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is now of consequence to see how a prince ought to conduct himself towards his subjects and his friends. This matter having been already treated on by others, I am afraid of being taxed with presumption, if I shall dare to consider it in a different manner from them: but as my object is to write for those who judge soundly, I am about to speak of what really is, and not of what the vulgar imagine.

Men often figure to their imaginations republics and other governments which have never existed. There is so great a difference between that which actually is, and that which ought to be, that he who takes that for truth and reality, and which unquestionably ought to be, but unfortunately is not, embraces inevitable ruin. Thus, I will not hesitate to say that he who will always be perfectly good with those who are not so, cannot fail sooner or later to be ruined by it. A prince who wishes to maintain his power ought therefore to learn