just occasions (as may be pretended)[1] of war. For there is that justice imprinted in the nature of men, that they enter not upon wars (whereof so many calamities do ensue) but upon some, at the least specious, grounds and quarrels. The Turk hath at hand, for cause of war, the propagation of his law or sect; a quarrel that he may always command. The Romans, though they esteemed the extending the limits of their empire to be great honour to their generals when it was done, yet they never rested upon that alone to begin a war. First therefore, let nations that pretend to greatness have this; that they be sensible of wrongs, either upon borderers, merchants, or politic ministers; and that they sit not too long upon a provocation. Secondly, let them be prest[2] and ready to give aids and succours to their confederates; as it ever was with the Romans; insomuch, as if the confederates had leagues defensive with divers other states, and, upon invasion offered, did implore their aids severally, yet the Romans would ever be the foremost, and leave it to none other to have the honour. As for the wars which were anciently made on the behalf of a kind of party, or tacit conformity of estate, I
- ↑ Pretend. To put forward as a reason or excuse; to use as a pretext.
"This let him know,
Lest wilfully transgressing he pretend
Surprisal, unadmonisht, unforewarn'd."
Milton. Paradise Lost. V. 243–245.
- ↑ Prest. Ready, prompt, eager.
"And cursèd Dionyza hath
The pregnant instrument of wrath
Prest for this blow."
Shakspere. Pericles, Prince of Tyre. iv. Prologue.
