ABSTRACT
THE wickedest and worst habit of intermediaries is to scorn or try to preclude the truth. For men rightly believe that those who determine to act with no respect for law or judgment wish to destroy kingdoms, peoples, and cities rather than preserve them; whereas it would be better for them, most of all at the outset of wars, to tread down the roots of dissension than bring on a general disaster and crisis for the sake of private vengeance.
