Quote of the Day, “History Doesn’t Always Repeat Herself*…” edition.

Ahem.

The mercenary captains are either capable men or they are not; if they are, you cannot trust them, because they always aspire to their own greatness, either by oppressing you, who are their master, or others contrary to your intentions; but if the captain is not skillful, you are ruined in the usual way.

Niccolo Machiavelli, The Prince, Chapter XII.

*”…sometimes she screams, ‘Why won’t anybody ever LISTEN to what I’m SAYING?’ and then lets fly with a club.” I had that on a button, once: I wonder whatever happened to it.