The Secret of Secrets of Aristotle

Moreover, it can easily be known and apprehended by certain signs whether wisdom or folly dominates in a king; for whoever the king is who subjects his kingdom to divine law is worthy to rule and to hold dominion honorably; but he who reduces the divine law to servitude, subjecting it to his own kingdom and command, is a transgressor of truth and a contemner of his own law. Whoever contemns his own law will be contemned by men, for he is condemned by the law. I say that word which the wise philosophers, speaking divinely, said concerning the religion of a king: that first it befits royal majesty to obey legal institutions, not in feigned appearance, but in the evidence of fact, so that all may know him to fear the high God and to be subject to divine power. For men are accustomed to revere and fear the king when they see him revere and fear God. If, therefore, he shows himself to be religious only in appearance and is a wrongdoer in his works—and it is difficult for wicked works to be hidden and unknown to the people—he will be reprobated by God and contemned by men, and his deed will be defamed, and his empire will be diminished, so that, as I said, he will lack the honor of his crown of glory. What more, therefore, shall I say? There is no price, there is no treasure that can redeem good fame. Furthermore, it befits a king to honor religious men with legislative honor, to elevate the wise, and to confer with them, and to pose doubtful questions, to interrogate honestly, and to answer discreetly. To honor the wiser and more noble more greatly, according to what befits the status of each.

Concerning the prudence of a king.

It is also necessary for the king to think upon the future and to meet future contingencies prudently, so that he may more easily tolerate adversities. It also befits him to have piety, to restrain anger and the movement of the mind, so that an unforeseen commotion does not proceed into action without deliberation, and to recognize his own error reasonably and to revoke it wisely; for the highest wisdom in a king is to rule himself. When, however, the king sees some good or useful thing to be done, he should do it with discretion, neither too slowly nor too quickly, lest he appear sluggish or impetuous.

Concerning the ornament of the king.

It greatly befits royal dignity to be dressed honorably and to carry...