Machiavelli discusses the relationship between cruelty, compassion, and the behavior of an effective prince. He returns to Cesare Borgia as an example of effective behavior. Cesare, states Machiavelli, ruled a prosperous and stable domain despite a reputation for cruelty.
An effective prince must try to gain a reputation for compassion but also be willing to be cruel when the stability of his domain calls for it. However, even when a situation requires cruelty, Machiavelli warns that the prince should not act too quickly. Even if a prince has a reputation for cruelty, Machiavelli claims that this will not lead to his downfall.
Whereas being cruel to the people is acceptable if it cannot be avoided, Machiavelli claims that being cruel as a military leader is indispensable. Being lenient toward soldiers can lead only to bad consequences, according to Machiavelli. To illustrate this, he gives the contrasting examples of the famous Carthaginian general Hannibal and the famous Roman general Scipio Africanus. Hannibal's troops endured great hardship under his command because they knew to disobey him meant death. In contrast, Scipio's armies disobeyed and mutinied because they knew that he was hesitant to punish them.
Answer:
The theme of the poem is:
B. Words of love are worthy of speaking anytime.
Explanation:
"In every deed shall mingle, love," says the speaker at the end of the poem. Love can intrude, can disrupt anything at anytime, because it is love. Even in one's sleep, even if one's dreaming, love is worth listening to. The speaker may be tired, sleepy, but he craves his muse's love, and so his words shall carry his feelings: "The lover's voice tonight shall flow."
Knowing my grandfather's made me realize how fortunate I am.
