Pagina 34 van 310

I say, therefore, that in entirely new principalities, where

there is a new prince, more or less difficulty is found in

keeping them, accordingly as there is more or less ability in him

who has acquired the state. Now, as the fact of becoming a prince

from a private station presupposes either ability or fortune, it

is clear that one or other of these things will mitigate in some

degree many difficulties. Nevertheless, he who has relied least

on fortune is established the strongest. Further, it facilitates

matters when the prince, having no other state, is compelled to

reside there in person.