This is no more than what we see Dayly in Popular Factions, where
Pragmatical Fools commonly begin the Squabble, and Crafty Knaves reap
the Benefit of it. There is very rarely any Quarrel, either Publique, or
Private, whether betwixt Persons, or Parties, but a Third Watches, and
hopes to be the Better for’t.
And all is but according to the Old Proverb, _While Two Dogs are Fighting
for a Bone, a Third runs away with it_. _Divide and Govern_, is a
Rule of State, that we see Confirm’d and supported by Dayly Practice
and Experience: So that ’tis none of the Slightest Arguments for the
Necessity of a Common Peace, that the Litigants Tear one another to
pieces for the Benefit of some Third Interest, that makes Advantage of
their Disagreement. This is no more then what we find upon Experience
through the whole History of the World in All Notable Changes, and
Revolutions; that is to say, the Contendents have been still made a Prey
to a Third Party. And this has not been only the Fate and the Event of
Popular Quarrels, but the Punishment of them; for the Judgment still
treads upon the Heel of the Wickedness. People may talk of _Liberty_,
_Property_, _Conscience_, Right of _Title_, _&c._ but the main Business
and Earnest of the World, is _Money_, _Dominion_, and _Power_, and how
to Compass Those Ends; and not a Rush matter at last, whether it be by
Force, or by Cunning. Might and Right are Inseparable, in the Opinion of
the World; and he that has the Longer Sword, shall never want, either
Lawyers, or Divines to Defend his Claim. But then comes the _Kite_, or
the _Fox_, in the Conclusion; that is to say, some Third Party, that
either by Strength, or by Craft, Masters both Plaintiff and Defendant,
and carries away the Booty.