Book III.
Chap. 10.untouched, where the eye is refreshed with the fight of some distant meadows.
CHAP. X.
Difference of Obedience in moderate and despotic Governments.
IN despotic states the nature of the government requires the most passive obedience; and when once the prince's will is made known, it ought infallibly to produce its effect.
Here they have no limitations or restrictions, no mediums, terms, equivalents, parleys, or remonstrances, nothing equal or better to propose: man is a creature that submits to the absolute will of a creature like himself.
In a country like this they are no more allowed to represent their fears in respect to a future event, than to excuse their bad success by the capriciousness of fortune. Man's portion here, like that of beads, is instinct, compliance and punishment.
Little does it then avail to plead the sentiments of nature, respect for a father, tenderness for a wife and children, the laws of honor, or an ill state of health; the orders are given, and that is sufficient.
In Persia when the king has condemned a person, it is no longer lawful to mention his name, or to intercede in his favor. Though he were drunk and beside himself, yet the decree must be executed[1]; otherwise he would contradict himself, and the law admits of no contradiction. This has been the way of thinking in this country in all ages, as the order which Ahasuerus gave to exterminate the Jews,
- ↑ See Sir John Chardin.
