Chapter 21 Summary

Great actions and great proofs of ability win a prince esteem. Ferdinand, King of Spain, went from a weak monarch to a mighty king through his bold deeds. He expelled the Marranos, attacked Africa, waged war in Italy, and is now at war with France - all in the name of religion. Ferdinand's deeds fill his people with wonder and keep them preoccupied. Each new action follows so quickly from the last that none of them have time for conspiracy.

A prince should strive to be seen as a man of great ability in each thing he does. Whenever someone does something exceedingly good or bad, he should reward or punish him in a way that causes public comment. A prince should be a true ally or a true enemy. He should always declare himself for or against two warring parties, or the...