How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #10
What I can't see is any family the country could put its faith in right now if not your illustrious house, blessed as it is with fine qualities [virtù ] and fortune, favoured by God and the Church - actually running the Church, in fact - and hence well placed to lead Italy to redemption. (26.3)
Isn't this kind of the ultimate compliment? After all this talk about how virtù or fortune is not enough on its own, Machiavelli says that the Medicis have both virtù and fortune. No wonder he wants them to rule.