INTRIGUE LXXIII. How to compose Seditions by Intercessors.

IT is the drift of Factions, to stir up one part of the Government to clash against another, affording cause for it, on both sides: and when the Design is brought forth, in pro∣cess of time, both parties, or one begins to com∣mit Hostilities. Machiavel hath reduced the Remedies of Factions to three Heads, namely, The Reconciliation, the Death, or the Banish∣ment of the Heads of the Factions. But he hath not, with Subtility enough, distinguished the matter, which must therefore, be thus explained: First, When the divided Parties, on both sides, are reconciled to the Homage of their Prince, promising that they will stand to his Determination; the Prince must not side with one Party more than the other, but im∣partially weigh and crush their Feuds and Quar∣rels with equal Respect; and shew himself a common Father to them both; and according to Equity and Justice, compose their Contro∣sies. Then, after all is in Peace and Quiet, the Prince ought to confirm their Unity by Marriages, or some other such obliging Tyes, Page  122which naturally prompt to Affection and Love. But if the Controversies cannot be composed (the Factions being so inveterate one against another, that they cannot acquiesce to the for∣mer Determination) the Prince, by his absolute Authority, should lay his Commands, to make no mention of their old Quarrels, or else send from Court, the Head of the Factions, upon some Embassie, or some such pretence. But in this case, there is one caution to be observed, viz. That the Prince (as I have said) be not more byass'd to one side than the other, other∣ways a great many inconveniences will incur.