Instructions to a Son, Maxims
MAXIMS OF STATE, BY THE MARQUIS OF Argyle.
CHAP. I. The Prince.
THere is nothing in the world which wins more upon the affections of men, or makes a Prince more reverenced and desired then clemency; it is also necessary, that he keep himself in a constant tenour, duely tempering that gravity (which Majesty requires) with debonarity and sweetness; that all accesses to him be easie, that he caresse and esteem, and give kind reception to all persons of worth, discountenancing the vicious, and casting out flatterers, lyers, and such like, of whom no service may be expected.
'Tis the excellence of a Prince to use his clemency in pardoning such as offend, and for which offence any reasonable, equitable excuse may be alledged, as also in abating the rigour of the law to such, who transgress not out of custome, and are otherways persons of repute and of vertue, and whose faults are not atrocious; for if he exercise his clemency other then so, without these considerations, he will be rather cruel, and unjust, then merciful; whereas counterpoising it with equity; his justice is no way interessed against it, being reduced and applied to its true cause.
It is less dishonourable for a Prince to be vanquish'd by Armes, then by munificence and bounty.
That revenge which a Prince takes from his sense of a personal injury is always esteem'd rigorous and too severe though never so just.
'Tis fatal to all Princes, who have swayd Scepters in their minority, to be embroyled with troubles and seditions in the beginnings of their raign, and tormented by some of their subjects desirous of novelty; but when they have attained to age and the full exercise of their power, they have quickly learned to chastise and punish those insolencies and outrages committed against them in their youth.
Ordinarily Princes do not use to love such, who are acquainted, see and reprehend their vices; nevertheless, they cannot so carry them, but that notice will be taken; nor avoid the censure which is become the Towntalk.
Neighbour Princes must not go see or frequent Campagnia's of war, lest in so doing, they draw upon themselves hatred and envy.
A Prince must be constant in retaining his good friends and servants, and entertain no sinister opinion of them, without great, just, and apparent cause; to govern himself by his own counsel, and to be master of himself, that is, of his affections and opinions, by reducing them to sage and mature advice.
The Prince who is too cruel in the punishment of crimes, whether supposed or true, gives occasion of censure, that it is out of covetousness after the condemneds goods, and that he is swayed more by avarice then justice.
Princes must have a care they suffer not any subject, to grow near them in such grandeur and puissance, which, their boldness may soon make redoubtable to them; but must cut them in the root: for if that greatness once be radicated, it is almost impossible to pull it up without the absolute ruin of those who attempt it, as of late experience Wallenstein Duke of Freidland.
It hath often happened that the memory of a good Prince deceased, hath been of good stead to his vicious successors, degenerating from his vertues, and hath made their government tolerable.
A Prince ought to be vigilant and careful, that he be not surprized by the ordinary importunity of craving Courtiers, in pardoning faults which he ought to have punished.
Princes must not make use of (like private men) artifices and slights, which will soon hazard their persons and Estates.
Couragious Princes are most commonly subject to love Mars and Venus, which are oftimes link'd together.
Kings must sometimes visit the remotest parts of their Country, that their subjects may see by their care of them, that they are truly the Pastors of the people.
The children of Kings are to be taught to speak low and gravely.
It is necessary that a great Monarch should be universally knowing. Private men for their direction, content themselves with one single vertue, but a Soveraign must have all; for who hath more need of prudence and wisdome, then he who deliberates, and resolves, such great and important affairs? who ought to be more just, then he who governs the laws? who ought to be more reserved, then he to whom all is permitted? and who hath more need of courage and valour, then he who protects and defends all?
Truth never or seldome approaches the ears of Princes without a disguise, or blemish'd by the injury and cunning of those, who would indirectly gain the favour of the Prince without deserving it.
A Prince ought to take Counsel when it pleases himself, and not at the will of another; if he be not sufficient of himself, he will hardly be well advised if he be not committed to the conduct of one particular person, who is solely and entirely to govern him, and whatever good shall be effected by his Counsels ought to be ascribed to the prudence of the Prince, rather then his Counsellours.
The best Counsel that can be given to Princes, who are well advanced in years and in extreme old age, and who must leave unexperienced raw successors, is to treat rather of peace and alliances with their neighbours, then to enterprise a war.
A King is obliged as diligently and carefully to keep the goods of his Crown, as a Tutor those of his Pupil.
A Prince must be punctual in his religion, for nothing so sadly presages his ruin, as his negligence in that, and therefore his most lively thoughts must be intent on it, and in serving God without hypocrisie.
It much imports a Prince, to preserve union and friendship with his brothers, as being the dearest part of himself, and as ready to his assistance, as his own eyes, his hands, and his feet.
Princes must beware of attempting what's above their strength, or to enterprise any thing in which they are not sure to come off with honour.
Kingdomes, Treasures, the robe of purple, the Diadem, are not such splendid ornaments of a Prince, as vertue and wisdome; for a Prince that knows himself to be but a man will never be proud.
Those Princes then begin to lose their estates, when they begin to break the ancient laws, manners and customes, under which their subjects have long lived; for Princes must have as much regard to the safety of their subjects, (which consists in the protection of the laws) as of their lives.
A Prince newly come to the Crown, must especially avoid giving any occasion to his subjects, to wish and sigh for the government of his predecessor, as the people of Rome did under Tiberius, after Augustus Caesar.
When Princes send Ambassadors, they must chuse such whose manners and qualities are suitable and agreeable to the Court whither they are sent.
A good Prince does not only do good to the good by making them better, but also to the bad by restraining them from being worse; and the felicity of subjects, is the true glory of Kings.
Princes are mistaken that think to raign over men, without permitting God to rule over them.
The request of a Prince is equal to a commandement.
Princes sometimes disgrace their favourits for their good, and restore them again for their hurt.
A Prince who truly is and effectually appears to be religious, is always feared and reverenced by his subjects, who will never rebell or revolt from him, believing that he is under the particular protection of God.
Offences which Princes take are like fixed pillars, but their love like the spokes in a running wheel.
Princes bestow offices, Favorites give admission, nature good extraction, parents patrimony, and merits give honour, but w…sedome and discretion come from God alone, and are not in mans disposing.
Kings have diverse sorts of thunder as well as Jupiter, that which tears and rends all that resist it in solid bodies; and that which passes the soft and pliable.
The science which we learn by books, is water out of a Cistern, that which we gain by experience is living water, and in its spring; so though among scholastick men we find couragious and refined polite spirits, yet Princes take not usually such as they intend for their service from the schools though they be knowing and able persons; for 'tis business and action that strengthens the brain, while contemplation weakneth it.
'Tis dishonorable for a great Prince or Monarch to defend and maintain with his Quill, which his prodecessors have acquested with their Lance.
A Prince that would get much, must pardon much; though 'tis a maxime among Grandees, especially such as are raised from obscurity, that though they be mortal, yet the indignities done them are immortal.
'Tis folly to solicite tediously great men, for a thing which cannot be obtained.
The good words of a Prince, accompanied with promises are most forcible and powerful engines.
'Twas a precept of the Emperour Charles the fifth, to his son King Philip the second, to exercise himself always in some vertue befitting and convenient for a King, to the end that holding his subjects in admiration of his actions, no time should be given their thoughts to entertain other affections.
He must never see the picture of fear any where, but on the shoulders and backs of his enemies.
It is not only a sign of modesty and clemency, but also of a superlative courage, when Kings take no notice of ungrateful mens speeches.
Nothing can please a good King so much as concord among his subjects, whereas that makes a Tyrant to fear them.
A Prince must by all means prevent, (flighting not the smallest things) and obviate factions and conspiracies; for as the loudest storms and tempests, are caused by secret exhalations and insensible vapours; so seditions and civil wars, begin often from light occasions, and which no man would think could come to such an issue.
The retinue and train of a Prince, let it be never so retrench'd and ordered, is always very troublesome to the places through which they pass.
'Tis a true foundation and principal maxime of State, to have an eye, to the growing greatness of a neighbour Prince, and to have always a jealous fear of his power; this makes the friendship between them more firm and durable; for when they have reason alike to dread one another, either of them will but coldly attempt a breach.
The will of a Prince is to be executed, not interpreted.
Princes commonly pay flatterers in their own coin, for they dissemble the vices of the Princes, and they dissemble the lies of the flatterers.
At the death of a Prince, 'tis discretion to seem neither sorrowful nor glad.
A Prince cannot be said to be potent, who is not strong at sea, and cannot joyn maritime to his land-forces.
When mean Princes pass the limits of mediocrity, they are neer past the bounds of security.
It is necessary, that a Prince defer nothing to the deliberation of his Council of Estate, which hath not first past the Counsel of his Conscience.
It is not good to frequent the presence of a Prince whom you have offended; he was well advised, who having provoked his Soveraign, protested, that he would never see his face more but in picture.
They must be strong and down-right blows, that can batter down a puissant crown.
The Treaties between Princes should resemble Drusus his building or Templum fidei, which were constantly clear, nothing of obscurity, nothing feigned, and without any coverture.
This should be a lesson and Rule for all Princes, that the faults which they suffer and tolerate in their subjects, are as so many burdens laid upon their own shoulder, and of which they must give account to the Majesty of him to whom they as much as other men are subjected.
Great Princes ordinarily endeavour to bring petty ones into their snares, or to do their affairs at their expence; they embarck themselves in their quarrels, and forget and leave them out in the accomodation of them, and under colour of defence and assistance keep those places for their own, which were put into their hands for gage and caution.
Nothing renders a Prince more contemptible then niggardliness, for 'tis odious in all men, but specially in them, who as they are placed in an ampler and more opulent fortune then other men, ought to be more liberal and free from base, parsimony and covetousness.
The greatness of that Prince is sure and stable, which his subjects know to be as much for them, as above them.
A Prince mounted on high will have high aspiring thoughts. 'Twas great Alexanders speech, that it was proper to good Princes to do well, and to hear ill.
It were very expedient that a Prince who inherits his Realm, should inherit also the Ministers of State, to aid him in the government; those that have been used to the managery of affairs, are of more knowledge then those that newly enter upon the administration, who being ignorant of the causes and first designes, either spoil all presently, or so turn the course of the policy of the State, that confusion follows.
CHAP. II. Of Courage.
IT hath been the glory of Scotland, that she hath sent forth as many famous warriours into the world as any Nation whatsoever; of later years more especially, in the Swedish and Imperial war under that great Captain Gustavus Adolphus, as also in Russia, Poland, Pruss, and most parts of Europe. Most of those Hero's were persons of very good extraction and noble families; neither should I mislike it if any of you, except my son Lorne should undertake an honourable expedition. His necessitudes and affairs at home, will require more of thè gown then the sword: for truly I do count glory so atcheived, to be the more solid and durable, as having that stiffe composition of the steel in it, whereas the other comes by the plume, and is apter to take wing and be gone. Besides, our Name challengeth you into the field, our Ancestors were eminent for the military way, and therefore I shall here lay you down some maxims of approved use, taken from the most experienced caplains, and some of my own observations.
Courage is an innate moral vertue placed in the mind, whereby it overlooks and contemns all difficulties and dangers standing in its way, to the attainment of glory; 'Tis the sublimer of all other vertues, by means whereof they do exert themselves in their greatest strength and beauty.
Courage is an exposing of the body to the utmost hazards and dangers, and venturing through the most invincible hardships; for of how little concern is that man that cannot elevate himself above common discourse?
The Laurels and the Coronets are not half so glorious, as the slashings of the Sword, the explosion of the Musquet, and those wounds which men fairly gain in the service of their Princes.
In a generous soul age enfeebles not Courage.
Nothing more touches a valiant man to the quick, then to see the event not answer expectation, and that fortune gives law to vertue.
Matters of danger, not dispair, are the true objects of valour, every vertue is tyed to rules, and bounded with limits, not to be transgressed, the extremes alter all goodness if they be pitch'd upon. Courage loseth its merited honour, if willfullness and overguided petulancy overbear it; a well grounded reason, without prejudice to a mans honour may justly countermand a rash and inconsiderate resolution.
Nothing in the world can truly be said to be great, if that heart be not so, that despiseth great things.
'Tis natural for brave spirits, not to hold their tongues in the very face of danger, or or in fear of servitude.
A great heart neglects ceremonies, fot by how much the more generous it is, the less it regards the lustre and splendor of exteriour things, esteeming it self its own Theatre.
Bees turn not Droanes, nor courages ever abate or degenerate.
By the way, I observe that none have ever arrived to an eminent grandeur, but who began very young.
There's no place where a man cannot enter into which a Sunbeam can penetrate; nothing so constant and so firm, but what a firmer courage can beat and shake it.
Noble souls are ashamed to see that thing which they cannot remedy.
They are to be esteemed valiant and magnanimous, who repell injuries and not those that do them.
'Tis better to trust in valour, then in policy.
As the light is open to all eyes, so nothing can be shut against valour and magnaminity.
CHAP. III. Of War.
VVAr is either forraign or intestine, Civil war always hath been, and for ever will be the most destructive and ruinous, more pernicious then all the other evils of famine and pestilence, which angry heaven can inflict upon Cities or Kingdoms designed for utter ruin; so passionately Livy expresses its unnatural fury.
Men enterprise a war, either relying on the strength and assistance of God, or else upon humane power; when men therefore are provided with neither of these, when trial is made, captivity, or some such misfortune is the conclusion, nor are the best armed both these ways, sure of the victory.
In a war that's just, (for I allow no other,) the ancient men ought to counsel, and the young to execute.
To do nothing out of course or without orders in war, is of very ill consequence; for while time is spent in waiting for them, occasio res gerendae perditur, many noble designs are lost; the reason is, because directions being to be had at a great distance, they usually come too late for execution; and 'tis the nature of war to produce every moment some unlook'd for difficulties.
'Tis better to attain if possible by peace the half of our demands, then by war the whole, for a war is sooner kindled then extinguished.
War proceeds from the ambition and malice of men, but the success of it depends on the good will of God.
In domestique broils, the greatest victory is never to be victorious, rather to level demands by a peace then mount to them by a conquest.
By prevention, revulsion and diversion, oftentimes men have gained by the war, when nothing but confidence makes men losers.
A Civil war is nothing but the flux and reflux of conquests and losses.
In war it's punishable with death to hold a place, which is not cenable by the military rules, else every hen roost would make an army stay in its march.
In a fair war, a man may see from whom to guard himself, but in a slubbered peace, a man knows not in whom to trust.
When the heart of the Souldiery fails, all commands are to no purpose; for fear casts a mist over their memory, and the practique without courage is to no purpose in times of necessity.
The events of war are uncertain, small skirmishes end in a set battle, which is fought oftentimes more out of eagerness and heat of blood, then prudence.
Mischief in the beginning of a civil war, though not well supported at first, grows higher like the luxuriant branches of a fruit-bearing tree; but if a good Patriot like a Gardner put in his pruning hook, the suckers are soon cut off, and the stock remains entire.
All manner of stratagems are lawful in war, though not practicable in State-policy. The sight and shew of new engines of war to the besieged, hath been the only cause of their surrender.
Money is the sinew of the war, but without the fomentation of a large treasure will soon shrink.
CHAP. IV. Of Command.
VVHo commands in any place, ought to put a sentinel upon his mouth, that nothing unadvised slip from him; & bear such a countenance, that the fair out-side may varnish his severity within. Men that are cholerick, though they may be apt for learning, yet are not fit to command.
Negligence is no point of excuse in a governour of a strong important place, for if a truce or (may be) a peace be concluded on, yet he ought to consider that he is not concerned in that peace, having in his custody that which is well worth the breaking of it.
Never think of governing others, till you have the government of your self.
To command and obey that which is commanded, is the most exquisitest art; these two keep a City free from sedition, and preserve concord.
Diversity of commands is dangerous, for that the execution of them cannot be semblable, sor when one sees his counsel or command is not followed, he grows regardless, and may be out of emulation is the cause of hindring the others (though better) counsel to take effect.
It is convenient and necessary, that those who command, keep a distance from their inferiours, to beget in them a reverence and awe towards him.
Merit is the only lawful ascent to places of trust, and he who thinks to climbe without it, may at the return miss the steps, and precipitate himself.
CHAP. V. Of Victory.
BY the bloody sword victory is obtained in an hour, but to keep up the reputation of it is matter of trouble through the whole life.
There is no victory so glorious, as that which is got with the least effusion of blood on the conquerors side, and which conserves the honour and justice of his cause.
He only accounts himself vanquished, who is satisfied that neither stratagem, nor treachery, nor fortune, had any thing to do in his overthrow, but only clear valour in a noble and just war.
He that hath vanquished his enemies, may make no difficulty of subduing himself.
It is of no great moment, with what provisions or furnitures of men and armes a victory is atchieved, for that conquer rour is more renowned, who by a handful of men attain'd it, being succoured and seconded by his valour alone.
When the original is lost, men must be content with the copy; and to take all in good part what the conqueror pleaseth without replying a word.
Seldome men know how to make advantage of their victories, with that of the Carthaginian General,—Vincere scis Hanibal uti victoria nescis.
Anger and victory omit no kind of revenge.
The vanquished have this solace in their overthrow when it is done by the armes and by the valour and conduct of a noble person.
That's the best and compleatest victory, which is without destruction.
CHAP. VI. Of Fortune.
FOrtune hath more force then reason in the decision of war, yet it can do little harm to us, so long as it takes not away our honour.
It is not enough to know how to remove the machine of a great design, nnless we know also when to let it alone, and to comply with time and necessity.
'Tis God that dissipates the devices of the Nations, and brings to nothing the designs of the people; the King is not saved by the strength of his arms, nor shall the mighty man escape by his great power.
As the understanding of a man is not always in vigour, nor the body in health, so many times men enterprizing great things, fall and hazard themseves, lose their hopes and designs, and sometimes their lives.
Idleness and luxury have subdued more armes, then ever were vanquished by plain force: what a fatal intemperance and sloth was that of the Carthaginians after the battle at Cannae, to suffer the Romans to make head again?
Mature deliberation ought ever to be used; but when armes are to determine, speedy execution is best: because no delay in that enterprise is fit, which cannot be commended before it be ended, and victory has determined it.
Souldiers must be encouraged in all fortunes to stand resolved; that which was the enemies good luck to day, to morrow may be theirs; they must not be daunted with any passed misadventure, ever attending a time and opportunity of revenge, which commonly cometh to pass where mens minds are united; for common danger must be repelled with union and concord.
Some conquests are of such quality, as albeit a victorious Captain merit triumphal honour, yet a modest refusal becomes his greatest glory; as some noble Romans did out of bravery of mind before the Emperours, and some for the envy of it, did forbear it afterwards.
To enter into needless dangers was ever accounted madness, yet in times of extreme peril and apparent distress, bold and hazardous attempts are the greatest security, and are usually seconded with good events.
To conclude, Melior Tutiorque certa pax quam sperata Victoria.