Page:Montesquieu - The spirit of laws.djvu/350

298 servitude was not to increase; they imagined likewise that the masters would be better citizens when they desired no more than what they were accustomed to enjoy.

HEN the nobles of a monarchical state cause the lands to be cultivated for their own use by a conquered people, they ought never to have a power of increasing the service or tribute. Besides it is right the prince should be satisfied with his own demesne and the military service. But if he wants to raise taxes on the bondmen of his nobility, the lords of the several districts ought to be answerable for the tax, and be obliged to pay it for the bondmen, by whom they may be afterwards reimbursed. But if this rule is not followed, the lord and the collectors of the prince's taxes will harass the poor bondman by turns, till he perishes with misery or flies into the woods.

HAT has been above said, is still more indispensably necessary in a despotic government. The lord who is every moment liable to be dripped of his lands and bondmen, is not so eager to preserve them. Rh