Page:The historical, political, and diplomatic writings of Niccolo Machiavelli (IA cu31924014665909).pdf/100

Let your illustrious house, then, assume this task with that courage and hopefulness which every just enterprise inspires; so that under your banner our country may recover its ancient fame, and under your auspices may be verified the words of Petrarca:—

“Virtù contro al furore
Prenderà I’ arme, e fia il combatter corto;
Chèl antico valore
Negli Italici cuor non è ancor morto.”

Canz. XVI. v. 93-96.