to cure but difficult todetect； but in the course of time； not having been either detected ortreated in the beginning； it bees easy to detect but difficult tocure。 Thus it happens in affairs of state； for when the evils that arisehave been foreseen （which it is only given to a wise man to see）； theycan be quickly redressed； but when； through not having been foreseen；they have been permitted to grow in a way that every one can see them。there is no longer a remedy。 Therefore； the Romans； foreseeing troubles；dealt with them at once； and； even to avoid a war； would not let theme to a head； for they knew that war is not to be avoided； but is onlyput off to the advantage of others； moreover they wished to fight withPhilip and Antiochus in Greece so as not to have to do it in Italy； theycould have avoided both； but this they did not wish； nor did that everplease them which is for ever in the mouths of the wise ones of ourtime：…… Let us enjoy the benefits of the time …… but rather the benefits oftheir own valour and prudence； for time drives everything before it； andis able to bring with it good as well as evil； and evil as well as good。But let us turn to France and inquire whether she has done any of thethings mentioned。 I will speak of Louis ＇XII＇ （and not of Charles＇VIII＇） as the one whose conduct is the better to be observed； he havingheld possession of Italy for the longest period； and you will see thathe has done the opposite to those things which ought to be done toretain