The Description of Wales
by Geraldus Cambrensis
Book II
Chapter IX
In what manner Wales, when conquered, should be
governed
As therefore this nation is to be subdued by resolution
in the manner proposed, so when subdued, its government must
be directed by moderation, according to the following plan.
Let the care of it be committed to a man of a firm and
determined mind; who during the time of peace, by paying due
obedience to the laws, and respect to the government, may
render it firm and stable. For like other nations in a
barbarous state, this people, although they are strangers to
the principles of honour, yet above all things desire to be
honoured; and approve and respect in others that truth which
they themselves do not profess. Whenever the natural
inconstancy of their indisposition shall induce them to
revolt, let punishment instantly follow the offence; but
when they shall have submitted themselves again to order,
and made proper amends for their faults (as it is the custom
of bad men to remember wrath after quarrels), let their
former transgression be overlooked, and let them enjoy
security and respect, as long as they continue faithful.
Thus, by mild treatment they will be invited to obedience
and the love of peace, and the thought of certain punishment
will deter them from rash attempts. We have often observed
persons who, confounding these matters, by complaining of
faults, depressing for services, flattering in war,
plundering in peace, despoiling the weak, paying respect to
revolters, by thus rendering all things confused, have at
length been confounded themselves. Besides, as circumstances
which are foreseen do less mischief, and as that state is
happy which thinks of war in the time of peace, let the wise
man be upon his guard, and prepared against the approaching
inconveniences of war, by the construction of forts, the
widening of passes through woods, and the providing of a
trusty household. For those who are cherished and sustained
during the time of peace, are more ready to come forward in
times of danger, and are more confidently to be depended
upon; and as a nation unsubdued ever meditates plots under
the disguise of friendship, let not the prince or his
governor entrust the protection of his camp or capital to
their fidelity. By the examples of many remarkable men, some
of whom have been cruelly put to death, and others deprived
of their castles and dignities, through their own neglect
and want of care, we may see, that the artifices of a crafty
and subdued nation are much more to be dreaded than their
open warfare; their good-will than their anger, their honey
than their gall, their malice than their attack, their
treachery than their aggression, and their pretended
friendship more than their open enmity. A prudent and
provident man therefore should contemplate in the misfortune
of others what he ought himself to avoid; correction taught
by example is harmless, as Ennodius says: "The ruin of
predecessors instructs those who succeed; and a former
miscarriage becomes a future caution." If a well-disposed
prince should wish these great designs to be accomplished
without the effusion of blood, the marches, as we before
mentioned, must be put into a state of defence on all sides,
and all intercourse by sea and land interdicted; some of the
Welsh may be stirred up to deadly feuds, by means of
stipends, and by transferring the property of one person to
another; and thus worn out with hunger, and a want of the
necessaries of life, and harassed by frequent murders and
implacable enmities, they will at last be compelled to
surrender.
There are three things which ruin this nation, and
prevent its enjoying the satisfaction of a fruitful progeny.
First, because both the natural and legitimate sons
endeavour to divide the paternal inheritance amongst
themselves; from which cause, as we have before observed,
continual fratricides take place. Secondly, because the
education of their sons is committed to the care of the
high-born people of the country, who, on the death of their
fathers, endeavour by all possible means to exalt their
pupil; from whence arise murders, conflagrations, and almost
a total destruction of the country. And, thirdly, because
from the pride and obstinacy of their disposition, they will
not (like other nations) subject themselves to the dominion
of one lord and king.
The Description of Wales
Book II
by Geraldus Cambrensis
Chapter VIII
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