CHAPTERXX
AREFORTRESSES，ANDMANYOTHERTHINGSTOWHICHPRINCES
OFTENRESORT，ADVANTAGEOUSORHURTFUL？
1。Someprinces，soastoholdsecurelythestate，havedisarmedtheirsubjects;othershavekepttheirsubjecttownsdistractedbyfactions;othershavefosteredenmitiesagainstthemselves;othershavelaidthemselvesouttogainoverthosewhomtheydistrustedinthebeginningoftheirgovernments;somehavebuiltfortresses;somehaveoverthrownanddestroyedthem。Andalthoughonecannotgiveafinaljudgmentonallofthesethingsunlessonepossessestheparticularsofthosestatesinwhichadecisionhastobemade，neverthelessIwillspeakascomprehensivelyasthematterofitselfwilladmit。
2。Thereneverwasanewprincewhohasdisarmedhissubjects;ratherwhenhehasfoundthemdisarmedhehasalwaysarmedthem，because，byarmingthem，thosearmsbecomeyours，thosemenwhoweredistrustedbecomefaithful，andthosewhowerefaithfularekeptso，andyoursubjectsbecomeyouradherents。Andwhereasallsubjectscannotbearmed，yetwhenthosewhomyoudoarmarebenefited，theotherscanbehandledmorefreely，andthisdifferenceintheirtreatment，whichtheyquiteunderstand，makestheformeryourdependents，andthelatter，consideringittobenecessarythatthosewhohavethemostdangerandserviceshouldhavethemostreward，excuseyou。Butwhenyoudisarmthem，youatonceoffendthembyshowingthatyoudistrustthem，eitherforcowardiceorforwantofloyalty，andeitheroftheseopinionsbreedshatredagainstyou。Andbecauseyoucannotremainunarmed，itfollowsthatyouturntomercenaries，whichareofthecharacteralreadyshown;eveniftheyshouldbegoodtheywouldnotbesufficienttodefendyouagainstpowerfulenemiesanddistrustedsubjects。Therefore，asIhavesaid，anewprinceinanewprincipalityhasalwaysdistributedarms。Historiesarefullofexamples。Butwhenaprinceacquiresanewstate，whichheaddsasaprovincetohisoldone，thenitisnecessarytodisarmthemenofthatstate，exceptthosewhohavebeenhisadherentsinacquiringit;
andtheseagain，withtimeandopportunity，shouldberenderedsoftandeffeminate;andmattersshouldbemanagedinsuchawaythatallthearmedmeninthestateshallbeyourownsoldierswhoinyouroldstatewerelivingnearyou。
3。Ourforefathers，andthosewhowerereckonedwise，wereaccustomedtosaythatitwasnecessarytoholdPistoiabyfactionsandPisabyfortresses;andwiththisideatheyfosteredquarrelsinsomeoftheirtributarytownssoastokeeppossessionofthemthemoreeasily。ThismayhavebeenwellenoughinthosetimeswhenItalywasinawaybalanced，butIdonotbelievethatitcanbeacceptedasapreceptforto—day，becauseIdonotbelievethatfactionscaneverbeofuse;
ratheritiscertainthatwhentheenemycomesuponyouindividedcitiesyouarequicklylost，becausetheweakestpartywillalwaysassisttheoutsideforcesandtheotherwillnotbeabletoresist。
TheVenetians，moved，asIbelieve，bytheabovereasons，fosteredtheGuelphandGhibellinefactionsintheirtributarycities;andalthoughtheyneverallowedthemtocometobloodshed，yettheynursedthesedisputesamongstthem，sothatthecitizens，distractedbytheirdifferences，shouldnotuniteagainstthem。Which，aswesaw，didnotafterwardsturnoutasexpected，because，aftertheroutatVaila，onepartyatoncetookcourageandseizedthestate。Suchmethodsargue，therefore，weaknessintheprince，becausethesefactionswillneverbepermittedinavigorousprincipality;suchmethodsforenablingonethemoreeasilytomanagesubjectsareonlyusefulintimesofpeace，butifwarcomesthispolicyprovesfallacious。
4。Withoutdoubtprincesbecomegreatwhentheyovercomethedifficultiesandobstaclesbywhichtheyareconfronted，andthereforefortune，especiallywhenshedesirestomakeanewprincegreat，whohasagreaternecessitytoearnrenownthananhereditaryone，causesenemiestoariseandformdesignsagainsthim，inorderthathemayhavetheopportunityofovercomingthem，andbythemtomounthigher，asbyaladderwhichhisenemieshaveraised。Forthisreasonmanyconsiderthatawiseprince，whenhehastheopportunity，oughtwithcrafttofostersomeanimosityagainsthimself，sothat，havingcrushedit，hisrenownmayrisehigher。
5。Princes，especiallynewones，havefoundmorefidelityandassistanceinthosemenwhointhebeginningoftheirruleweredistrustedthanamongthosewhointhebeginningweretrusted。
PandolfoPetrucci，PrinceofSiena，ruledhisstatemorebythosewhohadbeendistrustedthanbyothers。Butonthisquestiononecannotspeakgenerally，foritvariessomuchwiththeindividual;Iwillonlysaythis，thatthosemenwhoatthecommencementofaprincedomhavebeenhostile，iftheyareofadescriptiontoneedassistancetosupportthemselves，canalwaysbegainedoverwiththegreatestease，andtheywillbetightlyheldtoservetheprincewithfidelity，inasmuchastheyknowittobeverynecessaryforthemtocancelbydeedsthebadimpressionwhichhehadformedofthem;andthustheprincealwaysextractsmoreprofitfromthemthanfromthosewho，servinghimintoomuchsecurity，mayneglecthisaffairs。Andsincethematterdemandsit，Imustnotfailtowarnaprince，whobymeansofsecretfavourshasacquiredanewstate，thathemustwellconsiderthereasonswhichinducedthosetofavourhimwhodidso;andifitbenotanaturalaffectiontowardshim，butonlydiscontentwiththeirgovernment，thenhewillonlykeepthemfriendlywithgreattroubleanddifficulty，foritwillbeimpossibletosatisfythem。Andweighingwellthereasonsforthisinthoseexampleswhichcanbetakenfromancientandmodernaffairs，weshallfindthatitiseasierfortheprincetomakefriendsofthosemenwhowerecontentedundertheformergovernment，andarethereforehisenemies，thanofthosewho，beingdiscontentedwithit，werefavourabletohimandencouragedhimtoseizeit。
6。Ithasbeenacustomwithprinces，inordertoholdtheirstatesmoresecurely，tobuildfortressesthatmayserveasabridleandbittothosewhomightdesigntoworkagainstthem，andasaplaceofrefugefromafirstattack。Ipraisethissystembecauseithasbeenmadeuseofformerly。Notwithstandingthat，MesserNicoloVitelliinourtimeshasbeenseentodemolishtwofortressesinCittadiCastellosothathemightkeepthatstate;GuidoUbaldo，DukeofUrbino，onreturningtohisdominion，whencehehadbeendrivenbyCesareBorgia，razedtothefoundationsallthefortressesinthatprovince，andconsideredthatwithoutthemitwouldbemoredifficulttoloseit;theBentivoglireturningtoBolognacametoasimilardecision。Fortresses，therefore，areusefulornotaccordingtocircumstances;iftheydoyougoodinonewaytheyinjureyouinanother。Andthisquestioncanbereasonedthus：theprincewhohasmoretofearfromthepeoplethanfromforeignersoughttobuildfortresses，buthewhohasmoretofearfromforeignersthanfromthepeopleoughttoleavethemalone。ThecastleofMilan，builtbyFrancescoSforza，hasmade，andwillmake，moretroubleforthehouseofSforzathananyotherdisorderinthestate。Forthisreasonthebestpossiblefortressis——nottobehatedbythepeople，because，althoughyoumayholdthefortresses，yettheywillnotsaveyouifthepeoplehateyou，fortherewillneverbewantingforeignerstoassistapeoplewhohavetakenarmsagainstyou。Ithasnotbeenseeninourtimesthatsuchfortresseshavebeenofusetoanyprince，unlesstotheCountessofForli，[*]whentheCountGirolamo，herconsort，waskilled;forbythatmeansshewasabletowithstandthepopularattackandwaitforassistancefromMilan，andthusrecoverherstate;andthepostureofaffairswassuchatthattimethattheforeignerscouldnotassistthepeople。ButfortresseswereoflittlevaluetoherafterwardswhenCesareBorgiaattackedher，andwhenthepeople，herenemy，werealliedwithforeigners。Therefore，itwouldhavebeensaferforher，boththenandbefore，nottohavebeenhatedbythepeoplethantohavehadthefortresses。Allthesethingsconsideredthen，Ishallpraisehimwhobuildsfortressesaswellashimwhodoesnot，andIshallblamewhoever，trustinginthem，careslittleaboutbeinghatedbythepeople。
[*]CatherineSforza，adaughterofGaleazzoSforzaandLucreziaLandriani，born1463，died1509。ItwastotheCountessofForlithatMachiavelliwassentasenvyon1499。AletterfromFortunatitothecountessannouncestheappointment：\"Ihavebeenwiththesignori，\"wroteFortunati，\"tolearnwhomtheywouldsendandwhen。TheytellmethatNicoloMachiavelli，alearnedyoungFlorentinenoble，secretarytomyLordsoftheTen，istoleavewithmeatonce。\"Cf。\"CatherineSforza，\"byCountPasolini，translatedbyP。Sylvester，1898。
CHAPTERXXI
HOWAPRINCESHOULDCONDUCTHIMSELFSOASTOGAINRENOWN
Nothingmakesaprincesomuchesteemedasgreatenterprisesandsettingafineexample。WehaveinourtimeFerdinandofAragon，thepresentKingofSpain。Hecanalmostbecalledanewprince，becausehehasrisen，byfameandglory，frombeinganinsignificantkingtobetheforemostkinginChristendom;andifyouwillconsiderhisdeedsyouwillfindthemallgreatandsomeofthemextraordinary。InthebeginningofhisreignheattackedGranada，andthisenterprisewasthefoundationofhisdominions。Hedidthisquietlyatfirstandwithoutanyfearofhindrance，forheheldthemindsofthebaronsofCastileoccupiedinthinkingofthewarandnotanticipatinganyinnovations;thustheydidnotperceivethatbythesemeanshewasacquiringpowerandauthorityoverthem。HewasablewiththemoneyoftheChurchandofthepeopletosustainhisarmies，andbythatlongwartolaythefoundationforthemilitaryskillwhichhassincedistinguishedhim。Further，alwaysusingreligionasaplea，soastoundertakegreaterschemes，hedevotedhimselfwithpiouscrueltytodrivingoutandclearinghiskingdomoftheMoors;norcouldtherebeamoreadmirableexample，noronemorerare。UnderthissamecloakheassailedAfrica，hecamedownonItaly，hehasfinallyattackedFrance;andthushisachievementsanddesignshavealwaysbeengreat，andhavekeptthemindsofhispeopleinsuspenseandadmirationandoccupiedwiththeissueofthem。Andhisactionshaveariseninsuchaway，oneoutoftheother，thatmenhaveneverbeengiventimetoworksteadilyagainsthim。
Again，itmuchassistsaprincetosetunusualexamplesininternalaffairs，similartothosewhicharerelatedofMesserBernabodaMilano，who，whenhehadtheopportunity，byanyoneincivillifedoingsomeextraordinarything，eithergoodorbad，wouldtakesomemethodofrewardingorpunishinghim，whichwouldbemuchspokenabout。Andaprinceought，aboveallthings，alwaysendeavourineveryactiontogainforhimselfthereputationofbeingagreatandremarkableman。
Aprinceisalsorespectedwhenheiseitheratruefriendoradownrightenemy，thatistosay，when，withoutanyreservation，hedeclareshimselfinfavourofonepartyagainsttheother;whichcoursewillalwaysbemoreadvantageousthanstandingneutral;becauseiftwoofyourpowerfulneighbourscometoblows，theyareofsuchacharacterthat，ifoneofthemconquers，youhaveeithertofearhimornot。Ineithercaseitwillalwaysbemoreadvantageousforyoutodeclareyourselfandtomakewarstrenuously;because，inthefirstcase，ifyoudonotdeclareyourself，youwillinvariablyfallapreytotheconqueror，tothepleasureandsatisfactionofhimwhohasbeenconquered，andyouwillhavenoreasonstooffer，noranythingtoprotectortoshelteryou。Becausehewhoconquersdoesnotwantdoubtfulfriendswhowillnotaidhiminthetimeoftrial;andhewholoseswillnotharbouryoubecauseyoudidnotwillingly，swordinhand，courthisfate。
AntiochuswentintoGreece，beingsentforbytheAetolianstodriveouttheRomans。HesentenvoystotheAchaeans，whowerefriendsoftheRomans，exhortingthemtoremainneutral;andontheotherhandtheRomansurgedthemtotakeuparms。ThisquestioncametobediscussedinthecounciloftheAchaeans，wherethelegateofAntiochusurgedthemtostandneutral。TothistheRomanlegateanswered：\"Asforthatwhichhasbeensaid，thatitisbetterandmoreadvantageousforyourstatenottointerfereinourwar，nothingcanbemoreerroneous;becausebynotinterferingyouwillbeleft，withoutfavourorconsideration，theguerdonoftheconqueror。\"Thusitwillalwayshappenthathewhoisnotyourfriendwilldemandyourneutrality，whilsthewhoisyourfriendwillentreatyoutodeclareyourselfwitharms。Andirresoluteprinces，toavoidpresentdangers，generallyfollowtheneutralpath，andaregenerallyruined。Butwhenaprincedeclareshimselfgallantlyinfavourofoneside，ifthepartywithwhomheallieshimselfconquers，althoughthevictormaybepowerfulandmayhavehimathismercy，yetheisindebtedtohim，andthereisestablishedabondofamity;andmenareneversoshamelessastobecomeamonumentofingratitudebyoppressingyou。Victoriesafterallareneversocompletethatthevictormustnotshowsomeregard，especiallytojustice。Butifhewithwhomyouallyyourselfloses，youmaybeshelteredbyhim，andwhilstheisablehemayaidyou，andyoubecomecompanionsonafortunethatmayriseagain。
Inthesecondcase，whenthosewhofightareofsuchacharacterthatyouhavenoanxietyastowhomayconquer，somuchthemoreisitgreaterprudencetobeallied，becauseyouassistatthedestructionofonebytheaidofanotherwho，ifhehadbeenwise，wouldhavesavedhim;andconquering，asitisimpossiblethatheshouldnotdowithyourassistance，heremainsatyourdiscretion。Andhereitistobenotedthataprinceoughttotakecarenevertomakeanalliancewithonemorepowerfulthanhimselfforthepurposesofattackingothers，unlessnecessitycompelshim，asissaidabove;becauseifheconquersyouareathisdiscretion，andprincesoughttoavoidasmuchaspossiblebeingatthediscretionofanyone。TheVenetiansjoinedwithFranceagainsttheDukeofMilan，andthisalliance，whichcausedtheirruin，couldhavebeenavoided。Butwhenitcannotbeavoided，ashappenedtotheFlorentineswhenthePopeandSpainsentarmiestoattackLombardy，theninsuchacase，fortheabovereasons，theprinceoughttofavouroneoftheparties。
NeverletanyGovernmentimaginethatitcanchooseperfectlysafecourses;ratherletitexpecttohavetotakeverydoubtfulones，becauseitisfoundinordinaryaffairsthatoneneverseekstoavoidonetroublewithoutrunningintoanother;butprudenceconsistsinknowinghowtodistinguishthecharacteroftroubles，andforchoicetotakethelesserevil。
Aprinceoughtalsotoshowhimselfapatronofability，andtohonourtheproficientineveryart。Atthesametimeheshouldencouragehiscitizenstopractisetheircallingspeaceably，bothincommerceandagriculture，andineveryotherfollowing，sothattheoneshouldnotbedeterredfromimprovinghispossessionsforfearlesttheybetakenawayfromhimoranotherfromopeninguptradeforfearoftaxes;buttheprinceoughttoofferrewardstowhoeverwishestodothesethingsanddesignsinanywaytohonourhiscityorstate。
Further，heoughttoentertainthepeoplewithfestivalsandspectaclesatconvenientseasonsoftheyear;andaseverycityisdividedintoguildsorintosocieties，[*]heoughttoholdsuchbodiesinesteem，andassociatewiththemsometimes，andshowhimselfanexampleofcourtesyandliberality;nevertheless，alwaysmaintainingthemajestyofhisrank，forthishemustneverconsenttoabateinanything。
[*]\"Guildsorsocieties，\"\"inartiointribu。\"\"Arti\"werecraftortradeguilds，cf。Florio：\"Arte……awholecompanyofanytradeinanycityorcorporationtown。\"TheguildsofFlorencearemostadmirablydescribedbyMrEdgcumbeStaleyinhisworkonthesubject（Methuen，1906）。Institutionsofasomewhatsimilarcharacter，called\"artel，\"existinRussiato—day，cf。SirMackenzieWallace’s\"Russia，\"ed。1905：\"Thesons……werealwaysduringtheworkingseasonmembersofanartel。Insomeofthelargertownsthereareartelsofamuchmorecomplexkind——
permanentassociations，possessinglargecapital，andpecuniarilyresponsiblefortheactsoftheindividualmembers。\"Theword\"artel，\"despiteitsapparentsimilarity，has，MrAylmerMaudeassuresme，noconnectionwith\"ars\"or\"arte。\"Itsrootisthatoftheverb\"rotisya，\"tobindoneselfbyanoath;anditisgenerallyadmittedtobeonlyanotherformof\"rota，\"whichnowsignifiesa\"regimentalcompany。\"Inbothwordstheunderlyingideaisthatofabodyofmenunitedbyanoath。\"Tribu\"werepossiblygentilegroups，unitedbycommondescent，andincludedindividualsconnectedbymarriage。Perhapsourwords\"septs\"or\"clans\"wouldbemostappropriate。
CHAPTERXXII
CONCERNINGTHESECRETARIESOFPRINCES
Thechoiceofservantsisofnolittleimportancetoaprince，andtheyaregoodornotaccordingtothediscriminationoftheprince。
Andthefirstopinionwhichoneformsofaprince，andofhisunderstanding，isbyobservingthemenhehasaroundhim;andwhentheyarecapableandfaithfulhemayalwaysbeconsideredwise，becausehehasknownhowtorecognizethecapableandtokeepthemfaithful。Butwhentheyareotherwiseonecannotformagoodopinionofhim，fortheprimeerrorwhichhemadewasinchoosingthem。
TherewerenonewhoknewMesserAntoniodaVenafroastheservantofPandolfoPetrucci，PrinceofSiena，whowouldnotconsiderPandolfotobeaveryclevermaninhavingVenafroforhisservant。Becausetherearethreeclassesofintellects：onewhichcomprehendsbyitself;
anotherwhichappreciateswhatotherscomprehended;andathirdwhichneithercomprehendsbyitselfnorbytheshowingofothers;thefirstisthemostexcellent，thesecondisgood，thethirdisuseless。
Therefore，itfollowsnecessarilythat，ifPandolfowasnotinthefirstrank，hewasinthesecond，forwheneveronehasjudgmenttoknowgoodandbadwhenitissaidanddone，althoughhehimselfmaynothavetheinitiative，yethecanrecognizethegoodandthebadinhisservant，andtheonehecanpraiseandtheothercorrect;thustheservantcannothopetodeceivehim，andiskepthonest。
Buttoenableaprincetoformanopinionofhisservantthereisonetestwhichneverfails;whenyouseetheservantthinkingmoreofhisownintereststhanofyours，andseekinginwardlyhisownprofitineverything，suchamanwillnevermakeagoodservant，norwillyoueverbeabletotrusthim;becausehewhohasthestateofanotherinhishandsoughtnevertothinkofhimself，butalwaysofhisprince，andneverpayanyattentiontomattersinwhichtheprinceisnotconcerned。
Ontheotherhand，tokeephisservanthonesttheprinceoughttostudyhim，honouringhim，enrichinghim，doinghimkindnesses，sharingwithhimthehonoursandcares;andatthesametimelethimseethathecannotstandalone，sothatmanyhonoursmaynotmakehimdesiremore，manyrichesmakehimwishformore，andthatmanycaresmaymakehimdreadchances。When，therefore，servants，andprincestowardsservants，arethusdisposed，theycantrusteachother，butwhenitisotherwise，theendwillalwaysbedisastrousforeitheroneortheother。
CHAPTERXXIII
HOWFLATTERERSSHOULDBEAVOIDED
Idonotwishtoleaveoutanimportantbranchofthissubject，foritisadangerfromwhichprincesarewithdifficultypreserved，unlesstheyareverycarefulanddiscriminating。Itisthatofflatterers，ofwhomcourtsarefull，becausemenaresoself—complacentintheirownaffairs，andinawaysodeceivedinthem，thattheyarepreservedwithdifficultyfromthispest，andiftheywishtodefendthemselvestheyrunthedangeroffallingintocontempt。Becausethereisnootherwayofguardingoneselffromflatterersexceptlettingmenunderstandthattotellyouthetruthdoesnotoffendyou;butwheneveryonemaytellyouthetruth，respectforyouabates。
Thereforeawiseprinceoughttoholdathirdcoursebychoosingthewisemeninhisstate，andgivingtothemonlythelibertyofspeakingthetruthtohim，andthenonlyofthosethingsofwhichheinquires，andofnoneothers;butheoughttoquestionthemuponeverything，andlistentotheiropinions，andafterwardsformhisownconclusions。
Withthesecouncillors，separatelyandcollectively，heoughttocarryhimselfinsuchawaythateachofthemshouldknowthat，themorefreelyheshallspeak，themoreheshallbepreferred;outsideofthese，heshouldlistentonoone，pursuethethingresolvedon，andbesteadfastinhisresolutions。Hewhodoesotherwiseiseitheroverthrownbyflatterers，orissooftenchangedbyvaryingopinionsthathefallsintocontempt。
Iwishonthissubjecttoadduceamodernexample。FraLuca，themanofaffairstoMaximilian，[*]thepresentemperor，speakingofhismajesty，said：Heconsultedwithnoone，yetnevergothisownwayinanything。Thisarosebecauseofhisfollowingapracticetheoppositetotheabove;fortheemperorisasecretiveman——hedoesnotcommunicatehisdesignstoanyone，nordoeshereceiveopinionsonthem。Butasincarryingthemintoeffecttheybecomerevealedandknown，theyareatonceobstructedbythosemenwhomhehasaroundhim，andhe，beingpliant，isdivertedfromthem。Henceitfollowsthatthosethingshedoesonedayheundoesthenext，andnooneeverunderstandswhathewishesorintendstodo，andnoonecanrelyonhisresolutions。
[*]MaximilianI，bornin1459，died1519，EmperoroftheHolyRomanEmpire。Hemarried，first，Mary，daughterofCharlestheBold;
afterherdeath，BiancaSforza;andthusbecameinvolvedinItalianpolitics。
Aprince，therefore，oughtalwaystotakecounsel，butonlywhenhewishesandnotwhenotherswish;heoughtrathertodiscourageeveryonefromofferingadviceunlessheasksit;but，however，heoughttobeaconstantinquirer，andafterwardsapatientlistenerconcerningthethingsofwhichheinquired;also，onlearningthatnayone，onanyconsideration，hasnottoldhimthetruth，heshouldlethisangerbefelt。
Andiftherearesomewhothinkthataprincewhoconveysanimpressionofhiswisdomisnotsothroughhisownability，butthroughthegoodadvisersthathehasaroundhim，beyonddoubttheyaredeceived，becausethisisanaxiomwhichneverfails：thataprincewhoisnotwisehimselfwillnevertakegoodadvice，unlessbychancehehasyieldedhisaffairsentirelytoonepersonwhohappenstobeaveryprudentman。Inthiscaseindeedhemaybewellgoverned，butitwouldnotbeforlong，becausesuchagovernorwouldinashorttimetakeawayhisstatefromhim。
Butifaprincewhoisnotinexperiencedshouldtakecounselfrommorethanonehewillnevergetunitedcounsels，norwillheknowhowtounitethem。Eachofthecounsellorswillthinkofhisowninterests，andtheprincewillnotknowhowtocontrolthemortoseethroughthem。Andtheyarenottofoundotherwise，becausemenwillalwaysproveuntruetoyouunlesstheyarekepthonestbyconstraint。
Thereforeitmustbeinferredthatgoodcounsels，whencesoevertheycome，arebornofthewisdomoftheprince，andnotthewisdomoftheprincefromgoodcounsels。
CHAPTERXXIV
WHYTHEPRINCESOFITALYHAVELOSTTHEIRSTATES
Theprevioussuggestions，carefullyobserved，willenableanewprincetoappearwellestablished，andrenderhimatoncemoresecureandfixedinthestatethanifhehadbeenlongseatedthere。Fortheactionsofanewprincearemorenarrowlyobservedthanthoseofanhereditaryone，andwhentheyareseentobeabletheygainmoremenandbindfartighterthanancientblood;becausemenareattractedmorebythepresentthanbythepast，andwhentheyfindthepresentgoodtheyenjoyitandseeknofurther;theywillalsomaketheutmostdefenceofaprinceifhefailsthemnotinotherthings。Thusitwillbeadoublegloryforhimtohaveestablishedanewprincipality，andadornedandstrengtheneditwithgoodlaws，goodarms，goodallies，andwithagoodexample;sowillitbeadoubledisgracetohimwho，bornaprince，shalllosehisstatebywantofwisdom。
AndifthoseseigniorsareconsideredwhohavelosttheirstatesinItalyinourtimes，suchastheKingofNaples，theDukeofMilan，andothers，therewillbefoundinthem，firstly，onecommondefectinregardtoarmsfromthecauseswhichhavebeendiscussedatlength;inthenextplace，someoneofthemwillbeseen，eithertohavehadthepeoplehostile，orifhehashadthepeoplefriendly，hehasnotknownhowtosecurethenobles。Intheabsenceofthesedefectsstatesthathavepowerenoughtokeepanarmyinthefieldcannotbelost。
PhilipofMacedon，notthefatherofAlexandertheGreat，buthewhowasconqueredbyTitusQuintius，hadnotmuchterritorycomparedtothegreatnessoftheRomansandofGreecewhoattackedhim，yetbeingawarlikemanwhoknewhowtoattractthepeopleandsecurethenobles，hesustainedthewaragainsthisenemiesformanyyears，andifintheendhelostthedominionofsomecities，neverthelessheretainedthekingdom。
Therefore，donotletourprincesaccusefortuneforthelossoftheirprincipalitiesaftersomanyyears’possession，butrathertheirownsloth，becauseinquiettimestheyneverthoughttherecouldbeachange（itisacommondefectinmannottomakeanyprovisioninthecalmagainstthetempest），andwhenafterwardsthebadtimescametheythoughtofflightandnotofdefendingthemselves，andtheyhopedthatthepeople，disgustedwiththeinsolenceoftheconquerors，wouldrecallthem。Thiscourse，whenothersfail，maybegood，butitisverybadtohaveneglectedallotherexpedientsforthat，sinceyouwouldneverwishtofallbecauseyoutrustedtobeabletofindsomeonelaterontorestoreyou。Thisagaineitherdoesnothappen，or，ifitdoes，itwillnotbeforyoursecurity，becausethatdeliveranceisofnoavailwhichdoesnotdependuponyourself;thoseonlyarereliable，certain，anddurablethatdependonyourselfandyourvalour。
CHAPTERXXV
WHATFORTUNECANEFFECTINHUMANAFFAIRSANDHOWTOWITHSTANDHER
Itisnotunknowntomehowmanymenhavehad，andstillhave，theopinionthattheaffairsoftheworldareinsuchwisegovernedbyfortuneandbyGodthatmenwiththeirwisdomcannotdirectthemandthatnoonecanevenhelpthem;andbecauseofthistheywouldhaveusbelievethatitisnotnecessarytolabourmuchinaffairs，buttoletchancegovernthem。Thisopinionhasbeenmorecreditedinourtimesbecauseofthegreatchangesinaffairswhichhavebeenseen，andmaystillbeseen，everyday，beyondallhumanconjecture。Sometimesponderingoverthis，Iaminsomedegreeinclinedtotheiropinion。
Nevertheless，nottoextinguishourfreewill，IholdittobetruethatFortuneisthearbiterofone—halfofouractions，[*]butthatshestillleavesustodirecttheotherhalf，orperhapsalittleless。
[*]FredericktheGreatwasaccustomedtosay：\"TheolderonegetsthemoreconvincedonebecomesthathisMajestyKingChancedoesthree—quartersofthebusinessofthismiserableuniverse。\"
Sorel’s\"EasternQuestion。\"
Icomparehertooneofthoseragingrivers，whichwheninfloodoverflowstheplains，sweepingawaytreesandbuildings，bearingawaythesoilfromplacetoplace;everythingfliesbeforeit，allyieldtoitsviolence，withoutbeingableinanywaytowithstandit;andyet，thoughitsnaturebesuch，itdoesnotfollowthereforethatmen，whentheweatherbecomesfair，shallnotmakeprovision，bothwithdefencesandbarriers，insuchamannerthat，risingagain，thewatersmaypassawaybycanal，andtheirforcebeneithersounrestrainednorsodangerous。Soithappenswithfortune，whoshowsherpowerwherevalourhasnotpreparedtoresisther，andthithersheturnsherforceswheresheknowsthatbarriersanddefenceshavenotbeenraisedtoconstrainher。
AndifyouwillconsiderItaly，whichistheseatofthesechanges，andwhichhasgiventothemtheirimpulse，youwillseeittobeanopencountrywithoutbarriersandwithoutanydefence。Forifithadbeendefendedbypropervalour，asareGermany，Spain，andFrance，eitherthisinvasionwouldnothavemadethegreatchangesithasmadeoritwouldnothavecomeatall。AndthisIconsiderenoughtosayconcerningresistancetofortuneingeneral。
Butconfiningmyselfmoretotheparticular，Isaythataprincemaybeseenhappyto—dayandruinedto—morrowwithouthavingshownanychangeofdispositionorcharacter。This，Ibelieve，arisesfirstlyfromcausesthathavealreadybeendiscussedatlength，namely，thattheprincewhoreliesentirelyonfortuneislostwhenitchanges。I
believealsothathewillbesuccessfulwhodirectshisactionsaccordingtothespiritofthetimes，andthathewhoseactionsdonotaccordwiththetimeswillnotbesuccessful。Becausemenareseen，inaffairsthatleadtotheendwhicheverymanhasbeforehim，namely，gloryandriches，togettherebyvariousmethods;onewithcaution，anotherwithhaste;onebyforce，anotherbyskill;onebypatience，anotherbyitsopposite;andeachonesucceedsinreachingthegoalbyadifferentmethod。Onecanalsoseeoftwocautiousmentheoneattainhisend，theotherfail;andsimilarly，twomenbydifferentobservancesareequallysuccessful，theonebeingcautious，theotherimpetuous;allthisarisesfromnothingelsethanwhetherornottheyconformintheirmethodstothespiritofthetimes。ThisfollowsfromwhatIhavesaid，thattwomenworkingdifferentlybringaboutthesameeffect，andoftwoworkingsimilarly，oneattainshisobjectandtheotherdoesnot。
Changesinestatealsoissuefromthis，forif，toonewhogovernshimselfwithcautionandpatience，timesandaffairsconvergeinsuchawaythathisadministrationissuccessful，hisfortuneismade;butiftimesandaffairschange，heisruinedifhedoesnotchangehiscourseofaction。Butamanisnotoftenfoundsufficientlycircumspecttoknowhowtoaccommodatehimselftothechange，bothbecausehecannotdeviatefromwhatnatureinclineshimtodo，andalsobecause，havingalwaysprosperedbyactinginoneway，hecannotbepersuadedthatitiswelltoleaveit;and，therefore，thecautiousman，whenitistimetoturnadventurous，doesnotknowhowtodoit，henceheisruined;buthadhechangedhisconductwiththetimesfortunewouldnothavechanged。
PopeJuliustheSecondwenttoworkimpetuouslyinallhisaffairs，andfoundthetimesandcircumstancesconformsowelltothatlineofactionthathealwaysmetwithsuccess。ConsiderhisfirstenterpriseagainstBologna，MesserGiovanniBentivoglibeingstillalive。TheVenetianswerenotagreeabletoit，norwastheKingofSpain，andhehadtheenterprisestillunderdiscussionwiththeKingofFrance;
neverthelesshepersonallyenteredupontheexpeditionwithhisaccustomedboldnessandenergy，amovewhichmadeSpainandtheVenetiansstandirresoluteandpassive，thelatterfromfear，theformerfromdesiretorecoverthekingdomofNaples;ontheotherhand，hedrewafterhimtheKingofFrance，becausethatking，havingobservedthemovement，anddesiringtomakethePopehisfriendsoastohumbletheVenetians，founditimpossibletorefusehim。ThereforeJuliuswithhisimpetuousactionaccomplishedwhatnootherpontiffwithsimplehumanwisdomcouldhavedone;forifhehadwaitedinRomeuntilhecouldgetaway，withhisplansarrangedandeverythingfixed，asanyotherpontiffwouldhavedone，hewouldneverhavesucceeded。
BecausetheKingofFrancewouldhavemadeathousandexcuses，andtheotherswouldhaveraisedathousandfears。
Iwillleavehisotheractionsalone，astheywereallalike，andtheyallsucceeded，fortheshortnessofhislifedidnotlethimexperiencethecontrary;butifcircumstanceshadarisenwhichrequiredhimtogocautiously，hisruinwouldhavefollowed，becausehewouldneverhavedeviatedfromthosewaystowhichnatureinclinedhim。
Iconclude，thereforethat，fortunebeingchangefulandmankindsteadfastintheirways，solongasthetwoareinagreementmenaresuccessful，butunsuccessfulwhentheyfallout。FormypartI
considerthatitisbettertobeadventurousthancautious，becausefortuneisawoman，andifyouwishtokeepherunderitisnecessarytobeatandill—useher;anditisseenthatsheallowsherselftobemasteredbytheadventurousratherthanbythosewhogotoworkmorecoldly。Sheis，therefore，always，woman—like，aloverofyoungmen，becausetheyarelesscautious，moreviolent，andwithmoreaudacitycommandher。
CHAPTERXXVI
ANEXHORTATIONTOLIBERATEITALYFROMTHEBARBARIANS
Havingcarefullyconsideredthesubjectoftheabovediscourses，andwonderingwithinmyselfwhetherthepresenttimeswerepropitioustoanewprince，andwhethertherewereelementsthatwouldgiveanopportunitytoawiseandvirtuousonetointroduceaneworderofthingswhichwoulddohonourtohimandgoodtothepeopleofthiscountry，itappearstomethatsomanythingsconcurtofavouranewprincethatIneverknewatimemorefitthanthepresent。
Andif，asIsaid，itwasnecessarythatthepeopleofIsraelshouldbecaptivesoastomakemanifesttheabilityofMoses;thatthePersiansshouldbeoppressedbytheMedessoastodiscoverthegreatnessofthesoulofCyrus;andthattheAtheniansshouldbedispersedtoillustratethecapabilitiesofTheseus：thenatthepresenttime，inordertodiscoverthevirtueofanItalianspirit，itwasnecessarythatItalyshouldbereducedtotheextremitythatsheisnowin，thatsheshouldbemoreenslavedthantheHebrews，moreoppressedthanthePersians，morescatteredthantheAthenians;
withouthead，withoutorder，beaten，despoiled，torn，overrun;andtohaveenduredeverykindofdesolation。
Althoughlatelysomesparkmayhavebeenshownbyone，whichmadeusthinkhewasordainedbyGodforourredemption，neverthelessitwasafterwardsseen，intheheightofhiscareer，thatfortunerejectedhim;sothatItaly，leftaswithoutlife，waitsforhimwhoshallyethealherwoundsandputanendtotheravagingandplunderingofLombardy，totheswindlingandtaxingofthekingdomandofTuscany，andcleansethosesoresthatforlonghavefestered。ItisseenhowsheentreatsGodtosendsomeonewhoshalldeliverherfromthesewrongsandbarbarousinsolencies。Itisseenalsothatsheisreadyandwillingtofollowabannerifonlysomeonewillraiseit。
Noristheretobeseenatpresentoneinwhomshecanplacemorehopethaninyourillustrioushouse，[*]withitsvalourandfortune，favouredbyGodandbytheChurchofwhichitisnowthechief，andwhichcouldbemadetheheadofthisredemption。ThiswillnotbedifficultifyouwillrecalltoyourselftheactionsandlivesofthemenIhavenamed。Andalthoughtheyweregreatandwonderfulmen，yettheyweremen，andeachoneofthemhadnomoreopportunitythanthepresentoffers，fortheirenterpriseswereneithermorejustnoreasierthanthis，norwasGodmoretheirfriendthanHeisyours。
[*]GiulianodeMedici。HehadjustbeencreatedacardinalbyLeoX。
In1523GiulianowaselectedPope，andtookthetitleofClementVII。
Withusthereisgreatjustice，becausethatwarisjustwhichisnecessary，andarmsarehallowedwhenthereisnootherhopebutinthem。Herethereisthegreatestwillingness，andwherethewillingnessisgreatthedifficultiescannotbegreatifyouwillonlyfollowthosementowhomIhavedirectedyourattention。Furtherthanthis，howextraordinarilythewaysofGodhavebeenmanifestedbeyondexample：theseaisdivided，acloudhasledtheway，therockhaspouredforthwater，ithasrainedmanna，everythinghascontributedtoyourgreatness;yououghttodotherest。Godisnotwillingtodoeverything，andthustakeawayourfreewillandthatshareofglorywhichbelongstous。
Anditisnottobewonderedatifnoneoftheabove—namedItalianshavebeenabletoaccomplishallthatisexpectedfromyourillustrioushouse;andifinsomanyrevolutionsinItaly，andinsomanycampaigns，ithasalwaysappearedasifmilitaryvirtuewereexhausted，thishashappenedbecausetheoldorderofthingswasnotgood，andnoneofushaveknownhowtofindanewone。Andnothinghonoursamanmorethantoestablishnewlawsandnewordinanceswhenhehimselfwasnewlyrisen。Suchthingswhentheyarewellfoundedanddignifiedwillmakehimreveredandadmired，andinItalytherearenotwantingopportunitiestobringsuchintouseineveryform。
Herethereisgreatvalourinthelimbswhilstitfailsinthehead。
Lookattentivelyattheduelsandthehand—to—handcombats，howsuperiortheItaliansareinstrength，dexterity，andsubtlety。Butwhenitcomestoarmiestheydonotbearcomparison，andthisspringsentirelyfromtheinsufficiencyoftheleaders，sincethosewhoarecapablearenotobedient，andeachoneseemstohimselftoknow，therehavingneverbeenanyonesodistinguishedabovetherest，eitherbyvalourorfortune，thatotherswouldyieldtohim。Henceitisthatforsolongatime，andduringsomuchfightinginthepasttwentyyears，whenevertherehasbeenanarmywhollyItalian，ithasalwaysgivenapooraccountofitself;thefirstwitnesstothisisIlTaro，afterwardsAllesandria，Capua，Genoa，Vaila，Bologna，Mestri。[*]
[*]ThebattlesofIlTaro，1495;Alessandria，1499;Capua，1501;
Genoa，1507;Vaila，1509;Bologna，1511;Mestri，1513。
If，therefore，yourillustrioushousewishestofollowtheseremarkablemenwhohaveredeemedtheircountry，itisnecessarybeforeallthings，asatruefoundationforeveryenterprise，tobeprovidedwithyourownforces，becausetherecanbenomorefaithful，truer，orbettersoldiers。Andalthoughsinglytheyaregood，altogethertheywillbemuchbetterwhentheyfindthemselvescommandedbytheirprince，honouredbyhim，andmaintainedathisexpense。Thereforeitisnecessarytobepreparedwithsucharms，sothatyoucanbedefendedagainstforeignersbyItalianvalour。
AndalthoughSwissandSpanishinfantrymaybeconsideredveryformidable，neverthelessthereisadefectinboth，byreasonofwhichathirdorderwouldnotonlybeabletoopposethem，butmightbereliedupontooverthrowthem。FortheSpaniardscannotresistcavalry，andtheSwitzersareafraidofinfantrywhenevertheyencountertheminclosecombat。Owingtothis，ashasbeenandmayagainbeseen，theSpaniardsareunabletoresistFrenchcavalry，andtheSwitzersareoverthrownbySpanishinfantry。Andalthoughacompleteproofofthislattercannotbeshown，neverthelesstherewassomeevidenceofitatthebattleofRavenna，whentheSpanishinfantrywereconfrontedbyGermanbattalions，whofollowthesametacticsastheSwiss;whentheSpaniards，byagilityofbodyandwiththeaidoftheirshields，gotinunderthepikesoftheGermansandstoodoutofdanger，abletoattack，whiletheGermansstoodhelpless，and，ifthecavalryhadnotdashedup，allwouldhavebeenoverwiththem。Itispossible，therefore，knowingthedefectsofboththeseinfantries，toinventanewone，whichwillresistcavalryandnotbeafraidofinfantry;thisneednotcreateaneworderofarms，butavariationupontheold。Andthesearethekindofimprovementswhichconferreputationandpoweruponanewprince。
Thisopportunity，therefore，oughtnottobeallowedtopassforlettingItalyatlastseeherliberatorappear。Norcanoneexpressthelovewithwhichhewouldbereceivedinallthoseprovinceswhichhavesufferedsomuchfromtheseforeignscourings，withwhatthirstforrevenge，withwhatstubbornfaith，withwhatdevotion，withwhattears。Whatdoorwouldbeclosedtohim？Whowouldrefuseobediencetohim？Whatenvywouldhinderhim？WhatItalianwouldrefusehimhomage？
Toallofusthisbarbarousdominionstinks。Let，therefore，yourillustrioushousetakeupthischargewiththatcourageandhopewithwhichalljustenterprisesareundertaken，sothatunderitsstandardournativecountrymaybeennobled，andunderitsauspicesmaybeverifiedthatsayingofPetrarch：
VirtucontroalFurorePrenderal’arme，efiailcombattercorto：
Chel’anticovaloreNegliitalicicuornoneancormorto。
Virtueagainstfuryshalladvancethefight，Anditi’th’combatsoonshallputtoflight：
FortheoldRomanvalourisnotdead，Norinth’Italians’brestsextinguished。
EdwardDacre，1640。
DESCRIPTIONOFTHEMETHODSADOPTEDBY
THEDUKEVALENTINO
WHENMURDERING
VITELLOZZOVITELLI，OLIVEROTTODAFERMO，THESIGNOR
PAGOLO，ANDTHEDUKEDIGRAVINAORSINI
BY
NICOLMACHIAVELLI
TheDukeValentinohadreturnedfromLombardy，wherehehadbeentoclearhimselfwiththeKingofFrancefromthecalumnieswhichhadbeenraisedagainsthimbytheFlorentinesconcerningtherebellionofArezzoandothertownsintheValdiChiana，andhadarrivedatImola，whenceheintendedwithhisarmytoenteruponthecampaignagainstGiovanniBentivogli，thetyrantofBologna：forheintendedtobringthatcityunderhisdomination，andtomakeittheheadofhisRomagnianduchy。
ThesematterscomingtotheknowledgeoftheVitelliandOrsiniandtheirfollowing，itappearedtothemthatthedukewouldbecometoopowerful，anditwasfearedthat，havingseizedBologna，hewouldseektodestroytheminorderthathemightbecomesupremeinItaly。UponthisameetingwascalledatMagioneinthedistrictofPerugia，towhichcamethecardinal，Pagolo，andtheDukediGravinaOrsini，VitellozzoVitelli，OliverottodaFermo，GianpagoloBaglioni，thetyrantofPerugia，andMesserAntoniodaVenafro，sentbyPandolfoPetrucci，thePrinceofSiena。Herewerediscussedthepowerandcourageofthedukeandthenecessityofcurbinghisambitions，whichmightotherwisebringdangertotherestofbeingruined。AndtheydecidednottoabandontheBentivogli，buttostrivetowinovertheFlorentines;andtheysendtheirmentooneplaceandanother，promisingtoonepartyassistanceandtoanotherencouragementtounitewiththemagainstthecommonenemy。ThismeetingwasatoncereportedthroughoutallItaly，andthosewhowerediscontentedundertheduke，amongwhomwerethepeopleofUrbino，tookhopeofeffectingarevolution。
Thusitarosethat，men’smindsbeingthusunsettled，itwasdecidedbycertainmenofUrbinotoseizethefortressofSanLeo，whichwasheldfortheduke，andwhichtheycapturedbythefollowingmeans。Thecastellanwasfortifyingtherockandcausingtimbertobetakenthere;sotheconspiratorswatched，andwhencertainbeamswhichwerebeingcarriedtotherockwereuponthebridge，sothatitwaspreventedfrombeingdrawnupbythoseinside，theytooktheopportunityofleapinguponthebridgeandthenceintothefortress。
Uponthiscapturebeingeffected，thewholestaterebelledandrecalledtheoldduke，beingencouragedinthis，notsomuchbythecaptureofthefort，asbytheDietatMagione，fromwhomtheyexpectedtogetassistance。
ThosewhoheardoftherebellionatUrbinothoughttheywouldnotlosetheopportunity，andatonceassembledtheirmensoastotakeanytown，shouldanyremaininthehandsofthedukeinthatstate;andtheysentagaintoFlorencetobegthatrepublictojoinwiththemindestroyingthecommonfirebrand，showingthattheriskwaslessenedandthattheyoughtnottowaitforanotheropportunity。
ButtheFlorentines，fromhatred，forsundryreasons，oftheVitelliandOrsini，notonlywouldnotallythemselves，butsentNicoloMachiavelli，theirsecretary，tooffershelterandassistancetothedukeagainsthisenemies。ThedukewasfoundfulloffearatImola，because，againsteverybody’sexpectation，hissoldiershadatoncegoneovertotheenemyandhefoundhimselfdisarmedandwarathisdoor。ButrecoveringcouragefromtheoffersoftheFlorentines，hedecidedtotemporizebeforefightingwiththefewsoldiersthatremainedtohim，andtonegotiateforareconciliation，andalsotogetassistance。Thislatterheobtainedintwoways，bysendingtotheKingofFranceformenandbyenlistingmen—at—armsandotherswhomheturnedintocavalryofasort：toallhegavemoney。
Notwithstandingthis，hisenemiesdrewneartohim，andapproachedFossombrone，wheretheyencounteredsomemenofthedukeand，withtheaidoftheOrsiniandVitelli，routedthem。Whenthishappened，thedukeresolvedatoncetoseeifhecouldnotclosethetroublewithoffersofreconciliation，andbeingamostperfectdissemblerhedidnotfailinanypracticestomaketheinsurgentsunderstandthathewishedeverymanwhohadacquiredanythingtokeepit，asitwasenoughforhimtohavethetitleofprince，whilstothersmighthavetheprincipality。
AndthedukesucceededsowellinthisthattheysentSignorPagolotohimtonegotiateforareconciliation，andtheybroughttheirarmytoastandstill。Butthedukedidnotstophispreparations，andtookeverycaretoprovidehimselfwithcavalryandinfantry，andthatsuchpreparationsmightnotbeapparenttotheothers，hesenthistroopsinseparatepartiestoeverypartoftheRomagna。InthemeanwhiletherecamealsotohimfivehundredFrenchlancers，andalthoughhefoundhimselfsufficientlystrongtotakevengeanceonhisenemiesinopenwar，heconsideredthatitwouldbesaferandmoreadvantageoustooutwitthem，andforthisreasonhedidnotstoptheworkofreconciliation。
Andthatthismightbeeffectedthedukeconcludedapeacewiththeminwhichheconfirmedtheirformercovenants;hegavethemfourthousandducatsatonce;hepromisednottoinjuretheBentivogli;andheformedanalliancewithGiovanni;andmoreoverhewouldnotforcethemtocomepersonallyintohispresenceunlessitpleasedthemtodoso。Ontheotherhand，theypromisedtorestoretohimtheduchyofUrbinoandotherplacesseizedbythem，toservehiminallhisexpeditions，andnottomakewaragainstorallythemselveswithanyonewithouthispermission。
Thisreconciliationbeingcompleted，GuidoUbaldo，theDukeofUrbino，againfledtoVenice，havingfirstdestroyedallthefortressesinhisstate;because，trustinginthepeople，hedidnotwishthatthefortresses，whichhedidnotthinkhecoulddefend，shouldbeheldbytheenemy，sincebythesemeansacheckwouldbekeptuponhisfriends。ButtheDukeValentino，havingcompletedthisconvention，anddispersedhismenthroughouttheRomagna，setoutforImolaattheendofNovembertogetherwithhisFrenchmen—at—arms：thencehewenttoCesena，wherehestayedsometimetonegotiatewiththeenvoysoftheVitelliandOrsini，whohadassembledwiththeirmenintheduchyofUrbino，astotheenterpriseinwhichtheyshouldnowtakepart;butnothingbeingconcluded，OliverottodaFermowassenttoproposethatifthedukewishedtoundertakeanexpeditionagainstTuscanytheywereready;ifhedidnotwishit，thentheywouldbesiegeSinigalia。
TothisthedukerepliedthathedidnotwishtoenterintowarwithTuscany，andthusbecomehostiletotheFlorentines，butthathewasverywillingtoproceedagainstSinigalia。
Ithappenedthatnotlongafterwardsthetownsurrendered，butthefortresswouldnotyieldtothembecausethecastellanwouldnotgiveituptoanyonebutthedukeinperson;thereforetheyexhortedhimtocomethere。Thisappearedagoodopportunitytotheduke，as，beinginvitedbythem，andnotgoingofhisownwill，hewouldawakennosuspicions。Andthemoretoreassurethem，heallowedalltheFrenchmen—at—armswhowerewithhiminLombardytodepart，exceptthehundredlancersunderMons。diCandales，hisbrother—in—law。HeleftCesenaaboutthemiddleofDecember，andwenttoFano，andwiththeutmostcunningandclevernesshepersuadedtheVitelliandOrsinitowaitforhimatSinigalia，pointingouttothemthatanylackofcompliancewouldcastadoubtuponthesincerityandpermanencyofthereconciliation，andthathewasamanwhowishedtomakeuseofthearmsandcouncilsofhisfriends。ButVitellozzoremainedverystubborn，forthedeathofhisbrotherwarnedhimthatheshouldnotoffendaprinceandafterwardstrusthim;nevertheless，persuadedbyPagoloOrsini，whomthedukehadcorruptedwithgiftsandpromises，heagreedtowait。
Uponthistheduke，beforehisdeparturefromFano，whichwastobeon30thDecember1502，communicatedhisdesignstoeightofhismosttrustedfollowers，amongwhomwereDonMicheleandtheMonsignord’Euna，whowasafterwardscardinal;andheorderedthat，assoonasVitellozzo，PagoloOrsini，theDukediGravina，andOliverottoshouldarrive，hisfollowersinpairsshouldtakethemonebyone，entrustingcertainmentocertainpairs，whoshouldentertainthemuntiltheyreachedSinigalia;norshouldtheybepermittedtoleaveuntiltheycametotheduke’squarters，wheretheyshouldbeseized。
Thedukeafterwardsorderedallhishorsemenandinfantry，ofwhichthereweremorethantwothousandcavalryandtenthousandfootmen，toassemblebydaybreakattheMetauro，ariverfivemilesdistantfromFano，andawaithimthere。Hefoundhimself，therefore，onthelastdayofDecemberattheMetaurowithhismen，andhavingsentacavalcadeofabouttwohundredhorsemenbeforehim，hethenmovedforwardtheinfantry，whomheaccompaniedwiththerestofthemen—at—
arms。
FanoandSinigaliaaretwocitiesofLaMarcasituateontheshoreoftheAdriaticSea，fifteenmilesdistantfromeachother，sothathewhogoestowardsSinigaliahasthemountainsonhisrighthand，thebasesofwhicharetouchedbytheseainsomeplaces。ThecityofSinigaliaisdistantfromthefootofthemountainsalittlemorethanabow—shotandfromtheshoreaboutamile。OnthesideoppositetothecityrunsalittleriverwhichbathesthatpartofthewallslookingtowardsFano，facingthehighroad。ThushewhodrawsneartoSinigaliacomesforagoodspacebyroadalongthemountains，andreachestheriverwhichpassesbySinigalia。Ifheturnstohislefthandalongthebankofit，andgoesforthedistanceofabow—shot，hearrivesatabridgewhichcrossestheriver;heisthenalmostabreastofthegatethatleadsintoSinigalia，notbyastraightline，buttransversely。Beforethisgatetherestandsacollectionofhouseswithasquaretowhichthebankoftheriverformsoneside。