ABSTRACT
The laws, ordinances, letters-patents, privileges, and grants of princes, have no force but during their life; if they be not ratified by the express consent, or at least by sufference of the prince following, who had knowledge thereof. In the Parliaments of England, which have commonly been holden every third year, the estates seem to have a great liberty, yet so it is, that in effect they proceed not, but by way of supplications and requests to the King. A pure absolute monarchy is the surest commonweal, and without comparison, the best of all. Wherein many are abused, who maintain that an optimacy is the best kind of government; for that many commanders have more judgment, wisdom and counsel than one alone. In a well-ordered state, the sovereign power must remain in one only, without communicating any part thereof unto the state.
