I wish to demonstrate further the infelicity of these arms. The mercen… — The Prince

The Prince — Niccolò Machiavelli

I wish to demonstrate further the infelicity of these arms. The mercenary captains are either capable men or they are not; if they are, you cannot trust them, because they always aspire to their own greatness, either by oppressing you, who are their master, or others contrary to your intentions; but if the captain is not skilful, you are ruined in the usual way.

Place: CHAPTER XII -- HOW MANY KINDS OF SOLDIERY THERE ARE, AND CONCERNING MERCENARIES · ¶161
License: Public domain · Source
The text is given as in the edition, unedited.

← BackNext →Check your own quote