Be slow to punish in divers cases, but be a sharp and
severe revenger of open crimes. Break no decrees or dissolve no
orders to slacken the strength of laws. Choose neither magistrates,
civil or ecclesiastical, by favour or price; but with long
disquisition and report of their worth by all suffrages. Sell no
honours, nor give them hastily, but bestow them with counsel and for
reward; if he do, acknowledge it (though late), and mend it. For
princes are easy to be deceived; and what wisdom can escape where so
many court-arts are studied? But, above all, the prince is to
remember that when the great day of account comes, which neither
magistrate nor prince can shun, there will be required of him a
reckoning for those whom he hath trusted, as for himself, which he
must provide. And if piety be wanting in the priests, equity in the
judges, or the magistrates be found rated at a price, what justice
or religion is to be expected? which are the only two attributes
make kings akin to God, and is the Delphic sword, both to kill
sacrifices and to chastise offenders.
De gratiosis.--When a virtuous man is raised, it brings gladness to
his friends, grief to his enemies, and glory to his posterity.
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