XXXIX
The Qualifications of the Prince
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He is a lion among princes who is well endowed in respect of the six things: troops, population, substance, council, alliances, and fortifications.
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Four qualities should never be wanting in the prince, namely, courage, liberality, wisdom, and energy.
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Behold the men that are destined to rule the earth: the three virtues, alertness, learning, and decision, leave them not.
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The prince shall not fail in virtue and shall abolish unrighteousness: he shall guard his honour jealously but shall not sin against the laws of valour.
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The prince shall know how to develop the resources of his kingdom and how to enrich his treasury: how to preserve his wealth and how to spend it worthily.
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If the prince is accessible to all his subjects and is never harsh of word, his kingdom will be esteemed above every other.
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Behold the prince who can give with grace and rule with love: his name will fill the world.
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Behold the prince who administereth impartial justice and protecteth his subjects: he shall be called a God among men.
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Behold the prince who hath the virtue to bear with words that are bitter to the ear: the world will rest permanently under his umbrella.
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Behold the prince who is liberal and gracious and just, and who tendeth his people with care: he is a light among kings.