On the Magistrates and Republic of Venice

without appetite: as if he were saying a mind pure, clear, and uninfected by the diseases of the emotions. From which it may be perceived by any man, even one of slower wit, that that which we said above is most appropriate and excellent is achieved: namely, that a certain power more divine than man should moderate and rule the gatherings of men. But if a man is placed in charge of this duty of governance—since those endowed with both prudence and probity are very rare, and since men often err in judgment due to the force of their mental emotions, and are especially led away from the right judgment of the mind—the matter will proceed not without great disturbance and immense danger. Even if it were possible to find a man so wise, honest, and tenacious of purpose that no disturbance of mind could recall him from his duty, the rule of a man would by no means be desired over the rule of laws, since he, endowed with a mortal and fragile nature, could not perform that duty for long, whereas laws can attain (if I may so speak) an eternity. From these things, I am now persuaded