becomes master of a city accustomed to freedom and does not destroy it, may expect to be destroyed by it (Machiavelli 17). Machiavellian thought is now known as the end justifies the means.To go along with this Renaissance political theory was the ideas presented by Polydore Vergil in Anglia Historia. Vergil wrote about Henry and announced what he believed Henry did correctly during his reign. After describing Henrys appearance and countenance, he addressed an aspect of his rule that coincided with Machiavellian ideas. Henry had two facets of his rule: one being a kind and just leader and the other being a force to be reckoned with. He treated those who did not pay him due honor or who were generous only with promiseswith harsh severity (WRW 243). Henry also vigorously punished violence, manslaughter and every other kind of wickedness whatsoever (WRW 244). Machiavelli proclaimed that the purpose of the prince was to retain their power and keep their kingdoms unified. The prince was not meant to be a model of virtue or code of behavior for his people, but simply to rule effectively. He recognized the imperfect state of humanity and chose to make the most of it by relating his ideas about the imperfect world. Machiavelli believed that for the good of the state, sometimes an effective prince had to abandon his morals at the door and do evil instead of good to get the job done. Machiavelli decreed that a ruler should ideally be both feared and loved, but it was difficult to attain both. He comes to the conclusion that the best kind of prince was mostly liberal, but mean in some instances. A prince who does not exhibit some meanness will eventually come to ruin because he does not hold the respect of the people.The other main theme of Machiavellis Prince was in regards to the inefficiencies revolving around social orders involving religion. The role of the Church played an important role because it was the definitive authority ...
