Pagina 104 de 310

The Emperor of Constantinople,[2] to oppose his neighbours, sent

ten thousand Turks into Greece, who, on the war being finished,

were not willing to quit; this was the beginning of the servitude

of Greece to the infidels.

[2] Joannes Cantacuzenus, born 1300, died 1383.

Therefore, let him who has no desire to conquer make use of these

arms, for they are much more hazardous than mercenaries, because

with them the ruin is ready made; they are all united, all yield

obedience to others; but with mercenaries, when they have

conquered, more time and better opportunities are needed to

injure you; they are not all of one community, they are found and

paid by you, and a third party, which you have made their head,

is not able all at once to assume enough authority to injure you.

In conclusion, in mercenaries dastardy is most dangerous; in

auxiliaries, valour. The wise prince, therefore, has always

avoided these arms and turned to his own; and has been willing

rather to lose with them than to conquer with the others, not

deeming that a real victory which is gained with the arms of

others.