tion (which they called jus civitatis),[1] and to grant it in the highest degree; that is, not only jus commercii, jus connubii, jus hæreditatis; but also jus suffragii, and jus honorum.[2] And this not to singular[3] persons alone, but likewise to whole families; yea to cities, and sometimes to nations. Add to this their custom of plantation of colonies; whereby the Roman plant was removed into the soil of other nations. And putting both constitutions together, you will say that it was not the Romans that spread upon the world, but it was the world that spread upon the Romans; and that was the sure way of greatness. I have marvelled sometimes at Spain, how they clasp and contain so large dominions with so few natural Spaniards; but sure the whole compass of Spain is a very great body of a tree; far above Rome and Sparta at the first. And besides, though they have not had that usage to naturalise liberally, yet they have that which is next to it; that is, to employ almost indifferently all nations in their militia of ordinary soldiers; yea and sometimes in their highest commands. Nay it seemeth at this instant they are sensible of this want of natives; as by the Pragmatical Sanction,[4] now published, appeareth.
It is certain, that sedentary and within-door arts, and delicate manufactures (that require rather the
- ↑ Right of citizenship.
- ↑ Right of trade, right of marriage, right of inheritance; right of suffrage, and right of honors, that is, 'right of holding office.'
- ↑ Singular. Single.
- ↑ In 1622, Philip IV., 1605–1665, King of Spain, 1621–1665, issued a royal decree, or pragmática, which granted certain privileges to those who married and established certain immunities for the parents of six children or more.
