210 APPENDIX.
culty to impede the enemy, and continue the war, 'so, when affairs were in a different and less arduous position, Scipio was appointed to termi- nate it; and hence we infer that an aristocratical •state continues longer, and in general is more fortunate, than a principality; for the former -may be considered as more pliable, and better able to conform themselves to the alterations of the times. A prince being confined from custom to one method, it is extremely difficult to persuade him to deviate from it, even though the alterations of the times call for and imperiously demand it. . Pierro Soderimi proceeded with great humanity and the utmost gentleness in all his acts; and both himself and his country were prosperous, whilst the moderation of the times demanded it; but, when they changed, and the necessity of adopting a different mode of conduct arrived, Pierro was at a loss, and himself and country were ruined. Although Pope Julius the Second, during the period of filling the papal chair, acted with the greatest promptitude and violence, yet such con- duct was agreeable to his times, and he prospered; but, had they changed, and consequently modera- tion been rendered necessary, he had certainly fallen a martyr to his principles, because he never would have complied. A twofold reason may be assigned why we cannot change our opinions and sentiments so frequently as the times vary; first,
