it having been long a stranger in these, and other parts; yet
in ancient time, Nations were wont to reckon themselves so
much the more noble, if they were free from the Regall
Yoak; which was the cause why then there were so many
Free States in all parts of the world,
In our own Countrey here, before that Cœsars Tyranny
took place, there was no such thing as Monarchy: For, the
same Cœsar tels us how the Britains were divided into so
many severall States; relates how Cassevellanus was by the
Common Councell of the Nation, elected in that their
publique danger, to have the principall Administration of
State, with the business of War; And afterward; how the
severall Cities sent their Hostages unto him; whereby we
perceive, it was of old no Monarchy, but like to the Gauls
(with whom it was then one also in Religion) divided into
Provinciall Regiments, without any entire Rule or Combination;
onely in case of common peril by Invasion, &c. they
were wont to chuse a Commander in Chief, much like the
Dictator Chosen by the Romans upon the like occasion. And
now we see all the Western world (lately discovered) to be,
as generally all other Countries are in puris naturalibus, in
their first and most innocent condition, setled in the same
Form, before they came to be inflaved, either by some predominant
Power from abroad, or some one among themselves,
more potent and ambitious then his neighbours. Such also
was the State heretofore, not onely of our Nation, but of
France, Spain, Germany, and all the West parts of
Europe, before the Romans did by Strength and cunning
unlock their Liberties: And such as were then termed Kings,
were but as Generalls in War, without any other great Jurisdiction.
If we reflect likewise upon the antient State of Italy, we
finde no other forms of Government but those of Free States
and Commonweals, as the Tuscans, Romans, Samnits, and
many others, nor is there any mention made of Kings in
Italy, besides those of the Romans, and of Tuscany, which
continued but a short time; for Tuscany soon became a free