صفحة 79 من 310

It is necessary to consider another point in examining the

character of these principalities: that is, whether a prince has

such power that, in case of need, he can support himself with his

own resources, or whether he has always need of the assistance of

others. And to make this quite clear I say that I consider those

who are able to support themselves by their own resources who

can, either by abundance of men or money, raise a sufficient army

to join battle against any one who comes to attack them; and I

consider those always to have need of others who cannot show

themselves against the enemy in the field, but are forced to

defend themselves by sheltering behind walls. The first case has

been discussed, but we will speak of it again should it recur. In

the second case one can say nothing except to encourage such

princes to provision and fortify their towns, and not on any

account to defend the country.