INTRIGUE LXXI. How a Prince should behave himself with a Contentions Neighbour more powerful than himself.

IT is very safe for a Prince, who is in danger of War with a Prince more potent than himself, to yield up what formerly he hath con∣quered, to him whose former Right it was, un∣less he be able to maintain all Quarrels, by force. Neither will it be inconvenient, in time of great danger, to buy a Peace with Money, or the loss of some Cities; for, besides that all the rest are secured, the shunning of a Bloody War, and the Enjoyment of a Happy Peace, make up all the loss. But it is more Honoura∣ble for a Prince, if he be able, to beat off an Page  118emulous Neighbour, turn'd to an open Enemy, in open Battle, by force of his own Arms, and the Assistance of his Allies; rather than that an Ambitious, Unsatisfied, Perfidious Prince, be∣come Master of his Dominions. And, that the Enemy may do as little Mischief as possible, it is necessary to hoard up the Provisions in Stores and Granaries. But, if the Event answer not Expectation, it is necessary, that giving over the Care of Villages, and small Towns; the whole power and strength of the Country be brought to some Two or Three strong fortified Places, till the Controversie be composed. For, under such Circumstances, there will not be so much need of an Army, as of Garrisons, to preserve what remaineth of Provisions and Re∣venues from the Hand of a Powerful and Cove∣tous Enemy.