The only chance Italy had of holding her own against the great powers of Europe was by union under a prince.

At the same time the Utopia of this union, with which he closes the _Principe_, could only be realized by such a combination as would either neutralize the power of the Church, or else gain the Pope for an ally by motives of interest.

Now at the period of the dedication of the _Principe_ to Lorenzo de' Medici, Leo X.was striving to found a principality in the states of the Church.[1] In 1516 he created his nephew Duke of Urbino, and it was thought that this was but a prelude to still further greatness.

Florence in combination with Rome might do much for Italy.

Leo meanwhile was still young, and his participation in the most ambitious schemes was to be expected.