1Since I have mentioned the gods, I shall best set up this example for a prince, by which he may shape himself: that he should be to his citizens such as he would wish the gods to be to him. 1Is it to our advantage, then, to have deities inexorable towards sins and errors, to our advantage that they be hostile even to the point of final destruction? 1And what king will be safe, and not have his limbs gathered up by the soothsayers? 2But if the gods, merciful and just, do not at once pursue the offences of the powerful with thunderbolts, how much more just is it for a man set over men to exercise his rule with a gentle mind, and to consider which state of the world is more pleasing to the eyes and more beautiful, on a calm and clear day, or when everything is shaken by repeated crashes and fires flash on this side and that!
2And yet the face of a peaceful and well-ordered rule is no different from that of a calm and shining sky. 3A cruel reign is turbulent and dark with shadows, among men who tremble and start in terror at a sudden sound, while not even he who throws everything into turmoil is unshaken. 3Private persons are more readily pardoned for avenging themselves stubbornly; 3for they can be hurt, and their resentment comes from an injury; 3besides, they fear contempt, and not to have repaid those who hurt them looks like weakness, not clemency; 3but he for whom vengeance is easy wins sure praise for gentleness by forgoing it. 4Those placed in a humble station are freer to use their fists, to go to law, to rush into a brawl and to indulge their anger; 4blows between equals are light; 4for a king even shouting and intemperate language are beneath his majesty.