12.27. 27. Of the Manners of a Monarch.
The manners of a prince contribute
as much as the laws themselves to liberty; like these he may transform
men into brutes, and brutes into men. If he prefers free and generous
spirits, he will have subjects; if he likes base, dastardly souls, he
will have slaves. Would he know the great art of ruling, let him call
honour and virtue to attend his person; and let him encourage personal
merit. He may even sometimes cast an eye on talents and abilities. Let
him not be afraid of those rivals who are called men of merit; he is
their equal when once he loves them. Let him gain the hearts of his
people, without subduing their spirits. Let him render himself popular;
he ought to be pleased with the affections of the lowest of his
subjects, for they too are men. The common people require so very little
condescension, that it is fit they should be humoured; the infinite
distance between the sovereign and them will surely prevent them from
giving him any uneasiness. Let him be exorable to supplication, and
resolute against demands; let him be sensible, in fine, that his people
have his refusals, while his courtiers enjoy his favours.
