《君主论·第二十一章·君主如何博得尊崇》第2节
Again, it much assists a prince to set unusual examples in internal affairs, similar to those which are related of Messer Bernabo da Milano, who, when he had the opportunity, by any one in civil life doing some extraordinary thing, either good or bad, would take some method of rewarding or punishing him, which would be much spoken about. And a prince ought, above all things, always endeavour in every action to gain for himself the reputation of being a great and remarkable man. A prince is also respected when he is either a true friend or a downright enemy, that is to say, when, without any reservation, he declares himself in favour of one party against the other; which course will always be more advantageous than standing neutral; because if two of your powerful neighbours come to blows, they are of such a character that, if one of them conquers, you have either to fear him or not. In either case it will always be more advantageous for you to declare yourself and to make war strenuously; because, in the first case, if you do not declare yourself, you will invariably fall a prey to the conqueror, to the pleasure and satisfaction of him who has been conquered, and you will have no reasons to offer, nor anything to protect or to shelter you. Because he who conquers does not want doubtful friends who will not aid him in the time of trial; and he who loses will not harbour you because you did not willingly, sword in hand, court his fate.
注释摘要
在这一段里，马基雅维利从两个层面来论述君主如何博得尊崇。首先，在内政上要树立非凡的赏罚范例，让人们口耳相传；其次，在外交上要果断选边，绝不中立。两件事指向同一个目标：让君主的形象在臣民和邻邦眼中显得重大而不可忽视。 他所举的内政例子是米兰的贝尔纳博·维斯孔蒂。此人是十四世纪米兰的领主，以残暴和出其不意的统治手法闻名。马基雅维利说他遇到市民做了什么非同寻常的…