The Prince: Chapter 26 Summary & Analysis

In his final chapter, Machiavelli considers the state of present-day Italy. Pondering whether conditions in Italy would favor a "prudent and capable" prince's efforts "to introduce a new order," Machiavelli affirmatively answers, "I cannot imagine there ever was a time more suitable than the present." Citing ancient examples of oppression, Machiavelli writes that Italy "had to be brought to her present extremity" so that its people could "discover the worth of an Italian spirit." Machiavelli states that it was necessary for Italy to endure "every kind of desolation," becoming "leaderless, lawless, crushed, despoiled, torn, [and] overrun."

Machiavelli cites an unnamed leader [Cesare Borgia] that some believed "was ordained by God to redeem" Italy. Nonetheless, fortune "rejected" Borgia. Thus, "Italy is waiting" for a ruler to "heal her wounds." Machiavelli expresses that Italians are "eager . . . to follow a banner, if only someone will raise it." Machiavelli contends that the country's greatest hope rests in the "illustrious House" of his dedicatee, Lorenzo dé Medici. Machiavelli asserts that the Medici family, "with its fortune and prowess," is "favored by God and by the Church, of which it is now the head." Machiavelli argues that the Medici can easily "lead Italy to her salvation" if they heed his lessons. Machiavelli states, "There is great justice in our cause," explaining that the people's support will render the task easier. While God will perform "wonders" to aid Lorenzo's effort, Machiavelli declares, "The rest is up to you [Lorenzo]."

Machiavelli explains that earlier Italian leaders failed to bring order to the peninsula due to their reliance on misguided "old military systems." Machiavelli reemphasizes his previous point that "nothing brings a man greater honor than the new laws and new institutions he establishes," which earn him respect and admiration if they are "soundly based." Machiavelli argues that Italians "are superior in strength, in skill, [and] in inventiveness" when compared with other powers, although their armies "do not compare" to others due to "the weakness of the leaders." Citing recent military defeats, Machiavelli writes that all-Italian armies suffer from the lack of a competent leader who can "dominate the others by his prowess and good fortune."

To achieve honor and glory, Machiavelli declares that it is necessary for the Medici, "before all else," to create "a citizen army." Machiavelli emphasizes the importance of basing "our defense against the invaders on Italian strength." While Machiavelli concedes that hostile Swiss and Spanish troops present a "formidable" challenge, he argues that an all-Italian army could "be sure of conquering." Highlighting the faults of Italy's foes, Machiavelli declares, "The Spaniards cannot withstand cavalry, and the Swiss have cause to fear infantrymen who meet them in combat with a determination equal to their own." Learning from "the defects" of these forces, Machiavelli states that Italians can raise new armies and employ novel battle formations. These reforms would bring Lorenzo "greatness and prestige."

In conclusion, Machiavelli urges Lorenzo to take advantage of this unique "opportunity" to unify Italy. Machiavelli describes the "resolute loyalty" and "love" with which Italy's "savior" would be rewarded. Referencing the "barbarous tyranny" of Italy's invaders and conquerors, Machiavelli asserts that Italians would greet Lorenzo's success with undying "allegiance" and "obedience." Machiavelli pleads, "Let your illustrious House undertake this task …. so that, under your standard, our country may be ennobled." Machiavelli encourages Lorenzo to fulfill Petrarch's prophecy of Italian resurgence. Machiavelli ends with Petrarch's proclamation: "For th' old Romane valour is not dead, / Nor in th' Italians brests extinguished [sic]."