Pagina 120 di 310

Commencing then with the first of the above-named

characteristics, I say that it would be well to be reputed

liberal. Nevertheless, liberality exercised in a way that does

not bring you the reputation for it, injures you; for if one

exercises it honestly and as it should be exercised, it may not

become known, and you will not avoid the reproach of its

opposite. Therefore, any one wishing to maintain among men the

name of liberal is obliged to avoid no attribute of magnificence;

so that a prince thus inclined will consume in such acts all his

property, and will be compelled in the end, if he wish to

maintain the name of liberal, to unduly weigh down his people,

and tax them, and do everything he can to get money.