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I believe that these lowly beginnings of great men occur because

Fortune is desirous of showing to the world that such men owe

much to her and little to wisdom, because she begins to show her

hand when wisdom can really take no part in their career: thus

all success must be attributed to her. Castruccio Castracani of

Lucca was one of those men who did great deeds, if he is measured

by the times in which he lived and the city in which he was born;

but, like many others, he was neither fortunate nor distinguished

in his birth, as the course of this history will show. It

appeared to be desirable to recall his memory, because I have

discerned in him such indications of valour and fortune as should

make him a great exemplar to men. I think also that I ought to

call your attention to his actions, because you of all men I know

delight most in noble deeds.