t do so successfully before he can accomplish anything.
Any one who reads with intelligence the lessons of Holy Writ, will
remember how Moses, to give effect to his laws and ordinances, was
constrained to put to death an endless number of those who out of mere
envy withstood his designs. The necessity of this course was well
understood by the Friar Girolamo Savonarola, and by the Gonfalonier
Piero Soderini. But the former could not comply with it, because, as
a friar, he himself lacked the needful authority; while those of his
followers who might have exercised that authority, did not rightly
comprehend his teaching. This, however, was no fault of his; for his
sermons are full of invectives and attacks against "_the wise of this
world_," that being the name he gave to envious rivals and to all who
opposed his reforms. As for Piero Soderini, he was possessed by the
belief that in time and with favourable fortune he could allay envy by
gentleness-and by benefits conferred on particular men; for as he was
still in the prime of life, and in the fresh enjoyment of that good-will
which his character and opinions had gained for him, he thought to
get the better of all who out of jealousy opposed him, without giving
occasion for tumult, violence, or disorder; not knowing how time stays
not, worth suffices not, fortune shifts, and malice will not be won over
by any benefit Wherefore, because they could not or knew not how to
vanquish this envy, the two whom I have named came to their downfall.

Another point to be noted in the passage we are considering, is the
careful provision made by Camillus for the safety of Rome both within
and without the city. And, truly, not without reason do wise historians,
like our author, set forth certain events with much minuteness and
detail, to the end that those who come after may learn how to protect
themselves in like dangers. Further, we have to note that there is no
more hazardous or less useful defence than one conducted without method
or system. This is shown in Camillus causing a third army to be enrolled
that it might be left in Rome for the protection of the city. Many
persons, doubtless, both then and now, would esteem this precaution
superfluous, thinking that as the Romans were a warlike people and
constantly under arms, there could be no occasion for a special levy,
and that it was time enough to arm when the need came. But Camillus,
and any other equally prudent captain would be of