Non è differenza da i grandi, a gli uomini privati, mentre che dormono. - Giovanni Francesco Lottini

Translation: The stronger his fortresses, the more assiduous must the prince be in protecting them, for on no side does he incur greater risk than on that where he seems most secure.

Translation: Every State, as has been said, should desire peace, and should manifest that desire both in word and action, but with all that, in her military preparations she should show herself warlike, for peace unarmed is a feeble thing.

Translation: It is just as harmful to pluck an opportunity too green, as to leave it till it is over-ripe.