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The Political Works
THE PRINCE
CONTENTS
EDWARD DACRES TRANSLATION, 1640
CONTENTS
THE EPISTLE TO THE READER.
CHAP. I. How many sorts of Principalities there are, and how many wayes they are attained to.
CHAP. II. Of Hereditary Principalities.
CHAP. III. Of mixt Principalities.
CHAP. IV. Wherefore Darius his Kingdome taken by Alexander, rebelled not against Alexanders Successors after his death.
CHAP. V. In what manner Cities and Principalities are to be govern’d, which, before they were conquer’d, liv’d under their own Laws.
CHAP. VI. Of new Principalities, that are conquer’d by ones own armes and valour.
CHAP. VII. Of new Principalities, gotten by fortune, and other mens forces.
CHAP. VIII. Concerning those who by wicked meanes have attaind to a Principality.
CHAP. IX. Of the Civill Principality.
CHAP. X. In what manner the Forces of all Principalities ought to be measured.
CHAP. XI. Concerning Ecclesiastical Principalities.
CHAP. XII. How many sorts of Military discipline there are and touching Mercenary soldiers.
CHAP. XIII. Of Auxiliary Soldiers, mixt, and native.
CHAP. XIV. What belongs to the Prince touching military Discipline.
CHAP. XV. Of those things, in respect whereof, men, and especially Princes, are praised, or dispraised.
CHAP. XVI. Of Liberality, and Miserablenesse.
CHAP. XVII. Of Cruelty, and Clemency, and whether it is better to be belov’d, or feard.
CHAP. XVIII. In what manner Princes ought to keep their words.
CHAP. XIX. That Princes should take a care, not to incurre contempt or hatred.
CHAP. XX. Whether the Citadels and many other things which Princes often make use of, are profitable or dammageable.
CHAP. XXI. How a Prince ought to behave himself to gain reputation.
CHAP. XXII. Touching Princes Secretaries.
CHAP. XXIII. That Flatterers are to be avoyded.
CHAP. XXIV. Wherefore the Princes of Italy have lost their States.
CHAP. XXV. How great power Fortune hath in humane affaires, and what meanes there is to resist it.
CHAP. XXVI. An Exhortation to free Italy from the Barbarians.
CHRISTIAN E. DETMOLD TRANSLATION, 1882
CONTENTS
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLI TO THE MAGNIFICENT LORENZO, SON OF PIERO DE’ MEDICI.
CHAPTER I. HOW MANY KINDS OF PRINCIPALITIES THERE ARE, AND IN WHAT MANNER THEY ARE ACQUIRED.
CHAPTER II. OF HEREDITARY PRINCIPALITIES.
CHAPTER III. OF MIXED PRINCIPALITIES.
CHAPTER IV. WHY THE KINGDOM OF DARIUS, WHICH WAS CONQUERED BY ALEXANDER, DID NOT REVOLT AGAINST THE SUCCESSORS OF ALEXANDER AFTER HIS DEATH.
CHAPTER V. HOW CITIES OR PRINCIPALITIES ARE TO BE GOVERNED THAT PREVIOUS TO BEING CONQUERED HAD LIVED UNDER THEIR OWN LAWS.
CHAPTER VI. OF NEW PRINCIPALITIES THAT HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED BY THE VALOR OF THE PRINCE AND BY HIS OWN TROOPS.
CHAPTER VII. OF NEW PRINCIPALITIES THAT HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED BY THE AID OF OTHERS AND BY GOOD FORTUNE.
CHAPTER VIII. OF SUCH AS HAVE ACHIEVED SOVEREIGNTY BY MEANS OF CRIMES.
CHAPTER IX. OF CIVIL PRINCIPALITIES.
CHAPTER X. IN WHAT MANNER THE POWER OF ALL PRINCIPALITIES SHOULD BE MEASURED.
CHAPTER XI. OF ECCLESIASTICAL PRINCIPALITIES.
CHAPTER XII. OF THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF TROOPS, AND OF MERCENARIES.
CHAPTER XIII. OF AUXILIARIES, AND OF MIXED AND NATIONAL TROOPS.
CHAPTER XIV. OF THE DUTIES OF A PRINCE IN RELATION TO MILITARY MATTERS.
CHAPTER XV. OF THE MEANS BY WHICH MEN, AND ESPECIALLY PRINCES, WIN APPLAUSE, OR INCUR CENSURE.
CHAPTER XVI. OF LIBERALITY AND PARSIMONIOUSNESS.
CHAPTER XVII. OF CRUELTY AND CLEMENCY, AND WHETHER IT IS BETTER TO BE LOVED THAN FEARED.
CHAPTER XVIII. IN WHAT MANNER PRINCES SHOULD KEEP THEIR FAITH.
CHAPTER XIX. A PRINCE MUST AVOID BEING CONTEMNED AND HATED.
CHAPTER XX. WHETHER THE ERECTION OF FORTRESSES, AND MANY OTHER THINGS WHICH PRINCES OFTEN DO, ARE USEFUL, OR INJURIOUS.
CHAPTER XXI. HOW PRINCES SHOULD CONDUCT THEMSELVES TO ACQUIRE A REPUTATION.
CHAPTER XXII. OF THE MINISTERS OF PRINCES.
CHAPTER XXIII. HOW TO AVOID FLATTERERS.
CHAPTER XXIV. THE REASON WHY THE PRINCES OF ITALY HAVE LOST THEIR STATES.
CHAPTER XXV. OF THE INFLUENCE OF FORTUNE IN HUMAN AFFAIRS, AND HOW IT MAY BE COUNTERACTED.
CHAPTER XXVI. EXHORTATION TO DELIVER ITALY FROM FOREIGN BARBARIANS.
W. K. MARRIOTT TRANSLATION, 1903
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER I - HOW MANY KINDS OF PRINCIPALITIES THERE ARE, AND BY WHAT MEANS THEY ARE ACQUIRED
CHAPTER II - CONCERNING HEREDITARY PRINCIPALITIES
CHAPTER III - CONCERNING MIXED PRINCIPALITIES
CHAPTER IV - WHY THE KINGDOM OF DARIUS, CONQUERED BY ALEXANDER, DID NOT REBEL AGAINST THE SUCCESSORS OF ALEXANDER AT HIS DEATH
CHAPTER V - CONCERNING THE WAY TO GOVERN CITIES OR PRINCIPALITIES WHICH LIVED UNDER THEIR OWN LAWS BEFORE THEY WERE ANNEXED
CHAPTER VI - CONCERNING NEW PRINCIPALITIES WHICH ARE ACQUIRED BY ONE’S OWN ARMS AND ABILITY
CHAPTER VII - CONCERNING NEW PRINCIPALITIES WHICH ARE ACQUIRED EITHER BY THE ARMS OF OTHERS OR BY GOOD FORTUNE
CHAPTER VIII - CONCERNING THOSE WHO HAVE OBTAINED A PRINCIPALITY BY WICKEDNESS
CHAPTER IX - CONCERNING A CIVIL PRINCIPALITY
CHAPTER X - CONCERNING THE WAY IN WHICH THE STRENGTH OF ALL PRINCIPALITIES OUGHT TO BE MEASURED
CHAPTER XI - CONCERNING ECCLESIASTICAL PRINCIPALITIES
CHAPTER XII - HOW MANY KINDS OF SOLDIERY THERE ARE, AND CONCERNING MERCENARIES
CHAPTER XIII - CONCERNING AUXILIARIES, MIXED SOLDIERY, AND ONE’S OWN
CHAPTER XIV - THAT WHICH CONCERNS A PRINCE ON THE SUBJECT OF THE ART OF WAR
CHAPTER XV - CONCERNING THINGS FOR WHICH MEN, AND ESPECIALLY PRINCES, ARE PRAISED OR BLAMED
CHAPTER XVI - CONCERNING LIBERALITY AND MEANNESS
CHAPTER XVII - CONCERNING CRUELTY AND CLEMENCY, AND WHETHER IT IS BETTER TO BE LOVED THAN FEARED
CHAPTER XVIII(*) - CONCERNING THE WAY IN WHICH PRINCES SHOULD KEEP FAITH
CHAPTER XIX - THAT ONE SHOULD AVOID BEING DESPISED AND HATED
CHAPTER XX - ARE FORTRESSES, AND MANY OTHER THINGS TO WHICH PRINCES OFTEN RESORT, ADVANTAGEOUS OR HURTFUL?
CHAPTER XXI - HOW A PRINCE SHOULD CONDUCT HIMSELF SO AS TO GAIN RENOWN
CHAPTER XXII - CONCERNING THE SECRETARIES OF PRINCES
CHAPTER XXIII - HOW FLATTERERS SHOULD BE AVOIDED
CHAPTER XXIV - WHY THE PRINCES OF ITALY HAVE LOST THEIR STATES
CHAPTER XXV - WHAT FORTUNE CAN EFFECT IN HUMAN AFFAIRS AND HOW TO WITHSTAND HER
CHAPTER XXVI - AN EXHORTATION TO LIBERATE ITALY FROM THE BARBARIANS
NINIAN HILL THOMSON TRANSLATION, 1910
CONTENTS
Dedication: To the Magnificent Lorenzo Di Piero De’ Medici
Chapter I: Of the Various Kinds of Princedom, and of the Ways in Which They Are Acquired
Chapter II: Of Hereditary Princedoms
Chapter III: Of Mixed Princedoms
Chapter IV: Why the Kingdom of Darius, Conquered by Alexander, Did Not, on Alexander’s Death, Rebel Against His Successors
Chapter V: How Cities or Provinces Which Before Their Acquisition Have Lived Under Their Own Laws Are To Be Governed
Chapter VI: Of New Princedoms Which a Prince Acquires With His Own Arms and by Merit
Chapter VII: Of New Princedoms Acquired By the Aid of Others and By Good Fortune
Chapter VIII: Of Those Who By Their Crimes Come to Be Princes
Chapter IX: Of the Civil Princedom
Chapter X: How the Strength of All Princedoms Should Be Measured
Chapter XI: Of Ecclesiastical Princedoms
Chapter XII: How Many Different Kinds of Soldiers There Are, and of Mercenaries
Chapter XIII: Of Auxiliary, Mixed, and National Arms
Chapter XIV: Of the Duty of a Prince In Respect of Military Affairs
Chapter XV: Of the Qualities In Respect of Which Men, and Most of all Princes, Are Praised or Blamed
Chapter XVI: Of Liberality and Miserliness
Chapter XVII: Of Cruelty and Clemency, and Whether It Is Better To Be Loved or Feared
Chapter XVIII: How Princes Should Keep Faith
Chapter XIX: That a Prince Should Seek to Escape Contempt and Hatred
Chapter XX: Whether Fortresses, and Certain Other Expedients to Which Princes Often Have Recourse, are Profitable or Hurtful
Chapter XXI: How a Prince Should Bear Himself So As to Acquire Reputation
Chapter XXII: Of the Secretaries of Princes
Chapter XXIII: That Flatterers Should Be Shunned
Chapter XXIV: Why the Princes of Italy Have Lost Their States
Chapter XXV: What Fortune Can Effect in Human Affairs, and How She May Be Withstood
Chapter XXVI: An Exhortation to Liberate Italy from the Barbarians
THE ORIGINAL ITALIAN TEXT, 1540
CONTENTS
Niccolò Machiavelli al Magnifico Lorenzo di Piero de’ Medici.
CAPITOLO I. Quante siano le specie de’ Principati, e con quali modi si acquistino.
CAPITOLO II. De’ Principati ereditari.
CAPITOLO III. De’ principati misti.
CAPITOLO IV. Perchè il Regno di Dario da Alessandro occupato non si ribellò dalli successori di Alessandro dopo la sua morte.
CAPITOLO V. In che modo siano da governare le città o Principati, quali, prima che occupati fussino, vivevano con le loro leggi.
CAPITOLO VI. De’ Principati nuovi, che con le proprie armi e virtù si acquistano.
CAPITOLO VII. De’ Principati nuovi, che con forze d’altri e per fortuna si acquistano.
CAPITOLO VIII. Di quelli che per scelleratezze sono pervenuti al Principato.
CAPITOLO IX. Del Principato civile.
CAPITOLO X. In che modo le forze di tutti i Principati si debbino misurare.
CAPITOLO XI. De’ Principati Ecclesiastici.
CAPITOLO XII. Quante siano le spezie della milizia, e de’ soldati mercenari.
CAPITOLO XIII. De’ soldati ausiliari, misti, e propri.
CAPITOLO XIV. Quello che al Principe si appartenga circa la milizia.
CAPITOLO XV. Delle cose, mediante le quali gli uomini, e massimamente i Principi, sono lodati o vituperati.
CAPITOLO XVI. Della liberalità e miseria.
CAPITOLO XVII. Della crudeltà e clemenzia; e se egli è meglio essere amato, che temuto.
CAPITOLO XVIII. In che modo i Principi debbino osservare la fede.
CAPITOLO XIX. Che si debbe fuggire l’essere disprezzato e odiato.
CAPITOLO XX. Se le fortezze, e molte altre cose che spesse volte i Principi fanno, sono utili o dannose.
CAPITOLO XXI. Come si debba governare un Principe per acquistarsi riputazione.
CAPITOLO XXII. Delli segretari de’ Principi.
CAPITOLO XXIII. Come si debbino fuggire gli adulatori.
CAPITOLO XXIV. Perchè i Principi d’Italia abbino perduto i loro Stati.
CAPITOLO XXV. Quanto possa nelle umane cose la fortuna, e in che modo se gli possa ostare.
CAPITOLO XXVI. Esortazione a liberare la Italia da’ barbari.
THE ART OF WAR
CONTENTS
PETER WHITEHORNE TRANSLATION, 1560
CONTENTS
THE PROHEME
THE TABLE OF CERTAIN PRINCIPALL THINGES, CONTAINED IN THIS WOORKE OF MACHIAVEL
THE FIRST BOOKE
THE SECOND BOOKE
THE THIRDE BOOKE
THE FOWERTH BOOKE
THE FIVETH BOOKE
THE SIXTHE BOOKE
THE SEVENTH BOOKE
TO THE READERS
HENRY NEVILLE TRANSLATION, 1675
PREFACE
BOOK I.
BOOK II.
BOOK III.
BOOK IV.
BOOK V.
BOOK VI.
BOOK VII.
THE ORIGINAL ITALIAN TEXT, 1520
CONTENTS
PROEMIO
LIBRO PRIMO
LIBRO SECONDO
LIBRO TERZO
LIBRO QUARTO
LIBRO QUINTO
LIBRO SESTO
LIBRO SETTIMO
A DISCOURSE ABOUT THE REFORMING OF FLORENCE
THOUGHTS OF A STATESMAN
CONTENTS
PREFATORY NOTE.
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLI TO HIS SON BERNARDO.
CHAPTER I. RELIGION.
CHAPTER II. PEACE AND WAR.
CHAPTER III. THE ADMIRABLE LAW OF NATIONS BORN WITH CHRISTIANITY.
CHAPTER IV. VICES THAT HAVE MADE THE GREAT THE PREY OF THE SMALL.
CHAPTER V. LAWS.
CHAPTER VI. JUSTICE.
CHAPTER VII. PUBLIC CHARGES.
CHAPTER VIII. OF AGRICULTURE, COMMERCE, POPULATION, LUXURY, AND SUPPLIES.
CHAPTER IX. THE EVILS OF IDLENESS.
CHAPTER X. ILL EFFECTS OF A CORRUPT GOVERNMENT.
CHAPTER XI. NOTABLE PRECEPTS AND MAXIMS.
CHAPTER XII. BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF A GOOD FATHER OF A FAMILY.
CHAPTER XIII. THE GOOD PRINCE.
CHAPTER XIV. OF THE MINISTERS.
CHAPTER XV. THE TYRANT PRINCE.
CHAPTER XVI. PRAISE AND SAFETY OF THE GOOD PRINCE, AND INFAMY AND DANGER OF THE TYRANT.
DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS
CONTENTS
MISSIONS.
MISSION TO THE LORD OF PIOMBINO.
LETTER OF THE MAGISTRACY OF THE TEN TO THE LORD OF PIOMBINO.
MISSION OF MACHIAVELLI TO THE SAME.
MISSION TO THE COUNTESS CATHARINE SFORZA.
LETTER I.
LETTER II.
LETTER III.
LETTER IV.
LETTER V.
LETTER VI.
LETTER VII.
COMMISSION TO THE ARMY IN THE FIELD AGAINST THE PISANS.
LETTER I. FROM LUCA DEGLI ALBIZZI TO THE SIGNORIA OF FLORENCE.
LETTER II.
LETTER III. FROM GIO. BATTISTA BARTOLINI TO THE SIGNORIA OF FLORENCE.
LETTER IV. COPY OF A LETTER WRITTEN BY ME, LUCA DI ANTONIO DEGLI ALBIZZI, TO THE ILLUSTRIOUS AND MAGNIFICENT SIGNORIA, 9 JULY, 22D HOUR.
LETTER V. THE MAGISTRACY OF THE TEN TO GIOV. BATTISTA BARTOLINI, COMMISSIONER AT CASCINA, JULY 9, 1500.
LETTER VI. THE MAGISTRACY OF THE TEN TO LUCA DEGLI ALBIZZI, IN CAMP, 10 JULY, 1500.
LETTER VII. COPY OF A LETTER FROM HIS MOST CHRISTIAN MAJESTY KING LOUIS XII. OF FRANCE TO THE SIGNORI OF FLORENCE, DATED AT ROUEN, 27 JULY, 1500.
MISSION TO THE COURT OF FRANCE. 18 July, 1500.
INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN TO FRANCESCO DELLA CASA AND NICCOLO MACHIAVELLI BY LORENZO LENZI, AMBASSADOR, ETC., ETC.
LETTER I.
LETTER II.
LETTER III.
LETTER IV.
LETTER V.
LETTER VI.
LETTER VII.
LETTER VIII.
LETTER IX.
LETTER X.
LETTER XI.
LETTER XII.
LETTER XIII.
LETTER XIV.
LETTER XV.
LETTER XVI.
LETTER XVII.
LETTER XVIII.
LETTER XIX.
LETTER XX.
LETTER XXI.
LETTER XXII.
LETTER XXIII.
LETTER XXIV.
LETTER XXV.
LETTER XXVI.
LETTER XXVII.
LETTER XXVIII.
THE MAGISTRACY OF THE TEN TO FRANCESCO DELLA CASA AND NICCOLO MACHIAVELLI.
MISSION TO THE DUKE OF VALENTINOIS. October 5, 1502.
COMMISSION GIVEN TO NICCOLO MACHIAVELLI, 5TH OCTOBER, 1502.
LETTER I.
LETTER II.
LETTER III.
LETTER IV.
LETTER V.
LETTER VI.
LETTER VII.
LETTER VIII.
LETTER IX.
LETTER X.
LETTER XI.
LETTER XII.
LETTER XIII.
LETTER XIV.
LETTER XV.
LETTER XVI.
LETTER XVII.
LETTER XVIII.
LETTER XIX.
LETTER XX.
LETTER XXI.
LETTER XXII.
LETTER XXIII.
LETTER XXIV.
LETTER XXV.
LETTER XXVI.
LETTER XXVII.
LETTER XXVIII.
LETTER XXIX.
LETTER XXX.
LETTER XXXI.
LETTER XXXII.
LETTER XXXIII.
LETTER XXXIV.
LETTER XXXV.
LETTER XXXVI.
LETTER XXXVII.
LETTER XXXVIII.
LETTER XXXIX.
LETTER XL.
LETTER XLI.
LETTER XLII.
LETTER XLIII.
LETTER XLIV.
LETTER XLV.
LETTER XLVI.
LETTER XLVII.
LETTER XLVIII.
LETTER XLIX.
LETTER L.
LETTER LI.
LETTER LII.
MISSION TO SIENNA.
MISSION TO THE COURT OF ROME. October 24, 1503.
LETTER I.
LETTER II.
LETTER III.
LETTER IV.
LETTER V.
LETTER VI.
LETTER VII.
LETTER VIII.
LETTER IX.
LETTER X.
LETTER XI.
LETTER XII.
LETTER XIII.
LETTER XIV.
LETTER XV.
LETTER XVI.
LETTER XVII.
LETTER XVIII.
LETTER XIX.
LETTER XX.
LETTER XXI.
LETTER XXII.
LETTER XXIII.
LETTER XXIV.
LETTER XXV.
LETTER XXVI.
LETTER XXVII.
LETTER XXVIII.
LETTER XXIX.
LETTER XXX.
LETTER XXXI.
LETTER XXXII.
LETTER XXXIII.
LETTER XXXIV.
LETTER XXXV.
LETTER XXXVI.
LETTER XXXVII.
LETTER XXXVIII.
LETTER XXXIX.
LETTER XL.
LETTER XLI.
LETTER XLII.
LETTER XLIII.
LETTER XLIV.
LETTER XLV.
LETTER XLVI.
LETTER XLVII.
LETTER XLVIII.
LETTER XLIX.
SECOND MISSION TO THE COURT OF FRANCE.
LETTER I.
LETTER II.
LETTER III.
LETTER IV.
LETTER V.
LETTER VI.
LETTER VII.
LETTER VIII.
LETTER IX.
LETTER X.
LETTER XI.
LETTER XII.
LETTER XIII.
LETTER XIV.
LETTER XV.
MISSION TO GIANPAOLO BAGLIONI.
MISSION TO THE MARQUIS OF MANTUA, JOHN FRANCIS II. OF GONZAGA.
SECOND MISSION TO SIENNA.
LETTER I.
LETTER II.
LETTER III.
LETTER IV.
LETTER V.
LETTER VI.
LETTER VII.
SECOND MISSION TO THE ARMY BEFORE PISA.
SECOND MISSION TO THE COURT OF ROME.
LETTER I.
LETTER II.
LETTER III.
LETTER IV.
LETTER V.
LETTER VI.
LETTER VII.
LETTER VIII.
LETTER IX.
LETTER X.
LETTER XI.
LETTER XII.
LETTER XIII.
LETTER XIV.
LETTER XV.
LETTER XVI.
LETTER XVII.
LETTER XVIII.
LETTER XIX.
LETTER XX.
LETTER XXI.
LETTER XXII.
LETTER XXIII.
LETTER XXIV.
LETTER XXV.
LETTER XXVI.
LETTER XXVII.
LETTER XXVIII.
LETTER XXIX.
LETTER XXX.
LETTER XXXI.
LETTER XXXII.
LETTER XXXIII.
LETTER XXXIV.
LETTER XXXV.
LETTER XXXVI.
LETTER XXXVII.
LETTER XXXVIII.
LETTER XXXIX.
LETTER XL.
THIRD MISSION TO SIENNA.*
LETTER I.
LETTER II.
LETTER III.
MISSION TO THE EMPEROR OF GERMANY.*
LETTER I.
LETTER II.
LETTER III.*
LETTER IV.
LETTER V.
LETTER VI.
LETTER VII.
LETTER VIII.
LETTER IX.
LETTER X.
LETTER XI.
LETTER XII.
LETTER XIII.
LETTER XIV.
LETTER I. TO NICCOLO CAPPONI, COMMISSARY-GENERAL, ETC.
LETTER II.
COMMISSION TO NICCOLO MACHIAVELLI, RESOLVED UPON BY THE MAGISTRACY OF THE TEN ON THE 10th OF MARCH, 1509.*
LETTER III.
LETTER IV.
LETTER V.
LETTER VI.
LETTER VII.
LETTER VIII.
LETTER IX.
LETTER X.
LETTER XI.
LETTER XII.
LETTER XIII.
LETTER XIV.
LETTER XV.
LETTER XVI.
LETTER XVII.
LETTER XVIII.
LETTER XIX.
LETTER XX.
LETTER XXI.
LETTER XXII.
LETTER XXIII.
LETTER XXIV.
MISSION TO MANTUA ON BUSINESS WITH THE EMPEROR OF GERMANY.*
LETTER I.
LETTER II.
LETTER III.
LETTER IV.
LETTER V.
LETTER VI.
LETTER VII.
LETTER VIII.
LETTER IX.
LETTER X.
LETTER XI.
LETTER XII.
LETTER XIII.
THIRD MISSION TO THE COURT OF FRANCE.*
LETTER I.
LETTER II.
LETTER III.
LETTER IV.
LETTER V.
LETTER VI.
LETTER VII.
LETTER VIII.
LETTER IX.
LETTER X.
LETTER XI.
LETTER XII.
LETTER XIII.
LETTER XIV.
LETTER XV.
LETTER XVI.
LETTER XVII.
LETTER XVIII.
COMMISSION TO THE INTERIOR OF THE STATE.
PATENT. We, the Ten of Liberty and Balia of the Florentine Republic,
COMMISSION TO SIENNA.
MISSION TO THE LORD OF MONACO.
PATENT AND PASSPORT.
FOURTH MISSION TO THE COURT OF FRANCE.
LETTERS PATENT.
INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN TO NICCOLO MACHIAVELLI, SENT BY THE ILLUSTRIOUS TEN TO LOMBARDY AND FRANCE.
LETTER I.
LETTER II.
LETTER III.
LETTER IV.
COMMISSION TO PISA AT THE TIME OF THE COUNCIL.
THE TEN TO THE CARDINALS THAT WERE AT PISA. 2 November, 1511.
THE TEN TO THE SEIGNEUR DE LAUTREC. 2 November, 1511.
THE TEN TO NICCOLO MACHIAVELLI. 3 November, 1511.
COMMISSION FOR RAISING TROOPS.
LETTERS PATENT.
LETTER.
COMMISSIONS TO PISA AND OTHER PLACES WITHIN AND WITHOUT THE FLORENTINE DOMINION.
LETTER I.
LETTER II.
LETTER III.
LETTER IV.
LETTERS PATENT. We, the Ten of Liberty and Balia of the Florentine Republic, etc.,
LETTER V.
LETTER VI.
LETTER VII.
LETTER VIII.
LETTER IX.
LETTER X.
LETTER XI.
MISSION TO THE CHAPTER OF THE MINORITE BROTHERS AT CARPI.
INSTRUCTIONS OF THE EIGHT OF PRACTICE. Deliberated, the 11th of May, 1521.
OTHER INSTRUCTIONS BY FATHER HILARION.
To the most Reverend and most Illustrious Cardinale Giulio de’ Medici.
MISSION TO VENICE.
CREDENTIALS. SERENISSIMO PRINCIPI ET EXCELLENTISSIMO DOMINO ANDREÆ GRITTI, DEI GRATIA DUCI VENETIARUM PATR. OBSERV.
BRIEF INSTRUCTION TO YOU, NICCOLO MACHIAVELLI, AS TO WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO IN YOUR MISSION TO VENICE, BY OUR ORDER.
REPRESENTATIONS.
MISSION TO THE ARMY OF THE LEAGUE, ENGAGED IN THE SIEGE OF CREMONA.
INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN TO MICHIAVELLI BY FRANCESCO GUICCIARDINI, LIEUTENANT OF THE POPE AT THE ARMY OF THE LEAGUE.
MISSION TO FRANCESCO GUICCIARDINI.
INSTRUCTIONS TO NICCOLO MACHIAVELLI, SENT BY THE MAGISTRACY OF THE EIGHT OF PRACTICE TO MESSER FRANCESCO GUICCIARDINI, LIEUTENANT OF HIS HOLINESS THE POPE.
LETTER I.
LETTER II.
SECOND MISSION TO FRANCESCO GUICCIARDINI.
INSTRUCTIONS TO NICCOLO MACHIAVELLI, RESOLVED BY THE EIGHT OF PRACTICE, 3 FEBRUARY, 1527.
LETTER I.
LETTER II.
LETTER III.
LETTER IV.
LETTER V.
LETTER VI.
LETTER VII.
LETTER VIII.
LETTER IX.
LETTER X.
LETTER XI.
LETTER XII.
LETTER XIII.
LETTER XIV.
LETTER XV.
LETTER XVI.
LETTER XVII.
LETTER XVIII.
LETTER XIX.
LETTER XX.
LETTER XXI.
MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS.
DESCRIPTION OF THE MANNER IN WHICH THE DUKE VALENTINO PROCEEDED TO KILL VITELLOZZO VITELLI, OLIVEROTTO DA FERMO, AND THE SIGNOR PAGOLO AND THE DUKE GRAVINA ORSINI.
REPORT ON THE AFFAIRS OF GERMANY.
SECOND REPORT ON THE AFFAIRS OF GERMANY. Made 17 June, 1508.
DISCOURSE ON THE AFFAIRS OF GERMANY AND ON THE EMPEROR.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE AFFAIRS OF FRANCE.
OF THE NATURE OF THE FRENCH.
CONFIDENTIAL INSTRUCTIONS
The Historical Works
A DESCRIPTION OF THE MANNER IN WHICH DUKE VALENTINO PUT VITELLOZZO VITELLI, OLIVEROTTO DA FERMO, LORD PAGOLA AND THE DUKE OF GRAVINA TO DEATH
DESCRIPTION OF THE METHODS ADOPTED BY THE DUKE VALENTINO WHEN MURDERING VITELLOZZO VITELLI, OLIVEROTTO DA FERMO, THE SIGNOR PAGOLO, AND THE DUKE DI
THE LIFE OF CASTRUCCIO CASTRACANI OF LUCCA
THE LIFE OF CASTRUCCIO CASTRACANI OF LUCCA
HISTORY OF FLORENCE AND OF THE AFFAIRS OF ITALY
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
BOOK I
CHAPTER I
CHAPTER II
CHAPTER III
CHAPTER IV
CHAPTER V
CHAPTER VI
CHAPTER VII
BOOK II
CHAPTER I
CHAPTER II
CHAPTER III
CHAPTER IV
CHAPTER V
CHAPTER VI
CHAPTER VII
CHAPTER VIII
CHAPTER IX
BOOK III
CHAPTER I
CHAPTER II
CHAPTER III
CHAPTER IV
CHAPTER V
CHAPTER VI
CHAPTER VII
BOOK IV
CHAPTER I
CHAPTER II
CHAPTER III
CHAPTER IV
CHAPTER V
CHAPTER VI
CHAPTER VII
BOOK V
CHAPTER I
CHAPTER II
CHAPTER III
CHAPTER IV
CHAPTER V
CHAPTER VI
CHAPTER VII
BOOK VI
CHAPTER I
CHAPTER II
CHAPTER III
CHAPTER IV
CHAPTER V
CHAPTER VI
CHAPTER VII
BOOK VII
CHAPTER I
CHAPTER II
CHAPTER III
CHAPTER IV
CHAPTER V
CHAPTER VI
BOOK VIII
CHAPTER I
CHAPTER II
CHAPTER III
CHAPTER IV
CHAPTER V
CHAPTER VI
CHAPTER VII
DISCOURSES ON LIVY
CONTENTS
HENRY NEVILLE TRANSLATION, 1695
CONTENTS
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLI TO ZANOBI BUONDELMONTI AND TO COSIMO RUCELLAI
FIRST BOOK
PREFACE
CHAPTER I
CHAPTER II
CHAPTER III
CHAPTER IV
CHAPTER V
CHAPTER VI
CHAPTER VII
CHAPTER VIII
CHAPTER IX
CHAPTER X
CHAPTER XI
CHAPTER XII
CHAPTER XIII
CHAPTER XIV
CHAPTER XV
CHAPTER XVI
CHAPTER XVII
CHAPTER XVIII
CHAPTER XIX
CHAPTER XX
CHAPTER XXI
CHAPTER XXII
CHAPTER XXIII
CHAPTER XXIV
CHAPTER XXV
CHAPTER XXVI
CHAPTER XXVII
CHAPTER XXVIII
CHAPTER XXIX
CHAPTER XXX
CHAPTER XXXI
CHAPTER XXXII
CHAPTER XXXIII
CHAPTER XXXIV
CHAPTER XXXV
CHAPTER XXXVI
CHAPTER XXXVII
CHAPTER XXXVIII
CHAPTER XXXIX
CHAPTER XL
CHAPTER XLI
CHAPTER XLII
CHAPTER XLIII
CHAPTER XLIV
CHAPTER XLV
CHAPTER XLVI
CHAPTER XLVII
CHAPTER XLVIII
CHAPTER XLIX
CHAPTER L
CHAPTER LI
CHAPTER LII
CHAPTER LIII
CHAPTER LIV
CHAPTER LV
CHAPTER LVI
CHAPTER LVII
CHAPTER LVIII
CHAPTER LIX
CHAPTER LX
SECOND BOOK
PREFACE
CHAPTER I
CHAPTER II
CHAPTER III
CHAPTER IV
CHAPTER V
CHAPTER VI
CHAPTER VII
CHAPTER VIII
CHAPTER IX
CHAPTER X
CHAPTER XI
CHAPTER XII
CHAPTER XIII
CHAPTER XIV
CHAPTER XV
CHAPTER XVI
CHAPTER XVII
CHAPTER XVIII
CHAPTER XIX
CHAPTER XX
CHAPTER XXI
CHAPTER XXII
CHAPTER XXIII
CHAPTER XXIV
CHAPTER XXV
CHAPTER XXVI
CHAPTER XXVII
CHAPTER XXVIII
CHAPTER XXIX
CHAPTER XXX
CHAPTER XXXI
CHAPTER XXXII
CHAPTER XXXIII
THIRD BOOK
CHAPTER I
CHAPTER II
CHAPTER III
CHAPTER IV
CHAPTER V
CHAPTER VI
CHAPTER VII
CHAPTER VIII
CHAPTER IX
CHAPTER X
CHAPTER XI
CHAPTER XII
CHAPTER XIII
CHAPTER XIV
CHAPTER XV
CHAPTER XVI
CHAPTER XVII
CHAPTER XVIII
CHAPTER XIX
CHAPTER XX
CHAPTER XXI
CHAPTER XXII
CHAPTER XXIII
CHAPTER XXIV
CHAPTER XXV
CHAPTER XXVI
CHAPTER XVII
CHAPTER XXVIII
CHAPTER XXIX
CHAPTER XXX
CHAPTER XXXI
CHAPTER XXXII
CHAPTER XXXIII
CHAPTER XXXIV
CHAPTER XXXV
CHAPTER XXXVI
CHAPTER XXXVII
CHAPTER XXXVIII
CHAPTER XXXIX
CHAPTER XL
CHAPTER XLI
CHAPTER XLII
CHAPTER XLIII
CHAPTER XLIV
CHAPTER XLV
CHAPTER XLVI
CHAPTER XLVII
CHAPTER XLVIII
CHAPTER XLIX
NINIAN HILL THOMSON TRANSLATION, 1883
CONTENTS
NICCOLÒ MACHIAVELLI TO ZANOBI BUONDELMONTI AND COSIMO RUCELLAI HEALTH.
BOOK I.
PREFACE.
CHAPTER I. - Of the Beginnings of Cities in general, and in particular of that of Rome.
CHAPTER II. - Of the various kinds of Government; and to which of them the Roman Commonwealth belonged.
CHAPTER III. - Of the Accidents which led in Rome to the creation of Tribunes of the People; whereby the Republic was made more perfect.
CHAPTER IV. - That the Dissensions between the Senate and Commons of Rome, made Rome free and powerful.
CHAPTER V. - Whether the Guardianship of public Freedom is safer in the hands of the Commons or of the Nobles; and whether those who seek to acquire Power or they who seek to maintain it are the greater cause of Commotions.
CHAPTER VI. - Whether it was possible in Rome to contrive such a Government as would have composed the Differences between the Commons and the Senate.
CHAPTER VII. - That to preserve Liberty in a State there must exist the Right to accuse.
CHAPTER VIII. - That Calumny is as hurtful in a Commonwealth as the power to accuse is useful.
CHAPTER IX. - That to give new Institutions to a Commonwealth, or to reconstruct old Institutions on an entirely new basis, must be the work of one Man.
CHAPTER X. - That in proportion as the Founder of a Kingdom or Commonwealth merits Praise, he who founds a Tyranny deserves Blame.
CHAPTER XI. - Of the Religion of the Romans.
CHAPTER XII. - That it is of much moment to make account of Religion; and that Italy, through the Roman Church, being wanting therein, has been ruined.
CHAPTER XIII. - Of the use the Romans made of Religion in giving Institutions to their City, in carrying out their Enterprises, and in quelling Tumults.
CHAPTER XIV. - That the Romans interpreted the Auspices to meet the occasion; and made a prudent show of observing the Rites of Religion even when forced to disregard them; and any who rashly slighted Religion they punished.
CHAPTER XV. - How the Samnites, as a last resource in their broken Fortunes, had recourse to Religion.
CHAPTER XVI. - That a People accustomed to live under a Prince, if by any accident it become free, can hardly preserve that Freedom.
CHAPTER XVII. - That a corrupt People obtaining Freedom can hardly preserve it.
CHAPTER XVIII. - How a Free Government existing in a corrupt City may be preserved, or not existing may be created.
CHAPTER XIX. - After a strong Prince a weak Prince may maintain himself: but after one weak Prince no Kingdom can stand a second.
CHAPTER XX. - That the consecutive Reigns of two valiant Princes produce great results: and that well-ordered Commonwealths are assured of a Succession of valiant Rulers by whom their Power and Growth are rapidly extended.
CHAPTER XXI. - That it is a great reproach to a Prince or to a Commonwealth to be without a national Army.
CHAPTER XXII. - What is to be noted in the combat of the three Roman Horatii and the three Alban Curiatii.
CHAPTER XXIII. - That we should never hazard our whole Fortunes where we put not forth our entire Strength; for which reason to guard a Defile is often hurtful.
CHAPTER XXIV. - That well-ordered States always provide Rewards and Punishments for their Citizens; and never set off Deserts against Misdeeds.
CHAPTER XXV. - That he who would reform the Institutions of a free State, must retain at least the semblance of old Ways.
CHAPTER XXVI. - A new Prince in a City or Province of which he has taken Possession, ought to make Everything new.
CHAPTER XXVII. - That Men seldom know how to be wholly good or wholly bad.
CHAPTER XXVIII. - Whence it came that the Romans were less ungrateful to their Citizens than were the Athenians.
CHAPTER XXIX. - Whether a People or a Prince is the more ungrateful.
CHAPTER XXX. - How Princes and Commonwealths may avoid the vice of Ingratitude; and how a Captain or Citizen may escape being undone by it.
CHAPTER XXXI. - That the Roman Captains were never punished with extreme severity for Misconduct; and where loss resulted to the Republic merely through their Ignorance or Want of Judgment, were not punished at all.
CHAPTER XXXII. - That a Prince or Commonwealth should not delay conferring Benefits until they are themselves in difficulties.
CHAPTER XXXIII. - When a Mischief has grown up in, or against a State, it is safer to temporize with than to meet it with Violence.
CHAPTER XXXIV. - That the authority of the Dictator did good and not harm to the Roman Republic: and that it is not those Powers which are given by the free suffrages of the People, but those which ambitious Citizens usurp for themselves, that are pernicious to a State.
CHAPTER XXXV - Why the Creation of the Decemvirate in Rome, although brought about by the free and open Suffrage of the Citizens, was hurtful to the Liberties of that Republic
CHAPTER XXXVI. - That Citizens who have held the higher Offices of a Commonwealth should not disdain the lower.
CHAPTER XXXVII. - Of the Mischief bred in Rome by the Agrarian Law: and how it is a great source of disorder in a Commonwealth to pass a Law opposed to ancient Usage and with stringent retrospective Effect.
CHAPTER XXXVIII. - That weak Republics are irresolute and undecided; and that the course they may take depends more on Necessity than Choice.
CHAPTER XXXIX. - That often the same Accidents are seen to befall different Nations.
CHAPTER XL. - Of the creation of the Decemvirate in Rome, and what therein is to be noted. Wherein among other Matters is shown how the same Causes may lead to the Safety or to the Ruin of a Commonwealth.
CHAPTER XLI. - That it is unwise to pass at a bound from leniency to severity, or to a haughty bearing from a humble.
CHAPTER XLII. - How easily Men become corrupted.
CHAPTER XLIII. - That Men fighting in their own Cause make good and resolute Soldiers.
CHAPTER XLIV. - That the Multitude is helpless without a Head: and that we should not with the same breath threaten and ask leave.
CHAPTER XLV. - That it is of evil example, especially in the Maker of a Law, not to observe the Law when made: and that daily to renew acts of injustice in a City is most hurtful to the Governor.
CHAPTER XLVI. - That Men climb from one step of Ambition to another, seeking at first to escape Injury and then to injure others.
CHAPTER XLVII. - That though Men deceive themselves in Generalities, in Particulars they judge truly.
CHAPTER XLVIII. - He who would not have an Office bestowed on some worthless or wicked Person, should contrive that it be solicited by one who is utterly worthless and wicked, or else by one who is in the highest degree noble and good.
CHAPTER XLIX. - That if Cities which, like Rome, had their beginning in Freedom, have had difficulty in framing such Laws as would preserve their Freedom, Cities which at the first have been in Subjection will find this almost impossible.
CHAPTER L. - That neither any Council nor any Magistrate should have power to bring the Government of a City to a stay.
CHAPTER LI. - What a Prince or Republic does of Necessity, should seem to be done by Choice.
CHAPTER LII. - That to check the arrogance of a Citizen who is growing too powerful in a State, there is no safer Method, or less open to objection, than to forestall him in those Ways whereby he seeks to advance himself.
CHAPTER LIII. - That the People, deceived by a false show of Advantage, often desire what would be their Ruin; and that large Hopes and brave Promises easily move them.
CHAPTER LIV. - Of the boundless Authority which a great Man may use to restrain an excited Multitude.
CHAPTER LV. - That Government is easily carried on in a City wherein the body of the People is not corrupted: and that a Princedom is impossible where Equality prevails, and a Republic where it does not.
CHAPTER LVI. - That when great Calamities are about to befall a City or Country, Signs are seen to presage, and Seers arise who foretell them.
CHAPTER LVII. - That the People are strong collectively, but individually weak.
CHAPTER LVIII. - That a People is wiser and more constant than a Prince
CHAPTER LIX. - To what Leagues or Alliances we may most trust; whether those we make with Commonwealths or those we make with Princes.
CHAPTER LX. - That the Consulship and all the other Magistracies in Rome were given without respect to Age.
BOOK II.
PREFACE.
CHAPTER I. - Whether the Empire acquired by the Romans was more due to Valour or to Fortune.
CHAPTER II. - With what Nations the Romans had to contend, and how stubborn these were in defending their Freedom.
CHAPTER III. - That Rome became great by destroying the Cities which lay round about her, and by readily admitting strangers to the rights of Citizenship.
CHAPTER IV. - That Commonwealths have followed three Methods for extending their Power.
CHAPTER V. - That changes in Sects and Tongues, and the happening of Floods and Pestilences, obliterate the Memory of the Past.
CHAPTER VI. - Of the Methods followed by the Romans in making War.
CHAPTER VII. - Of the Quantity of Land assigned by the Romans to each Colonist.
CHAPTER VIII. - Why certain Nations leave their ancestral Seats and overflow the Countries of others.
CHAPTER IX. - Of the Causes which commonly give rise to Wars between States.
CHAPTER X. - That contrary to the vulgar opinion, Money is not the Sinews of War.
CHAPTER XI. - That it were unwise to ally yourself a Prince who has Reputation rather than Strength.
CHAPTER XII. - Whether when Invasion is imminent it is better to anticipate or to await it.
CHAPTER XIII. - That Men rise from humble to high Fortunes rather by Fraud than by Force.
CHAPTER XIV. - That Men often err in thinking they can subdue Pride by Humility.
CHAPTER XV. - That weak States are always dubious in their Resolves; and that tardy Resolves are always hurtful.
CHAPTER XVI. - That the Soldiers of our days depart widely from the methods of ancient Warfare.
CHAPTER XVII. - What importance the Armies of the present day should allow to Artillery; and whether the commonly received opinion concerning it be just.
CHAPTER XVIII. - That the authority of the Romans and the example of ancient Warfare should make us hold Foot Soldiers of more account than Horse.
CHAPTER XIX. - That Acquisitions made by ill-governed States and such as follow not the valiant methods of the Romans, tend rather to their Ruin than to their Aggrandizement.
CHAPTER XX. - Of the Dangers incurred by Princes or Republics who resort to Auxiliary or Mercenary Arms.
CHAPTER XXI. - That Capua was the first City to which the Romans sent a Prætor; nor there, until four hundred years after they began to make War.
CHAPTER XXII. - That in matters of moment Men often judge amiss.
CHAPTER XXIII. - That in chastising their Subjects when circumstances required it the Romans always avoided half-measures.
CHAPTER XXIV. - That, commonly, Fortresses do much more Harm than Good
CHAPTER XXV. - That he who attacks a City divided against itself, must not think to get possession of it through its Divisions.
CHAPTER XXVI. - That Taunts and Abuse breed Hatred against him who uses them, without yielding him any Advantage.
CHAPTER XXVII. - That prudent Princes and Republics should be content to have obtained a Victory; for, commonly, when they are not, theft-Victory turns to Defeat.
CHAPTER XXVIII. - That to neglect the redress of Grievances, whether public or private, is dangerous for a Prince or Commonwealth.
CHAPTER XXIX. - That Fortune obscures the minds of Men when she would not have them hinder her Designs.
CHAPTER XXX. - That really powerful Princes and, Commonwealths do not buy Friendships with Money, but with their Valour and the Fame of their Prowess.
CHAPTER XXXI. - Of the Danger of trusting banished Men.
CHAPTER XXXII. - In how many Ways the Romans gained Possession of Towns.
CHAPTER XXXIII. - That the Romans intrusted the Captains of their Armies with the fullest Powers.
BOOK III.
CHAPTER I. - For a Sect or Commonwealth to last long, it must often be brought back to its Beginnings.
CHAPTER II. - That on occasion it is wise to feign Folly.
CHAPTER III. - That to preserve a newly acquired Freedom we must slay the Sons of Brutus.
CHAPTER IV. - That an Usurper is never safe in his Princedom while those live whom he has deprived of it.
CHAPTER V. - How an Hereditary King may come to lose his Kingdom.
CHAPTER VI. - Of Conspiracies.
CHAPTER VII. - Why it is that changes from Freedom to Servitude, and from Servitude to Freedom, are sometimes made without Bloodshed, but at other times reek with Blood.
CHAPTER VIII. - That he who would effect Changes in a Commonwealth, must give heed to its Character and Condition
CHAPTER IX. - That to enjoy constant good Fortune we must change with the Times.
CHAPTER X. - That a Captain cannot escape Battle when his Enemy forces it on him at all risks.
CHAPTER XI. - That one who has to contend with many, though he be weaker than they, will prevail if he can withstand their first onset.
CHAPTER XII. - A prudent Captain will do what he can to make it necessary for his own Soldiers to fight, and to relieve his Enemy from that necessity.
CHAPTER XIII. - Whether we may trust more to a valiant Captain with a weak Army, or to a valiant Army with a weak Captain.
CHAPTER XIV. - Of the effect produced in Battle by strange and unexpected Sights or Sounds.
CHAPTER XV. - That one and not many should head an Army: and why it is harmful to have more Leaders than one.
CHAPTER XVI. - That in Times of Difficulty true Worth is sought after; whereas in quiet Times it is not the most deserving, but those who are recommended by Wealth or Connection who are most in favour.
CHAPTER XVII. - That we are not to offend a Man, and then send him to fill an important Office or Command.
CHAPTER XVIII. - That it is the highest Quality of a Captain to be able to forestall the designs of his Adversary.
CHAPTER XIX. - Whether Indulgence or Severity be more necessary for controlling a Multitude.
CHAPTER XX. - How one humane act availed more with the men of Falerii, than all the might of the Roman Arms.
CHAPTER XXI. - How it happened that Hannibal pursuing a course contrary to that taken by Scipio, wrought the same results in Italy which the other achieved in Spain.
CHAPTER XXII. - That the severity of Manlius Torquatus and the gentleness of Valerius Corvinus won for both the same Glory.
CHAPTER XXIII. - Why Camillus was banished from Rome.
CHAPTER XXIV. - That prolonged Commands brought Rome to Servitude.
CHAPTER XXV. - Of the poverty of Cincinnatus and of many other Roman Citizens.
CHAPTER XXVI. - How Women are a cause of the ruin of States.
CHAPTER XXVII.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
CHAPTER XXIX. - That the Faults of a People are due to its Prince.
CHAPTER XXX. - That a Citizen who seeks by his personal influence to render signal service to his Country, must first stand clear of Envy. How a City should prepare for its defence on the approach of an Enemy.
CHAPTER XXXI. - That strong Republics and valiant Men preserve through every change the same Spirit and Bearing.
CHAPTER XXXII. - Of the methods which some have used to make Peace impossible.
CHAPTER XXXIII. - That to insure victory in battle you must inspire your Men with confidence in one another and in you.
CHAPTER XXXIV. - By what reports, rumours, or surmises the Citizens of a Republic are led to favour a Fellow-citizen: and-whether the Magistracies are bestowed with better judgment by a People or by a Prince.
CHAPTER XXXV. - Of the Danger incurred in being the first to recommend new Measures; and that the more unusual the Measures the greater the Danger.
CHAPTER XXXVI. - Why it has been and still may be affirmed of the Gauls, that at the beginning of a fray they are more than Men, but afterwards less than Women.
CHAPTER XXXVII. - Whether a general engagement should be preceded by skirmishes; and how, avoiding these, we may get knowledge of a new Enemy.
CHAPTER XXXVIII. - Of the Qualities of a Captain in whom his Soldiers can confide.
CHAPTER XXXIX. - That a Captain should have good knowledge of Places.
CHAPTER XL. - That Fraud is fair in War.
CHAPTER XLI. - That our Country is to be defended by Honour or by Dishonour; and in either way is well defended.
CHAPTER XLII. - That Promises made on Compulsion are not to be observed.
CHAPTER XLIII. - That Men born in the same Province retain through all Times nearly the same Character.
CHAPTER XLIV. - That where ordinary methods fail, Hardihood and Daring often succeed.
CHAPTER XLV. - Whether in battle it is better to await and repel the Enemy’s attack, or to anticipate it by an impetuous onset.
CHAPTER XLVI. - How the Characteristics of Families come to be perpetuated.
CHAPTER XLVII. - That love of his Country should lead a good Citizen to forget private Wrongs.
CHAPTER XLVIII. - That on finding an Enemy make what seems a grave blunder, we should suspect some fraud to lurk behind.
CHAPTER XLIX. - That a Commonwealth to preserve its Freedom has constant need of new Ordinances. Of the services in respect of which Quintius Fabius received the surname of Maximus.
The Biographies
MACHIAVELLI by Henry Cust
INTRODUCTION TO NICCOLÒ MACHIAVELLI by W. K. Marriott
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
YOUTH - Aet. 1-25 - 1469-94
OFFICE - Aet. 25-43 - 1494-1512
LITERATURE AND DEATH - Aet. 43-58 - 1512-27
THE MAN AND HIS WORKS
MACHIAVELLI by John Morley
The Delphi Classics Catalogue
Series Contents
Alphabetical List of Titles
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