Page:The Works of the Famous Nicholas Machiavel.djvu/15

The Epistile VII. and I too downright to expatiate upon it. Nevertheless had he done nothing more but given your Holiness to the world, that very thing outweighs all the actions of his Ancestors, and shall leave more ages of honour to his fa- mily, than his malevolent fortune took years from his life. I have endeavoured (most holy Sir) as far as might be done without blemish to the truth, to please all people, and it may so fall out I have pleased no body. If it should, I should not wonder, feeing, in my judgment, it is impossible to write any thing of our own times, without offence to several. Yet I come forth cheerful- ly into the field, hoping that as I am honoured and em- ployed by your Holiness Goodness, I shall be defended by your Holiness Judgment; and then with the same confidence and courage as I have writ now, I shall pur- sue my engagements if my life lasts, and your Holiness continues amongst us.

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