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That prince is highly esteemed who conveys this impression of

himself, and he who is highly esteemed is not easily conspired

against; for, provided it is well known that he is an excellent

man and revered by his people, he can only be attacked with

difficulty. For this reason a prince ought to have two fears, one

from within, on account of his subjects, the other from without,

on account of external powers. From the latter he is defended by

being well armed and having good allies, and if he is well armed

he will have good friends, and affairs will always remain quiet

within when they are quiet without, unless they should have been

already disturbed by conspiracy; and even should affairs outside

be disturbed, if he has carried out his preparations and has

lived as I have said, as long as he does not despair, he will

resist every attack, as I said Nabis the Spartan did.