Book Three, The Example of Rome's Great Men, Salus Populi, Suprema Lex, Further Reflections Based on the Samnite Wars, The Preservation of Freedom in a Republic Summary and Analysis

Sections 40-42 review the authority of rulers. It is an important thing to employ fraud during war. A country should be defended, regardless of whether it produces ignominy or glory. It can be defended appropriately in any way at all. Promises that are force should not be maintained.

Sections 43-48 make some further observations based on the case of the Samnite Wars. First, Machiavelli claims that those born in one country tend to have similar characters throughout the history of the country. Achievements in war in many cases are brought about...