By general consent, he would have been capable of ruling, had he not ruled.
Liberty is given by nature even to mute animals.
Corruptisima republica plurimae leges.
So true is it that all transactions of preeminent importance are wrapt in doubt and obscurity; while some hold for certain facts the most precarious hearsays, others turn facts into falsehood; and both are exaggerated by posterity.
Falsehood avails itself of haste and uncertainty.
That cannot be safe which is not honourable.