On Princely Power

 

"It is incumbent upon a Prince, in any age, to choose his friends and confederates with wisdom and calmness for a ruler is judged, in no small part, by those who he has chosen as his companions and councilors.  
“A wise Prince also knows that his presence, in regalia, gives legitimacy to whatever feast, ceremony and court that he attends and, by extension, to those who are present.
“He must be ever cognizant that he can sacrifice the good will of his people in a single ill-considered act of recognition and support for one whom his people deem as an enemy. 
“The gift of legitimacy is amongst the most powerful that a Prince can bestow and, so, a discerning Prince should safeguard that gift, providing it only to those who are deserving of its high value. 
“And, therefore, the princely crown is a two-edged sword and a Prince must show care in his use of it lest he cast aside the love and good will of his people.  
“When faced with a choice between his own whims and the goodwill of the people, a prudent Prince should always choose his people."
- Machiavelli