ost active of any.

Rightly, therefore, may we conclude that in sending forth an army upon
service, it is wiser to entrust it to one man of ordinary prudence, than
to two of great parts but with a divided command.

CHAPTER XVI.--_That in Times of Difficulty true Worth is sought after;
whereas in quiet Times it is not the most deserving, but those who are
recommended by Wealth or Connection who are most in favour._

It always has happened and always will, that the great and admirable men
of a republic are neglected in peaceful times; because at such seasons
many citizens are found, who, envying the reputation these men have
justly earned, seek to be regarded not merely as their equals but as
their superiors. Touching this there is a notable passage in Thucydides,
the Greek historian, where he tells how the republic of Athens coming
victorious out of the Peloponessian war, wherein she had bridled the
pride of Sparta, and brought almost the whole of Greece under her
authority, was encouraged by the greatness of her renown to propose to
herself the conquest of Sicily. In Athens this scheme was much debated,
Alcibiades and certain others who had the public welfare very little in
their thoughts, but who hoped that the enterprise, were they placed in
command, might minister to their fame, recommending that it should be
undertaken. Nicias, on the other hand, one of the best esteemed of the
Athenian citizens, was against it, and in addressing the people, gave it
as the strongest reason for trusting his advice, that in advising them
not to engage in this war, he urged what was not for his own advantage;
for he knew that while Athens remained at peace numberless citizens were
ready to take precedence of him: whereas, were war declared, he was
certain that none would rank before him or even be looked upon as his
equal.

Here we see that in tranquil times republics are subject to the
infirmity of lightly esteeming their worthiest citizens. And this
offends these persons for two reasons: first, because they are not given
the place they deserve; and second, because they see unworthy men and of
abilities inferior to their own, as much or more considered than they.
Injustice such as this has caused the ruin of many republics. For
citizens who find themselves undeservedly slighted, and perceive the
cause to be that the times are tranquil and not troubled, will strive to
change the times by stirring up wars hurtful to the public we