Chapter 10 Summary

The strength of a principality and its ruler can be measured by whether they can afford to put an army in the field. If a prince cannot engage his enemy in open battle, he will always be dependent on others. In this case, the prince should provision and fortify his city. He should let the countryside look out for its own interests. If the prince does this, and keeps the goodwill of his people, others will be reluctant to attack him.

The cities of Germany enjoy great freedom. Their cities are so well fortified that it would be hard to take them. There is enough food and drink inside their walls to feed the citizens for a year. They have enough work to last for a year. They also have the means to defend themselves. A prince in possession of a city like...