Book One

a iii

...did it not seem that either your side must perish, or yield to the victor? This struggle had raised the minds of all Italians: and although the greatest part of men hoped for victory for you because of the difference in your life and morals, the outcome of the matter appeared doubtful to everyone. For it was the common opinion that he original: "illum"; referring to Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta (1417–1468), the Lord of Rimini and Federico's lifelong rival. possessed the greatest power of gold; he certainly had a flourishing army. He himself was recognized as a distinguished leader through many virtues in warfare and long experience. Concerning you, however, I shall say nothing—lest while I pursue the truth, I might seem to disparage him who, now deceased, cannot clear himself of the charges. Yet, both the fair and the unfair must admit that you, provoked by the injury of your adversary, descended unwillingly into this contest; and driven by the most just causes, you undertook the task with great counsel and accomplished it with even greater spirit.

Finally, you used victory so most mercifully Federico was famous for his "clementia," or mercy, a key trait of the ideal Renaissance prince. that all could now understand you preferred nothing more than peace—you who in war acted only with tranquility. You knew his two sons when they had come into your power: you consoled them with a long speech, raised them to a better hope, honored them with many gifts, and dismissed them unharmed, supported by many promises. Indeed, after their father’s death, you embraced the elder son with such affection that you even accepted him as your son-in-law; and whatever remained of his father's kingdom was defended and preserved for him under your leadership.

Rimini

For with what wisdom and what excellence of mind you liberated the city of Rimini original: "Ariminum" from a most difficult siege! You so overcame the strongest forces of the enemy that the greatest part of the soldiers were captured with their military standards, and all their baggage was plundered.

Alexander
Napoleone

At which time both Alexander Sforza Lord of Pesaro and an ally of Federico.—a leader distinguished in so many wars—and Napoleone Orsini—a man most celebrated among the leaders of soldiers—after they had resisted manfully for a long time, finally wounded, sought safety for themselves in flight. But these are a few examples out of many. For our age remembers in how many regions and in what diverse places and natures of terrain you fought with standards joined against various kinds of enemies; how many strong cities you besieged; how many besieged by enemies you liberated.

Fabius
Cato
Sertorius

In these matters, who ever found wanting either your counsel in foresight or your maturity in acting? For what did either Fabius Maximus, or the two Catos, or Sertorius—

Hannibal
Mithridates

—or even, to mention foreigners, Hannibal or Mithridates (the cunning of all of whom in conducting war is praised to the highest degree) ever devise more slyly, shrewdly, or cleverly against an enemy that escaped you in military affairs? Moreover, we have seen that endurance of labors has been the greatest praise for leaders in conducting business, when at the same time they perform the duty of both a supreme commander and a strenuous soldier.

Jugurtha

Such a man, to omit others, history records Gaius Marius to have been among the Romans, and Jugurtha I among the Numidians. Moreover, who doubts that the strength and vigor of the body has had such power in a commander that they often restored a situation already deeply lost?

Caesar
Scipios

Thus we read of both Julius Caesar and those two Scipios who, in Spain, after most famously conducting affairs, fell manfully.

Marcellus

Likewise Marcus Marcellus;

Leonidas
Themistocles

and among the Greeks, Leonidas the Spartan, Themistocles the Athenian,

Epaminondas

and Epaminondas the Theban, who by their own example and by being the first to expose themselves to dangers—