One who deceives will always find those who allow themselves to be deceived.

Ability and perseverance are the weapons of weakness.

Though fraud in all other actions be odious, yet in matters of war it is laudable and glorious, and he who overcomes his enemies by stratagem is as much to be praised as he who overcomes them by force.

Never do your enemy a minor injury.

Nevertheless, he must be cautious in believing and acting, and must not inspire fear of his own accord, and must proceed in a temperate manner with prudence and humanity, so that too much confidence does not render him incautious, and too much diffidence does not render him intolerant. From this arises the question whether it is better to be loved more than feared, or feared more than loved.

Appear as you may wish to be

A wise man will see to it that his acts always seem voluntary and not done by compulsion, however much he may be compelled by necessity.