New Atlantis (utopian novel)

—namely, Monarchy in the person of one King; Aristocracy in his Council of Prelates High-ranking members of the clergy, such as bishops and Peers Members of the nobility who hold titles, who were called to debate and advise; and a small degree of Democracy in the assembly of the Commons The House of Commons, representing the common people. However, at first, the Commons were only summoned to consent and yield obedience to whatever the great Council of the Land should decree. Consequently, in this "matrimonial union" (a comparison King James King James I (reigned 1603–1625) famously used the metaphor of the King as a husband and the kingdom as his wife to argue for his singular authority was fond of making), the King was and still is the head or husband. Therefore, he is and ought to be rightfully armed with the sole power, will, and authority.

The governing power has been recognized in all ages and places—except in a few sickly and disordered German republics The author is likely referring to the various independent city-states or small republics within the Holy Roman Empire, which were often seen by monarchists as unstable—to be most safely held by a single person, both for the sake of speed and secrecy. Furthermore, Monarchy was the first form of government and has ever since been considered the best. This is because the collective hatred of a "State" (a republic or commonwealth, which never forgives) is more deadly than the "generous spleen" original: "generous spleen"—referring to the noble, spirited anger of a King, which was thought to be temporary and honorable, unlike the cold, lingering resentment of a faceless government of a Monarchy. It only remains to be ensured that the laws and rules—by which this or any other form of government must necessarily be upheld and maintained—are also few and of high quality. But to preserve this parti- The word continues as "particular" on the next page