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For such a prince cannot rely upon what he observes in quiet

times, when citizens have need of the state, because then every

one agrees with him; they all promise, and when death is far

distant they all wish to die for him; but in troubled times, when

the state has need of its citizens, then he finds but few. And so

much the more is this experiment dangerous, inasmuch as it can

only be tried once. Therefore a wise prince ought to adopt such a

course that his citizens will always in every sort and kind of

circumstance have need of the state and of him, and then he will

always find them faithful.

CHAPTER X. CONCERNING THE WAY IN WHICH THE STRENGTH OF ALL

PRINCIPALITIES OUGHT TO BE MEASURED