From defect in reasoning, that is to say, from error, men are prone to violate the laws three ways. First, by presumption of false principles: as when men, from having observed how in all places and in all ages, unjust actions have been authorized, by the force and victories of those who have committed them; and that potent men, breaking through the cobweb laws of their country, the weaker sort and those that have failed in their enterprises, have been esteemed the only criminals; have thereupon taken for principles, and grounds of their reasoning, “that justice is but a vain word: that whatsoever a man can get by his own industry and hazard, is his own: that the practice of all nations cannot be unjust: that examples of former times are good arguments of doing the like again”; and many more of that kind; which being granted, no act in itself can be a crime, but must be made so, not by the law, but by the success of them that commit it; and the same fact be virtuous or vicious, as fortune pleaseth; so that what Marius makes a crime, Sylla shall make meritorious, and Caesar, the same laws standing, turn again into a crime, to the perpetual disturbance of the peace of the commonwealth.