have succeeded luckily; for he that conspires, cannot be alone, nor can he take the company of any, but of those, who he beleeves are malecontents; and so soon as thou hast discover’d thy self to a malecontent, thou givest him means to work his own content:  for by revealing thy treason, he may well hope for all manner of favour:  so that seeing his gain certain of one side; and on the other, finding only doubt and danger, either he had need be a rare friend, or that he be an exceeding obstinate enemy to the Prince, if he keeps his word with thee.  And to reduce this matter into short termes:  I say, there is nothing but jealousie, fear, and suspect of punishment on the conspirators part to affright him; but on the Princes part, there is the majesty of the principality, the laws, the defences of his friends and the State, which do so guard him, that to all these things the peoples good wills being added, it is unpossible any one should be so head-strong as to conspire; for ordinarily where a traytor is to feare before the execution of his mischiefe, in this case he is also to feare afterwards, having the people for his enemy when the fact is commited, and therefore for this cause, not being able to hope for any refuge.  Touching this matter, many examples might be brought; but I will content my selfe to name one which fell out in the memory of our Fathers.  Annibal Bentivolii, grand Father of this Annibal who now lives, that was Prince in Bolonia, being slaine by the Canneschi that conspir’d against him, none of his race being left, but this John, who was then in swadling clouts; presently the people rose upon this murder, and slew all the Canneschi which proceeded from the popular affection, which the family of the Bentivolii held then in Bolonia:  which was so great, that being there remain’d not any, now Anniball was dead, that was able to manage the State; and having notice that in Florence there was one borne of the Bentivolii, who till then was taken for a Smiths sonne:  the citizens of Bolonia went to Florence for him, and gave the government of their City to him, which was rul’d by him, untill John was of fit yeares to governe.  I conclude then, that a Prince ought to make small account of treasons, whiles he hath the people to friend:  but if they be his enemies and hate him, he may well feare every thing, and every one.  And well ordered States, and discreet Princes have taken care withall diligence, not to cause their great men to fall into desperation, and to content the people, and so to maintaine them:  for this is one of the most important businesses belonging to a Prince.  Among the Kingdomes that are well orderd and governd in our dayes, is that of France, and therein are found exceeding many good orders, whereupon the Kings liberty and security depends:  of which the chiefe is the Parliament, and the authority thereof:  for he that founded that Kingdome, knowing the great mens ambition and insolence; and judgeing it necessary there should be a bridle to curbe them;