WE WILL speak of nobility, first as a portion of an estate, then as a condition of particular persons. A monarchy, where there is no nobility at all, is ever a pure and absolute tyranny; as that of the Turks. For nobility attempers sovereignty, and draws the eyes of the people, somewhat aside from the line royal. But for democracies, they need it not; and they are commonly more quiet, and less subject to sedition, than where there are stirps of nobles. For men's eyes are upon the business, and not upon the persons; or if upon the persons, it is for the business' sake, as fittest, and not for flags and pedigree. We see the Switzers last well, notwithstanding their diversity of religion, and of cantons. For utility is their bond, and not respects. The united provinces of the Low Countries, in their government, excel; for where there is an equality, the consultations are more indifferent, and the payments and tributes, more cheerful. A great and potent nobility, addeth majesty to a monarch, but diminisheth power; and putteth life and spirit into the people, but presseth their fortune. It is well, when nobles are not too great for sovereignty nor for justice; and yet maintained in that height, as the insolency of inferiors may be broken upon them, before it come on too fast upon the majesty of kings. A numerous nobility causeth poverty, and inconvenience in a state; for it is a surcharge of expense; and besides, it being of necessity, that many of the nobility fall, in time, to be weak in fortune, it maketh a kind of disproportion, between honor and means.
We will discuss nobility first as part of a state, then as the status of individual people. A monarchy without any nobility is always a pure and absolute tyranny, like that of the Turks. Nobility moderates royal power and draws some public attention away from the royal family. Democracies, however, do not need nobility. They are generally more peaceful and less prone to rebellion than states with noble families. People focus on public business rather than individuals. If they do consider individuals, they judge their fitness for the work, not their coats of arms or ancestry. We see the Swiss endure successfully, despite their differences in religion and their separate cantons. Common interests unite them, not regard for rank. The United Provinces of the Low Countries excel in government. Where people have equal standing, deliberations are more impartial, and taxes and contributions are paid more willingly. A great and powerful nobility adds to a monarch’s majesty but reduces his power. It gives the people energy and spirit but burdens their prosperity. It is best when nobles are not too powerful to obey the sovereign or submit to justice. Yet they should retain enough standing to check the insolence of those below them before it threatens royal majesty. A numerous nobility causes poverty and difficulties in a state because it adds an extra burden of expense. Moreover, many nobles must inevitably grow poorer over time. This creates an imbalance between their rank and their means.
As for nobility in particular persons; it is a reverend thing, to see an ancient castle or building, not in decay; or to see a fair timber tree, sound and perfect. How much more, to behold an ancient noble family, which has stood against the waves and weathers of time! For new nobility is but the act of power, but ancient nobility is the act of time. Those that are first raised to nobility, are commonly more virtuous, but less innocent, than their descendants; for there is rarely any rising, but by a commixture of good and evil arts. But it is reason, the memory of their virtues remain to their posterity, and their faults die with themselves. Nobility of birth commonly abateth industry; and he that is not industrious, envieth him that is. Besides, noble persons cannot go much higher; and he that standeth at a stay, when others rise, can hardly avoid motions of envy. On the other side, nobility extinguisheth the passive envy from others, towards them; because they are in possession of honor. Certainly, kings that have able men of their nobility, shall find ease in employing them, and a better slide into their business; for people naturally bend to them, as born in some sort to command.
As for nobility in individuals, an ancient castle or building that has not fallen into decay inspires respect. So does a fine, healthy, fully grown tree. How much more impressive is an ancient noble family that has withstood the storms of time! New nobility is created by power, but ancient nobility is created by time. The first to gain noble rank usually have greater virtues than their descendants, but are less innocent. People rarely rise without using a mixture of good and evil methods. Yet it is right that the memory of their virtues should pass to their descendants. Their faults should die with them. Noble birth usually weakens the drive to work hard. Those who do not work hard envy those who do. Besides, nobles have little room to rise further. Those who stand still while others rise can hardly avoid feelings of envy. On the other hand, noble birth frees them from the envy of others, because their honor is already established. Certainly, kings who have capable nobles will find it easy to employ them and get their business done more smoothly. People naturally defer to nobles, as though they were born with some right to command.