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Thus it happens that whenever those who are hostile have the

opportunity to attack they do it like partisans, whilst the

others defend lukewarmly, in such wise that the prince is

endangered along with them.

It is necessary, therefore, if we desire to discuss this matter

thoroughly, to inquire whether these innovators can rely on

themselves or have to depend on others: that is to say, whether,

to consummate their enterprise, have they to use prayers or can

they use force? In the first instance they always succeed badly,

and never compass anything; but when they can rely on themselves

and use force, then they are rarely endangered. Hence it is that

all armed prophets have conquered, and the unarmed ones have been

destroyed. Besides the reasons mentioned, the nature of the

people is variable, and whilst it is easy to persuade them, it is

difficult to fix them in that persuasion. And thus it is

necessary to take such measures that, when they believe no

longer, it may be possible to make them believe by force.