Such a government wherein Ulysses and
his companions had nothing to do but quietly to suffer themselves to
be devoured. And no doubt Ulysses, who was a prudent man, preached
up passive obedience, and exhorted them to a quiet submission by
representing to them of what concernment peace was to mankind, and
by showing [what] inconveniencies might happen if they should offer to
resist Polyphemus, who had now the power over them.
229. The end of government is the good of mankind; and which is best
for mankind, that the people should be always exposed to the boundless
will of tyranny, or that the rulers should be sometimes liable to be
opposed when they grow exorbitant in the use of their power, and
employ it for the destruction, and not the preservation, of the
properties of their people?
230. Nor let any one say that mischief can arise from hence as often
as it shall please a busy head or turbulent spirit to desire the
alteration of the government. It is true such men may stir whenever
they please, but it will be only to their own just ruin and perdition.
For till the mischief be grown general, and the ill designs of the
rulers become visible, or their attempts sensible to the greater part,
the people, who are more disposed to suffer than right themselves by
resistance, are not apt to stir.
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