The Italian Cities and the Renaissance 5 1 9 To come now to the other qualities proposed, I say that Whether it every prince should desire to be esteemed merciful rather "Jj^ 1 t f r ^ than cruel, but with great caution that his mercy be not beloved or abused. Caesar Borgia was counted cruel, yet that cruelty feared, reduced Romagna, united ? t, settled it in peace, and rendered it faithful ; so that if well considered he will appear much more merciful than the Florentines, who, rather than be thought cruel, suffered Pistoja to be destroyed. A prince, therefore, is not to regard the scandal of being cruel, if thereby he keeps his subjects in their allegiance and united, seeing that by some few examples of justice you may be more merciful than they who, by an universal exercise of pity, per- mit several disorders to follow, which occasion rapine and murder; and the reason is, because that exorbitant mercy has an ill effect upon the whole body of the people, whereas particular executions extend only to particular persons. But among all princes a new prince has the hardest task to avoid the scandal of being cruel, by reason of the newness of his government, and the dangers which attend it. ... Nevertheless, he is not to be too credulous of reports, too hasty in his motions, nor create fears and jealousies of him- self, but so to temper his administration with prudence and humanity that neither too much confidence may make him careless, nor too much diffidence intolerable. And from hence arises a new question, Whether it be better to be beloved than feared, or feared than beloved ? It is answered, both would be convenient, but because that is hard to attain, it is better and more secure, if one must be wanting, to be feared rather than beloved ; for, in general, men are ungrateful, inconstant, hypocritical, fearful of danger, and covetous of gain. Whilst they receive any benefit by you, and the danger is at a distance, they are absolutely yours ; their blood, their estates, their lives, and their children, as I said before, are all at your service. But when mischief is at hand, and you have present need of their help, they make no scruple to revolt ; and that prince who leaves him- self naked of other preparations, and relies wholly upon their professions, is sure to be ruined ; for amity contracted
