12.28. 28. Of the Regard which Monarchs owe to their Subjects.
Princes ought to be extremely circumspect with regard to raillery. It pleases
with moderation, because it is an introduction to familiarity; but a
satirical raillery is less excusable in them than in the meanest of
their subjects, for it is they alone that give a mortal wound.
Much less should they offer a public affront to any of their
subjects; kings were instituted to pardon and to punish, but never to
insult.
When they affront their subjects, their treatment is more cruel than
that of the Turk or the Muscovite. The insults of these are a
humiliation, not a disgrace; but both must follow from the insolent
behaviour of monarchs.
Such is the prejudice of the eastern nations that they look upon an
affront from the prince as the effect of paternal goodness; and such, on
the contrary, is our way of thinking that besides the cruel vexation of
being affronted, we despair of ever being able to wipe off the disgrace.
Princes ought to be overjoyed to have subjects to whom honour is
dearer than life, an incitement to fidelity as well as to courage.
They should remember the misfortunes that have happened to
sovereigns for insulting their subjects: the revenge of Chrea, of the
eunuch Narses, of Count Julian, and, in fine, of the Duchess of
Montpensier, who, being enraged against Henry III for having published
some of her private failings, tormented him during her whole life.
