第15部分(第1/7 页)
ether or not they conform in their methods to thespirit of the times。 This follows from what I have said; that two menworking differently bring about the same effect; and of two workingsimilarly; one attains his object and the other does not。Changes in estate also issue from this; for if; to one who governshimself with caution and patience; times and affairs converge in such away that his administration is successful; his fortune is made; but iftimes and affairs change; he is ruined if he does not change his courseof action。 But a man is not often found sufficiently circumspect to knowhow to acmodate himself to the change; both because he cannot deviatefrom what nature inclines him to; and also because; having alwaysprospered by acting in one way; he cannot be persuaded that it is wellto leave it; and; therefore; the cautious man; when it is time to turnadventurous; does not know how to do it; hence he is ruined; but had hechanged his conduct with the times fortune would not have changed。Pope Julius II went to work impetuously in all his affairs; and foundthe times and circumstances conform so well to that line of action thathe always met with success。 Consider his first enterprise againstBologna; Messer Giovanni Bentivogli being still alive。 The Veianswere not agreeable to it; nor was the King of Spain; and he had theenterprise still under discussion with the King of France; neverthelesshe personally entered upon the expedition with his accustomed boldnessand energy; a move which made Spain and the Veians stand irresoluteand passive; the latter from fear; the former from desire to recover allthe kingdom of Naples; on the other hand; he drew after him the King ofFrance; because that king; having observed the movement; and desiring tomake the Pope his friend so as to