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THE PRINCE.
duct by the state of things which take place in ordinary times, and when they have continually occasion to have recourse to his authority; for then every one presses eagerly around him, and seems disposed to die in his defence, because the death which they seem willing to risk is far distant; but on a reverse of fortune, should an opportunity offer itself of shewing such devotion, the prince unhappily finds too late how little sincerity there was in that ardour. Now, this experiment is so much the more hazardous, as it can never be made twice.
A wise prince should therefore at all times so conduct himself, that, whenever the state has occasion for the citizens, they may always be disposed to serve it with zeal and fidelity,
