CHAP. XXII.
Of Ministers.
One of the most important points, and which is a sure index to the degree of wisdom possessed by those who govern, is the choice of ministers. A prince who knows where rightly to place his confidence is no ordinary man; hence it is by this rule we judge of him, his other talents being only to be ascertained from the casualty of circumstances, which occasionally call them into action. Those who knew Antonio de Venafro could not refuse to render justice to the judgment and wisdom of Pandolpho Petrucci, who made choice of so able a man for the administration of his affairs. (Vide Appendix F)
Now we may divide the human mind into three classes: of the first are those who know how to ascertain whatever is important for them to know; of the second class are those who easily discern what is pointed out to them by another; the third class neither understand of themselves, nor with the assistance of others. The first are excellent, the second are good, and the others
worth nothing at all.
I 2
