mobile;[1] (according to the old opinion,) which is, that every of them[2] is carried swiftly by the highest motion, and softly in their own motion. And therefore, when great ones in their own particular motion move violently, and, as Tacitus expresseth it well, liberius quam ut imperantium meminissent,[3] it is a sign the orbs are out of frame. For reverence is that wherewith princes are girt from God; who threateneth the dissolving thereof; Solvam cingula regum.[4]
So when any of the four pillars of government are mainly shaken or weakened (which are Religion, Justice, Counsel, and Treasure), men had need to pray for fair weather. But let us pass from this part of predictions (concerning which, nevertheless, more light may be taken from that which followeth); and let us speak first of the Materials of seditions; then of the Motives of them; and thirdly of the Remedies.
Concerning the Materials of seditions. It is a thing well to be considered; for the surest way to prevent seditions (if the times do bear it) is to take away the matter of them. For if there be fuel prepared, it is hard to tell whence the spark shall come that shall set it on fire. The matter of seditions is of two kinds; much poverty and much
- ↑ Primum mobile. Literally, the movable first; in the Ptolemaic system of astronomy the primum mobile was the tenth or outermost of the revolving spheres of the universe. It was supposed to revolve from east to west in twenty-four hours, and to carry the nine inner spheres along with it in its motion; hence, any great or first source of motion.
- ↑ Every of them. Each of them, every one of them.
- ↑ More freely than is consistent with allegiance to their rulers.
- ↑ I will loosen the girdles of Kings. "He looseth the bond of Kings, and girdeth their loins with a girdle." Job xii. 18.
