For this reason I consider that a prince ought to reckon conspiracies of little account when his people hold him in esteem; but when it is hostile to him, and bears hatred towards him, he ought to fear everything and everybody. And well-ordered states and wise princes have taken every care not to drive the nobles to desperation, and to keep the people satisfied and contented, for this is one of the most important objects a prince can have.
Lugar: CHAPTER XIX -- THAT ONE SHOULD AVOID BEING DESPISED AND HATED · ¶239 Licença: Public domain · Fonte O texto é dado como na edição, sem alterações.