They declare that inexpiable penalties impend over those who have done violence to any animal whatsoever.

It is, therefore, a crime to injure an animal, and the perpetrator of such crime[338] * * * XII.

For when he[339] inquired of a pirate by what right he dared to infest the sea with his little brigantine: "By the same right," he replied, "which is your warrant for conquering the world." * * * Wisdom and prudence instruct us by all means to increase our power, riches, and estates.

For by what means could this same Alexander, that illustrious general, who extended his empire over all Asia, without violating the property of other men, have acquired such universal dominion, enjoyed so many pleasures, such great power, and reigned without bound or limit?
But justice commands us to have mercy upon all men, to consult the interests of the whole human race, to give to every one his due, and injure no sacred, public, or foreign rights, and to forbear touching what does not belong to us.

What is the result, then?
If you obey the dictates of wisdom, then wealth, power, riches, honors, provinces, and kingdoms, from all classes, peoples, and nations, are to be aimed at.
However, as we are discussing public matters, those examples are more illustrious which refer to what is done publicly.