3.6. 6. In what Manner Virtue is supplied in a Monarchical Government.
But it is high time for me to have done with this subject, lest I
should be suspected of writing a satire against monarchical government.
Far be it from me; if monarchy wants one spring, it is provided with
another. Honour, that is, the prejudice of every person and rank,
supplies the place of the political virtue of which I have been
speaking, and is everywhere her representative: here it is capable of
inspiring the most glorious actions, and, joined with the force of laws,
may lead us to the end of government as well as virtue itself.
Hence, in well-regulated monarchies, they are almost all good
subjects, and very few good men; for to be a good man
[12]
a good intention is necessary,
[13]
and we should love our country, not so much on our own account, as out of
regard to the community.
Footnotes
[12]
This word good man is understood here in a political
sense only.
