DISCOURSES

OF NICOLO MACHIAVEL-

LI ON THE FIRST DECADE OF TITUS LIVIUS.

TO ZANOBI BUONDELMONTI AND COSIMO RUCELLAI,

BOOK ONE.

PREFACE.

An ornamental drop cap 'C' features a seated figure in a landscape with mountains and a building in the background.

Considering how much honor is granted to antiquity, and how many times—leaving aside many other examples—a small piece of an ancient statue has been purchased at a great price to have it near oneself, to honor one's house, and to have it imitated by those who delight in that art, who then strive with every industry to represent it in all their works; and seeing, on the other hand, the most virtuous actions which histories show us, which were performed by ancient Kingdoms, Republics, Kings, Captains, citizens, lawgivers, and others who have labored for their fatherland, being admired rather than imitated—nay, so much fled by everyone in every part that there remains no sign of that ancient uirtù virtue/prowess—I cannot help but wonder and grieve at this at the same time. And I do so all the more, as I see in the differences that arise