received Mony held them not with standing in possession The Florentines found the like in the Almains for in the Wars of the Visconti Dukes of Milan they prayed aid of the Emperor who promised them great Forces in consideration whereof he was to receive of the Florentines one hundred thousand Crowns in Hand and as much more when his Army was arrived in Italy both which Payments were performed but as soon as the Emperor came to Verona he devised Cavillations of Unkindness whereupon he returned home A Prince desirous to obtain any thing of another must if occasion so permit urge his Demand so earnestly and press for so sudden and present Answer as he who is prest may not have leisure to consider how to excuse himself in denial Example Pope Julio endeavoured to drive out of Bologna all the Bentivoli in which Action he thought the aid of the French recessary and that the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 neutial and by divers 〈◊〉 did 〈◊〉 them to that 〈◊〉 but not 〈◊〉 any resolute An 〈◊〉 he though 〈◊〉 with those sew 〈◊〉 he had to take his Journey to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 on the Venetians 〈◊〉 him they would remain 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the French King forthwith sent 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as searing the Popes 〈◊〉 likewise the Tuscans having for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 aid of the Samnites against the Romens took Arms suddenly and 〈◊〉 their request which the Samnites 〈◊〉 before denied When a Multitude 〈◊〉 all may not be 〈◊〉 because they are too many To punish part and leave the rest 〈◊〉 were Injury to the Suflerers and to those that escape an Encouragement to offend again therefore to eshew all extremity mean Courses have been anciently used Example When all the Wives of the Romans conspired to Poyson their Husbands a convenient number of them wero punisht and the rest suffered to pass Likewise at the conspiracy of the Bacchanals in the time of the Macedonian War wherein many thousands Men and Women had part every tenth person only was put to death by lot although the ossence were general by which manner of punishing he that suffered complain'd on his fortune and he that escaped was put in fear that offending again the same punishment might light upon himself and therefore would no more offend A Battel or great action in Arms ought not to be enterprised without special Commission or Command from the Prince otherwise the General incurs great danger Example 〈◊〉 the Dictator punisht the General of the Horse in the Roman Army for having sought without his 〈◊〉 adthough he had in battle slain 20000 Enemies without loss of 200 of his own and Caesar commended his Captain 〈◊〉 for having refrain'd to fight though with great advantage he might Also count Egmont hazarded the favor of the King his Master for giving battel to Marshall de Thermes albeit he were victorious for upon the success of that action the loss or safety of all the Low Countries depended To govern without Council is not only dangerous in Aristocracies and Popular States but unto independent Princes an occasion of utter ruin Example Hieron the first King of Sicily in all his proceedings used the advice of Counsels and lived fifty years prosperously in Peace but his grand-child succeeding refusing all Counsel lost his Kingdom and was with all his Kinsfolk and Friends cruelly slain In all Monarchies the Senate or privy-Council is or ought to be composed of persons of great dignity or Men of approved wisdom and understanding Example In Polonia no Man is Counsellor unless he be a Palatine a Bishop a Castellan a Captain or such a one as hath been Ambassador and in Turky the title of Counsellor is not given but only to the four Bassaes. The two Cadelesquires the twelve Beglerbegs and Kings Son who in his Fathers absence is as it were a President of the Divano or Senate Many Princes Ancient and Modern have used to select out of their Council two or three or four at most to whom only they did impart their affairs Example The Emperor Augustus had Maecenas and Agrippa Julius Caesar Q. Paedius and Cor. Balbus whom he only trusted with his Cipher and secrets being Counsellors of the Cabinet as we now call them The alteration of old Laws or introduction of new are in all States very dangerous notwithstanding any appearance of profit or publick utility which moved wise Governours to decree that ancient Laws once established might never be called in question Example The Athenians decreed that no Law should be propounded to the People without the consent of the Senate the like use is observed in Venice where no Petition is preferred to the Senate but by advice of the Sages and among the Loerians the Custom was that whosoever presented any new Law to be confirmed should come with a Halter about his Neck and be therewith hanged if his request were rejected also Lycurgus to prevent the alteration of his Laws did swear the People of Sparta to observe them untilhis return and thereupon retired himself into voluntary exile with intent never to return When necessity or good reason moves Innovation or Abolition of Laws a course more secure it is to do it rather by degrees than suddenly Example The Romans finding the Laws of the twelve Tables unprofitable suffered them to be observed or neglected at discretion but would not publickly suppress them for fear of calling other Laws into contempt so did they continue 700 years and were then cassed by Ebutius the Tribune But Agis King of Lacedemon desirous to revive the Laws of Lycurgus long discontinued 〈◊〉 all Men to bring in their evidence and writings to be cancelled to the end a new partition of Lands and Goods might be made which suddain and violent proceeding proved so 〈◊〉 that it moved a dangerous sedition wherein he was disposed and with his Mother and Friends put to death which Example haply moved the 〈◊〉 not to attempt any thing against the Authority of Augustino Barberino their Duke but after his death and 〈◊〉 the Election of 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 new Ordinances 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Ducal Authority Whoso hath won to himself so great Love and Affection as thereby to become master of the forces and at his pleasure commands the Subjects apt for Arms may also without right or title assure himself of the whole Estate Example Hugh Capat a Subject to the Crown of France being greatly honoured by the Soldiers sound means thereby to prevent Charles Duke of Lorrain of the Crown being right Heir by descent from Charlemain And albeit the Families of the Paleologi Ebrami and Turcan be of the blood Royal and Right 〈◊〉 to the 〈◊〉 Empire when the 〈◊〉 Line shall fail yet it is like that 〈◊〉 chief Bassa having the love of the 〈◊〉 will usurp the State because the Paleologi and other Competitors be far from the Turks person poor and without means to purchase the Soldiers favor A Commander General in Arms ought upon pain of great punishment be enjoyned not to imploy or
The Qualities required in a Chieftain are these Skill Vertue Providence Authority and Fortune By Skill we mean he should be of great Knowledge and long Experience or to make a suffieient Captain the Information of others or his own reading is not enough Qui norit quis ordo agminis quae cura exploandi quantus urgendo trahendove bello modus Cic. Military Vertue is a certain Vigor or Force both of Body and Mind to exercise Soldiers as well in fained War as to sight with the Enemy and summarily a Captain ought to be Laboriosus in negotio fortis in periculo industrius in agendo celeris in conficiendo Cic. Next to Vertue we placed Providence as necessary in great Captains for being of such Wisdom they will not hazard nor commit more to Fortune than necessity shall inforce yet true it is Fools and vulgar Folks that commend or discommend Actions according to Success were wont to say Cunctatio servilis statim exequi Regium est But advised and provident Captains do think Temerit as praeterquam quod stulta est etiam infelix Livi. Albeit Providence be the best mean of good Speed yet some Captains of that Quality and in Skill excelling have been in their Actions unlucky when others of less Sufficiency have marvellously prevailed we may therefore reasonably say with Cic. Quod olim Maximo Marcello Scipioni Mario ceteris magnis Imperatoribus non solum propter virtutem sed etiam propter fortunam soepius imperia mandata atque exercitus esse commissos Cic. Lastly We wished Authority to be in Chieftains for it greatly importeth what Opinion or Conceit the Enemy hath of such a Governor and likewise how much his Friends and Confederates do esteem him but the chief and only means to maintain Authority is Austerity and Terror Dux Authoritatem maximam severitate sumat omnes culpas militares legibus 〈◊〉 nulli errantium credatur ignoscere Veget. Also Experience hath proved that such Chieftains as were affable and kind to their Soldiers were much loved yet did they incur a Contempt but on the other side those that commanded severely and terribly although they gained no good Will yet were they ever obeyed Dux sacilis inutilis App. CHAP. XXIII Of Councils in War and Directions Tactick and Stratagematick with Advice how to make an honorable Peace AFter Men found and framed sit for the War to small or no purpose shall they serve unles they be 〈◊〉 by Wisdom or good Council Mon minus est Imperatoris consilio quam vi persicere Tac. Council in War is of two sorts direct Council and indirect the first sheweth a plain and orderly course for proceeding as to lay hold on occasion for as in all other Humane Actions occasion 〈◊〉 of great Force Occasio in bello solet amplius juvare quam virtus Veget. As Occasions presented are means of good Success so Fame worketh 〈◊〉 Effects in the Wars therefore it 〈◊〉 a Captain to be Constant and not 〈◊〉 to believe the vain Rumors and Report of Men Male imperatur cum regit vulgus 〈◊〉 suos Sen. Confidence is also to be eschewed for no Man is sooner surprised than he who feareth least also Contempt of the Enemy hath been occasion of great Discomfitures therefore as a Captain ought not to fear so should he not contemn his Enemy Nimia fiducia semper obnoxia AEmyl As Security and overmuch Estimation of our own Vertue or Valor is hurtful so doth it import every good Captain to be well informed not only of his own Forces but also of what Strength the Enemy is likewise it behoveth him to know the Situation of the Country and the Quality of the People with every other Circumstance Moreover the Generals Honor and Capacity ought to be known with the Condition and Nature of the Enemy Impetus acres cunctatione languescunt aut in persidiam mutantur Tac. Temerity in War is also dangerous sor wise Captains were wont not to Enterprise any thing without Deliberation and good Opportunity unless they were thereunto by Necessity inforced In rebus asperis tenui spe fortissima quaque consilia tulissima sunt Livi. Some wise Men not Superstitiously but Discreetly do think prodigious Signs from Heaven or on Earth are not to be neglected neither are Dreams in time of War to be contemned Nam amat benignit as numinis seu quod merentur homines seu quod tangitur eorum affectione his quoque rationibus prodere quae impendent AEmi A wise Captain will also wait Opportunities and spy out fit times when the Enemy is wearied or pretending fear draw him into danger which Advantages with many other are gained chiesly by observing of time Quia si in occasionis momento cujus 〈◊〉 opportunit as cunct at us paulum fueris nequicquam mox omissam querare Livi. Next the Observation of Time the Place is to be well considered whether it be for thine Advantage or thine Enemies Amplius prodest locus saepe quam virtus Veget. Thirdly It importeth much that Men be well ordered trained and prepared for the Fight for the want of Art is cause of many Disadvantages and many times a small Supply of choice Soldiers on Horse-back or Foot doth seem to the Enemy very Terrible likewise a sudden Shout or Conceit hath amazed a whole Army Milites vanis inanibus magis quam justis formidinis causis moventur Curt. Fourthly It were to good purpose that in ordering of Men for Fight Soldiers of one Country or Nations should be ranged together and above all to foresee that the least loss of Blood be among the Natural Subjects and so handle the Matter that the chief Slaughter light upon Strangers and Mercenaries Ingens victoriae decus citra domesticum sanguinem bellanti Tac. The Generals own Courage and lively Disposition to Fight will greatly animate the Multitude of Soldiers as a contrary 〈◊〉 or Appearance of Fear will exceedingly Amaze and Daunt Necesse estad fugam parati sint qui ducem suum sentiunt desperare Veget. It were also for thy great Advantage that the Forces should be ordered for the Fight before the Enemy be prepared First For that thou maist the better perform what thou thinkest fit to be done Secondly That thereby thine own Forces will thereof receive great Courage being readiest to assail the Enemy and to begin the Fight Plus animi est inferenti periculum quam propulsanti Livi. After Victory it is not the best Policy to execute the Enemies with extream Cruelty but proceed Moderately for it shall suffice the Victory is thine Clausis ex desperatione crescit audacia cum spei nihil est sumit arma fermido Veget. Lastly I would advise that the General should be wary in his Actions and in every Enterprise to frustrate the Soldiers from Spoils and Pillage Saepe obstitit vincentibus pravum inter ipsos certamen 〈◊〉 hoste spolia consectanda Tac. Of direct Councils let that we have said suffice
We will now speak of Councils Indirect commonly called by the Greek Word Stratagems or Subtile Practices Which manner of Proceeding hath been in times past of divers Grave Writers condemned Vir 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 clanculum velit oscidere hoslem Eurip. Notwithstanding the Opinion of this and divers other Writers worthy Credit it seemeth reasonable and in Piety allowable that Stratagems and Subtilties may be used in the War yet with such Caution as the same may stand with Fidelity and Honor for Fraud being used contrary to Contracts and Agreements made with the Enemy is mere Treachery As to Poyson him or her a Murtherer to kill him were plain Impiety Faederatum injuste fallere impium Livi. Also out of the War covertly to kill a particular Enemy by secret Assault or Practice is not warrantable either by Faith or Honor yet to use all Crast Cunning and Subtilty in open War is both allowable and praisable and so is thought by Christian Writers Cum justum 〈◊〉 suscipitur ut aperte pugnet quis aut ex insidiis nihil ad justitiam interest Aug. The same is also approved by divers Authors of good Credit Consice sive dolo 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cominus euse The same is also 〈◊〉 by Xenophon Reipsa nihil utilius in bello dolis Thus having briefly touched what Counsels are required in War let us consider how Victory is to be used for the end of every good War is Peace to the enjoying whereof three things are required Wariness Mercy and Modesty because over-great Confidence may happily impeach the end of good Success Res secundae negligentiam creant Livi. I also wish the Victory to be handled Mercifully because all Conquests are in their own Nature cruel enough And the Ire of Insolent Soldiers forces the Conquered to become Desperate Gravissime morsus irritate necessitatis Curt. To proceed Modestly is also and honorable Quality in him that conquereth for in prosperous Fortunes Men do hardly refrain covetous and proud Doings yea some good and great Captains have in like cases forgotten what did best become them In rebus secundis etiam 〈◊〉 Duces insolescunt Tac. After Victory followeth Peace For if War did ever continue no State or Government could stand Therefore how great or how long soever the War be the end must be Peace the name whereof is not only Sweet but also Comfortable Pax una triumphis innumeris potior Peace is not only good and profitable to him that is Victorious but also to those that are victored Pacem reduci velle victori expedit victo necesse est Tac. Nevertheless until good and honorable Peace be offered Arms may not be laid aside Wherein I wish Tully's Advice to be followed Bellum gerendum est si bellum omittemus pace nunquam fruemur Livi. In Treaty of Peace two things must be considered First That the Conditions be Honorable To condescend to any Base Conditions is unto a Princely Mind not only great Indignity but also Intolerable Cum dignitate potius cadendum quam cum ignominia serviendum Plut. It also importeth the Peace should be simple true and unseigned for all seigned and dissembling Amity is to be doubted Pace suspecta tutius est bellum Mithrid The fittest Season to speak of Peace is either when the War beginneth or during the time that the Enemies be of equal Force for if the War continueth it must behove the Weaker to yield to Necessity Not unlike the Ship-master who to save himself doth cast the greatest part of his Loading into the Sea Necessitati pare quam ne dil quidem superant Livi. Finally Having generously defended thy self and performed all things required in a magnanimous Captain and finding nevertheless thy Force insufficient it cannot be dishonorable to accept Peace Wherefore laying aside Hatred and Hope which are but weak Supporters thou maist recommend thee and thine to the approved Discretion of an honorable Enemy Victores secundae res in miserationem ex ira vertunt Livi. Now for as as much as every Peace promiseth Rest and Quiet as well to the Victorious as to the Victored we may add thereunto that the Prince Victorious receiveth thereby Honor Profit and Security For although his Happiness may occasion Hope of great Success yet in respect of Fortunes Mutability it shall be Good and Glorious to listen to Peace Decorum principi est cum victoriam prope in manibus habeat pacem non abnuere ut sciant omnes te suscipere juste bellum finire Livi. It seemeth also the more Honorable for who so is Victorious doth give Peace and not take it He also sheweth himself Discreet by using a Moderation in Victory and no Extremity in Spoiling which our Wise and Godly Writers have commended Pacem contemnentes gloriam appetentes pacem perdunt gloriam Bern. Peace is also Profitable for the Victorious because continual War breedeth Weariness and of violent Proceeding Desparation and Peril cometh Maximi mortiferi morsus esse solent morientium Bestiarum Sen. Likewise Peace is more assured than any Victory Hope of the one is in thine own Power the other in the Hand of God Add thereunto the force of Fortune which hath great power in all Humane Actions In rebus secundis nihil in quenquam superbe ac violenter consulere decet nec praesenti credere Fortunae cum quid vesper seral incertus sis Sen. Also Conditions of Peace ought to be reasonably and freely bestowed For no People can live contented under such a Law as forceth them to loath the State wherein they are Misera pax bello bene mutatur Sen. CHAP. XXIV Of Civil War with the Causes and Remedies thereof THE greatest and most grievous Calamity that can come to any State is Civil War for therein Subjects take Arms against their Prince or among themselves whereof followeth a Misery more Lamentable than can be described Non aet as non dignit as quenquam protegit quo minus stupra caedibus caedes stupris misceantur Tac. The first Cause of Civil War proceedeth of Destiny for God in his own Divine Providence foreseeth many Years before that great and mighty Empires shall be ruined In se magna 〈◊〉 laetis hinc numinarebus Crescendi posuere modum s Lucan The second Cause is Excess Riot and Dissolute Life for nothing breedeth Civil Fury so soon as over great Happiness also pompous Apparel Banquetting and prodigal Spending consumeth Riches and Plenty is turned into Poverty for by these means are Men brought into Desperation Rapacissimo cuique ac perditiffimo non agri aut 〈◊〉 sed sola instrumenta vitiorum manebunt Tac. Now to consider how Destiny might be eschewed were in vain For such a Remedy no Wit or Wisdom can devise being the Decree of God no doubt it is inevitable Ita fato placuit nullius rei eodem semper loco stare fortunam Sen. There is nothing exempt from the peril of Mutation the Earth Heavens and whole World
and seeing the Success of some others to be such as without Cause or Desert are aspired to Dignity thereby encouraged they promised to themselves the like Nevertheless being entred into the course of their Design and finding many Crosses and Impeachments they do not a little repent their Overweening and Presumption but also many times utterly abandon their rash and unadvised Enterprize neither can I think that the Vertue or Sufficiency of any Man without the Favor of the Heavens can advance him for as the Poet saith Nec velle juvat potiusve nocet si fat a repugnant Whoso serveth a Prince far from his Presence shall with great Difficulty content him For if he commit any Error it shall be aggravated Besides that the Instructions sent unto him cannot be particularly conceived because the State of wordly things doth daily alter Also to serve aloof is a thing full of Danger and far from Reward which Inconvenience may for the most part be avoided by him that attendeth near to his Prince's Person Let no Man that cometh to serve in Court assure himself by his Wisdom to be advanced or eschew all Encounters Neither is he to bear himself so careless as to commit all to Fortune but be perswaded that this worldly Life is like to a Voiage by Sea wherein albeit Art with the favor of the Wind may do much yet can we not assure our selves to arrive safe in the Haven appointed for daily Experience doth shew that some strange Ships in the calmest Weather are drowned or impeached by the way when others much weaker and disarmed pass securely Among Men worthy of Commendations those have merited best that first planted true Religion next they that framed Kingdoms and Commonwealths the third place is due to such as have augmented or enlarged their Dominions lastly Learned Men deserve Fame and Memory and as every of these are worthy of Fame and Honor so ought they to be accompted Infamous that introduce Atheism or the Subversion of Kingdoms or are become Enemies to Learning and Virtue Whosoever taketh in hand to govern a Multitude either by way of Liberty or Principality and cannot assure himself of those Persons that are Enimies to that Enterprise doth frame a State of short Perseverance yet true it is that such Princes be infortunate as for their own security are inforced to hold a course extraordinary and have the Multitude their Enemy for he that hath few Foes may with small dishonor be assured but he that is generally hated can by no means live assured and the more Cruelty he useth the weaker his Principality proveth In commending another Man great Moderation is to be used for as contumely offendeth him against whom it is used so great praise besides that it is uttered with danger to his Judgment that speaketh it the same doth oft-tentimes offend him that heareth it For Self-love which commonly possesseth Men causes the Good or Evil we hear to be measured with our own And consequently every Man that is touched with like deserts and defects doth grow offended that his Commendation is not set forth and feareth lest his Imperfection should be discovered It is often or rather ever seen that the force of Leagues not used in their first heat becomes cold because Suspition soon entereth which in short space will destroy whatsoever was concluded and may not without long time be rejoined The power of Ambition which possesseth the Minds of Men is such as rarely or never suffereth them to rest The reason thereof is That Nature hath framed in them a certain Disposition to desire all things but not to obtain them so as our Desires being greater than our Power therefore following Discontenr and evil Satisfaction Hereof also proceedeth the Variation of Fortune for some Men desiring to get and others fearing to lose that they had gotten do occasion one Man to injure another and consequently Publick Wars do follow by means whereof one Country is ruined and another inlarged Princes of great Power and chiesly those that are Inhabitants of the North having many Children were wont to be much inclined to the Wars as well to win unto themselves Honor as also to get Possessions for their Sons which manner of Proceedings did oft-tentimes remove such Disturbance as the Plurality of Brethren bringeth These and other reasons induced Princes to attempt War against those Kingdoms which in cheir opinion seemed easily conquered or whereunto they can pretend little for by colour thereof they may the rather justifie their Proceedings When a Prince deferreth to answer an Ambassador it proceedeth from some of these Respects either because he will take time to resolve himself of somewhat whereof he doubteth or that he intendeth covertly to deny that which is demanded or that he esteemeth not the Prince that doth demand or that he disdaineth the Person by whom the demand is made or else that he intendeth to hear from his own Ministers to be better resolved Wherefore a discreet Negotiator ought in such cases to consider which of these Reasons move the Prince where he is employed to entertain him with delays and make his dispatch accordingly The sufficiency of good Counsellors consistetd in fonr things First They ought to be wise and skilful how to handle their Affairs directing all doings to publick Commodity Secondly To be just in their Proceedings giving to every one that which to him appertaineth Thirdly To be stout and void both of partial respects and fear And lastly To be temperate and moderate in their Desires Whoso desireth to govern well and securely it behoveth him to have a vigilant Eye to the Proceedings of great Princes and to consider seriously of their Designs For it is matter of small difficulty to live in Peace with him who desireth our Amity and provideth for others that endeavor to offend us The Intelligences that Princes study to attain are procured by divers means Some are brought by report some vented by Conversation and Sounding some by means of Espials but the most sure and credibe Occurrents are those which come from Ambassadors chiesly those that either for the Greatness of their Prince or their own Virtue be of most Reputation For those Men conversing daily with great Personages and pondering diligently their Manners Words Wisdom and the order of each Man's Troceedings yea of the Prince himself may with Commodity attain unto matters of great Importance sooner than they that are Writers of Rumors or that take upon them to Conjecture of things to come Whensoever a People is induced to commit so great an Error as to give Reputation to one only Man to the end he should oppress all those great Men whom they hate they thereby give him opportunity to become their Prince and so being assisted with their Favor and Aid he may likewise extinguish all the rest of the Nobility and they being extirpated he will also endeavor to tyrannize over the People by whose help he aspired So many as are not consenting
to the Tyranny rest Enemies to the Person of the Tyrant who can by no means gain the Love of all For impossible it is that the Riches of any Tyrant should be so great and the Honors he can give so many as may satisfie all Hereof it cometh that those Tyrants that are favored of the People and disfavored of the Nobles are most secure because their Tyranny is supported with a greater Strength having the Multitude their Friends then is the Tyrant whom the Humor of the Nobles only hath advanced A dangerous thing it is in all Commonwealths by continual punishing to hold the Minds of Subjects in Suspition for Men ever fearing their Ruine will without respect determine to save them selves and as Men desperate attempt Innovation All Capital Executions ought therefore to be executed suddenly and as it were at one Instant so to assure the Minds of Men from furher Molestations The Intent of every Wise Prince that maketh War either by Election or Ambition is to gain and hold what is gotten Also to use the matter so as thereby he may inrich himself and not impoverish his own People or Country He that inlargeth his Dominions doth not always increase his Power but he that increaseth in force as well as in Dominion shall thereby grow great otherwise he gained no more than is shortly to be lost and consequently he ruineth himself For who spends more in the War than he gains by Victory loseth both Labor and Cost Every Prince and Commonwealth must above all things take heed that no Necessity how great soever do perswade him to bring into his Dominion any Auxiliary Soldiers because the hardest Conditions the Enemy can offer are more easie than is such a Resolution A Prince sheweth his Ruine at hand whensoever he beginneth to break the Laws and Customs which are 〈◊〉 have been long time obeyed by the to People of his Dominion That Prince which careth to keep himself secure from Conspiracy ought rather to fear those to whom he hath done over-great Favors than them whom he hath much injured For these want Opportunities the other do not and both their Desires are as one because the Appetite of Commanding is always as much or more than the desire of Revenge Whensoever a Prince discovers a Conspiracy he must well consider the quality thereof measuring the Force of the Conspirators with his own and finding them many and mighty the knowledge thereof is to be dissembled until the Princes Power be prepared to oppose them otherwise he hazardeth his own security It hath been by long Experience found better to send one General to an Army though he be of mean Sufficiency than to give the same Authority to two or more Excellent Personages with equal Commission He that coveteth to be over-much loved oft-tentimes becomes contemptible and he that endeavoreth to be over-much feared is ever hated And to hold the mean between them cannot be exactly done because Nature will not so permit Whoso aspireth to any Dignity must resolve himself to endure the Envy of Men and never to be moved for any Offence conceived against him though they that be offended be his dear Friends Neither shall he for the first affront or encounter relinquish his hope for he that constantly maketh head against the assault of Fortune shall after with Facility arrive where he designed In giving Council to a Prince or Commonwealth and therefore desiring to eschew Danger and Offence no other mean is to be taken than that the Counsellor shall without Passion or Perswasion pronounce his Opinion and never to affirm any thing as a Resolution but with modesty to defend that he speaketh so as the Prince which follows his Advice may seem to do it voluntarily and not forced by the importunity of him that gave the Counsel A discreet Captain being in the Field against the Enemy of whose Virtue he hath had no Proof ought first by light Skirmishes to feel of what Virtue he is and not to Enterprise any general Adventnre to the end that Terror or Fame should not daunt nor discourage his own Soldiers Albeit Fraud be in all Actions detested yet is the same in Martial Enter prises commendible and glorious For that Captain who compasseth his Designs by Wit or Stratagem is no less commended than he that Vanquisheth the Enemy by Violence and Force In times of Extremity when Resolution must be taken for the having or utter Loss of the State then no regard is to be had of Justice or Injustice Mercy or Cruelty Honor or Ignominy but rather setting aside all Respects that course is to be followed which defended the Lives and Liberties of Men. Whoso desireth to know what will be hereafter let him think of that is past for the World hath ever been in a circular Revolution Whatsoever is now was heretofore and things past or present are no other than such as shall be again Redit orbis in orbem A Prince that desireth to obtain any thing at the hand of another must if it be possible urge a sudden Answer and lay before him that is moved a Necessity to resolve presently giving him to understand that denial or delays may breed a perilous and sudden Indignation There is nothing more difficult doubtful and dangerous than to attempt Innovation For he that taketh in hand an Enterprize of such quality maketh all those his Enemies which lived well under the old Order and findeth them cold Defenders that affect his Novelties which coldness proceedeth chiefly of Incredulity for Men are not easily induced to believe a new thing till Experience hath proved it to be good There is no Art nor Knowledge so seemly and necessary for a Prince as the Art Military with theOrdinances and Discipline thereof For that is the only Skill required in him that commandeth and such a Virtue as doth not only maintain them that are born Princes but often advanceth private Men to that Dignity The deep Impressions which old Injuries make in the Minds of great Men cannot with new Benefits be razed out it is also to be remembred that Injuries be done all together For they offend the less and will be forgotten the sooner but Benefits should by little and little be bestowed so shall the Memory of them long continue A small pleasure or displeasure presently done doth move more than a great good turn bestowed in times past for the taste of things present doth make a deeper impression in the Minds of Men than doth the Memory of things past or expectation of things to come It is a matter of small difficulty to sound the discontentment of other Men. For every one doth willingly tell the well and ill deserving of Friends and likewise how much or how little Foes can do if we have Patience to hear which Patience is the beginning of all good Speed but he that delighteth to speak much and hear little shall ever inform others more than himself can learn Among other dangers
be informed whether that which is undertaken be profitable for the Commonweal honourable to themselves and easie to be effected or at least not greatly difficult Also he that persuadeth is to be examined whether besides bare Words and Counsel he will 〈◊〉 his own Peril and if Fortune favour the attempt to whom the principal Glory shall redound The Perils which accompany private Enterprises are far unlike to those which he doth enter that aspireth to Principality For in private attempts a Man may pause or proceed as he will But to him that aspires to Empire there remains no middle course but either by Victory to triumph as a Prince or being vanquished to endure death as a Traytor Let no Man in his Prosperity give much credit to common Applause or Service assured by any of whom in meaner Fortune he hath had no experience for the base People are learned in no Lesson only without difference of Truth or Falshood to slatter Men in Authority and with Shouts and Words of great rejoycing make shew of great Affection As overmuch haste is dangerous so too great delay oftentimes proveth disadvantagious for albeit consultation ought to forego action yet to Dispute long and in the end reject the advice of either side or take a middle course which in cases of doubt and danger is worst was ever accompted great diseretion There is no course more comely nor any resolution so well beseeming a wise Man having made prcos of his own Vertue and finding in Age no Fortune due to such effect as to retire himself from the Court and Company for so shall he shun the Inconveniences of Contempt and the Discommodity of Travel Jucunda senectuti otia yet true it is that whoso hath lived a Prince or governed as a publick Person cannot expect security in a private Estate Whensoever danger draweth near and terror is at hand all Men look about but none willingly adventure For in such Cases every Man will give Council but few will take part of the peril In Common-wealths where Sects or Partialities be the Leader of any side is able to kindle Civil War yet is he unable to moderate the Victory For to stir up dissentions and troubles the worst Man most commonly bears the stroke but peace and quietness are not established but by Men of rare Gifts and excellent Vertue It may seem strange and contrary both to courtesie and Christian profession that Men are far more mindful of Injuries done unto them than of benefits received by them The reason thereof is that Thankfulness is accompted a burden but Revenge is sweet and reckoned a great gain Of reconciled Foes and such as know that our harms were caused by their means we oft-times expect favour as persuaded that new Friendship will repair the loss of old displeasure But the matter doth seldom so fall out for the quality of Man's nature is ever to hate those whom he hath hurt and love them whom he hath made beholding Quos laeserunt oderunt Tac. To common Persons and such as are ignorant in Matters of State every Taxation and Imposition seemeth heavy or superfluous yet the wiser sort know that the end of all publick endeavour is to confirm People in Peace and Peace cannot be maintained without Arms nor Arms without Pay nor Pay without Impositions As fortunate Folk are envied so are the poor contemned which Rule reacheth also to Princes The one lives in Plenty with War the other in Poverty with Peace For 〈◊〉 is it seen that those People are assaulted where nothing is to be gained and whose base Beings afford no other spoils than Blood and Beggery Wisemen have observed that in matter of State and the managing thereof three Things are especially to be looked unto The. first is Occasion the second the Intentions of other Men the third our own Affection For there is nothing that slippeth away so soon as Occasion nothing so difficult as to judge what an other Man intendeth nor any thing more 〈◊〉 than our own immoderate 〈◊〉 It hath been ever a course observed by wise Princes but much more by Arislocracies and Popular States against Force and Fury of the Multitude to desend themselves with Silver and Gold How much more it importeth all Princes to lead a vertuous Life and give daily example of Piety and Justice appears apparently in the Proceedings of the Roman Bishops who by the well-doing of some few of them at the first became greatly honoured but afterwards they became contemptible For the Reverence which Men did bear to the sanctity of their Lives failing it was impossible of so contrary Manners and Examples to look for like effects The success of the War chiefly dependeth on the Reputation of the Prince which declining the vertue also of the Soldiers faileth Likewise the sidelity of the People decayeth and their Mony to maintain the War ceaseth contrarywise the Courage of the Enemy is increased they that stood doubtful become resolved and every difficulty augmenteth The Authority which Princes give is chiefly in respect of Wisdom and Valour Yet true it is that for the most part they account them the wisest Men that can best accommodate themselves to their Humour The greatest Distress and Difficulty which can come to any Army doth proceed of these Causes Want of Mony scarcity of Victuals hatred of People discord of Captains disobedience of Soldiers and their flying to the Enemy either of necessity or free-will A Prince or great Magistrate having long maintained the reputation of Wisdom and Vertue must take heed that no rash or dangerous Resolution do taint the Honourable Fame of his former Life For to be transported with Anger against his own Profit is lightness and to esteem small dangers more than great is want of Judgment A Prince or Person of great Estate must be wary not to inure the conceit of double dealing For little Sincerity and Trust is looked in his Actions of whom there is an opinion of Crast and Falshood conceived Experience hath always proved that whatsoever the most part of men desire rarely cometh to pass The reason hereof is that the effects of Human Actions commonly depend on the will of a few and their Intentions ever differing from the greater number the end and success cannot be other than as pleaseth the few that are to direct them There is nothing more dangerous than to enterprise a War or other Actions of Importance upon popular persuasion for such expectations are vain and such designs fallible Also the Fury of the Multitude is great when danger is little or far off but Perils growing great and near their Courage quaileth as they whose Passions have no Rule or Measure It is strange to see how apt Men are to doubt displeasure threatned by Enemies chiefly when they draw near for the People do naturally over-much fear Dangers at hand and esteem less than is fit of things present Also to make small account of those that are far from them
Arms. No Prince or State well advised hazards his whole Estate upon the Valour of some few Persons nor ought to Strength of strait Places where the Enemy is to pass Example Tully King of Rome and Metius King of Alba condescended that three of their Nobility for either side chosen should enter Combate and that Nation which was Victorious should command the other Francis the French King going to recover Lombardy was by the Switzers attended into two or three Places in the Mountains hoping there to repulse him but the King taking another way passed securely and prevailed Every State well governed doth reward Men of good Merit and punish all Offenders and if any Person of good Desert shall wilfully be a Delinquent the same Man ought not withstanding his former service be punisht Example The same Horatto that in Combat gained the Victory against the Albani having insolently slain his own Sister was notwithstanding his egregious Act and the fresh memory thereof called into trial of his life and with great difficulty obtained Pardon And Manlius who had with great Glory saved the Capitol for moving Sedition in Rome was after from the same cast down headlong Every wise Man having performed any great service to his Prince or Country ought to be content with such recompence as it shall please the Prince or Country to bestow Measuring the same according to the Power of the giver and not the merit of him that receiveth Example Horatius Cocles for having lost his Hand in defence of the Bridge of Rome and Mutius Scaevola suffering his Hand to be burnt for his attempt to kill King Porsenna were rewarded with a small Portion of Land and Manlius that defended the Capitol from the Galleys had no greater reward than a little measure of Meal Ingratitude is a Vice so natural and common as not only private Persons but Princes and States also either through Covetousness or Suspition are there with infected Example Vespasian proclaimed Emperor was chiefly aided by Antonius Primus and by his help prevailed against Vitellius in Reward of which Service Vespasian removed him from the Command of his Army and gave that honour to Mutianus Consalvo Ferranoe having taken the Kingdom of Naples from the French was first removed from his Command of the Castles and Soldiers and in the end brought into Spain where in disgrace he ended his Life Collatinus Tarquinius who with the aid of Brutus suppressed the Tarquins of Rome and with him Pub. Valerius were banish'd for no other cause but for being of the name of Tarquin the other because he 〈◊〉 a House upon Mount Caelio All Errors that great Captains commit are either wilful or ignorant towards the one and the other of which Offenders to use greater lenity than the quality of their Offences deserves Seemeth necessary For Men of Honour suffer nought by the Infamy which evil Service doth bring It is also to be considered that a great Captain being cumbred with many cares cannot proceed in his Actions couragiously if he stand in daily doubt to be punish'd for every error that hapneth Example Sergius and Virginius were before Veio the one part of the Army on the one side of the City the other not far from the place Sergius being assaulted by the Falisci was not aided by Virginius neither would he require his help such was the envy the one bare to the other and consequently their Offence is wilful and worthy of capital punishment Likewise when Varro by his Ignorance received an overthrow by Hannibal at Cannae he was nevertheless pardoned and honourably welcomed home by the whole Senate Whensoever an Inconvenience ariseth within or without the State it seems a Resolution more sure to dissemble the knowing thereof than to seek by sudden violence to suppress it Example Cosmo de Medioes having gained extraordinary Reputation in Florence the Citizens imagined that to suffer the same to increase was dangerous and therefore they Banished him Which extream Proceeding so offended the Friends of Cosme being the stronger as they sorced the Citizens to revoke him and make him Prince of that City The like hapned in Rome where Caesar for his Vertue much admired and followed became afterwards to be feared and they that feared not considering their force to be inferior to the power of Caesar endeavouring to oppress him were the occasion of his greater Glory In every Republick an excessive Authority given to one or two Persons for long time proveth dangerous chiefly when the same is not restrained Example The Dictatorship given to Caesar for life was an occasion to oppress the Liberties of the Romans The same effect was before that time like to follow the Decemvirate by suffering Appius Claudius to prolong the time of his Dignity The Ambition of Men is such as rarely they will obey when formerly they have commanded neither do they willingly accept of mean Office having before sate in higher place Yet the Citizens of well-governed States did not refuse as well to obey as command Example The Victory the Romans obtained against the Veienti Q. Fabius was slain having the year before been Consul Nevertheless he then served in meaner place under C. Manilius and M. Fabius his own Brother then Consul There is nothing more strange yet by experience proved true That Men in adverse Fortune be much grieved and in Prosperity also discontented which is the reason that not being forced to fight for necessity they will nevertheless contend for Ambition and that Humour doth as well possess those that live aloft as others whom Fortune holdeth down Example The People of Rome having by the Authority of the Tribunes obtained to make themselves secure from oppression of the Nobility forthwith required That the Honour and Office of State might be also imparted unto them The like Ambition moved them to have their part of Lands by force of Lex Agaria which was at last the overthrow of the Roman Liberty It seemeth that People displeased with some Innovations hapned in the State do sometime without just Reasons complain of those that govern Not unlike to a sick Man who deemeth that the Physician not the Fever is the cause of his Grief Example The People of Rome were persuaded that the Ambition of Consuls was the cause of continual War therefore required that no more Consuls should be yet they were content that certain Tribunes should command with like Authority so was nothing altered in the Government but the Governors Title which alone did courent them Nothing can corrupt and alter the nature of Man so much or so soon as the immoderate desire of Honour in so much as Men of honest Minds and vertuous Inclinations are sometimes by Ambition drawn to abuse that Goodness whereunto they are inclined Example Appius Claudius having lived long an Enemy to the Multitude hoping by their aid to continue his Authority of the Decemviri in Rome became their Friend and disfavoured the Factions of great Men. Likewise Q. Fabius a
the Dominions of any other Prince unless he assure himself of some Friends there to be a Mean and as it were a Gate to prepare his Passage Example The Romans by Aid of the Saguntines entred Spain the AEtoli called them into Greece the Hediai into France Likewise the Palaeologi incited the Turk to come into Thrace and Ludovicus 〈◊〉 occasioned Charles the French King to come into Italy A Republick desirous to extend the Bounds thereof must endeavour to be fully furnish'd with Inhabitants which may be done both by Love and Force Love is gained by suffering Strangers to inhabit the City securely and Force compels People to come thither when other Cities and Towns near at hand be demolished or desaced And impossible it is without this Order of proceeding to enlarge any City or make the same of greater Power Example The Romans to enlarge their City demolished Alba and many other Towns and therewith also entertained all Strangers courtcously So as Rome grew to such greatness that the City only could arm six hundred and forty thousand Men but Sparta or Athens could never exceed twenty thousand for that Lycurgus had inhibited the access of Strangers A Commonwealth that consumes more Treasure in the War than it profits in Victory seems to have rather hindred than honoured or inriched the State A wise Captain therefore in his Actions ought as well to profit the Republick as to gain to himself Glory Example The Consuls of Rome did seldom desire Triumph unless they returned from the War loaden with Gold Silver and other rich Spoils fit to be delivered into the Common Treasury All Foreign War 's with Princes or other States taken in hand be either for Ambition or Desire of Glory or else for Necessity Example The Romans for their Ambition conquered many Nations with intent only to have the Obedience of the People yet did they suffer them to hold Possession of their Houses and sometimes they were permitted to live only with their old Laws Likewise Alexander the Great endeavoured to suppress many Princes for his Glory but did not dispossess the People nor kill them Otherwise it is where a whole Nation inforced by Famine or Fury of War abandon their own Dwellings and are forced to inhabit elswhere Example The Goths and other People of the North invaded the Roman Empire and many other Provinces whereof their Alteration of Names did ensue as Illyria now called Slavonia England formerly named Britain A common Conceit and Saying it is That Mony makes the War strong and is the Force and Sinews thereof as though he who hath most Treasure be also most mighty but Experience hath apparently shewed the contrary Example After the Death of Alexander King of Macedon a multitude of Gauls went into Greece and being there arrived sent certain Ambassadors to the King who supposing to make them afraid of his Power shewed them his Treasure which wrought a contrary effect for the Gauls before desirous of Peace resolved then to continue the War in hope to win that mighty mass of Mony Likewise Darius should have vanquished Alexander and the Greeks might have conquered the Romans if the richer Prince might ever by his Mony have prevailed Every League made with a Prince or Republick remote is weak and rather aideth us with Fame than Effect and consequently deceiveth all those that in such amity repose Confidence Example The Florentines being assaulted by the King of Naples and the Pope prayed Aid of the French King who being far distant could not in Time Succour them And the Cedicini desiring Aid of the Capuani against the Samnites a People of no Force were deceived A Prince whose People is well arm'd and train'd shall do better to attend his Enemy at Home than by Invasion to assault his Country But such Princes whose Subjects are disarmed had need to hold the Enemy aloof Example The Romans and in this Age the Swisses being well armed may attend the War at Home but the Carthaginians and Italians being not so well furnished did ever use to seek the Enemy The Plurality of Commanders in equal Authority is for the most part occasion of slow Proceeding in the War Example There was at one Time in Rome created four Tribuni Militares with Authority of Consuls viz. T. Quintus after his Consulship Cajus Furius M. Posthumus and A. Cornelius Cassius amongst whom arose so much Diversity and Contrariety of Opinion as nothing could be done till their Authority ceased and M. AEmylius made Dictator A Victory obtained by any great Captain with the Authority of his Prince's Commission 〈◊〉 and Directions ought ever to be imputed rather to the Wisdom of the Prince than the Valour of the Captain Which made the Emperors of Rome to permit no Captains how great soever his Victories were to Triumph as before that time the Consuls had done and even in those Days a modest Refusal of Triumph was commended Example M. Fulvius having gained a great Victory against the Tuscans was both by the Consent of the Senate and People of Rome admitted to Triumph but the 〈◊〉 of that Honour proved his great Glory All they that from private Estate have aspired to Principality either by Force or Fraud be come thereunto unless the same be given or by Inheritance descended Yet it is rarely seen that Force alone prevaileth but Fraud without Force oft-times sufficeth Example Agathocles by such means became Prince of 〈◊〉 John Galeazzo by abusing his Uncle Barnabas gained the Dominion of Lombardy and Cyrus circumvented Cyaxares his Mothers Brother and by that Craft aspired to Greatness Sudden Resolutions are always dangerous and no less Peril ensueth of slow and doubtful Delays Example When Hieron Prince of Syracuse died the War even then being in great Heat between the Romans and Carthaginians they of Syracusa consulted whether it were better to follow the Fortune of Rome or Carthage In which Doubt they continued until Apollonides a chief Captain of Syracusa laid before them That so long Delay would make them hated both of Romans and Carthaginians Likewise the Florentines being by Lewis the Twelfth required to give his Army Passage towards Naples mused so long upon an Answer that he became their Enemy and they forced to recover his Favour full dearly To govern a State is nothing else but to take such Order as the Subjects may not or ought not to offend which may be done either by removing from them all means to disobey or by affording them so great Favours as reasonably they ought not to change their Fortune for the mean Course proveth Dangerous Example The Latins being by the Valour of Camillus overcome yielded themselves to endure what Punishment it pleased the Romans to inflict An Ingenious and Magnanimous Answer being made unto Wise Magistrates doth oft obtain both Pardon and Grace Example When the Privernates had rebelled and were by Force constrained to return to the Obedience of the Romans they sent certain of the City unto Rome
to desire pardon who being brought before the Senate one of the Senators asked the Privernates what punishment themselves did think they had deserved The same quoth they which Men living in Freedom think they are worthy of Whereto the Consul thus replied Quid si poenam remittimus Qualem nos pacem vobiscum habituros speremus The Privernates answered Si bonam dederitis fidelem perpetuam Si malam haud diuturnam Which Answer was thought to proceed from generous Men and therefore they were not only pardoned but also honoured and received into the number of the Roman Citizens All Castles Forcresses and Places of Strength be made for Defence either against the Enemy or Subject In the first Case they are not necessary in the second dangerous For thereby the Prince may at his Pleasure take occasion to insult upon the Subject when much more seemly he might settle his Estate upon the Love and good Affection of Men. Example The Castle of Millan made by Duke Francisco Sforza incited his Heirs to become insolent and consequently they became odious which was also the cause that so soon as that City was assaulted the Enemy with facility did possess it That Prince or Potentate which builds his Severity rather upon the Trust he hath in Fortresses than the Love of Men shall be deceived For no Place is so strong as can long defend it self unless by the Love and Aid of Men it be in time of Necessity succoured Example Pope Julio having drawn the Bentivoli out of Bologm built there a strong Castle the Governor thereof robbed the People and they there with grieved in a short Time took the Castle from him So after the Revolt of Genoa Lewis the Twelsth came to the Recovery thereof and builded there the strongest Fortification of Italy as well for Sight as the Circumstances inexpugnable Nevertheless the Citizens rebelled and within sixteen Months the French were sorced to yield the Castle and Government to Octavio Fragosa To build Forts upon Places of Strength either for defence of our own or to hold that which is taken from others hath ever proved to small purpose Example The Romans having supprest the Rebellion of the Latins and Privernates albeit they were People Warlike and lovers of Liberty yet to keep them Subject built there no Castle nor other Places fortified And the Lacedemonians did not only forbear to fortifie the Towns they conquered but also left their chief City of Sparta unwalled The Necessity or Use of Fortification is only upon Frontiers or such principal places where Princes make their Habitation to the end the Fury of sudden Assaults may be staid and Time for Succor entertained Otherwise Example the Castle of Millan being made to hold the State in Obedience could not so do either for the House of Sforza or France Guido Ubaldo Duke of Velin driven from his Dominion by Caesar Borgia so soon as he recovered his Country caused all the Forts to be demolished For by Experience be found the Love of Men was the surest Defence and that Fortifications prevailed no less against him than for him The Causes of Division and Faction in every Commonweal proceed most commonly of Idleness and Peace and that which unieth is Fear War Example The 〈◊〉 and Elinsci having Intelligence of great Contention between the Nobility and People of Rome thought that a sit Opportunity to oppress the one and the other But the Romans informed of such an Intention appeased all Do mestick Anger and by the Valour of their Arms conducted by Gn. Manlius and M. Fabius defeated the Enemies Forces The means to usurp an Estate 〈◊〉 is first before Arms be taken to become as it were an Arbitrator or a Friend indifferent and after Arms be taken then to send moderate Aid to the weak Side as well to entertain the War between the Factions as also to consume the Strength both of the one and the other yet in no wise to employ any great Forces for thereby either party may discover the Intents to suppress them Example The City of Pistoia fallen into Division the Florentines took occasion sometimes to favor the one and sometimes the other that in the end both sides weary of the War voluntarily yielded to their Devotion Philippo Viscount hoping sundry times by occasion of Faction to oppress the Florentines did often assault them with great Forces which was the Cause that they became reunited and consequently the Duke deceived of his Expectation A great Wisdom it is to resrain Opprobrious and Injurious Speech For as neither the one nor the other can any whit decrease the Enemies Force so doth it move him to greater Hate and more desire to offend Example Gabides a General of the Persians having long besieged Amida became weary and preparing to abandon the enterprise raised his Camp which they of the City beholding began to revile the Persians and from the Walls reproved them of Cowardise which undiscreet Words so highly 〈◊〉 Gabides as thereupon he resolved to continue the Siege and within 〈◊〉 days won the City Tiberius Gracchus appointed Captain of certain Bands of Men whom for want of other Soldiers the Romans entertained proclaimed in his Camp That no Man upon Pain of Death should contumeliously call any Soldier Slave either in Earnest or Jest. Nam facetiae asperae quando nimium ex vero traxere acrem suimem riam 〈◊〉 Likewise Alexander the Great having conquered well near all the East brought his Forces before Tyre they fearing Alexander's Fury offered upon honourable Considerations to yeild him Obedience only requiring that neither he nor any of his Forces should enter the City which motion after four Months Alexander accepted and so signified by his Ambassador who arriving at Tyre was by the proud Citizens slain whereat Alexander grew into Choler and being ready to forsake the Siege staid his Forces and in the end sacked the City and put the People to the Sword A Prince or any other State being assaulted by an Enemy of far more puissance than himself ought not to refuse any honourable Compositions chiefly when they are offered for no Conditions can be so base but shall in some 〈◊〉 turn to Advantage and Honour of him that accepts them Example 〈◊〉 1512. certain Florentines procured great Forces of Spaniards to come thither as well to reposess the Medici then banish'd as also to sack the City promising that so soon as the Army of Spain did come into the Florentine Dominion the Faction of Medici would be ready armed to receive them But the Spaniards being come found no Forces at all to joyn with them and therefore wanting Victual offered Composition The Florentines finding the Enemy distressed grew insolent and refused Peace whereof followed the loss of Prato and many other Inconveniences The like happened to them of Tyre as before The denial or delay of Justice desired in revenge of Injuries either publick or privately offered is a thing very dangerous to every Prince or
other State for that the Party injured doth oft by indirect means though with hazard of his Country and himself seek satisfaction Example The Complaint which the Galli made against the Fabii who sent Ambassadors in favour of the Tossani not being heard nor any punishment inflicted upon them for Fighting against the Law of Nations was the cause that the Galli were offended with the States whereof followed the sack of Rome and the delay of Justice in Philip of Macedon for not revenging the incestuous oppression of Attalus to Pausanias was the Motive to murther that King Whoso endeavours the alteration of any State must of necessity proceed with all severity and leave some memorable Example to those that shall impugn the Ordinance of Government newly setled Example When Junius Brutus had by his great Valour banish'd the Traquins and sworn the People that no King should ever reign in Rome within short time after many young Nobles among whom was Brutus's Son impatient of the equality of the new Government conspired to recall the Tarquins but Brutus thereof informed caused his own Son not only to be condemned to death but was himself present at the Execution As Health and soundness of the Hands Legs and other outward Members cannot continue Life unless the Heart and vital Spirits within be strong and sirm so Fortifications and Frontier-desences do not prevail unless the whole Corps of the Kingdom and People be well armed Example When the Emperor came into Italy and had with some difficulty past the confines of the Venetians well near without resistance his Army march'd to Venice and might doubtless have possest the City had it not been defended with Water Likewise the English in their assault of France excepting a few Encounters on the Frontiers found no puissant resistance within the Realm And Anno 1513. they forced all that State and the King himself to tremble as ost before they had done but contrariwise the Romans knowing that Life lay in the Heart ever held the Body of their State strongest For the nearer the Enemy approach'd Rome the better they found the Country armed and defended The desire to command sovereignly is of so great Force as doth not only work in those that are in expectation of Principality but also in them that have no Title at all Example this Appetite moved the Wife of Tarquinius Priscus contrary to all natural Duty to incite her Husband to murder her own Father Servius and possess his Kingdom as being persuaded it were much more honourable to be a Queen than to be the Daughter of a King The violation of ancient Laws Orders and Customs under which People have long time lived is the chief and only cause whereby Princes hazard their Estate and Royal Dignity Example Albeit the deflowring of Lucrece was the occasion yet was it not the cause that moved the Romans to take Arms against Tarquin for he having before that fact of Sextus his Son governed Tyrannically and taken from the Senate all Authority was become odious both to the Senate Nobility and People who finding themselves well-governed never seek or wish any other liberty or alteration A Prince that desires to live secure from Conspiracy hath cause rather to fear those on whom he hath bestowed over-great Riches and Honors than those whom he hath greatly injured because they want Means to offend the other have many opportunities to do it Example Perrenius the prime Favorite of Commodus the Emperor conspired his Death Plautianus did the like to Severus and Sejanus to Tiberius for being advanced to so great Honors Riches and Offices as nothing remained desirable but the Imperial Title they conspired against the Persons of their Sovereigns in hope of the Dignity but in the end they endured that Punishment which to such Disloyalty and Ingratitude appertaineth An Army which wants Experience albeit the Captain be expert is not greatly to be feared neither ought an Army of well-train'd Soldiers to be much esteemed whose Captain is ignorant Example Caesar going into Africa against Afranius and Petraeus whose Army was full of old Soldiers said he feared them little Quia 〈◊〉 ad exercitum sine duce Contrariwise when he went to Pharsalia to encounter Pompey he said Ibo ad ducem sine exercitu A Captain General commanding an Army ought rather to govern with Curtesie and Mildness than with over-much Austerity and Severity Example Q. and Appius Claudius being Consuls were appointed to govern the War To Q. was allotted one Army which served very dutifully but Appius commanding the other with great Cruelty was by his Soldiers unwillingly obeyed Nevertheless Tacitus seems of contrary Opinion saying Plus Poena quam obsequium valet Therefore to reconcile these different Conceits I say that a General having power to command Men either they are Confederates or Subjects If Confederates or Voluntaries he may not proceed to extream punishment if Subjects and his power absolute they may be governed otherwise yet with such respect as the insolence of the General inforce not the Soldiers to hate him Honour may sometime be got as well by the loss as gaining of Victory Every Man knoweth Glory is due to the Victor and we deny not the same Priviledge to the vanquished being able to make proof that the Loss proceeded not from his Default Neither is it dishonourable to violate those Promises whereto the necessity or disadvantage of War inforceth And forced Promises which concern a whole State are not binding and rarely or ever kept nor is the Breaker thereby to receive Disgrace Example Posthumus the Consul having made a dishonourable Peace with the Samnites was by them with his whole Army sent home disarmed Being arrived at Rome the Consul informed the People they were not bound to perform the base Conditions he was compelled to yield unto albeit he and those few that promised were bound to perform them The Senate thereupon concluded to send him Prisoner to Samno where he constantly protested the Fault to be only his own wherefore the People by that Peace incurred no Dishonour at all And Fortune so much favoured Posthumus as the Samnites were content presently to return him to Rome where he became more glorious for losing the Victory than was Pontius at Samno for having won the Victory Wise Men have long observed That who so will know what shall be must consider what is past for all worldly Things hold the same course they had at first The Reason is that as long as Men are possest with the same Passions with former Ages consequently of these doings the same effects ensue Example The Almains and French have ever been noted for their Avarice Pride Fury and Infidelity and so in divers Ages experience hath proved even to this present For perfidious Dealing the French have given sufficient proof not only in ancient times but also in the time of Charles VIII who promised to render to the Florentines the Forts of Pisa but having divers times