8.17. 17. Distinctive Properties of a Monarchy.
A monarchical state ought to be of moderate extent. Were it small,
it would form itself into a republic; were it very large, the nobility,
possessed of great estates, far from the eye of the prince, with a
private court of their own, and secure, moreover, from sudden executions
by the laws and manners of the country — such a nobility, I say, might
throw off their allegiance, having nothing to fear from too slow and too
distant a punishment.
Thus Charlemagne had scarcely founded his empire when he was obliged
to divide it; whether the governors of the provinces refused to obey; or
whether, in order to keep them more under subjection, there was a
necessity of parcelling the empire into several kingdoms.
After the decease of Alexander his empire was divided. How was it
possible for those Greek and Macedonian chiefs, who were each of them
free and independent, or commanders at least of the victorious bands
dispersed throughout that vast extent of conquered land — how was it
possible, I say, for them to obey?
Attila's empire was dissolved soon after his death; such a number of
kings, who were no longer under restraint, could not resume their
fetters.
The sudden establishment of unlimited power is a remedy, which in
those cases may prevent a dissolution: but how dreadful the remedy,
which after the enlargement of dominion opens a new scene of misery!
The rivers hasten to mingle their waters with the sea; and
monarchies lose themselves in despotic power.
