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

And what physicians say about disease is applicable here: that at the beginning a disease is easy to cure but difficult to diagnose; but as time passes, not having been recognized or treated at the outset, it becomes easy to diagnose but difficult to cure. The same thing occurs in affairs of state; for by recognizing from afar the diseases that are spreading in the state (which is a gift given only to the prudent ruler), they can be cured quickly; but when, not having been recognized, they are not recognized and are left to grow to the extent that everyone recognizes them, there is no longer any cure.

One should never risk one's whole fortune unless supported by one's entire forces.

Princes should delegate to others the enactment of unpopular measures and keep in their own hands the means of winning favours.

One change always leaves the way open for the establishment of others.

Knowing how to fight made men more bold, because no one fears doing what it seems to him he has learned to do. Therefore, the ancients wanted their citizens to be trained in every warlike action.

I say that every prince must desire to be considered merciful and not cruel. He must, however, take care not to misuse this mercifulness.