CHAP. XI.
'Tis not discretion to enter into strict amity with a Prince, whose reputation is greater than his strength.
THe Sidicins were in a great error to desire the assistance of the Campani against the Samnites, as being (by reason of their luxury) unable to assist them, but the error of the Capuans was greater, in not knowing their own weakness and incapacity to defend them: both their errors Livy has very well described in these words, Campani magis nomen in auxilium Sidicinorum, quam vires ad praesidium attulerunt; The Capuans made a great noise, but they brought no force to the relief of the Sidicins.
And here it is not unseasonable to consider, that the leagues which are made with Prin∣ces whose distance is too great, or power too little to relieve one, are more honourable than safe, and give more reputation than security to the person that desires them. This was experienced by the Florentines in the year 1489, when the Pope and King of Naples in∣vaded them; for they were at that time confederate with the King of France, yet they had more reputation than assistance thereby. The same would happen likewise to such of the Italian Princes as should confederate with Maximilian the Emperor, and in confi∣dence of his alliance, undertake any great enterprize, because that alliance would be one of those that bring more reputation than relief. So then, as it was a great error in the Ca∣puans, when they were unable to defend themselves, to undertake the protection of the Sidicins, so it is and will be the same in whoever follows their example. It was the same case with the Tarentini, who would needs interpose betwixt the Samnites and the Ro∣mans, to mediate a peace: for when both Romans and Samnites were in the field, and their Armies preparing for an engagement, the Tarentini sent Embassadors to the Consul, to let him know from the Senate of the Tarentini, that they would have peace betwixt them and the Samnites, and that they were resolved to take Arms against them which refused it. But the Consul smiling at their imprudence, in the presence of the said Embassadors, caused a charge to be sounded, and immediately marching his Army against the enemy, he let them see by his proceedings what answer they deserved.
Thus you have seen to what errors Princes are subject, who undertake the protection of other States; I shall now in the next Chapter remonstrate what ways are most convenient for their own proper defence.