Page:The Prince.djvu/171

56 closely pressed by the people, have often no other means of subduing them than by advancing from their own class one whom they nominate prince, that under the mask of an acknowledged authority they may indulge themselves in their desire of domination. The people on their part, rather than submit to their enemy, generally adopt the plan of opposing to him a plebeian from whom they expect support and protection.

He who acquires a principality through the interest of the nobles, with much difficulty maintains his situation, because he is surrounded by men who, thinking themselves still his equals, submit reluctantly to his authority. On the contrary, he who is raised to that dignity by the will of the people finds himself supreme in it, and there are few indeed among those around him, who would dare to resist his measures.

Besides this, he can without injustice content the people, but not the nobles; these seeking to exercise tyranny, the others merely to avoid it. Besides, a prince who might have the nobles against him, may in consequence of their small number easily restrain them within the limits of duty; but how could he assure himself of the obedience and fidelity of the people, if he separated his own interests from theirs?

The prince must unquestionably expect to be abandoned by a people who are disaffected to him,