Machivael's [sic] discourses upon the first decade of T. Livius, translated out of the Italian. To which is added his Prince. With some marginal animadversions noting and taxing his errors. By E.D.

CHAP. LVII.

The Common people united are strong and vigorous, but taken apart and separated, vile and con∣temptible.

MAny Romans (the countrey all about be∣ing much ruined and wasted upon the Frenchmens passage to Rome) were gone to dwell at Veyum, contrary to the appointment and order of the Senate; who, to remedy this disorder, commanded by their publique edicts, that every one within a set time, under a certain penalty, should return to inhabite at Rome. At which edicts at first, they against whom they were directed, scoffed; but after∣wards, when the time drew near that they were to obey, they all yielded their obedi∣ence. And Titus Livius uses * 1.1 these words: Of fierce that

they were all in general, each one out of his par∣ticular fear became obedient. And truly the nature of a multitude in this parti∣cular cannot better be laid open, than here in this Text it is shewed: for the multitude is many times very insolent in their speeches a∣gainst their Princes decrees. Afterwards when they see their punishment near and certain, not trusting to one another, they hasten all to obe∣dience; so that it plainly appears, that a man ought to have regard to the good or ill dispo∣sition of the people towards him; if it be good, to take such order that it may still continue; if ill, to provide so that it cannot hurt him. This is meant for those ill dispositions which the people have bred in them upon any other oc∣casion, than for the loss of their liberty, or for the love of their Prince, who is yet living. For the evil humors that arise from these causes are terrible beyond measure, and have need of great remedies to restrain them. Their other indispositions will be easy, when they have not made choyce of any heads, to whom they may have their recourse: for on oneside, there is not a more dreadfull thing, than a dissolute multitude, and without a head: and on the other side, there is nothing weaker then it; for though they have their weapons in their hands, yet will it be easy to reduce them, provided that thou canst avoyd the first shock of their furie: for when their rage is a little appeas'd and every one considers that he is to return again to his home, they begin then a little to doubt of themselves, and to take a care for their safety, either by flight or agreement. Therefore a multitude up in armes, desiring to escape these dangers, is to make ehoyce of

a head out of themselves who may direct them, keep them united, and provide for their de∣fence, as did the common people of Rome, when after the death of Verginia, they depar∣ted from Rome, and for their own preserva∣tions, they chose 20 Tribuns from among themselves: which if they do not, there all∣waies befalls them that which Titus Livius saies in his above written discourse, that joyntly together they are of strength and vigor; but when each one afterwards begins to advise of his own danger, they become weak and con∣temptible.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Ex ferocibus universis singt, metu suo obedientes fuere.