Prologue

Those empowered by anointment are not inclined to survey their realms without delay, nor is it easy to traverse the length and breadth of the provinces in a short period. Yet this great deed is summarily toasted on occasion by the wise, and by no means may this toast be explained completely by the excessive pressures of stylistic expression. For what in human affairs is greater than princely government, whose duties in a certain manner encircle, complete and penetrate everything and which bears the troubles of the whole republic with its immovable strength? And as a result, the prince has scrutiny over his territory and he avoids delay in surveying it not only on account of his rank but also because of the composure with which the frivolities of all are to be scrutinised by the head of the republic. We will therefore concentrate upon the inspection of his body with moderate brevity, and we will moreover heed what Plutarch proposes about this matter. Subtracting the superstitions of the gentiles, there is validity in the judgments, in the excellent words and the sacred morals of so great a ruler as can readily be perceived in the commands of Trajan. Yet if anyone disputes Trajan's faith or morals, these could be ascribed to the times rather than to the man. If Virgil was permitted to acquire the gold of wisdom from the clay of Ennius, in what way is it hateful for us to share in our own learning from what is written by the gentiles?