Chapter I: On The Offices Of Those Who Are Over The Republic

2283. • Those who are over others, these Divine Wisdom itself gravely admonishes in this manner: "Give ear, you who contain multitudes, and please yourselves in the crowds of nations: because power has been given to you by the Lord, and strength by the Most High, who will interrogate your works, and search out your thoughts: because when you were ministers of his kingdom, you did not judge rightly, nor keep the law of justice, nor walk according to the will of God. Horribly and quickly he will appear to you: because a most hard judgment will be made for those who are over others. For mercy is conceded to the little one: but the powerful shall powerfully suffer torments" (Wis. 6:3-7).

This most grave admonition having been premised, behold what things seem to have to be said summarily both concerning the offices of PRINCES and of those who possess supreme power; and concerning the offices of LEGISLATORS and of those who are over some multitude.¹⁰