And a mighty King &c.] He means that the power of the tyrant under whom they shall be subdued shall be so great, that it shall be hard for them to recover their liberty. Histories make mention of divers changes which have happened in many Countries, which yet could not be kept long by those which have conquered them. For oftentimes the keeping of that which a man hath won is more difficult, then the Conquest it self. But the Prophet tells us that this estate shall not easily be changed, for the servitude of the Egyptians shall be of long continuance: the reason is, none shall dare to oppose nor make war against so mighty a Conqueror. We may also understand it thus, that Princes over a small people are more courteous and humane towards their subjects then those that are more puissant: who trusting unto their greatness, let loose the reins to do whatsoever they list. For as they think, their power is invincible; so do they give liberty ⟨p. 189⟩to themselves to act whatsoever their fancy drives them to. Whether of the two expositions we receive, the sum will be this; That the Egyptians, who esteemed themselves in the first rank, and the most renowned among men, shall fall into the power of another; and shall be oppressed under an hard bondage; to wit, under a mighty King, against whom, none shall dare to oppose himself. By this we may see how great the folly of such men is, who desire a mighty King, that ruleth over many Countries: as also how justly they are punished for their ambition, which yet notwithstanding cannot be reformed, though so many experiences do daily fall out in the world. France and Spain boast at this day, that they are subjects to so mighty Princes: but they shall feel to their smart, how profitable such a false pretence of honour is to them. But we have spoken of this matter before in another place: Chap. 8.6, 7.
And a mightie King &c.] Hee meanes that the power of the tyrant vnder whom they shalbe subdued shall be so great, that it shall be hard for them to recouer their libertie. Histories make mention of diuers changes which haue happened in many Countries, which yet could not be kept long by those which haue conquered them. For oftentimes the keeping of that which a man hath woon is more difficult, then the Conquest it selfe. But the Prophet tels vs that this estate shall not easily be changed, for the seruitude of the Egyptians shall be of long continuance: the reason is, none shall dare to oppose nor make warre against so mightie a Conqueror. We may also vnderstand it thus, that Princes ouer a small people are more courteous and humane towards their subiects then those that are more puissant: who trusting vnto their greatnes, let loose the raines to doe whatsoeuer they list. For as they thinke, their power is inuincible; so do they giue libertie ⟨p. 189⟩to themselues to act whatsoeuer their fansie driues thē to. Whether of the two expositions we receiue, the summe will be this; That the Egyptians, who esteemed themselues in the first ranke, and the most renowned among men, shall fall into the power of another; and shall be oppressed vnder an hard bondage; to wit, vnder a mighty King, against whom, none shall dare to oppose himselfe. By this we may see how great the folly of such men is, who desire a mighty King, that ruleth ouer many Countries: as also how iustly they are punished for their ambition, which yet notwithstanding cannot be reformed, though so manie experiences do daily fall out in the world. France and Spaine boast at this day, that they are subiects to so mightie Princes: but they shall feele to their smart, how profitable such a false pretence of honor is to them. But we haue spoken of this matter before in another place: Chap. 8.6, 7.
