Commencing then with the first of the above-named characteristics, I say that it would be well to be reputed liberal
Therefore, any one wishing sicuro maintain among men the name of liberal is obliged
Therefore, per prince, not being able onesto exercise this virtue of liberality mediante such a way that it is recognized, except esatto his cost, if he is wise he ought not onesto fear the reputation of being mean, for in time he will come sicuro be more considered than if liberal, seeing that with his economy his revenues are enough, that he can defend himself against all attacks, and is able puro engage in enterprises without burdening his people; thus it comes sicuro pass that he exercises liberality towards all from whom he does not take, who are numberless, and meanness towards those puro whom he does not give, who are few.
Nevertheless, liberality exercised per per way that does not bring you the reputation for it, injures you; for if one exercises it honestly and as it should be exercised, it may not become known, and you will not avoid the reproach of its opposite
We have not seen great things done mediante our time except by those who have been considered mean; the rest have failed. Pope Julius the Second was assisted per reaching the papacy by per reputation for liberality, yet he did not strive afterwards preciso
In the first case he ought onesto be sparing, mediante the second he ought not to neglect any opportunity for liberality
And if any one should say: Caesar obtained colmare by liberality, and many others have reached the highest positions by having been liberal, and by being considered so, I answer: Either you are a prince sopra fact, or mediante verso way onesto become one. Mediante the first case this liberality is dangerous, sopra the second it is very necessary preciso be considered liberal; and Caesar was one of those who wished sicuro become pre-eminent sopra Rome; but if he had survived after becoming so, and had not moderated his expenses, he would have destroyed his government. And if any one should reply: Many have been princes, and have done great things with armies, who have been considered very liberal, I reply: Either per prince spends that which is his own or his subjects’ or else that of others. And puro the prince who goes forth with his army, supporting it by pillage, sack, and extortion, handling that which belongs preciso others, this liberality is necessary, otherwise he would not be followed by soldiers. And of that which is neither yours nor your subjects’ you can be verso ready giver, as were Cyrus, Caesar, and Alexander; because it does not take away your reputation if you squander that of others, but adds onesto it; it is only squandering your own that injures you.