Question 6 • CMS 2026-2027 English II CREDIT RECOVERY
Read the passage from chapter 17 of The Prince. Nevertheless he ought to be slow to believe and to act, nor should he himself show fear, but proceed in a temperate manner with prudence and humanity, so that too much confidence may not make him incautious and too much distrust render him intolerable. What meaning is emphasized by the words temperate , prudence , and humanity in the paragraph?
Answer
A
that princes are even harsher than Machiavelli describes
B
that weak rulers must learn to be frightening
C
that readers should not have sympathy for a prince
D
that a prince should only be cruel when necessary
Explanation
“Temperate,” “prudence,” and “humanity” suggest restraint, careful judgment, and compassion. The passage advises a prince not to become so confident that he acts carelessly or so distrustful that people cannot tolerate him. This supports the idea that a prince should use cruelty only when necessary, rather than rule through constant harshness.
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