Machiavelli, Volume I eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 456 pages of information about Machiavelli, Volume I.

Machiavelli, Volume I eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 456 pages of information about Machiavelli, Volume I.
else to be doubted than the Royal blood, which being once quite out, there is none else left to be feard, none of the others having any credit with the people.  And as the conqueror before the victory could not hope in them; so after it, ought he not to fear them.  The contrary falls out in Kingdoms governed as is that of France:  for it is easie to be enterd by the gaining of any Baron in the Kingdom; for there are alwaies some malecontents to be found, and those that are glad of innovation.  Those for the reasons alledg’d are able to open thee a way into that State, and to further thy victory, which afterwards to make good to thee, draws with it exceeding many difficulties, as well with those that have ayded thee, as those thou hast supprest.  Nor is it enough for thee to root out the Princes race:  for there remaine still those Lords who quickly will be the ring-leaders of new changes; and in case thou art not able to content these, nor extinguish them, thou losest that State, whensoever the occasion is offerd.  Now if thou shalt consider what sort of government that of Darius was, thou shalt find it like to the Turks dominion, and therefore Alexander was necessitated first to defeat him utterly, and drive him out of the field; after which victory Darius being dead, that State was left secure to Alexander, for the reasons we treated of before:  and his successors, had they continued in amity, might have enjoy’d it at ease:  nor ever arose there in that Kingdome other tumults, than those they themselves stir’d up.  But of the States that are order’d and grounded as that of France, it is impossible to become master at such ease:  and from hence grew the frequent rebellions of Spain, France, and Greece against the Romans, by reason of the many Principalities those States had:  whereof while the memory lasted, the Romans were alwayes doubtfull of the possession of them; but the memory of them being quite wip’t out, by the power and continuance of the Empire, at length they enjoy’d it securely; and they also were able afterwards fighting one with another, each of one them to draw after them the greater part of those provinces, according as their authority had gain’d them credit therein:  and that because the blood of their ancient Lords was quite spent, they acknowledg’d no other but the Romans.  By the consideration then of these things, no man will marvaile that Alexander had so little trouble to keep together the State of Asia; and that others have had such great difficulties to maintain their conquest, as Pyrrhus, and many others; which proceeds not from the small or great valour of the conquerour, but from the difference of the subject.

CHAP.  V

In what manner Cities and Principalities are to be govern’d, which, before they were conquer’d, liv’d under their own Laws.

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Machiavelli, Volume I from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.