as he would be by nobles contrary to whose will and pleasure he should govern. So, far there is a perfect equality: but in respect to the latter, as they know how to calculate events and profit by them, the prince ought to suppose that on the first reverse of fortune they would turn against him for the purpose of making a merit of it with the conqueror.
Finally, there is an absolute necessity to live always with the same people, but not with the same nobles, whom he can at pleasure disgrace or load with favours, elevate or destroy. But to throw still more light on the subject, I propose to examine the two points of view in which the prince ought to consider the nobles; and, first, whether they are entirely attached to his fortune, or not. Those who give him proofs of their zeal and devotion to him ought to be cherished and honoured, provided they are not rapacious. Amongst those who are shy of shewing too much attachment to the fortune of the prince, some are actuated by weakness and timidity, others by calculation and particular views of ambition. The first of these the prince should endeavour to secure, particularly if they have connections elsewhere; inasmuch as he can always do them honour in prosperity, and in the hour of adversity men of this character are seldom to be dreaded. As to the others, the
