《君主论·第八章·以邪恶之道获得君权者》第2节
Agathocles, the Sicilian, became King of Syracuse not only from a private but from a low and abject position. This man, the son of a potter, through all the changes in his fortunes always led an infamous life. Nevertheless, he accompanied his infamies with so much ability of mind and body that, having devoted himself to the military profession, he rose through its ranks to be Praetor of Syracuse. Being established in that position, and having deliberately resolved to make himself prince and to seize by violence, without obligation to others, that which had been conceded to him by assent, he came to an understanding for this purpose with Amilcar, the Carthaginian, who, with his army, was fighting in Sicily. One morning he assembled the people and the senate of Syracuse, as if he had to discuss with them things relating to the Republic, and at a given signal the soldiers killed all the senators and the richest of the people; these dead, he seized and held the princedom of that city without any civil commotion. And although he was twice routed by the Carthaginians, and ultimately besieged, yet not only was he able to defend his city, but leaving part of his men for its defence, with the others he attacked Africa, and in a short time raised the siege of Syracuse. The Carthaginians, reduced to extreme necessity, were compelled to come to terms with Agathocles, and, leaving Sicily to him, had to be content with the possession of Africa. Agathocles the Sicilian, born 361 B.C., died 289 B.C.
注释摘要
在这一段里，马基雅维利要论证的是一种极端的夺权方式：一个原本毫无地位的私人，完全凭借自身的魄力与冷酷，通过一次精心策划的暴力行动夺取君主之位。他的第一个例子是古代叙拉古的阿加托克利斯。这个人的起点低得不能再低，是一个陶工的儿子，但他在军事上有着非凡的才能，一步步做到了叙拉古的最高军事长官。关键在于接下来的步骤——他不满足于被授予的权力，决心把城邦变成自己的…