L. XI. How did you govern my kingdom

L. XII. Quite differently from you. You made yourself feared, I made myself loved. You began by burdening the people; I relieved them, and I preferred their rest to the glory of conquering my enemies.

L. XI. Then you little knew the art of reigning. It is I who gave my successors boundless authority; it is I who broke up the leagues of princes and nobles; it is I who raised enonnous sums of money. I discovered other people's secrets; I knew how to conceal my own. Shrewdness, pride, and severity are the true maxims of government. I greatly fear you ruined my work by your weakness.

I. XII. The success of my maxims proved that yours were false and pernicious. I made myself beloved, I lived in peace without breaking my word, shedding blood, or ruining my people. Your memory is odious, mine is respected. In my lifetime people were loyal to me; since my death, they regret me and fear they will never again find so good a king. When generosity and honesty hâve such good results, one must indeed despise cruelty and cunning.