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Therefore, the duke erred in his choice, and it was the cause of

his ultimate ruin.

[7] San Giorgio is Raffaello Riario. Ascanio is Ascanio Sforza.

CHAPTER VIII. CONCERNING THOSE WHO HAVE OBTAINED A PRINCIPALITY

BY WICKEDNESS

Although a prince may rise from a private station in two ways,

neither of which can be entirely attributed to fortune or genius,

yet it is manifest to me that I must not be silent on them,

although one could be more copiously treated when I discuss

republics. These methods are when, either by some wicked or

nefarious ways, one ascends to the principality, or when by the

favour of his fellow-citizens a private person becomes the prince

of his country. And speaking of the first method, it will be

illustrated by two examples-one ancient, the other modern-and

without entering further into the subject, I consider these two

examples will suffice those who may be compelled to follow them.