Chapter 12 Summary

The two most essential foundations for any state are sound laws and a sound military. Since the absence of a sound military means there is an absence of sound laws, we will speak only about military forces.

The troops a prince uses for defense may either be his own, mercenaries, or troops auxiliaries. Mercenaries and auxiliaries are dangerous. They only work for pay, and that is not enough to make them die for their prince. They are anxious to be his soldiers during times of peace. They will either desert or flee during times of war. No prince who relies on mercenaries or auxiliaries can be secure.

Italy's ruin is primarily due to the mercenaries it used. They may have been very bold when fighting each other but, when foreigners invaded Italy, they showed their true colors. When King Charles of France invaded...