From this arises the question whether it is better to be loved rather than feared, or feared rather than loved. It might perhaps be answered that we should wish to be both: but since love and fear can hardly exist together, if we must choose between them, it is far safer to be feared than loved.

It has always been the opinion and judgment of wise men that nothing can be so uncertain as fame or power not founded on its own strength.

For whoever conquers a free Town, and does not demolish it, commits a great Error, and may expect to be ruin 'd himself.

Few men are brave by nature, but good discipline and experience make many so.

Prudence therefore consists in knowing how to distinguish degrees of disadvantage.

He who builds on the people, builds on the mud

A prudent man should always follow in the path trodden by great men and imitate those who are most excellent, so that if he does not attain to their greatness, at any rate he will get some tinge of it.