What the lion cannot manage to do the fox can.

When the fox preaches, look to your geese

Even the lion has to defend himself against flies.

The fox provides for himself, but God provides for the lion.

If the lion was advised by the fox, he would be cunning.

A prince must imitate the fox and the lion, for the lion cannot protect himself from traps, and the fox cannot defend himself from wolves. One must therefore be a fox to recognize traps, and a lion to frighten wolves. Those that wish to be only lions do not understand this. Therefore, a prudent ruler ought not to keep faith when by so doing it would be against his interest, and when the reasons which made him bind himself no longer exist. If men were all good, this precept would not be a good one; but as they are bad, and would not observe their faith with you, so you are not bound to keep faith with them.