ent and labouring
soul to the idle and insolent, and by having emptied the cities of the
world of their ancient inhabitants, and fitted them again with so many
and so variable sorts of sorrows.

Since the fall of the Roman Empire (omitting that of the Germans, which
had neither greatness nor continuance) there hath been no state fearful
in the east but that of the Turk; nor in the west any prince that hath
spread his wings far over his nest but the Spaniard; who, since the
time that Ferdinand expelled the Moors out of Grenado, have made many
attempts to make themselves masters of all Europe. And it is true that
by the treasures of both Indies, and by the many kingdoms which they
possess in Europe, they are at this day the most {14} powerful. But as
the Turk is now counterpoised by the Persian, so instead of so many
millions as have been spent by the English, French, and Netherlands in
a defensive war and in diversions against them, it is easy to
demonstrate that with the charge of two hundred thousand pound
continued but for two years, or three at the most, they may not only be
persuaded to live in peace, but all their swelling and overflowing
streams may be brought back into their natural channels and old banks.
These two nations, I say, are at this day the most eminent and to be
regarded; the one seeking to root out the Christian religion
altogether, the other the truth and sincere profession thereof; the one
to join all Europe to Asia, the other the rest of all Europe to Spain.

For the rest, if we seek a reason of the succession and continuance of
this boundless ambition in mortal men, we may add to that which hath
been already said, that the kings and princes of the world have always
laid before them the actions, but not the ends, of those great ones
which preceded them. They are always transported with the glory of the
one, but they never mind the misery of the other, till they find the
experience in themselves. They neglect the advice of God, while they
enjoy life or hope it; but they follow the counsel of Death upon his
first approach. It is he that puts into man all wisdom of the world,
without speaking a word; which God with all the words of His law,
promises or threats, doth not infuse. Death, which hateth and
destroyeth man, is believed; God, which hath him and loves him, is
always deferred. _I have considered_ (saith Solomon) _all the works
that are wider the sun, and behold, all is vanity and vexat