Question

Read the passage from chapter 17 of The Prince.

Nevertheless he ought to be slow to believe and to act, nor should he himself show fear, but proceed in a temperate manner with prudence and humanity, so that too much confidence may not make him incautious and too much distrust render him intolerable.

What meaning is emphasized by the words temperate, prudence, and humanity in the paragraph?

that princes are even harsher than Machiavelli describes
that readers should not have sympathy for a prince
that a prince should only be cruel when necessary
that weak rulers must learn to be frightening

Answer 1

that a prince should only be cruel when necessary

These words stress moderation, wise caution, and compassion—i.e., the ruler should act humanely and only use harshness when absolutely required.