A Princely Dialogue

R: It is well met W__ for I have a question I would fain discuss with thee.
W: And I would willingly hear of it and speak my thought on't, and to let Reason carry it away, if I prove it not.
R: Think ye, then, as Machiavelli the foreigner, that a Prince should desire more to be feared than loved?
W: I know somewhat of what you speak. I dispute these Italian notions and say that love is stronger, and I will prove it.
R: I am eager to hear it.
W: Very well. We must first consider these Italians, for they are not like the English, and conspire and plot against their Princes continually.
R: 'Tis true enough. Their love of conspiracy is so profound, they have, in recent memory, conspired against our own Princes.
W: And this is the first fault. For when the Prince is gone, his policy, his State is vanished, torn in pieces by the wolves of his own pack.
R: I would not care to anticipate assassination at every moment. But, you have said that love is stronger, and have not proved it. Do not deny it.
W: Give me but a moment, do not press, and I will lay before you the second fault.
Think but a moment. For whom would ye lay down your life?
R: Certainly, I must needs imperil my body to preserve any lady from danger or injury.
W: Aye, those are the demands of chivalry. But think more specifically. There are those, by name, for whom you would die.
R: Assuredly.
W: Do you fear them? Nay, rather you love them. So, I say that love is stronger than fear.
R: But what of this: One can not be made to love, (the daily proof of which I have from the ladies of the Court), but one can be made to fear.
W: But where the Prince wields his power with justice and mercy, with wisdom and prudence, with nobility and honor, where the Prince is guided by these, he can not fail to be loved by his friends and feared by his enemies. For proof, I offer you our very own, Most Glorious Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, who is in no wise lacking any princely qualities, and yet is much loved.
R: Long Live the Queen!

Author's Notes

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