torian power in that
government, but that it is assumed at the discretion of that Council;
whereas in this of Oceana it is not otherwise intrusted than when the
Senate, in the election of nine knights-extraordinary, gives at once
the commission, and takes security in a balance, added to the Council
of War, though securer before by the tribunes of the people than that of
Venice, which yet never incurred jealousy; for if the younger nobility
have been often girding at it, that happened not so much through the
apprehension of danger in it to the commonwealth, as through the awe of
it upon themselves. Wherefore the graver have doubtlessly shown their
prudence in the law whereby the magistracy of these councillors being to
last till' their successors be created, the council is established."

The instructions of the councils for their matter being shown, it
remains that I show the instructions for the manner of their proceeding,
as they follow in--

The twentieth order, "Containing the method of debates to be observed
by the magistrates and the councils successively in order to a decree of
the Senate.

"The magistrates of the signory, as councillors of this commonwealth,
shall take into their consideration all matters of state or of
government; and, having right to propose in any council, may, any one or
more of them, propose what business he or they please in that council
to which it most properly belongs. And, that the councils may be held to
their duty, the said magistrates are superintendents and inspectors of
the same, with right to propose to the Senate.

"The censors have equal power with these magistrates, but in relation to
the Council of Religion only.

"Any two of the three provosts in every council may propose to, and are
the more peculiar proposers of, the same council; to the end that there
be not only an inspection and superintendency of business in general,
but that every work be also committed to a peculiar hand.

"Any one or more of the magistrates, or any two of the provosts
respectively having proposed, the council shall debate the business so
proposed, to which they of the third region that are willing shall speak
first in their order; they of the second, next; and they of the first,
last; and the opinions of those that proposed or spoke, as they shall
be thought the most considerable by the council, shall be taken by the
secretary of the same in writing, and each of them signed with the name
of th