He calculates the exact amount of oppression which will render a nation incapable of resistance, and relieve the conqueror of trouble in his work of building up a puissant kingdom for his own aggrandizement.
[1] It is fair to call attention to the strong expressions used by Machiavelli in the _Discorsi_, lib.i.cap.18 and cap.

26, on the infamies and inhumanities to which the aspirant after tyranny is condemned.
What Machiavelli says about mixed principalities is pointed by a searching critique of the Italian policy of Louis XII.

The French king had well-known claims upon the Duchy of Milan, which the Venetians urged him to make good.

They proposed to unite forces and to divide the conquered province of Lombardy.

Machiavelli does not blame Louis for accepting this offer and acting in concert with the Republic.