The Secret of Secrets and Other Philosophical Treatises (1401-1500) - Page 12

...God [ordained] this for the generation, purification, and durability of natural things. However, many inconveniences and dangers arise from the cold of winter and the heat of summer. Thus it also happens regarding the king; many things are evident, and inconveniences are accustomed to come from him which displease his subjects and are borne with annoyance, unless the greatest utility shall be imminent in them.

On the assistance of the king

xv.

O Alexander, consider the poverty and necessity of miserable and weak persons. Succor the needy in their need out of your clemency. Choose for yourself a man who knows the heart, with an eloquent tongue, loving justice, so that he may be able to take your place, and rule and love them mercifully; and in this is the observance of the king: tenacious justice and the good pleasure of the Creator. O Alexander, store up much of the legumes and useful grains for protection original: "ad uelendū," likely a scribal variant for "ad velandum" (to cover/protect) or perhaps "ad valendum" (to be of use/health)., which may suffice for your land in the time of famine and need, so that when a time of famine and want comes, as it is accustomed to happen, your skill and your prudence may be able to assist. In the time of necessity, the cities must be succored; then you ought to open your storehouses, and publicly throughout the kingdoms and cities, [distribute] the wheat and grains you have stored. This is great caution, the highest prudence, the defense of the kingdom, the salvation of the people, and the guardian of cities; then your deeds shall prosper, and everywhere there shall be word of your beautiful prudence.

Jacques Mollart
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with confidence of living; then [the subject] will do what your eyes see from afar, and your light itself shall approach the mind original: "demenciam," likely a corruption of "ad mentem" (to the mind) or "clementiam" (clemency), though the context of light approaching suggests a mental or spiritual illumination., and they shall tremble to offend your majesty.

On the mercy of the king.

xvi.

O Alexander, I have frequently warned you and still warn you, that if you keep mercy and doctrine, and if you observe them, you will achieve your purpose, and your kingdom will remain durable. See to it that human blood is not shed by you, for this belongs to God alone, who knows the secrets of hearts and the secrets of men. Therefore, do not take upon yourself the role of an offensive lord or [minor official] original: "officiolū." This may imply the king should not act as a mere executioner or petty officer, but remain in his high station., because it is not given to you to know the difficult mysteries of the Lord. Beware, therefore, as much as you can, of shedding the blood of men; for the excellent Hermogenes Original: "hermogenes." Likely referring to Hermes Trismegistus, a legendary Hellenistic figure to whom many medieval scientific and philosophical works were attributed. says in his writing: when a creature kills a creature like itself, the virtues of the heavens cry out to the divine majesty, saying: "Lord, your servant wants to be like you, because your minister is being made to be killed." The Creator of the heavens will answer: "Permit him who kills also to be killed. Vengeance is mine, and I will repay." And so often the virtues of the heavens will represent in their praises the death of the slain, until vengeance is taken upon the killer, until he is one of those [enduring] eternal punishments. O Alexander, you have learned the knowledge of these punishments and many kinds of evils by experience. Recall to memory the deeds...

mollard
Mollard