NICOLAS MACHIAVELLI

Hokitika Guardian, 17 May 1929, Page 7

NICOLAS MACHIAVELLI

One of the most picturesque celebri ties born in tiie month of May was Nicholas Maehiavelli. He was. born ii Florence on May 3, 1469. Although his parents were not wealthy, Nicolas was given a liberal education. When twenty-nine years of age he was ap pointed secretary to the Ten, or Com mittee of Foreign Affairs, for the Florentine Republic. He soon made hi; mark, and from time to time ho wn; sent on various and important diplo matic missions to the courts and camp> .if doubtful allies, and sometimes evei yf enemies. With the aid of Spanish soldiers the Florentine Governmenf was overthrown in 1512, and Machiavelli "-as thrown into prison and tor tured. He’ was pardoned and retired for some years to the country, where lie commenced writing his now cele •lirated '.work, “ The Prjiice,” Ayhitih, however;-wjns. not, 1 ; published until fjve years after his death'. ; It., .was t|ii; hook, by the way, .which clothed hit name with obloquy oil account of it; •jack of' principle in'.blatters of statecraft. Maehiavelli was subsequently restored to favour, and his diplomatic gifts were used 1 to spine purpose. Aftei having acted as spy on the Emperor Charles 'V-.’s • movements during his descent upon Italy, he took ill and ; died on June 22, 1527. He "was then fifty-eight' years of age. He was buried in the Church’ of Santa Croce, where ir 1787 Earl Cowper erected a monument •to his memory.