support and protestion, he may easily gain them; and having done so, they will be so much the more faithful to him, as they will wish to efface by their services the unfavourable prejudices to which their past conduct had given rise. Those, on the other hand, who have never opposed the prince's interest, serve him with that lukewarm seal that ensures security.
However, since my subject naturally leads me to it, I will observe that those who have attained supreme authority by popular favour should minutely ascertain the cause and motives of this good will: if it arises more from a hatred of the old government than any interest inspired by the prince, he will not easily maintain himself in the people's affecțion, from the great difficulty to content them.
If we look into history, ancient or modetn, we shall be convinced that it is easier to gain the friendship of those who seemingly supported the old government, notwithstanding they were įts enemies, than those who have not aided the prince to become master of the state, in consequence of their difficult and factious character, that will not suffer them to tolerate the abuses of the past administration.
Princes havė erected fortresses the more easily so maintain themselves in their states, often. threatened: by enemies from within, and to be
