Niccolò Machiavelli：The Prince, Excerpt 51

Therefore, a prince, not being able to exercise this virtue of liberality in such a way that it is recognized, except to his cost, if he is wise he ought not to fear the reputation of being mean, for in time he will come to be more considered than if liberal, seeing that with his economy his revenues are enough, that he can defend himself against all attacks, and is able to engage in enterprises without burdening his people; thus it comes to pass that he exercises liberality towards all from whom he does not take, who are numberless, and meanness towards those to whom he does not give, who are few.

Source： https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1232
Locator：Excerpt 51 · Verified：2026-10-19 · Verification：Short excerpt

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