general, who extended his empire over all Asia, without
violating the property of other men, have acquired such universal
dominion, enjoyed so many pleasures, such great power, and reigned
without bound or limit?

But justice commands us to have mercy upon all men, to consult the
interests of the whole human race, to give to every one his due, and
injure no sacred, public, or foreign rights, and to forbear touching
what does not belong to us. What is the result, then? If you obey the
dictates of wisdom, then wealth, power, riches, honors, provinces, and
kingdoms, from all classes, peoples, and nations, are to be aimed at.

However, as we are discussing public matters, those examples are more
illustrious which refer to what is done publicly. And since the
question between justice and policy applies equally to private and
public affairs, I think it well to speak of the wisdom of the people. I
will not, however, mention other nations, but come at once to our own
Roman people, whom Africanus, in his discourse yesterday, traced from
the cradle, and whose empire now embraces the whole world. Justice
is[340] * * *

XIII. How far utility is at variance with justice we may
learn from the Roman people itself, which, declaring war by
means of the fecials, and committing injustice with all legal
formality, always coveting and laying violent hands on the
property of others, acquired the possession of the whole
world.

What is the advantage of one's own country but the
disadvantage of another state or nation, by extending one's
dominions by territories evidently wrested from others,
increasing one's power, improving one's revenues, etc.?
Therefore, whoever has obtained these advantages for his
country--that is to say, whoever has overthrown cities,
subdued nations, and by these means filled the treasury with
money, taken lands, and enriched his fellow-citizens--such a
man is extolled to the skies; is believed to be endowed with
consummate and perfect virtue; and this mistake is fallen
into not only by the populace and the ignorant, but by
philosophers, who even give rules for injustice.

XIV. * * * For all those who have the right of life and death over the
people are in fact tyrants; but they prefer being called by the title
of king, which belongs to the all-good Jupiter. But when certain men,
by favor of wealth, birth, or any other mean