The Law of Nations

Book II - Of a Nation considered in her Relation to other States

259 the LAW of NATIONS u b o o k i i u Of a Nation considered in its Relations to others chapter i Of the Common Duties of a Nation towards others, or of the Offices of Humanity between Nations. The following maxims will appear very strange to cabinet politicians: and such is the misfortune of mankind, that, to many of those refined conductors of nations, the doctrine of this chapter will be a subject of ridicule. Be it so!—but we will nevertheless boldly lay down what the law of nature prescribes to nations. Shall we be intimidated by ridicule, when we speak after Cicero? That great man held the reins of the most powerful state that ever existed; and in that station he appeared no less eminent than at the bar. The punctual observance of the law of nature he considered as the most salutary policy to the state. In my preface, I have already quoted this fine passage: Nihil est quod adhuc de republica putem dictum, & quo possim longius progredi, nisi sit confirmatum, non modo falsum esse illud, sine injuria non posse, sed hoc verissimum, sine§1. Foundation of the common and mutual duties of nations. ...