The Middle Ages and the Renaissance

Abstract

‘No man can make himself king or emperor, the people raise a man above them in this way in order that he may govern them in accordance with right reason, give to each one his own, protect the good, destroy the wicked, and administer justice to every man. But if he violates the contract (pactum) under which he was elected, disturbing and confounding that which he was established to set in order, then the people is justly and reasonably released from its obligation to obey him. For he was the first to break the faith that bound them together.’ If, the writer goes on, a ruler acts like a tyrant, destroying peace and justice, then the people, absolved thereby from its oath of allegiance, is free to depose him and set up another.