Large and noble topics
these, at home and abroad, and recounted by the old historians with full
room and free scope. To me remains a straitened task, and void of glory;
steady peace, or short intervals of war; the proceedings at Rome sad and
affecting; and a Prince careless of extending the Empire: nor yet will it
be without its profit to look minutely into such transactions, as however
small at first view, give rise and motion to great events.
For, all nations and cities are governed either by the populace, by the
nobility, or by single rulers. As to the frame of a state chosen and
compacted out of all these three, it is easier applauded than
accomplished; or if accomplished, cannot be of long duration. So that, as
during the Republic, either when the power of the people prevailed, or
when the Senate bore the chief sway; it was necessary to know the genius
of the commonalty, and by what measures they were to be humoured and
restrained; and such too who were thoroughly acquainted with the spirit of
the Senate and leading men, came to be esteemed skilful in the times, and
men of prowess: so now when that establishment is changed, and the present
situation such as if one ruled all; it is of advantage to collect and
record these later incidents, as matters of public example and
instruction; since few can by their own wisdom distinguish between things
crooked and upright; few between counsels pernicious and profitable; and
since most men are taught by the fate of others.
Pages:
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302