CHAP. XXIII.
How a Prince ought to avoid Flatterers.
I ought not to forget mentioning one evil against which princes should always be on their guard, and whieh they cannot avoid except by the greatest prudence, and this evil is the flattery which reigns in every court. Men have so much self-love, and so good an opinion of themselves, that it is very difficult for them to steer clear of such contagion; and besides, in endeavouring to avoid it, they run the risk of being despised.
For princes have no other of expelling flatterers than by shewing that the truth will not offend them. Yet if every one had the privilege of uttering his sentiments with impunity, what would become of the respect due to the majesty of the sovereign? A prudent prince ought to adopt a just medium in chusing wise men, to whom alone he shall permit the liberty of telling him the truth, but even that only on such subjects as he shall ask. He ought undoubtedly to interrogate them, to hear their opinions on every matter that concerns him; but to determine afterwards according to his own opinion, and so to conduct himself
