d theirs, who were either inferior in their aim, or in their
performance; by so much is my Lord Archon to be preferred before Solon,
Lycurgus, Brutus, and Publicola.

"Nor will we shun the most illustrious example of Scipio: this
hero, though never so little less, yet was he not the founder of a
commonwealth; and for the rest, allowing his virtue to have been of the
most untainted ray in what did it outshine this of my Lord Archon? But
if dazzling the eyes of the magistrates it overawed liberty, Rome might
be allowed some excuse that she did not like it, and I, if I admit not
of this comparison: for where is my Lord Archon? Is there a genius, how
free soever, which in his presence would not find itself to be under
power? He is shrunk into clouds, he seeks obscurity in a nation that
sees by his light. He is impatient of his own glory, lest it should
stand between you and your liberty."

Liberty! What is even that, if we may not be grateful? And if we may, we
have none: for who has anything that he does not owe? My lords, there be
some hard conditions of virtue: if this debt were exacted, it were not
due; whereas being cancelled, we are all entered into bonds. On the
other side, if we make such a payment as will not stand with a free
people, we do not enrich my Lord Archon, but rob him of his whole estate
immense glory.

"These particulars had in due deliberation and mature debate, according
to the order of this commonwealth, it is proposed by authority of the
Senate, to you my lords the people of Oceana:

"I. That the dignity and office of Archon, or protector of the
commonwealth of Oceana, be and are hereby conferred, by the Senate
and the people of Oceana, upon the most illustrious Prince and sole
legislator of this commonwealth, Olphaus Megaletor, pater patrioe, whom
God preserve, for the term of his natural life, yet remaining of the
ancient.

"II. That L350,000 per annum revenue, be estated upon the said
illustrious Prince, or Lord Archon, for the said term, and to the proper
and peculiar use of his Highness.

"III. That the Lord Archon have the reception of all foreign ambassadors,
by and with the Council of State, according to the orders of this
commonwealth.

"IV. That the Lord Archon have a standing army of 12,000 defrayed upon a
monthly tax, during the term of three years, for the protection of this
commonwealth against dissenting parties, to be governed, directed, and
commanded by and with the advice