There is no necessity to separate the monarch from the mob; all authority is equally bad.
The first impression that one gets of a ruler and of his brains is from seeing the men that he has about him.[E la prima coniettura che si fa di un signore, e del cervel suo, è vedere gli uomini che lui ha d’intorno.]
The faults of the people spring from the faults of their rulers.[Che gli peccati de’ popoli nascono dai principi.]
Our rulers rule by consent, which means that we like having them as rulers, if they do what we want them to do.
Never trust any ruler who puts his faith in tunnels and bunkers and escape routes. The chances are that his heart isn’t in the job.
God is alive. Magic is afoot. God is alive. Magic is afoot. God is afoot. Magic is alive. Alive is afoot. Magic never died. God never sickened. Many poor men lied. Many sick men lied. Magic never weakened. Magic never hid. Magic always ruled. God is afoot. God was ruler though his funeral lengthened. Though his mourners thickened Magic never fled…
A wise ruler thinks twice before directing violence against someone because he does not approve of what they say.
A wise ruler takes advice, but should never be seen to take it. Let them think you know more than you do. It will not harm them, and it will help you.
A ruler who hides behind paid executioners soon forgets what death is.
A prudent ruler ought not to keep faith when by so doing it would be against his interest.[Non può pertanto un Signore prudente, nè debbe osservare la fede, quando tale osservanzia gli torni contro.]
