Chapter 24 Summary

The actions of a new prince are always closely watched. When a prince shows himself able to rule, he will win the loyalty of the men around him. When people find themselves in good circumstances, they will enjoy it without seeking anything more. If this prince does not neglect his duties, his people will defend him. He will thus gain double honor because he will have both acquired and secured his rule.

The rulers in Italy who lost their dominions all had the same defect. They either did not rely on their own armed forces, made the people hate them, or did not protect themselves from the nobility. Therefore, princes who lose their dominions should blame themselves and not fortune. They did not plan ahead and did not fight effectively for what is theirs. Such princes retreat instead of fighting, hoping that the...