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Author of ], a book which was supposed to be an instruction book for rulers. In it, he advocated the theory that whatever was expedient was good. | Author of ], a book which was supposed to be an instruction book for rulers. In it, he advocated the theory that whatever was expedient was good. | ||
<hr> | <hr> | ||
Nicolo Machiavelli, born at Florence on 3rd | |||
Niccolo Machiavelli, born at Florence on 3rd | |||
May 1469. From 1494 to 1512 held an official | May 1469. From 1494 to 1512 held an official | ||
post at Florence which included diplomatic | post at Florence which included diplomatic | ||
missions to various European courts. | missions to various European courts. | ||
Imprisoned in Florence, 1512; later exiled and | Imprisoned in Florence, 1512; later exiled and | ||
returned to San Casciano. Died at Florence on | returned to San Casciano. Died at Florence on | ||
22nd June 1527. | |||
21st June 1527. | |||
Line 15: | Line 29: | ||
INTRODUCTION | INTRODUCTION | ||
Nicolo Machiavelli was born at Florence on 3rd May 1469. He was the | |||
second son of Bernardo di Nicolo Machiavelli, a lawyer of some repute, | |||
Niccolo Machiavelli was born at Florence on 3rd May 1469. He was the | |||
second son of Bernardo di Niccolo Machiavelli, a lawyer of some repute, | |||
and of Bartolommea di Stefano Nelli, his wife. Both parents were | and of Bartolommea di Stefano Nelli, his wife. Both parents were | ||
members of the old Florentine nobility. | members of the old Florentine nobility. | ||
His life falls naturally into three periods, each of which singularly | His life falls naturally into three periods, each of which singularly | ||
enough constitutes a distinct and important era in the history of | enough constitutes a distinct and important era in the history of | ||
Florence. His youth was concurrent with the greatness of Florence as | Florence. His youth was concurrent with the greatness of Florence as | ||
an Italian power under the guidance of Lorenzo de' Medici, Il | an Italian power under the guidance of Lorenzo de' Medici, Il | ||
Magnifico. The downfall of the Medici in Florence occurred in 1494, in | Magnifico. The downfall of the Medici in Florence occurred in 1494, in | ||
which year Machiavelli entered the public service. During his official | which year Machiavelli entered the public service. During his official | ||
career Florence was free under the government of a Republic, which | career Florence was free under the government of a Republic, which | ||
lasted until 1512, when the Medici returned to power, and Machiavelli | lasted until 1512, when the Medici returned to power, and Machiavelli | ||
lost his office. The Medici again ruled Florence from 1512 until 1527, | lost his office. The Medici again ruled Florence from 1512 until 1527, | ||
when they were once more driven out. This was the period of | when they were once more driven out. This was the period of | ||
Machiavelli's literary activity and increasing influence; but he died, | Machiavelli's literary activity and increasing influence; but he died, | ||
within a few weeks of the expulsion of the Medici, on 22nd June 1527, | within a few weeks of the expulsion of the Medici, on 22nd June 1527, | ||
in his fifty-eighth year, without having regained office. | in his fifty-eighth year, without having regained office. | ||
YOUTH | YOUTH | ||
Aet. 1-25--1469-94 | Aet. 1-25--1469-94 | ||
Although there is little recorded of the youth of Machiavelli, the | Although there is little recorded of the youth of Machiavelli, the | ||
Florence of those days is so well known that the early environment of | Florence of those days is so well known that the early environment of | ||
this representative citizen may be easily imagined. Florence has been | this representative citizen may be easily imagined. Florence has been | ||
described as a city with two opposite currents of life, one directed | described as a city with two opposite currents of life, one directed | ||
by the fervent and austere Savonarola, the other by the splendour- | by the fervent and austere Savonarola, the other by the splendour- | ||
loving Lorenzo. Savonarola's influence upon the young Machiavelli must | loving Lorenzo. Savonarola's influence upon the young Machiavelli must | ||
have been slight, for although at one time he wielded immense power | have been slight, for although at one time he wielded immense power | ||
over the fortunes of Florence, he only furnished Machiavelli with a | over the fortunes of Florence, he only furnished Machiavelli with a | ||
subject of a gibe in "The Prince," where he is cited as an example of | subject of a gibe in "The Prince," where he is cited as an example of | ||
an unarmed prophet who came to a bad end. Whereas the magnificence of | an unarmed prophet who came to a bad end. Whereas the magnificence of | ||
the Medicean rule during the life of Lorenzo appeared to have | the Medicean rule during the life of Lorenzo appeared to have | ||
impressed Machiavelli strongly, for he frequently recurs to it in his | impressed Machiavelli strongly, for he frequently recurs to it in his | ||
writings, and it is to Lorenzo's grandson that he dedicates "The | writings, and it is to Lorenzo's grandson that he dedicates "The | ||
Prince." | Prince." | ||
Machiavelli, in his "History of Florence," gives us a picture of the | Machiavelli, in his "History of Florence," gives us a picture of the | ||
young men among whom his youth was passed. He writes: "They were freer | young men among whom his youth was passed. He writes: "They were freer | ||
than their forefathers in dress and living, and spent more in other | than their forefathers in dress and living, and spent more in other | ||
kinds of excesses, consuming their time and money in idleness, gaming, | kinds of excesses, consuming their time and money in idleness, gaming, | ||
and women; their chief aim was to appear well dressed and to speak | and women; their chief aim was to appear well dressed and to speak | ||
with wit and acuteness, whilst he who could wound others the most | with wit and acuteness, whilst he who could wound others the most | ||
cleverly was thought the wisest." In a letter to his son Guido, | cleverly was thought the wisest." In a letter to his son Guido, | ||
Machiavelli shows why youth should avail itself of its opportunities | Machiavelli shows why youth should avail itself of its opportunities | ||
for study, and leads us to infer that his own youth had been so | for study, and leads us to infer that his own youth had been so | ||
occupied. He writes: "I have received your letter, which has given me | occupied. He writes: "I have received your letter, which has given me | ||
the greatest pleasure, especially because you tell me you are quite | the greatest pleasure, especially because you tell me you are quite | ||
restored in health, than which I could have no better news; for if God | restored in health, than which I could have no better news; for if God | ||
grant life to you, and to me, I hope to make a good man of you if you | grant life to you, and to me, I hope to make a good man of you if you | ||
are willing to do your share." Then, writing of a new patron, he | are willing to do your share." Then, writing of a new patron, he | ||
continues: "This will turn out well for you, but it is necessary for | continues: "This will turn out well for you, but it is necessary for | ||
you to study; since, then, you have no longer the excuse of illness, | you to study; since, then, you have no longer the excuse of illness, | ||
take pains to study letters and music, for you see what honour is done | take pains to study letters and music, for you see what honour is done | ||
to me for the little skill I have. Therefore, my son, if you wish to | to me for the little skill I have. Therefore, my son, if you wish to | ||
please me, and to bring success and honour to yourself, do right and | please me, and to bring success and honour to yourself, do right and | ||
study, because others will help you if you help yourself." | study, because others will help you if you help yourself." | ||
OFFICE | OFFICE | ||
Aet. 25-43--1494-1512 | Aet. 25-43--1494-1512 | ||
The second period of Machiavelli's life was spent in the service of | The second period of Machiavelli's life was spent in the service of | ||
the free Republic of Florence, which flourished, as stated above, from | the free Republic of Florence, which flourished, as stated above, from | ||
the expulsion of the Medici in 1494 until their return in 1512. After | the expulsion of the Medici in 1494 until their return in 1512. After | ||
serving four years in one of the public offices he was appointed | serving four years in one of the public offices he was appointed | ||
Chancellor and Secretary to the Second Chancery, the Ten of Liberty | Chancellor and Secretary to the Second Chancery, the Ten of Liberty | ||
and Peace. Here we are on firm ground when dealing with the events of | and Peace. Here we are on firm ground when dealing with the events of | ||
Machiavelli's life, for during this time he took a leading part in the | Machiavelli's life, for during this time he took a leading part in the | ||
affairs of the Republic, and we have its decrees, records, and | affairs of the Republic, and we have its decrees, records, and | ||
dispatches to guide us, as well as his own writings. A mere | dispatches to guide us, as well as his own writings. A mere | ||
recapitulation of a few of his transactions with the statesmen and | recapitulation of a few of his transactions with the statesmen and | ||
soldiers of his time gives a fair indication of his activities, and | soldiers of his time gives a fair indication of his activities, and | ||
supplies the sources from which he drew the experiences and characters | supplies the sources from which he drew the experiences and characters | ||
which illustrate "The Prince." | which illustrate "The Prince." | ||
His first mission was in 1499 to Catherina Sforza, "my lady of Forli" | His first mission was in 1499 to Catherina Sforza, "my lady of Forli" | ||
of "The Prince," from whose conduct and fate he drew the moral that it | of "The Prince," from whose conduct and fate he drew the moral that it | ||
is far better to earn the confidence of the people than to rely on | is far better to earn the confidence of the people than to rely on | ||
fortresses. This is a very noticeable principle in Machiavelli, and is | fortresses. This is a very noticeable principle in Machiavelli, and is | ||
urged by him in many ways as a matter of vital importance to princes. | urged by him in many ways as a matter of vital importance to princes. | ||
In 1500 he was sent to France to obtain terms from Louis XII for | In 1500 he was sent to France to obtain terms from Louis XII for | ||
continuing the war against Pisa: this king it was who, in his conduct | continuing the war against Pisa: this king it was who, in his conduct | ||
of affairs in Italy, committed the five capital errors in statecraft | of affairs in Italy, committed the five capital errors in statecraft | ||
summarized in "The Prince," and was consequently driven out. He, also, | summarized in "The Prince," and was consequently driven out. He, also, | ||
it was who made the dissolution of his marriage a condition of support | it was who made the dissolution of his marriage a condition of support | ||
to Pope Alexander VI; which leads Machiavelli to refer those who urge | to Pope Alexander VI; which leads Machiavelli to refer those who urge | ||
that such promises should be kept to what he has written concerning | that such promises should be kept to what he has written concerning | ||
the faith of princes. | the faith of princes. | ||
Machiavelli's public life was largely occupied with events arising out | Machiavelli's public life was largely occupied with events arising out | ||
of the ambitions of Pope Alexander VI and his son, Cesare Borgia, the | of the ambitions of Pope Alexander VI and his son, Cesare Borgia, the | ||
Duke Valentino, and these characters fill a large space of "The | Duke Valentino, and these characters fill a large space of "The | ||
Prince." Machiavelli never hesitates to cite the actions of the duke | Prince." Machiavelli never hesitates to cite the actions of the duke | ||
for the benefit of usurpers who wish to keep the states they have | for the benefit of usurpers who wish to keep the states they have | ||
seized; he can, indeed, find no precepts to offer so good as the | seized; he can, indeed, find no precepts to offer so good as the | ||
pattern of Cesare Borgia's conduct, insomuch that Cesare is acclaimed | pattern of Cesare Borgia's conduct, insomuch that Cesare is acclaimed | ||
by some critics as the "hero" of "The Prince." Yet in "The Prince" the | by some critics as the "hero" of "The Prince." Yet in "The Prince" the | ||
duke is in point of fact cited as a type of the man who rises on the | duke is in point of fact cited as a type of the man who rises on the | ||
fortune of others, and falls with them; who takes every course that | fortune of others, and falls with them; who takes every course that | ||
might be expected from a prudent man but the course which will save | might be expected from a prudent man but the course which will save | ||
him; who is prepared for all eventualities but the one which happens; | him; who is prepared for all eventualities but the one which happens; | ||
and who, when all his abilities fail to carry him through, exclaims | and who, when all his abilities fail to carry him through, exclaims | ||
that it was not his fault, but an extraordinary and unforeseen | that it was not his fault, but an extraordinary and unforeseen | ||
fatality. | fatality. | ||
On the death of Pius III, in 1503, Machiavelli was sent to Rome to | On the death of Pius III, in 1503, Machiavelli was sent to Rome to | ||
watch the election of his successor, and there he saw Cesare Borgia | watch the election of his successor, and there he saw Cesare Borgia | ||
cheated into allowing the choice of the College to fall on Giuliano | cheated into allowing the choice of the College to fall on Giuliano | ||
delle Rovere (Julius II), who was one of the cardinals that had most | delle Rovere (Julius II), who was one of the cardinals that had most | ||
reason to fear the duke. Machiavelli, when commenting on this | reason to fear the duke. Machiavelli, when commenting on this | ||
election, says that he who thinks new favours will cause great | election, says that he who thinks new favours will cause great | ||
personages to forget old injuries deceives himself. Julius did not | personages to forget old injuries deceives himself. Julius did not | ||
rest until he had ruined Cesare. | rest until he had ruined Cesare. | ||
It was to Julius II that Machiavelli was sent in 1506, when that | It was to Julius II that Machiavelli was sent in 1506, when that | ||
pontiff was commencing his enterprise against Bologna; which he | pontiff was commencing his enterprise against Bologna; which he | ||
brought to a successful issue, as he did many of his other adventures, | brought to a successful issue, as he did many of his other adventures, | ||
owing chiefly to his impetuous character. It is in reference to Pope | owing chiefly to his impetuous character. It is in reference to Pope | ||
Julius that Machiavelli moralizes on the resemblance between Fortune | Julius that Machiavelli moralizes on the resemblance between Fortune | ||
and women, and concludes that it is the bold rather than the cautious | and women, and concludes that it is the bold rather than the cautious | ||
man that will win and hold them both. | man that will win and hold them both. | ||
It is impossible to follow here the varying fortunes of the Italian | It is impossible to follow here the varying fortunes of the Italian | ||
states, which in 1507 were controlled by France, Spain, and Germany, | states, which in 1507 were controlled by France, Spain, and Germany, | ||
with results that have lasted to our day; we are concerned with those | with results that have lasted to our day; we are concerned with those | ||
events, and with the three great actors in them, so far only as they | events, and with the three great actors in them, so far only as they | ||
impinge on the personality of Machiavelli. He had several meetings | impinge on the personality of Machiavelli. He had several meetings | ||
with Louis XII of France, and his estimate of that monarch's character | with Louis XII of France, and his estimate of that monarch's character | ||
has already been alluded to. Machiavelli has painted Ferdinand of | has already been alluded to. Machiavelli has painted Ferdinand of | ||
Aragon as the man who accomplished great things under the cloak of | Aragon as the man who accomplished great things under the cloak of | ||
religion, but who in reality had no mercy, faith, humanity, or | religion, but who in reality had no mercy, faith, humanity, or | ||
integrity; and who, had he allowed himself to be influenced by such | integrity; and who, had he allowed himself to be influenced by such | ||
motives, would have been ruined. The Emperor Maximilian was one of the | motives, would have been ruined. The Emperor Maximilian was one of the | ||
most interesting men of the age, and his character has been drawn by | most interesting men of the age, and his character has been drawn by | ||
many hands; but Machiavelli, who was an envoy at his court in 1507-8, | many hands; but Machiavelli, who was an envoy at his court in 1507-8, | ||
reveals the secret of his many failures when he describes him as a | reveals the secret of his many failures when he describes him as a | ||
secretive man, without force of character--ignoring the human agencies | secretive man, without force of character--ignoring the human agencies | ||
necessary to carry his schemes into effect, and never insisting on the | necessary to carry his schemes into effect, and never insisting on the | ||
fulfilment of his wishes. | fulfilment of his wishes. | ||
The remaining years of Machiavelli's official career were filled with | The remaining years of Machiavelli's official career were filled with | ||
events arising out of the League of Cambrai, made in 1508 between the | events arising out of the League of Cambrai, made in 1508 between the | ||
three great European powers already mentioned and the pope, with the | three great European powers already mentioned and the pope, with the | ||
object of crushing the Venetian Republic. This result was attained in | object of crushing the Venetian Republic. This result was attained in | ||
the battle of Vaila, when Venice lost in one day all that she had won | the battle of Vaila, when Venice lost in one day all that she had won | ||
in eight hundred years. Florence had a difficult part to play during | in eight hundred years. Florence had a difficult part to play during | ||
these events, complicated as they were by the feud which broke out | these events, complicated as they were by the feud which broke out | ||
between the pope and the French, because friendship with France had | between the pope and the French, because friendship with France had | ||
dictated the entire policy of the Republic. When, in 1511, Julius II | dictated the entire policy of the Republic. When, in 1511, Julius II | ||
finally formed the Holy League against France, and with the assistance | finally formed the Holy League against France, and with the assistance | ||
of the Swiss drove the French out of Italy, Florence lay at the mercy | of the Swiss drove the French out of Italy, Florence lay at the mercy | ||
of the Pope, and had to submit to his terms, one of which was that the | of the Pope, and had to submit to his terms, one of which was that the | ||
Medici should be restored. The return of the Medici to Florence on 1st | Medici should be restored. The return of the Medici to Florence on 1st | ||
September 1512, and the consequent fall of the Republic, was the | September 1512, and the consequent fall of the Republic, was the | ||
signal for the dismissal of Machiavelli and his friends, and thus put | signal for the dismissal of Machiavelli and his friends, and thus put | ||
an end to his public career, for, as we have seen, he died without | an end to his public career, for, as we have seen, he died without | ||
regaining office. | regaining office. | ||
LITERATURE AND DEATH | LITERATURE AND DEATH | ||
Aet. 43-58--1512-27 | Aet. 43-58--1512-27 | ||
On the return of the Medici, Machiavelli, who for a few weeks had | On the return of the Medici, Machiavelli, who for a few weeks had | ||
vainly hoped to retain his office under the new masters of Florence, | vainly hoped to retain his office under the new masters of Florence, | ||
was dismissed by decree dated 7th November 1512. Shortly after this he | was dismissed by decree dated 7th November 1512. Shortly after this he | ||
was accused of complicity in an abortive conspiracy against the | was accused of complicity in an abortive conspiracy against the | ||
Medici, imprisoned, and put to the question by torture. The new | Medici, imprisoned, and put to the question by torture. The new | ||
Medicean people, Leo X, procured his release, and he retired to his | Medicean people, Leo X, procured his release, and he retired to his | ||
small property at San Casciano, near Florence, where he devoted | small property at San Casciano, near Florence, where he devoted | ||
himself to literature. In a letter to Francesco Vettori, dated 13th | himself to literature. In a letter to Francesco Vettori, dated 13th | ||
December 1513, he has left a very interesting description of his life | December 1513, he has left a very interesting description of his life | ||
at this period, which elucidates his methods and his motives in | at this period, which elucidates his methods and his motives in | ||
writing "The Prince." After describing his daily occupations with his | writing "The Prince." After describing his daily occupations with his | ||
family and neighbours, he writes: "The evening being come, I return | family and neighbours, he writes: "The evening being come, I return | ||
home and go to my study; at the entrance I pull off my peasant- | home and go to my study; at the entrance I pull off my peasant- | ||
clothes, covered with dust and dirt, and put on my noble court dress, | clothes, covered with dust and dirt, and put on my noble court dress, | ||
and thus becomingly re-clothed I pass into the ancient courts of the | and thus becomingly re-clothed I pass into the ancient courts of the | ||
men of old, where, being lovingly received by them, I am fed with that | men of old, where, being lovingly received by them, I am fed with that | ||
food which is mine alone; where I do not hesitate to speak with them, | food which is mine alone; where I do not hesitate to speak with them, | ||
and to ask for the reason of their actions, and they in their | and to ask for the reason of their actions, and they in their | ||
benignity answer me; and for four hours I feel no weariness, I forget | benignity answer me; and for four hours I feel no weariness, I forget | ||
every trouble, poverty does not dismay, death does not terrify me; I | every trouble, poverty does not dismay, death does not terrify me; I | ||
am possessed entirely by those great men. And because Dante says: | am possessed entirely by those great men. And because Dante says: | ||
Knowledge doth come of learning well retained, | Knowledge doth come of learning well retained, | ||
Unfruitful else, | Unfruitful else, | ||
I have noted down what I have gained from their conversation, and have | I have noted down what I have gained from their conversation, and have | ||
composed a small work on 'Principalities,' where I pour myself out as | composed a small work on 'Principalities,' where I pour myself out as | ||
fully as I can in meditation on the subject, discussing what a | fully as I can in meditation on the subject, discussing what a | ||
principality is, what kinds there are, how they can be acquired, how | principality is, what kinds there are, how they can be acquired, how | ||
they can be kept, why they are lost: and if any of my fancies ever | they can be kept, why they are lost: and if any of my fancies ever | ||
pleased you, this ought not to displease you: and to a prince, | pleased you, this ought not to displease you: and to a prince, | ||
especially to a new one, it should be welcome: therefore I dedicate it | especially to a new one, it should be welcome: therefore I dedicate it | ||
to his Magnificence Giuliano. Filippo Casavecchio has seen it; he will | to his Magnificence Giuliano. Filippo Casavecchio has seen it; he will | ||
be able to tell you what is in it, and of the discourses I have had | be able to tell you what is in it, and of the discourses I have had | ||
with him; nevertheless, I am still enriching and polishing it." | with him; nevertheless, I am still enriching and polishing it." | ||
The "little book" suffered many vicissitudes before attaining the form | The "little book" suffered many vicissitudes before attaining the form | ||
in which it has reached us. Various mental influences were at work | in which it has reached us. Various mental influences were at work | ||
during its composition; its title and patron were changed; and for | during its composition; its title and patron were changed; and for | ||
some unknown reason it was finally dedicated to Lorenzo de' Medici. | some unknown reason it was finally dedicated to Lorenzo de' Medici. | ||
Although Machiavelli discussed with Casavecchio whether it should be | Although Machiavelli discussed with Casavecchio whether it should be | ||
sent or presented in person to the patron, there is no evidence that | sent or presented in person to the patron, there is no evidence that | ||
Lorenzo ever received or even read it: he certainly never gave | Lorenzo ever received or even read it: he certainly never gave | ||
Machiavelli any employment. Although it was plagiarized during | Machiavelli any employment. Although it was plagiarized during | ||
Machiavelli's lifetime, "The Prince" was never published by him, and | Machiavelli's lifetime, "The Prince" was never published by him, and | ||
its text is still disputable. | its text is still disputable. | ||
Machiavelli concludes his letter to Vettori thus: "And as to this | Machiavelli concludes his letter to Vettori thus: "And as to this | ||
little thing , when it has been read it will be seen that | little thing , when it has been read it will be seen that | ||
during the fifteen years I have given to the study of statecraft I | during the fifteen years I have given to the study of statecraft I | ||
have neither slept nor idled; and men ought ever to desire to be | have neither slept nor idled; and men ought ever to desire to be | ||
served by one who has reaped experience at the expense of others. And | served by one who has reaped experience at the expense of others. And | ||
of my loyalty none could doubt, because having always kept faith I | of my loyalty none could doubt, because having always kept faith I | ||
could not now learn how to break it; for he who has been faithful and | could not now learn how to break it; for he who has been faithful and | ||
honest, as I have, cannot change his nature; and my poverty is a | honest, as I have, cannot change his nature; and my poverty is a | ||
witness to my honesty." | witness to my honesty." | ||
Before Machiavelli had got "The Prince" off his hands he commenced his | Before Machiavelli had got "The Prince" off his hands he commenced his | ||
"Discourse on the First Decade of Titus Livius," which should be read | "Discourse on the First Decade of Titus Livius," which should be read | ||
concurrently with "The Prince." These and several minor works occupied | concurrently with "The Prince." These and several minor works occupied | ||
him until the year 1518, when he accepted a small commission to look | him until the year 1518, when he accepted a small commission to look | ||
after the affairs of some Florentine merchants at Genoa. In 1519 the | after the affairs of some Florentine merchants at Genoa. In 1519 the | ||
Medicean rulers of Florence granted a few political concessions to her | Medicean rulers of Florence granted a few political concessions to her | ||
citizens, and Machiavelli with others was consulted upon a new | citizens, and Machiavelli with others was consulted upon a new | ||
constitution under which the Great Council was to be restored; but on | constitution under which the Great Council was to be restored; but on | ||
one pretext or another it was not promulgated. | one pretext or another it was not promulgated. | ||
In 1520 the Florentine merchants again had recourse to Machiavelli to | In 1520 the Florentine merchants again had recourse to Machiavelli to | ||
settle their difficulties with Lucca, but this year was chiefly | settle their difficulties with Lucca, but this year was chiefly | ||
remarkable for his re-entry into Florentine literary society, where he | remarkable for his re-entry into Florentine literary society, where he | ||
was much sought after, and also for the production of his "Art of | was much sought after, and also for the production of his "Art of | ||
War." It was in the same year that he received a commission at the | War." It was in the same year that he received a commission at the | ||
instance of Cardinal de' Medici to write the "History of Florence," a | instance of Cardinal de' Medici to write the "History of Florence," a | ||
task which occupied him until 1525. His return to popular favour may | task which occupied him until 1525. His return to popular favour may | ||
have determined the Medici to give him this employment, for an old | have determined the Medici to give him this employment, for an old | ||
writer observes that "an able statesman out of work, like a huge | writer observes that "an able statesman out of work, like a huge | ||
whale, will endeavour to overturn the ship unless he has an empty cask | whale, will endeavour to overturn the ship unless he has an empty cask | ||
to play with." | to play with." | ||
When the "History of Florence" was finished, Machiavelli took it to | When the "History of Florence" was finished, Machiavelli took it to | ||
Rome for presentation to his patron, Giuliano de' Medici, who had in | Rome for presentation to his patron, Giuliano de' Medici, who had in | ||
the meanwhile become pope under the title of Clement VII. It is | the meanwhile become pope under the title of Clement VII. It is | ||
somewhat remarkable that, as, in 1513, Machiavelli had written "The | somewhat remarkable that, as, in 1513, Machiavelli had written "The | ||
Prince" for the instruction of the Medici after they had just regained | Prince" for the instruction of the Medici after they had just regained | ||
power in Florence, so, in 1525, he dedicated the "History of Florence" | power in Florence, so, in 1525, he dedicated the "History of Florence" | ||
to the head of the family when its ruin was now at hand. In that year | to the head of the family when its ruin was now at hand. In that year | ||
the battle of Pavia destroyed the French rule in Italy, and left | the battle of Pavia destroyed the French rule in Italy, and left | ||
Francis I a prisoner in the hands of his great rival, Charles V. This | Francis I a prisoner in the hands of his great rival, Charles V. This | ||
was followed by the sack of Rome, upon the news of which the popular | was followed by the sack of Rome, upon the news of which the popular | ||
party at Florence threw off the yoke of the Medici, who were once more | party at Florence threw off the yoke of the Medici, who were once more | ||
banished. | banished. | ||
Machiavelli was absent from Florence at this time, but hastened his | Machiavelli was absent from Florence at this time, but hastened his | ||
return, hoping to secure his former office of secretary to the "Ten of | return, hoping to secure his former office of secretary to the "Ten of | ||
Liberty and Peace." Unhappily he was taken ill soon after he reached | Liberty and Peace." Unhappily he was taken ill soon after he reached | ||
Florence, where he died on 22nd June 1527. | Florence, where he died on 22nd June 1527. | ||
THE MAN AND HIS WORKS | THE MAN AND HIS WORKS | ||
No one can say where the bones of Machiavelli rest, but modern | No one can say where the bones of Machiavelli rest, but modern | ||
Florence has decreed him a stately cenotaph in Santa Croce, by the | Florence has decreed him a stately cenotaph in Santa Croce, by the | ||
side of her most famous sons; recognizing that, whatever other nations | side of her most famous sons; recognizing that, whatever other nations | ||
may have found in his works, Italy found in them the idea of her unity | may have found in his works, Italy found in them the idea of her unity | ||
and the germs of her renaissance among the nations of Europe. Whilst | and the germs of her renaissance among the nations of Europe. Whilst | ||
it is idle to protest against the world-wide and evil signification of | it is idle to protest against the world-wide and evil signification of | ||
his name, it may be pointed out that the harsh construction of his | his name, it may be pointed out that the harsh construction of his | ||
doctrine which this sinister reputation implies was unknown to his own | doctrine which this sinister reputation implies was unknown to his own | ||
day, and that the researches of recent times have enabled us to | day, and that the researches of recent times have enabled us to | ||
interpret him more reasonably. It is due to these inquiries that the | interpret him more reasonably. It is due to these inquiries that the | ||
shape of an "unholy necromancer," which so long haunted men's vision, | shape of an "unholy necromancer," which so long haunted men's vision, | ||
has begun to fade. | has begun to fade. | ||
Machiavelli was undoubtedly a man of great observation, acuteness, and | Machiavelli was undoubtedly a man of great observation, acuteness, and | ||
industry; noting with appreciative eye whatever passed before him, and | industry; noting with appreciative eye whatever passed before him, and | ||
with his supreme literary gift turning it to account in his enforced | with his supreme literary gift turning it to account in his enforced | ||
retirement from affairs. He does not present himself, nor is he | retirement from affairs. He does not present himself, nor is he | ||
depicted by his contemporaries, as a type of that rare combination, | depicted by his contemporaries, as a type of that rare combination, | ||
the successful statesman and author, for he appears to have been only | the successful statesman and author, for he appears to have been only | ||
moderately prosperous in his several embassies and political | moderately prosperous in his several embassies and political | ||
employments. He was misled by Catherina Sforza, ignored by Louis XII, | employments. He was misled by Catherina Sforza, ignored by Louis XII, | ||
overawed by Cesare Borgia; several of his embassies were quite barren | overawed by Cesare Borgia; several of his embassies were quite barren | ||
of results; his attempts to fortify Florence failed, and the soldiery | of results; his attempts to fortify Florence failed, and the soldiery | ||
that he raised astonished everybody by their cowardice. In the conduct | that he raised astonished everybody by their cowardice. In the conduct | ||
of his own affairs he was timid and time-serving; he dared not appear | of his own affairs he was timid and time-serving; he dared not appear | ||
by the side of Soderini, to whom he owed so much, for fear of | by the side of Soderini, to whom he owed so much, for fear of | ||
compromising himself; his connection with the Medici was open to | compromising himself; his connection with the Medici was open to | ||
suspicion, and Giuliano appears to have recognized his real forte when | suspicion, and Giuliano appears to have recognized his real forte when | ||
he set him to write the "History of Florence," rather than employ him | he set him to write the "History of Florence," rather than employ him | ||
in the state. And it is on the literary side of his character, and | in the state. And it is on the literary side of his character, and | ||
there alone, that we find no weakness and no failure. | there alone, that we find no weakness and no failure. | ||
Although the light of almost four centuries has been focused on "The | Although the light of almost four centuries has been focused on "The | ||
Prince," its problems are still debatable and interesting, because | Prince," its problems are still debatable and interesting, because | ||
they are the eternal problems between the ruled and their rulers. Such | they are the eternal problems between the ruled and their rulers. Such | ||
as they are, its ethics are those of Machiavelli's contemporaries; yet | as they are, its ethics are those of Machiavelli's contemporaries; yet | ||
they cannot be said to be out of date so long as the governments of | they cannot be said to be out of date so long as the governments of | ||
Europe rely on material rather than on moral forces. Its historical | Europe rely on material rather than on moral forces. Its historical | ||
incidents and personages become interesting by reason of the uses | incidents and personages become interesting by reason of the uses | ||
which Machiavelli makes of them to illustrate his theories of | which Machiavelli makes of them to illustrate his theories of | ||
government and conduct. | government and conduct. | ||
Leaving out of consideration those maxims of state which still furnish | Leaving out of consideration those maxims of state which still furnish | ||
some European and eastern statesmen with principles of action, "The | some European and eastern statesmen with principles of action, "The | ||
Prince" is bestrewn with truths that can be proved at every turn. Men | Prince" is bestrewn with truths that can be proved at every turn. Men | ||
are still the dupes of their simplicity and greed, as they were in the | are still the dupes of their simplicity and greed, as they were in the | ||
days of Alexander VI. The cloak of religion still conceals the vices | days of Alexander VI. The cloak of religion still conceals the vices | ||
which Machiavelli laid bare in the character of Ferdinand of Aragon. | which Machiavelli laid bare in the character of Ferdinand of Aragon. | ||
Men will not look at things as they really are, but as they wish them | Men will not look at things as they really are, but as they wish them | ||
to be--and are ruined. In politics there are no perfectly safe | to be--and are ruined. In politics there are no perfectly safe | ||
courses; prudence consists in choosing the least dangerous ones. Then | courses; prudence consists in choosing the least dangerous ones. Then | ||
--to pass to a higher plane--Machiavelli reiterates that, although | --to pass to a higher plane--Machiavelli reiterates that, although | ||
crimes may win an empire, they do not win glory. Necessary wars are | crimes may win an empire, they do not win glory. Necessary wars are | ||
just wars, and the arms of a nation are hallowed when it has no other | just wars, and the arms of a nation are hallowed when it has no other | ||
resource but to fight. | resource but to fight. | ||
It is the cry of a far later day than Machiavelli's that government | It is the cry of a far later day than Machiavelli's that government | ||
should be elevated into a living moral force, capable of inspiring the | should be elevated into a living moral force, capable of inspiring the | ||
people with a just recognition of the fundamental principles of | people with a just recognition of the fundamental principles of | ||
society; to this "high argument" "The Prince" contributes but little. | society; to this "high argument" "The Prince" contributes but little. | ||
Machiavelli always refused to write either of men or of governments | Machiavelli always refused to write either of men or of governments | ||
otherwise than as he found them, and he writes with such skill and | otherwise than as he found them, and he writes with such skill and | ||
insight that his work is of abiding value. But what invests "The | insight that his work is of abiding value. But what invests "The | ||
Prince" with more than a merely artistic or historical interest is the | Prince" with more than a merely artistic or historical interest is the | ||
incontrovertible truth that it deals with the great principles which | incontrovertible truth that it deals with the great principles which | ||
still guide nations and rulers in their relationship with each other | still guide nations and rulers in their relationship with each other | ||
and their neighbours. | and their neighbours. | ||
The following is a list of the works of Machiavelli: | The following is a list of the works of Machiavelli: | ||
Principal works. Discorso sopra le cose di Pisa, 1499; Del modo di | Principal works. Discorso sopra le cose di Pisa, 1499; Del modo di | ||
trattare i popoli della Valdichiana ribellati, 1502; Del modo tenuto | trattare i popoli della Valdichiana ribellati, 1502; Del modo tenuto | ||
dal duca Valentino nell' ammazzare Vitellozzo Vitelli, Oliverotto da | dal duca Valentino nell' ammazzare Vitellozzo Vitelli, Oliverotto da | ||
Fermo, etc., 1502; Discorso sopra la provisione del danaro, 1502; | Fermo, etc., 1502; Discorso sopra la provisione del danaro, 1502; | ||
Decennale primo (poem in terza rima), 1506; Ritratti delle cose dell' | Decennale primo (poem in terza rima), 1506; Ritratti delle cose dell' | ||
Alemagna, 1508-12; Decennale secondo, 1509; Ritratti delle cose di | Alemagna, 1508-12; Decennale secondo, 1509; Ritratti delle cose di | ||
Francia, 1510; Discorsi sopra la prima deca di T. Livio, 3 vols., | Francia, 1510; Discorsi sopra la prima deca di T. Livio, 3 vols., | ||
1512-17; Il Principe, 1513; Andria, comedy translated from Terence, | 1512-17; Il Principe, 1513; Andria, comedy translated from Terence, | ||
1513 (?); Mandragola, prose comedy in five acts, with prologue in | 1513 (?); Mandragola, prose comedy in five acts, with prologue in | ||
verse, 1513; Della lingua (dialogue), 1514; Clizia, comedy in prose, | verse, 1513; Della lingua (dialogue), 1514; Clizia, comedy in prose, | ||
1515 (?); Belfagor arcidiavolo (novel), 1515; Asino d'oro (poem in | 1515 (?); Belfagor arcidiavolo (novel), 1515; Asino d'oro (poem in | ||
terza rima), 1517; Dell' arte della guerra, 1519-20; Discorso sopra il | terza rima), 1517; Dell' arte della guerra, 1519-20; Discorso sopra il | ||
riformare lo stato di Firenze, 1520; Sommario delle cose della citta | riformare lo stato di Firenze, 1520; Sommario delle cose della citta | ||
di Lucca, 1520; Vita di Castruccio Castracani da Lucca, 1520; Istorie | di Lucca, 1520; Vita di Castruccio Castracani da Lucca, 1520; Istorie | ||
fiorentine, 8 books, 1521-5; Frammenti storici, 1525. | fiorentine, 8 books, 1521-5; Frammenti storici, 1525. | ||
Other poems include Sonetti, Canzoni, Ottave, and Canti | Other poems include Sonetti, Canzoni, Ottave, and Canti | ||
carnascialeschi. | carnascialeschi. | ||
Editions. Aldo, Venice, 1546; della Tertina, 1550; Cambiagi, Florence, | Editions. Aldo, Venice, 1546; della Tertina, 1550; Cambiagi, Florence, | ||
6 vols., 1782-5; dei Classici, Milan, 10 1813; Silvestri, 9 vols., | 6 vols., 1782-5; dei Classici, Milan, 10 1813; Silvestri, 9 vols., | ||
1820-2; Passerini, Fanfani, Milanesi, 6 vols. only published, 1873-7. | 1820-2; Passerini, Fanfani, Milanesi, 6 vols. only published, 1873-7. | ||
Minor works. Ed. F. L. Polidori, 1852; Lettere familiari, ed. E. | Minor works. Ed. F. L. Polidori, 1852; Lettere familiari, ed. E. | ||
Alvisi, 1883, 2 editions, one with excisions; Credited Writings, ed. | Alvisi, 1883, 2 editions, one with excisions; Credited Writings, ed. | ||
G. Canestrini, 1857; Letters to F. Vettori, see A. Ridolfi, Pensieri | G. Canestrini, 1857; Letters to F. Vettori, see A. Ridolfi, Pensieri | ||
intorno allo scopo di N. Machiavelli nel libro Il Principe, etc.; D. | intorno allo scopo di N. Machiavelli nel libro Il Principe, etc.; D. | ||
Ferrara, The Private Correspondence of Nicolo Machiavelli, 1929. | Ferrara, The Private Correspondence of Nicolo Machiavelli, 1929. | ||
Revision as of 18:12, 4 October 2001
Author of The Prince, a book which was supposed to be an instruction book for rulers. In it, he advocated the theory that whatever was expedient was good.
Niccolo Machiavelli, born at Florence on 3rd
May 1469. From 1494 to 1512 held an official
post at Florence which included diplomatic
missions to various European courts.
Imprisoned in Florence, 1512; later exiled and
returned to San Casciano. Died at Florence on
21st June 1527.
INTRODUCTION
Niccolo Machiavelli was born at Florence on 3rd May 1469. He was the
second son of Bernardo di Niccolo Machiavelli, a lawyer of some repute,
and of Bartolommea di Stefano Nelli, his wife. Both parents were
members of the old Florentine nobility.
His life falls naturally into three periods, each of which singularly
enough constitutes a distinct and important era in the history of
Florence. His youth was concurrent with the greatness of Florence as
an Italian power under the guidance of Lorenzo de' Medici, Il
Magnifico. The downfall of the Medici in Florence occurred in 1494, in
which year Machiavelli entered the public service. During his official
career Florence was free under the government of a Republic, which
lasted until 1512, when the Medici returned to power, and Machiavelli
lost his office. The Medici again ruled Florence from 1512 until 1527,
when they were once more driven out. This was the period of
Machiavelli's literary activity and increasing influence; but he died,
within a few weeks of the expulsion of the Medici, on 22nd June 1527,
in his fifty-eighth year, without having regained office.
YOUTH
Aet. 1-25--1469-94
Although there is little recorded of the youth of Machiavelli, the
Florence of those days is so well known that the early environment of
this representative citizen may be easily imagined. Florence has been
described as a city with two opposite currents of life, one directed
by the fervent and austere Savonarola, the other by the splendour-
loving Lorenzo. Savonarola's influence upon the young Machiavelli must
have been slight, for although at one time he wielded immense power
over the fortunes of Florence, he only furnished Machiavelli with a
subject of a gibe in "The Prince," where he is cited as an example of
an unarmed prophet who came to a bad end. Whereas the magnificence of
the Medicean rule during the life of Lorenzo appeared to have
impressed Machiavelli strongly, for he frequently recurs to it in his
writings, and it is to Lorenzo's grandson that he dedicates "The
Prince."
Machiavelli, in his "History of Florence," gives us a picture of the
young men among whom his youth was passed. He writes: "They were freer
than their forefathers in dress and living, and spent more in other
kinds of excesses, consuming their time and money in idleness, gaming,
and women; their chief aim was to appear well dressed and to speak
with wit and acuteness, whilst he who could wound others the most
cleverly was thought the wisest." In a letter to his son Guido,
Machiavelli shows why youth should avail itself of its opportunities
for study, and leads us to infer that his own youth had been so
occupied. He writes: "I have received your letter, which has given me
the greatest pleasure, especially because you tell me you are quite
restored in health, than which I could have no better news; for if God
grant life to you, and to me, I hope to make a good man of you if you
are willing to do your share." Then, writing of a new patron, he
continues: "This will turn out well for you, but it is necessary for
you to study; since, then, you have no longer the excuse of illness,
take pains to study letters and music, for you see what honour is done
to me for the little skill I have. Therefore, my son, if you wish to
please me, and to bring success and honour to yourself, do right and
study, because others will help you if you help yourself."
OFFICE
Aet. 25-43--1494-1512
The second period of Machiavelli's life was spent in the service of
the free Republic of Florence, which flourished, as stated above, from
the expulsion of the Medici in 1494 until their return in 1512. After
serving four years in one of the public offices he was appointed
Chancellor and Secretary to the Second Chancery, the Ten of Liberty
and Peace. Here we are on firm ground when dealing with the events of
Machiavelli's life, for during this time he took a leading part in the
affairs of the Republic, and we have its decrees, records, and
dispatches to guide us, as well as his own writings. A mere
recapitulation of a few of his transactions with the statesmen and
soldiers of his time gives a fair indication of his activities, and
supplies the sources from which he drew the experiences and characters
which illustrate "The Prince."
His first mission was in 1499 to Catherina Sforza, "my lady of Forli"
of "The Prince," from whose conduct and fate he drew the moral that it
is far better to earn the confidence of the people than to rely on
fortresses. This is a very noticeable principle in Machiavelli, and is
urged by him in many ways as a matter of vital importance to princes.
In 1500 he was sent to France to obtain terms from Louis XII for
continuing the war against Pisa: this king it was who, in his conduct
of affairs in Italy, committed the five capital errors in statecraft
summarized in "The Prince," and was consequently driven out. He, also,
it was who made the dissolution of his marriage a condition of support
to Pope Alexander VI; which leads Machiavelli to refer those who urge
that such promises should be kept to what he has written concerning
the faith of princes.
Machiavelli's public life was largely occupied with events arising out
of the ambitions of Pope Alexander VI and his son, Cesare Borgia, the
Duke Valentino, and these characters fill a large space of "The
Prince." Machiavelli never hesitates to cite the actions of the duke
for the benefit of usurpers who wish to keep the states they have
seized; he can, indeed, find no precepts to offer so good as the
pattern of Cesare Borgia's conduct, insomuch that Cesare is acclaimed
by some critics as the "hero" of "The Prince." Yet in "The Prince" the
duke is in point of fact cited as a type of the man who rises on the
fortune of others, and falls with them; who takes every course that
might be expected from a prudent man but the course which will save
him; who is prepared for all eventualities but the one which happens;
and who, when all his abilities fail to carry him through, exclaims
that it was not his fault, but an extraordinary and unforeseen
fatality.
On the death of Pius III, in 1503, Machiavelli was sent to Rome to
watch the election of his successor, and there he saw Cesare Borgia
cheated into allowing the choice of the College to fall on Giuliano
delle Rovere (Julius II), who was one of the cardinals that had most
reason to fear the duke. Machiavelli, when commenting on this
election, says that he who thinks new favours will cause great
personages to forget old injuries deceives himself. Julius did not
rest until he had ruined Cesare.
It was to Julius II that Machiavelli was sent in 1506, when that
pontiff was commencing his enterprise against Bologna; which he
brought to a successful issue, as he did many of his other adventures,
owing chiefly to his impetuous character. It is in reference to Pope
Julius that Machiavelli moralizes on the resemblance between Fortune
and women, and concludes that it is the bold rather than the cautious
man that will win and hold them both.
It is impossible to follow here the varying fortunes of the Italian
states, which in 1507 were controlled by France, Spain, and Germany,
with results that have lasted to our day; we are concerned with those
events, and with the three great actors in them, so far only as they
impinge on the personality of Machiavelli. He had several meetings
with Louis XII of France, and his estimate of that monarch's character
has already been alluded to. Machiavelli has painted Ferdinand of
Aragon as the man who accomplished great things under the cloak of
religion, but who in reality had no mercy, faith, humanity, or
integrity; and who, had he allowed himself to be influenced by such
motives, would have been ruined. The Emperor Maximilian was one of the
most interesting men of the age, and his character has been drawn by
many hands; but Machiavelli, who was an envoy at his court in 1507-8,
reveals the secret of his many failures when he describes him as a
secretive man, without force of character--ignoring the human agencies
necessary to carry his schemes into effect, and never insisting on the
fulfilment of his wishes.
The remaining years of Machiavelli's official career were filled with
events arising out of the League of Cambrai, made in 1508 between the
three great European powers already mentioned and the pope, with the
object of crushing the Venetian Republic. This result was attained in
the battle of Vaila, when Venice lost in one day all that she had won
in eight hundred years. Florence had a difficult part to play during
these events, complicated as they were by the feud which broke out
between the pope and the French, because friendship with France had
dictated the entire policy of the Republic. When, in 1511, Julius II
finally formed the Holy League against France, and with the assistance
of the Swiss drove the French out of Italy, Florence lay at the mercy
of the Pope, and had to submit to his terms, one of which was that the
Medici should be restored. The return of the Medici to Florence on 1st
September 1512, and the consequent fall of the Republic, was the
signal for the dismissal of Machiavelli and his friends, and thus put
an end to his public career, for, as we have seen, he died without
regaining office.
LITERATURE AND DEATH
Aet. 43-58--1512-27
On the return of the Medici, Machiavelli, who for a few weeks had
vainly hoped to retain his office under the new masters of Florence,
was dismissed by decree dated 7th November 1512. Shortly after this he
was accused of complicity in an abortive conspiracy against the
Medici, imprisoned, and put to the question by torture. The new
Medicean people, Leo X, procured his release, and he retired to his
small property at San Casciano, near Florence, where he devoted
himself to literature. In a letter to Francesco Vettori, dated 13th
December 1513, he has left a very interesting description of his life
at this period, which elucidates his methods and his motives in
writing "The Prince." After describing his daily occupations with his
family and neighbours, he writes: "The evening being come, I return
home and go to my study; at the entrance I pull off my peasant-
clothes, covered with dust and dirt, and put on my noble court dress,
and thus becomingly re-clothed I pass into the ancient courts of the
men of old, where, being lovingly received by them, I am fed with that
food which is mine alone; where I do not hesitate to speak with them,
and to ask for the reason of their actions, and they in their
benignity answer me; and for four hours I feel no weariness, I forget
every trouble, poverty does not dismay, death does not terrify me; I
am possessed entirely by those great men. And because Dante says:
Knowledge doth come of learning well retained,
Unfruitful else,
I have noted down what I have gained from their conversation, and have
composed a small work on 'Principalities,' where I pour myself out as
fully as I can in meditation on the subject, discussing what a
principality is, what kinds there are, how they can be acquired, how
they can be kept, why they are lost: and if any of my fancies ever
pleased you, this ought not to displease you: and to a prince,
especially to a new one, it should be welcome: therefore I dedicate it
to his Magnificence Giuliano. Filippo Casavecchio has seen it; he will
be able to tell you what is in it, and of the discourses I have had
with him; nevertheless, I am still enriching and polishing it."
The "little book" suffered many vicissitudes before attaining the form
in which it has reached us. Various mental influences were at work
during its composition; its title and patron were changed; and for
some unknown reason it was finally dedicated to Lorenzo de' Medici.
Although Machiavelli discussed with Casavecchio whether it should be
sent or presented in person to the patron, there is no evidence that
Lorenzo ever received or even read it: he certainly never gave
Machiavelli any employment. Although it was plagiarized during
Machiavelli's lifetime, "The Prince" was never published by him, and
its text is still disputable.
Machiavelli concludes his letter to Vettori thus: "And as to this
little thing , when it has been read it will be seen that
during the fifteen years I have given to the study of statecraft I
have neither slept nor idled; and men ought ever to desire to be
served by one who has reaped experience at the expense of others. And
of my loyalty none could doubt, because having always kept faith I
could not now learn how to break it; for he who has been faithful and
honest, as I have, cannot change his nature; and my poverty is a
witness to my honesty."
Before Machiavelli had got "The Prince" off his hands he commenced his
"Discourse on the First Decade of Titus Livius," which should be read
concurrently with "The Prince." These and several minor works occupied
him until the year 1518, when he accepted a small commission to look
after the affairs of some Florentine merchants at Genoa. In 1519 the
Medicean rulers of Florence granted a few political concessions to her
citizens, and Machiavelli with others was consulted upon a new
constitution under which the Great Council was to be restored; but on
one pretext or another it was not promulgated.
In 1520 the Florentine merchants again had recourse to Machiavelli to
settle their difficulties with Lucca, but this year was chiefly
remarkable for his re-entry into Florentine literary society, where he
was much sought after, and also for the production of his "Art of
War." It was in the same year that he received a commission at the
instance of Cardinal de' Medici to write the "History of Florence," a
task which occupied him until 1525. His return to popular favour may
have determined the Medici to give him this employment, for an old
writer observes that "an able statesman out of work, like a huge
whale, will endeavour to overturn the ship unless he has an empty cask
to play with."
When the "History of Florence" was finished, Machiavelli took it to
Rome for presentation to his patron, Giuliano de' Medici, who had in
the meanwhile become pope under the title of Clement VII. It is
somewhat remarkable that, as, in 1513, Machiavelli had written "The
Prince" for the instruction of the Medici after they had just regained
power in Florence, so, in 1525, he dedicated the "History of Florence"
to the head of the family when its ruin was now at hand. In that year
the battle of Pavia destroyed the French rule in Italy, and left
Francis I a prisoner in the hands of his great rival, Charles V. This
was followed by the sack of Rome, upon the news of which the popular
party at Florence threw off the yoke of the Medici, who were once more
banished.
Machiavelli was absent from Florence at this time, but hastened his
return, hoping to secure his former office of secretary to the "Ten of
Liberty and Peace." Unhappily he was taken ill soon after he reached
Florence, where he died on 22nd June 1527.
THE MAN AND HIS WORKS
No one can say where the bones of Machiavelli rest, but modern
Florence has decreed him a stately cenotaph in Santa Croce, by the
side of her most famous sons; recognizing that, whatever other nations
may have found in his works, Italy found in them the idea of her unity
and the germs of her renaissance among the nations of Europe. Whilst
it is idle to protest against the world-wide and evil signification of
his name, it may be pointed out that the harsh construction of his
doctrine which this sinister reputation implies was unknown to his own
day, and that the researches of recent times have enabled us to
interpret him more reasonably. It is due to these inquiries that the
shape of an "unholy necromancer," which so long haunted men's vision,
has begun to fade.
Machiavelli was undoubtedly a man of great observation, acuteness, and
industry; noting with appreciative eye whatever passed before him, and
with his supreme literary gift turning it to account in his enforced
retirement from affairs. He does not present himself, nor is he
depicted by his contemporaries, as a type of that rare combination,
the successful statesman and author, for he appears to have been only
moderately prosperous in his several embassies and political
employments. He was misled by Catherina Sforza, ignored by Louis XII,
overawed by Cesare Borgia; several of his embassies were quite barren
of results; his attempts to fortify Florence failed, and the soldiery
that he raised astonished everybody by their cowardice. In the conduct
of his own affairs he was timid and time-serving; he dared not appear
by the side of Soderini, to whom he owed so much, for fear of
compromising himself; his connection with the Medici was open to
suspicion, and Giuliano appears to have recognized his real forte when
he set him to write the "History of Florence," rather than employ him
in the state. And it is on the literary side of his character, and
there alone, that we find no weakness and no failure.
Although the light of almost four centuries has been focused on "The
Prince," its problems are still debatable and interesting, because
they are the eternal problems between the ruled and their rulers. Such
as they are, its ethics are those of Machiavelli's contemporaries; yet
they cannot be said to be out of date so long as the governments of
Europe rely on material rather than on moral forces. Its historical
incidents and personages become interesting by reason of the uses
which Machiavelli makes of them to illustrate his theories of
government and conduct.
Leaving out of consideration those maxims of state which still furnish
some European and eastern statesmen with principles of action, "The
Prince" is bestrewn with truths that can be proved at every turn. Men
are still the dupes of their simplicity and greed, as they were in the
days of Alexander VI. The cloak of religion still conceals the vices
which Machiavelli laid bare in the character of Ferdinand of Aragon.
Men will not look at things as they really are, but as they wish them
to be--and are ruined. In politics there are no perfectly safe
courses; prudence consists in choosing the least dangerous ones. Then
--to pass to a higher plane--Machiavelli reiterates that, although
crimes may win an empire, they do not win glory. Necessary wars are
just wars, and the arms of a nation are hallowed when it has no other
resource but to fight.
It is the cry of a far later day than Machiavelli's that government
should be elevated into a living moral force, capable of inspiring the
people with a just recognition of the fundamental principles of
society; to this "high argument" "The Prince" contributes but little.
Machiavelli always refused to write either of men or of governments
otherwise than as he found them, and he writes with such skill and
insight that his work is of abiding value. But what invests "The
Prince" with more than a merely artistic or historical interest is the
incontrovertible truth that it deals with the great principles which
still guide nations and rulers in their relationship with each other
and their neighbours.
The following is a list of the works of Machiavelli:
Principal works. Discorso sopra le cose di Pisa, 1499; Del modo di
trattare i popoli della Valdichiana ribellati, 1502; Del modo tenuto
dal duca Valentino nell' ammazzare Vitellozzo Vitelli, Oliverotto da
Fermo, etc., 1502; Discorso sopra la provisione del danaro, 1502;
Decennale primo (poem in terza rima), 1506; Ritratti delle cose dell'
Alemagna, 1508-12; Decennale secondo, 1509; Ritratti delle cose di
Francia, 1510; Discorsi sopra la prima deca di T. Livio, 3 vols.,
1512-17; Il Principe, 1513; Andria, comedy translated from Terence,
1513 (?); Mandragola, prose comedy in five acts, with prologue in
verse, 1513; Della lingua (dialogue), 1514; Clizia, comedy in prose,
1515 (?); Belfagor arcidiavolo (novel), 1515; Asino d'oro (poem in
terza rima), 1517; Dell' arte della guerra, 1519-20; Discorso sopra il
riformare lo stato di Firenze, 1520; Sommario delle cose della citta
di Lucca, 1520; Vita di Castruccio Castracani da Lucca, 1520; Istorie
fiorentine, 8 books, 1521-5; Frammenti storici, 1525.
Other poems include Sonetti, Canzoni, Ottave, and Canti
carnascialeschi.
Editions. Aldo, Venice, 1546; della Tertina, 1550; Cambiagi, Florence,
6 vols., 1782-5; dei Classici, Milan, 10 1813; Silvestri, 9 vols.,
1820-2; Passerini, Fanfani, Milanesi, 6 vols. only published, 1873-7.
Minor works. Ed. F. L. Polidori, 1852; Lettere familiari, ed. E.
Alvisi, 1883, 2 editions, one with excisions; Credited Writings, ed.
G. Canestrini, 1857; Letters to F. Vettori, see A. Ridolfi, Pensieri
intorno allo scopo di N. Machiavelli nel libro Il Principe, etc.; D.
Ferrara, The Private Correspondence of Nicolo Machiavelli, 1929.