They detest war as a very brutal thing, and which, to the reproach of human nature, is more practised by men than by any sort of beasts. They, in opposition to the sentiments of almost all other nations, think that there is nothing more inglorious than that glory that is gained by war; and therefore, though they accustom themselves daily to military exercises and the discipline of war, in which not only their men, but their women likewise, are trained up, that, in cases of necessity, they may not be quite useless, yet they do not rashly engage in war, unless it be either to defend themselves or their friends from any unjust aggressors, or, out of good nature or in compassion, assist an oppressed nation in shaking off the yoke of tyranny. They, indeed, help their friends not only in defensive but also in offensive wars; but they never do that unless they had been consulted before the breach was made, and, being satisfied with the grounds on which they went, they had found that all demands of reparation were rejected, so that a war was unavoidable. This they think to be not only just when one neighbour makes an inroad on another by public order, and carries away the spoils, but when the merchants of one country are oppressed in another, either under pretence of some unjust laws, or by the perverse wresting of good ones. This they count a juster cause of war than the other, because those injuries are done under some colour of laws. This was the only ground of that war in which they engaged with the Nephelogetes against the Aleopolitanes, a little before our time; for the merchants of the former having, as they thought, met with great injustice among the latter, which (whether it was in itself right or wrong) drew on a terrible war, in which many of their neighbours were engaged; and their keenness in carrying it on being supported by their strength in maintaining it, it not only shook some very flourishing states and very much afflicted others, but, after a series of much mischief ended in the entire conquest and slavery of the Aleopolitanes, who, though before the war they were in all respects much superior to the Nephelogetes, were yet subdued; but, though the Utopians had assisted them in the war, yet they pretended to no share of the spoil.
They detest war as a brutal thing. To the shame of human nature, people wage war more often than any kind of animal. Unlike almost all other nations, they believe nothing is more shameful than glory gained through war. Still, they practice military exercises and the discipline of war every day. Both men and women receive this training so they will not be entirely useless in an emergency. Yet they do not rush into war. They fight only to defend themselves or their friends against unjust attackers. They also fight out of kindness or compassion to help an oppressed nation throw off tyranny. They help their friends in offensive as well as defensive wars, but only under certain conditions. Their friends must have consulted them before hostilities began. They must be satisfied that their friends have good grounds for war. They must also find that all demands for compensation have been rejected, making war unavoidable. They consider war justified when one nation officially orders a raid on another and carries away its goods. They also consider it justified when merchants from one country are mistreated in another. This may happen under the cover of unjust laws or through the deliberate twisting of good ones. They consider this an even stronger reason for war, because these wrongs are committed under a claim of legality. This alone caused them to join the Nephelogetes in their war against the Aleopolitanes shortly before our time. The Nephelogetes believed their merchants had suffered great injustice among the Aleopolitanes. Whether that belief was right or wrong, it led to a terrible war involving many neighboring nations. Those fighting it pursued it fiercely and had the strength to sustain their efforts. The war shook some very prosperous states and caused great suffering in others. After much destruction, it ended with the complete conquest and enslavement of the Aleopolitanes. Before the war, they had been far superior to the Nephelogetes in every respect, yet they were defeated. Although the Utopians had helped the Nephelogetes in the war, they claimed no share of the spoils.
“But, though they so vigorously assist their friends in obtaining reparation for the injuries they have received in affairs of this nature, yet, if any such frauds were committed against themselves, provided no violence was done to their persons, they would only, on their being refused satisfaction, forbear trading with such a people. This is not because they consider their neighbours more than their own citizens; but, since their neighbours trade every one upon his own stock, fraud is a more sensible injury to them than it is to the Utopians, among whom the public, in such a case, only suffers, as they expect no thing in return for the merchandise they export but that in which they so much abound, and is of little use to them, the loss does not much affect them. They think, therefore, it would be too severe to revenge a loss attended with so little inconvenience, either to their lives or their subsistence, with the death of many persons; but if any of their people are either killed or wounded wrongfully, whether it be done by public authority, or only by private men, as soon as they hear of it they send ambassadors, and demand that the guilty persons may be delivered up to them, and if that is denied, they declare war; but if it be complied with, the offenders are condemned either to death or slavery.
“But although they strongly support their friends in seeking compensation for such wrongs, they respond differently to fraud against themselves. If no one has suffered physical violence, they simply stop trading with that people when compensation is refused. This is not because they care more about their neighbours than their own citizens. Their neighbours trade with their own private resources, so fraud hurts them more directly. Among the Utopians, only the community as a whole suffers such losses. They expect nothing in return for their exports except things they already have in abundance and scarcely need. The loss therefore has little effect on them. They think it would be too harsh to avenge such a loss by killing many people. After all, it causes so little harm to their lives or livelihoods. “But if any of their people are wrongfully killed or wounded, they act differently. It makes no difference whether public authorities or private individuals are responsible. As soon as they hear about it, they send ambassadors and demand that the guilty be handed over. If this demand is refused, they declare war. If it is met, the offenders are sentenced to death or slavery.
“They would be both troubled and ashamed of a bloody victory over their enemies; and think it would be as foolish a purchase as to buy the most valuable goods at too high a rate. And in no victory do they glory so much as in that which is gained by dexterity and good conduct without bloodshed. In such cases they appoint public triumphs, and erect trophies to the honour of those who have succeeded; for then do they reckon that a man acts suitably to his nature, when he conquers his enemy in such a way as that no other creature but a man could be capable of, and that is by the strength of his understanding. Bears, lions, boars, wolves, and dogs, and all other animals, employ their bodily force one against another, in which, as many of them are superior to men, both in strength and fierceness, so they are all subdued by his reason and understanding.
“They would be both troubled and ashamed by a bloody victory over their enemies. They would consider it as foolish as paying too much for even the most valuable goods. They take the greatest pride in victories won through skill and sound judgment, without bloodshed. For these victories, they hold public celebrations and erect monuments to honor those who succeeded. They believe people act according to their true nature when they defeat enemies in a way only humans can. That means winning through the power of reason. Bears, lions, boars, wolves, dogs, and all other animals use physical force against one another. Many surpass humans in both strength and ferocity, yet human reason and understanding overcome them all.
“The only design of the Utopians in war is to obtain that by force which, if it had been granted them in time, would have prevented the war; or, if that cannot be done, to take so severe a revenge on those that have injured them that they may be terrified from doing the like for the time to come. By these ends they measure all their designs, and manage them so, that it is visible that the appetite of fame or vainglory does not work so much on there as a just care of their own security.
“The Utopians’ only aim in war is to gain by force what would have prevented war if granted in time. If that is impossible, they seek revenge on those who harmed them, severe enough to frighten them from doing so again. These goals guide all their plans. They carry them out in ways that clearly show what drives them. It is less a desire for fame or empty glory than a proper concern for their own security.
“As soon as they declare war, they take care to have a great many schedules, that are sealed with their common seal, affixed in the most conspicuous places of their enemies’ country. This is carried secretly, and done in many places all at once. In these they promise great rewards to such as shall kill the prince, and lesser in proportion to such as shall kill any other persons who are those on whom, next to the prince himself, they cast the chief balance of the war. And they double the sum to him that, instead of killing the person so marked out, shall take him alive, and put him in their hands. They offer not only indemnity, but rewards, to such of the persons themselves that are so marked, if they will act against their countrymen. By this means those that are named in their schedules become not only distrustful of their fellow-citizens, but are jealous of one another, and are much distracted by fear and danger; for it has often fallen out that many of them, and even the prince himself, have been betrayed, by those in whom they have trusted most; for the rewards that the Utopians offer are so immeasurably great, that there is no sort of crime to which men cannot be drawn by them. They consider the risk that those run who undertake such services, and offer a recompense proportioned to the danger—not only a vast deal of gold, but great revenues in lands, that lie among other nations that are their friends, where they may go and enjoy them very securely; and they observe the promises they make of their kind most religiously. They very much approve of this way of corrupting their enemies, though it appears to others to be base and cruel; but they look on it as a wise course, to make an end of what would be otherwise a long war, without so much as hazarding one battle to decide it. They think it likewise an act of mercy and love to mankind to prevent the great slaughter of those that must otherwise be killed in the progress of the war, both on their own side and on that of their enemies, by the death of a few that are most guilty; and that in so doing they are kind even to their enemies, and pity them no less than their own people, as knowing that the greater part of them do not engage in the war of their own accord, but are driven into it by the passions of their prince.
“As soon as they declare war, they arrange to post many notices bearing their official seal throughout the enemy’s country. They do this secretly, in the most visible places, at many locations at once. These notices promise great rewards to anyone who kills the prince. They offer proportionately smaller rewards for killing those who, after the prince, bear the greatest responsibility for the war. They double the reward for anyone who captures a named person alive and hands him over to them. They also offer protection from punishment and rewards to the named people themselves if they turn against their countrymen. This makes those named in the notices distrust their fellow citizens and one another. Fear and danger leave them deeply unsettled. Many of them, even the prince himself, have often been betrayed by those they trusted most. The Utopians offer such enormous rewards that people can be tempted into any crime. They consider the risks taken by those who undertake these tasks and offer rewards to match the danger. These include not only vast amounts of gold but also estates yielding large incomes in countries friendly to them. Those who earn these rewards can settle there and enjoy them in safety. The Utopians are scrupulous about keeping promises of this kind. They strongly approve of this way of corrupting their enemies, though others see it as dishonorable and cruel. They consider it a wise way to end what would otherwise be a long war. It does not even require risking a single battle to settle the conflict. They also see it as an act of mercy and love for humanity. Killing a few of those most responsible prevents the widespread slaughter that war would otherwise bring to both sides. They believe this shows kindness even to their enemies, whom they pity as much as their own people. They know that most enemy soldiers do not enter the war willingly. Instead, their prince’s passions drive them into it.
“If this method does not succeed with them, then they sow seeds of contention among their enemies, and animate the prince’s brother, or some of the nobility, to aspire to the crown. If they cannot disunite them by domestic broils, then they engage their neighbours against them, and make them set on foot some old pretensions, which are never wanting to princes when they have occasion for them. These they plentifully supply with money, though but very sparingly with any auxiliary troops; for they are so tender of their own people that they would not willingly exchange one of them, even with the prince of their enemies’ country.
“If this method fails, they stir up conflict among their enemies. They encourage the prince’s brother or one of the nobles to seek the crown. If internal conflict cannot divide their enemies, they turn neighboring countries against them. They urge these neighbors to revive old claims, which princes always have ready when they need them. They supply these neighbors with plenty of money, but very few supporting troops. They care so deeply for their own people that they would not willingly trade even one for the enemy’s prince.
“But as they keep their gold and silver only for such an occasion, so, when that offers itself, they easily part with it; since it would be no convenience to them, though they should reserve nothing of it to themselves. For besides the wealth that they have among them at home, they have a vast treasure abroad; many nations round about them being deep in their debt: so that they hire soldiers from all places for carrying on their wars; but chiefly from the Zapolets, who live five hundred miles east of Utopia. They are a rude, wild, and fierce nation, who delight in the woods and rocks, among which they were born and bred up. They are hardened both against heat, cold, and labour, and know nothing of the delicacies of life. They do not apply themselves to agriculture, nor do they care either for their houses or their clothes: cattle is all that they look after; and for the greatest part they live either by hunting or upon rapine; and are made, as it were, only for war. They watch all opportunities of engaging in it, and very readily embrace such as are offered them. Great numbers of them will frequently go out, and offer themselves for a very low pay, to serve any that will employ them: they know none of the arts of life, but those that lead to the taking it away; they serve those that hire them, both with much courage and great fidelity; but will not engage to serve for any determined time, and agree upon such terms, that the next day they may go over to the enemies of those whom they serve if they offer them a greater encouragement; and will, perhaps, return to them the day after that upon a higher advance of their pay. There are few wars in which they make not a considerable part of the armies of both sides: so it often falls out that they who are related, and were hired in the same country, and so have lived long and familiarly together, forgetting both their relations and former friendship, kill one another upon no other consideration than that of being hired to it for a little money by princes of different interests; and such a regard have they for money that they are easily wrought on by the difference of one penny a day to change sides. So entirely does their avarice influence them; and yet this money, which they value so highly, is of little use to them; for what they purchase thus with their blood they quickly waste on luxury, which among them is but of a poor and miserable form.
“But they keep their gold and silver only for such an occasion, so they readily part with it when needed. Keeping any for themselves would bring them no benefit. Besides their wealth at home, they have vast treasures abroad. Many neighboring nations owe them large debts. So they hire soldiers from all over to fight their wars, chiefly from the Zapolets. These people live five hundred miles east of Utopia. They are a rough, wild, and fierce nation. They delight in the woods and rocky places where they were born and raised. They can endure heat, cold, and hard work, and know nothing of life's comforts. They do not farm, nor do they care about their houses or clothes. Cattle are all they tend. They live mostly by hunting or plundering, and seem made only for war. They watch for every chance to fight and eagerly take any opportunity offered. Large numbers often leave home and offer to serve anyone who will hire them, for very little pay. They know none of the skills of living except those used to take life away. They serve their employers with great courage and loyalty, but will not commit to any fixed period of service. Their terms allow them to join their employers' enemies the very next day if offered better pay. Perhaps they will return the following day if their former employers raise their pay still further. In few wars do they not form a considerable part of both armies. So relatives recruited in the same country often find themselves fighting each other. They have lived together as close companions for years, yet forget both family ties and old friendships. They kill one another simply because rulers with opposing interests have paid them a little money to do so. They care so much about money that one extra penny a day easily persuades them to change sides. Greed controls them completely. Yet the money they value so highly is of little use to them. What they earn with their blood, they quickly squander on luxuries, though their luxuries are poor and miserable things.
“This nation serves the Utopians against all people whatsoever, for they pay higher than any other. The Utopians hold this for a maxim, that as they seek out the best sort of men for their own use at home, so they make use of this worst sort of men for the consumption of war; and therefore they hire them with the offers of vast rewards to expose themselves to all sorts of hazards, out of which the greater part never returns to claim their promises; yet they make them good most religiously to such as escape. This animates them to adventure again, whenever there is occasion for it; for the Utopians are not at all troubled how many of these happen to be killed, and reckon it a service done to mankind if they could be a means to deliver the world from such a lewd and vicious sort of people, that seem to have run together, as to the drain of human nature. Next to these, they are served in their wars with those upon whose account they undertake them, and with the auxiliary troops of their other friends, to whom they join a few of their own people, and send some man of eminent and approved virtue to command in chief. There are two sent with him, who, during his command, are but private men, but the first is to succeed him if he should happen to be either killed or taken; and, in case of the like misfortune to him, the third comes in his place; and thus they provide against all events, that such accidents as may befall their generals may not endanger their armies. When they draw out troops of their own people, they take such out of every city as freely offer themselves, for none are forced to go against their wills, since they think that if any man is pressed that wants courage, he will not only act faintly, but by his cowardice dishearten others. But if an invasion is made on their country, they make use of such men, if they have good bodies, though they are not brave; and either put them aboard their ships, or place them on the walls of their towns, that being so posted, they may find no opportunity of flying away; and thus either shame, the heat of action, or the impossibility of flying, bears down their cowardice; they often make a virtue of necessity, and behave themselves well, because nothing else is left them. But as they force no man to go into any foreign war against his will, so they do not hinder those women who are willing to go along with their husbands; on the contrary, they encourage and praise them, and they stand often next their husbands in the front of the army. They also place together those who are related, parents, and children, kindred, and those that are mutually allied, near one another; that those whom nature has inspired with the greatest zeal for assisting one another may be the nearest and readiest to do it; and it is matter of great reproach if husband or wife survive one another, or if a child survives his parent, and therefore when they come to be engaged in action, they continue to fight to the last man, if their enemies stand before them: and as they use all prudent methods to avoid the endangering their own men, and if it is possible let all the action and danger fall upon the troops that they hire, so if it becomes necessary for themselves to engage, they then charge with as much courage as they avoided it before with prudence: nor is it a fierce charge at first, but it increases by degrees; and as they continue in action, they grow more obstinate, and press harder upon the enemy, insomuch that they will much sooner die than give ground; for the certainty that their children will be well looked after when they are dead frees them from all that anxiety concerning them which often masters men of great courage; and thus they are animated by a noble and invincible resolution. Their skill in military affairs increases their courage: and the wise sentiments which, according to the laws of their country, are instilled into them in their education, give additional vigour to their minds: for as they do not undervalue life so as prodigally to throw it away, they are not so indecently fond of it as to preserve it by base and unbecoming methods. In the greatest heat of action the bravest of their youth, who have devoted themselves to that service, single out the general of their enemies, set on him either openly or by ambuscade; pursue him everywhere, and when spent and wearied out, are relieved by others, who never give over the pursuit, either attacking him with close weapons when they can get near him, or with those which wound at a distance, when others get in between them. So that, unless he secures himself by flight, they seldom fail at last to kill or to take him prisoner. When they have obtained a victory, they kill as few as possible, and are much more bent on taking many prisoners than on killing those that fly before them. Nor do they ever let their men so loose in the pursuit of their enemies as not to retain an entire body still in order; so that if they have been forced to engage the last of their battalions before they could gain the day, they will rather let their enemies all escape than pursue them when their own army is in disorder; remembering well what has often fallen out to themselves, that when the main body of their army has been quite defeated and broken, when their enemies, imagining the victory obtained, have let themselves loose into an irregular pursuit, a few of them that lay for a reserve, waiting a fit opportunity, have fallen on them in their chase, and when straggling in disorder, and apprehensive of no danger, but counting the day their own, have turned the whole action, and, wresting out of their hands a victory that seemed certain and undoubted, while the vanquished have suddenly become victorious.
“This nation serves the Utopians against any people, because the Utopians pay more than anyone else. The Utopians follow this principle. They seek the best men for their own needs at home, but use the worst as expendable soldiers in war. They therefore promise these men vast rewards to face every kind of danger. Most never return to claim what they were promised. Yet the Utopians faithfully honor their promises to those who survive. This encourages them to risk their lives again whenever they are needed. The Utopians are not at all troubled by how many of these men are killed. They would consider it a service to humanity if they could rid the world of such wicked, vicious people. These men seem to have gathered together like the waste of human nature flowing into a drain. Next, their armies include the people on whose behalf they fight, along with troops supplied by their other friends. They add a few of their own people to these forces. They appoint a man of outstanding and proven virtue as commander in chief. Two others accompany him, serving as ordinary soldiers while he commands. The first takes over if the commander is killed or captured. If the same happens to him, the third takes his place. In this way, they prepare for every possibility, so that misfortune striking their generals does not endanger their armies. When they raise troops from their own people, they choose volunteers from every city. No one is forced to go against his will. They believe a man forced to serve without courage will not only fight weakly but discourage others through his cowardice. But when their country is invaded, they use such men if they are physically fit, even if they lack courage. They put them aboard ships or station them on town walls, where they have no chance to flee. Shame, the excitement of battle, or the impossibility of escape then overcomes their cowardice. They often turn necessity into virtue and fight well because they have no other choice. They force no man to fight abroad against his will. Likewise, they do not prevent women from willingly accompanying their husbands. Instead, they encourage and praise them. These women often stand beside their husbands at the front of the army. They also place parents, children, relatives, and those related by marriage close together. Those whom nature most strongly urges to help one another are thus nearest and most ready to do so. It brings great disgrace if a husband or wife survives the other, or a child survives a parent. So, once battle begins, they fight to the last person as long as their enemies stand against them. They take every sensible precaution to avoid endangering their own people. Whenever possible, they leave all the fighting and danger to hired troops. But when they must fight themselves, they attack with as much courage as they previously showed caution. Their attack is not fierce at first, but grows stronger by degrees. The longer they fight, the more determined they become, pressing harder against the enemy. They would far sooner die than give ground. They know their children will be well cared for after their deaths. This frees them from anxiety about their children, which often overwhelms even very brave men. They are therefore inspired by a noble, unshakable resolve. Their military skill strengthens their courage. The wise principles taught during their education, as their country's laws require, give them further strength of mind. They do not value life so little that they throw it away recklessly. Nor do they cling to it so shamefully that they preserve it by dishonorable and unworthy means. At the height of battle, their bravest young men, assigned to this task, single out the enemy general. They attack him openly or from ambush and pursue him wherever he goes. When they are exhausted, others replace them and never abandon the pursuit. They attack with close-range weapons whenever they can reach him. When others stand between them, they use weapons that strike from a distance. Unless he escapes by fleeing, they seldom fail to kill or capture him in the end. Once they have won, they kill as few as possible. They are much more intent on taking many prisoners than on killing fleeing enemies. They never allow their men to scatter in pursuit without keeping a whole body of troops in formation. Sometimes they must commit their last battalions before they can win. In that case, they would rather let every enemy escape than pursue them with their own army in disorder. They remember well what has often happened to their own forces. Their main army has been completely defeated and scattered. Their enemies, believing victory secure, have broken ranks to pursue them. Then a few Utopians held in reserve have waited for the right moment and attacked the pursuers. The enemy were scattered, feared no danger, and believed the day was theirs. Yet these reserves have reversed the entire battle, snatching away a victory that seemed certain and beyond doubt. Those who had been defeated have suddenly become the victors.”
“It is hard to tell whether they are more dexterous in laying or avoiding ambushes. They sometimes seem to fly when it is far from their thoughts; and when they intend to give ground, they do it so that it is very hard to find out their design. If they see they are ill posted, or are like to be overpowered by numbers, they then either march off in the night with great silence, or by some stratagem delude their enemies. If they retire in the day-time, they do it in such order that it is no less dangerous to fall upon them in a retreat than in a march. They fortify their camps with a deep and large trench; and throw up the earth that is dug out of it for a wall; nor do they employ only their slaves in this, but the whole army works at it, except those that are then upon the guard; so that when so many hands are at work, a great line and a strong fortification is finished in so short a time that it is scarce credible. Their armour is very strong for defence, and yet is not so heavy as to make them uneasy in their marches; they can even swim with it. All that are trained up to war practise swimming. Both horse and foot make great use of arrows, and are very expert. They have no swords, but fight with a pole-axe that is both sharp and heavy, by which they thrust or strike down an enemy. They are very good at finding out warlike machines, and disguise them so well that the enemy does not perceive them till he feels the use of them; so that he cannot prepare such a defence as would render them useless; the chief consideration had in the making them is that they may be easily carried and managed.
“It is hard to say whether they are better at setting ambushes or avoiding them. Sometimes they seem to flee when they have no intention of doing so. When they do intend to retreat, they make their plans very hard to detect. If they find themselves poorly positioned or likely to be overwhelmed by numbers, they withdraw silently at night. Or they use some trick to deceive their enemies. If they retreat by day, they keep such good order that attacking them is just as dangerous as during a march. They fortify their camps with a wide, deep ditch and use the earth they dig out to build a wall. They do not leave this work to their slaves alone. The whole army works on it, except those on guard duty. With so many hands at work, they finish an extensive, strong fortification in an almost unbelievably short time. Their armor offers strong protection, yet it is not heavy enough to make marching uncomfortable. They can even swim in it. Everyone trained for war practices swimming. Both cavalry and infantry use arrows extensively and with great skill. They carry no swords, but fight with a sharp, heavy poleaxe, using it to thrust at enemies or strike them down. They are very skilled at devising war machines. They conceal them so well that enemies discover them only when they feel their effects. This leaves the enemy unable to prepare defenses that would make the machines useless. Their main concern when designing these machines is to make them easy to carry and operate.
“If they agree to a truce, they observe it so religiously that no provocations will make them break it. They never lay their enemies’ country waste nor burn their corn, and even in their marches they take all possible care that neither horse nor foot may tread it down, for they do not know but that they may have use for it themselves. They hurt no man whom they find disarmed, unless he is a spy. When a town is surrendered to them, they take it into their protection; and when they carry a place by storm they never plunder it, but put those only to the sword that oppose the rendering of it up, and make the rest of the garrison slaves, but for the other inhabitants, they do them no hurt; and if any of them had advised a surrender, they give them good rewards out of the estates of those that they condemn, and distribute the rest among their auxiliary troops, but they themselves take no share of the spoil.
“If they agree to a truce, they honor it so faithfully that no provocation will make them break it. They never devastate their enemies’ country or burn their grain crops. Even on the march, they take every possible precaution to keep horses and soldiers from trampling the crops. They may need those crops themselves. They harm no one they find unarmed, unless that person is a spy. When a town surrenders to them, they take it under their protection. When they capture a place by assault, they never loot it. They kill only those who oppose its surrender and enslave the rest of the garrison. They do no harm to the other inhabitants. If any inhabitants advised surrender, they reward them generously from the property of those they condemn. They distribute the remaining property among their allied troops, but take no share of the spoils themselves.
“When a war is ended, they do not oblige their friends to reimburse their expenses; but they obtain them of the conquered, either in money, which they keep for the next occasion, or in lands, out of which a constant revenue is to be paid them; by many increases the revenue which they draw out from several countries on such occasions is now risen to above 700,000 ducats a year. They send some of their own people to receive these revenues, who have orders to live magnificently and like princes, by which means they consume much of it upon the place; and either bring over the rest to Utopia or lend it to that nation in which it lies. This they most commonly do, unless some great occasion, which falls out but very seldom, should oblige them to call for it all. It is out of these lands that they assign rewards to such as they encourage to adventure on desperate attempts. If any prince that engages in war with them is making preparations for invading their country, they prevent him, and make his country the seat of the war; for they do not willingly suffer any war to break in upon their island; and if that should happen, they would only defend themselves by their own people; but would not call for auxiliary troops to their assistance.
“When a war ends, they do not require their allies to repay their expenses. Instead, they recover these costs from the conquered, either in money or in land. They keep the money for the next war, while the land provides a steady income. Through repeated additions, their income from lands in several countries has now grown to over 700,000 ducats a year. They send some of their own people to collect this income, with orders to live lavishly, like princes. As a result, these collectors spend much of it locally. They either bring the rest back to Utopia or lend it to the country where it was collected. They usually lend it, unless some urgent need forces them to call for the whole amount. This happens very rarely. They use these lands to reward those they encourage to undertake desperate missions. If a ruler at war with them prepares to invade their country, they strike first and fight in his country. They are unwilling to let any war reach their island. If it did, they would defend themselves using only their own people. They would not call on outside troops for help.”