CHAP. XXXVII. (Book 37)
A judgment touching the Constancy and mutations and changes of Princely love and Benevolence. Felicity inexplicable and intricate; The Court starr.
THat a Courtier may rightly judge of the con∣stancy and permanency of the Prince's good will, towards him, it is not enough that he be knowing of the Princes Genius and disposition, and the Authority and power both of his friends and foes; he ought first throughly to weigh and consider the cause, which enkindled this love of the Prince towards him. For if that which was the cause should cease in us, or be found more valid and strong in another; doubtlesse the Prin∣ces affection towards us, will altogether cool; or at least be lessened.
2. It's sometimes difficult to divine, what the cause is for which thou art beloved; and as Auso∣nius sayes, This is a felicity, the reason whereof we cannot render. But ordinarily, this love of Prin∣ces ariseth, either from a similitude and likeness