ruins families; fifthly, that it
destroys industry; and last of all, that though it were indeed of any
good use, it will be a matter of such difficulty to introduce in this
nation, and so to settle that it may be lasting, as is altogether
invincible.

"First, that an agrarian is unnecessary to a commonwealth, what clearer
testimony can there be than that the commonwealths which are our
contemporaries (Venice, to which your Highness gives the upper hand of
all antiquity, being one) have no such thing? And there can be no reason
why they have it not, seeing it is in the sovereign power at any time to
establish such an order, but that they need it not; wherefore no wonder
if Aristotle, who pretends to be a good commonwealths man, has long
since derided Phaleas, to whom it was attributed by the Greeks, for his
invention.

"Secondly, that an agrarian is dangerous to a commonwealth is affirmed
upon no slight authority seeing Machiavel is positive that it was the
dissension which happened about the agrarian that caused the destruction
of Rome; nor do I think that it did much better in Lacedaemon, as I
shall show anon.

"Thirdly, that it is insufficient to keep out monarchy cannot without
impiety be denied, the holy Scriptures bearing witness that the
Commonwealth of Israel, notwithstanding her agrarian, submitted her neck
to the arbitrary yoke of her princes.

"Fourthly, therefore, to come to my next assertion, that it is
destructive to families: this also is so apparent, that it needs pity
rather than proof. Why alas, do you bind a nobility (which no generation
shall deny to have been the first that freely sacrificed their blood to
the ancient liberties of this people) on an unholy altar? Why are the
people taught that their liberty, which, except our noble ancestors had
been born, must have long since been buried, cannot now be born except
we be buried? A commonwealth should have the innocence of the dove. Let
us leave this purchase of her birth to the serpent, which eats itself
out of the womb of its mother.

"Fifthly but it may be said, perhaps, that we are fallen from our first
love, become proud and idle. It is certain, my lords, that the hand
of God is not upon us for nothing. But take heed how you admit of such
assaults and sallies upon men's estates, as may slacken the nerve of
labor, and give others also reason to believe that their sweat is vain;
or else, whatsoever be pretended, your agrarian (which is my fi