Of Nobility

WE WILL speak of nobility, first as a portion

of an estate, then as a condition of particu-

lar persons.  A monarchy, where there is no nobil-

ity at all, is ever a pure and absolute tyranny; as

that of the Turks.  For nobility attempers sover-

eignty, and draws the eyes of the people, somewhat

aside from the line royal.  But for democracies,

they need it not; and they are commonly more

quiet, and less subject to sedition, than where there

are stirps of nobles.  For men's eyes are upon the

business, and not upon the persons; or if upon the

persons, it is for the business' sake, as fittest, and

not for flags and pedigree.  We see the Switzers last

well, notwithstanding their diversity of religion,

and of cantons.  For utility is their bond, and not

respects.  The united provinces of the Low Coun-

tries, in their government, excel; for where there

is an equality, the consultations are more indif-

ferent, and the payments and tributes, more

cheerful.  A great and potent nobility, addeth

majesty to a monarch, but diminisheth power;

and putteth life and spirit into the people, but

presseth their fortune.  It is well, when nobles are

not too great for sovereignty nor for justice; and

yet maintained in that height, as the insolency of

inferiors may be broken upon them, before it come

on too fast upon the majesty of kings.  A numerous

nobility causeth poverty, and inconvenience in a

state; for it is a surcharge of expense; and besides,

it being of necessity, that many of the nobility fall,

in time, to be weak in fortune, it maketh a kind of

disproportion, between honor and means.
 
 

As for nobility in particular persons; it is a rev-

erend thing, to see an ancient castle or building,

not in decay; or to see a fair timber tree, sound and

perfect.  How much more, to behold an ancient

noble family, which has stood against the waves

and weathers of time! For new nobility is but the

act of power, but ancient nobility is the act of time.

Those that are first raised to nobility, are com-

monly more virtuous, but less innocent, than their

descendants; for there is rarely any rising, but by

a commixture of good and evil arts.  But it is reason,

the memory of their virtues remain to their pos-

terity, and their faults die with themselves.  Nobil-

ity of birth commonly abateth industry; and he

that is not industrious, envieth him that is.  Besides,

noble persons cannot go much higher; and he that

standeth at a stay, when others rise, can hardly

avoid motions of envy.  On the other side, nobil-

ity extinguisheth the passive envy from others,

towards them; because they are in possession of

honor.  Certainly, kings that have able men of

their nobility, shall find ease in employing them,

and a better slide into their business; for people

naturally bend to them, as born in some sort to

command.