Chapter 14.—The Enlargement of
Kingdoms is Unsuitably Ascribed to Jove; For If, as They Will Have
It, Victoria is a Goddess, She Alone Would Suffice for This
Business.
Here, first of all, I ask, why even
the kingdom itself is not some god. For why should not it also be
so, if Victory is a goddess? Or what need is there of Jove
himself in this affair, if Victory favors and is propitious, and
always goes to those whom she wishes to be victorious? With this
goddess favorable and propitious, even if Jove was idle and did
nothing, what nations could remain unsubdued, what kingdom would
not yield? But perhaps it is displeasing to good men to fight
with most wicked unrighteousness, and provoke with voluntary war
neighbors who are peaceable and do no wrong, in order to enlarge a
kingdom? If they feel thus, I entirely approve and praise
them.