Nothing causes a prince to be so much esteemed as great enterprises. He may almost be termed a new prince, because from a weak king he has become for fame and glory the first king in Christendom. At the beginning, he assailed small states; and that enterprise was the foundation of his state. Meanwhile, he stealthily exerts authority. With the money of Church and people, he maintains his armies, and gains military power. Besides this, under the pretext of religion, he resorted to pious cruelty. Plus
