Publisher's Synopsis
Excerpt from The Works of Nicholas Machiavel, Secretary of State to the Republic of Florence, Vol. 4 of 4: Translated From the Originals; Illustrated With Notes, Annotations, Dissertations, and Several New Plans on the Art of War
The author's preface. Xi and united together. For all the arts and fciences which haste been introduced into foeiety for the common benefit of mankind, and all the ordinances that have been cl'cablifnrd, to make them live in the fear of God, and obedience to human Laws, would be vain and infignificant, if not fupported and de fended by a military force; which, when properly conducted and applied, will maintain thofe ordinan ces and keep up their authority, though perhaps they may not be altogether perfect and without ?aw or defea: in rhemfelves. But the belt ordinances in the world will be defpifed and trampled under foot, if not upheld as they ought to be by a military power 3. Like a magnificent Palace that is uncovered at the top, which though full of jewels andcofily furniture, mull'foon moulder intoruin, as it has nothing but its fplendor and riches to defend. It from the'injuries of the weather. The ancient Lawgivers and' Governors of Kingdoms and Republics took great care therefore to infpire all their fubjeéls, but particularly their foldiers, with fidelity, love of peace, and the fear of God. -for who ought to be more faithful than a man that is entrulied with the fafety of his country, andhas pm to defend it to the; lafi drop of his blood Who ought to befon der of peace than, thofe that fulfer by, .nothing but war Who 'is, under greater obligations to worlhip God than Soldiers, who are daily expofed to innu merable dangers, and-have molt occarn for his protection 'i', hefe things being well confidered by thofe who governed States and modelled armies in former times, and f'trongly enforced, Upon Others that were under their command, had foch an elfeft upon their conduct and behaviour, that the life of a foldier was edifying and ferved as a pattern for Others. But fince our difcipline is nosii depraved to foch a degree, that it is totally different from what it anciently was, it is no wonder that men have fo bad an Opinion Of a military life, and endeavour, xu the author's preface.
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