lacere studeo bonis quam plurimis, et minime multos laedere_: I
endeavor to give content to the most I can of those that are well
disposed, and no scandal to any. I grant, I find him blamed and
condemned: I do no less my self. Reader, either do thou read him without
a prejudicate opinion, and out of thy own judgement taxe his errors; or
at least, if thou canst stoop so low, make use of my pains to help thee;
I will promise thee this reward for thy labor: if thou consider well the
actions of the world, thou shalt find him much practised by those that
condemn him; who willingly would walk as theeves do with close lanternes
in the night, that they being undescried, and yet seeing all, might
surprise the unwary in the dark. Surely this book will infect no man:
out of the wicked treasure of a mans own wicked heart, he drawes his
malice and mischief. From the same flower the Bee sucks honey, from
whence the Spider hath his poyson. And he that means well, shall be here
warnd, where the deceitfull man learnes to set his snares. A judge who
hath often used to examine theeves, becomes the more expert to sift out
their tricks. If mischief come hereupon, blame not me, nor blame my
Author: lay the saddle on the right horse: but _Hony soit qui mal y
pense_: let shame light on him that hatcht the mischief.

THE PRINCE

NICHOLAS MACHIAVELLI,

to the Magnificent LAURENCE sonne
to PETER OF MEDICIS health.

They that desire to ingratiate themselves with a Prince, commonly use to
offer themselves to his view, with things of that nature as such persons
take most pleasure and delight in: whereupon we see they are many times
presented with Horses and Armes, cloth of gold, pretious stones, and
such like ornaments, worthy of their greatness. Having then a mind to
offer up my self to your Magnificence, with some testimony of my service
to you, I found nothing in my whole inventory, that I think better of,
or more esteeme, than the knowlege of great mens actions, which I have
learned by a long experience of modern affairs, and a continual reading
of those of the ancients. Which, now that I have with great diligence
long workt it out, and throughly sifted, I commend to your Magnificence.
And, however I may well think this work unworthy of your view; yet such
is your humanity, that I doubt not but it shall find acceptance,
considering, that for my part I am not able to tender a greater gift,
than to present you with the means, whereby i