, and pursue your first impression with Celerity to prevent their banding with other Princes; their unskilfulness in war, the weakness of their state, and the confusions that will certainly attend their fear of your Arms, will give you opportunity to compass some great exploit before they awake out of sleep, or resolve what to spend, what friends to trust, what Leaders to employ, or resume their old discipline for war. The convenience they have to attaque you in Naples, and the inclinations of that people, to prefer their mild, and more civil Government, and kind usage of the inhabitants, before yours; will oblige you to get the start of them by carrying the war to their doors, and prevent their attempts against your Dominions, by forcing them to provide for defence of their own: Let it be your care to pour your forces into the centre of their state as the way to make yourself master of the field, it being impossible for them to put Garrisons into their places of strength, which they will first secure, and at the same time to keep the field: And in the mean while the defect of Garrisons, Leaders provisions or fortifications, the factions and particular discontents of persons interessed, will certainly afford you the occasion, to possess yourself of some of their places of strength; which will be a good step to your further progress, especially if by your Princely and Gracious deportment, you encourage others to submit to your obedience, by granting the Burghers, Captains and Soldiers reasonable Articles, and so good conditions, that they will have no just cause to complain of the change of Masters. When you are Master of the field, all places that are not strong will presently fall into your hands; which will force them into the field to endeavour the stopping of your prevailing Arms by battle, wherein the greatness of your strength, and expert skill of your Soldiers, may give you assured hopes of victory over their new trained troops and raw Companies.  
Let no pretence of friendship, or professions of affection from any Prince of Italy, move you to permit him to aggrandise his state; but be persuaded by my advice, to keep them all within their due bounds, upon this infallible Ground, that they are true only to their interest, and will no further adhere to you, then while it is for their turn, but will appear against you, upon any probable hope to better their fortune. The divisions, and partialities of Italy, make it a matter of great difficulty for you to preserve in your obedience the States you enjoy there, their designs, and most ardent desires, being bend to establish a Duke at Milan; and a King at Naples, which may hold of no superior, but reign Sovereign and Independent, as the means to weaken your encroaching power, and to free themselves from foreign servitude: And because they may upon all occasions treat on even terms, with such petty Princes; and that the bonds of a common interest, which is the surest obligation, would engage a King of Naples, and a Duke of Milan, in a foreign league of Friendship with them, against foreign force, as involved in the like danger, with other States of Italy, of being oppressed from abroad; whereas the inequality between them and you, is such that they neither dare engage in a war against you, for fear of losing the remains of their liberty, and making their estates victims to your wrath; nor enter into a league, to add strength to your power, which they desire to see weakened, and increase your Authority, whereof they are already jealous. The Pope and Venetians are great promoters of the project I have told you; but the remedy is obvious to prevent their designs: for if you maintain your reputation, by a constant Activity in Arms, hold good intelligence in every State; Employ able Ministers to the Court of Rome; make use of the divisions and factions of those Princes to your advantage, prevent combinations amongst them, to your prejudice; keep out the French King from Italy; and when the waters are troubled discreetly use the Golden-hook, you may conclude your affairs safe on that side.  
These observations most dear Son I leave with you, as Rules for your conduct in Peace and War; And though the circumstances of things may vary, yet the reason of my advice, remaining the same, will be useful for direction in most occurrences of State. And now by the duty and gratitude you own me your Father, your Prince and Benefactor, I charge you strictly, and constantly to observe with Reverence, the Laws of God and conscience, to regard them as the control of your reasonings, and Rules of indispensable obligation in all your actions, that no design, no act, no stratagem can be just or worthy a Prince but what is consonant to them: And amidst the Majestic Glories of a mighty Prince, forget not yourself to be a man, and that the prerogative of your Crowns exempts you from the jurisdiction of those tribunals, where bribery may corrupt, affections blind, ignorance misled, fear over-awe, or impotence frustrate the judgement given, to reserve your cause to the dreadful examination and sentence of that Judge, who is Justice itself, and cannot be deceived; who for the sins of Princes gives their dominions to whom he pleases, without other respects to their Crowns, than to aggravate their offence in abusing the privileges of their State, to the contempt of his Justice and presuming to commit such transgressions against his Laws, which they would not permit to be done by their Subjects against theirs. And remember you are to account to a Judge, from whom there is no appeal, who inflicts heaviest punishments on wicked Princes, as immediate offenders against his Majesty, and therefore most fit to be made examples of Just Severity; as Good Kings are the immediate objects of his care and providence, partake most of his bounty and favours, and are in affection no less then in dignity, nearer to God than other mortals.  
FINIS.