and endeavoured to restrain both, but without the intervention of the king, who never could have taken part with the people without discontenting the nobles, nor favour those without exciting the hatred of the people. To this end, they have instituted an authority which, without the interference of the king, may favour the people and repress the insolence of the nobles. It must be confessed that nothing is more likely to give consistency to the government, and assure the tranquillity of the people. By which princes ought to learn to reserve to themselves the distribution of favours and employments, and to leave to the magistrates the care of decreeing punishments, and generally the.disposal of all things likely to excite discontent.
I repeat that a prince ought to shew consideration for the nobles, but without attracting the hatred of the people. It may perhaps be objected to me, that several Roman emperors lost both life and empire, though their conduct was replete with wisdom, talents, and courage. In answer to this objection, I think I have a right to examine the character of some of these emperors, such as Marcus the philosopher, Commodus his son, Pertinax, Julian, Severus, Antoninus, Caracalla his son, Macrinus, Heliogabalus, Alexander, and Maximinus. This examination will naturally lead me to unfold the causes of their downfall, and to
