be too far off to use the occasion for rising on his ruin. But although
this mean course, could we only follow it, were certainly the best, yet,
since I believe it to be impracticable, we must resort to the methods
above indicated, and either keep altogether aloof, or else cleave
closely to the prince. Whosoever does otherwise, if he be of great
station, lives in constant peril; nor will it avail him to say, "I
concern myself with nothing; I covet neither honours nor preferment;
my sole wish is to live a quiet and peaceful life." For such excuses,
though they be listened to, are not accepted; nor can any man of great
position, however much and sincerely he desire it, elect to live this
life of tranquillity since his professions will not be believed; so that
although he might be contented to be let alone, others will not suffer
him to be so. Wherefore, like Brutus, men must feign folly; and to play
the part effectively, and so as to please their prince, must say, do,
see, and praise things contrary to their inclinations.

But now, having spoken of the prudence shown by Brutus when he sought to
recover the freedom of Rome, let us next speak of the severity which he
used to maintain it.



CHAPTER III.--_That to preserve a newly acquired Freedom we must slay
the Sons of Brutus._

The severity used by Brutus in preserving for Rome the freedom he had
won for her, was not less necessary than useful. The spectacle of a
father sitting on the judgment, and not merely sentencing his own sons
to death, but being himself present at their execution, affords an
example rare in history. But those who study the records of ancient