Ined._ vol.i.p.

28) for an eloquent demonstration of the happiness, prosperity, and splendor conferred on the Italians by the independence of their several centers.

He is arguing against Machiavelli's lamentation over their failure to achieve national unity.
[2] This was the point urged by Machiavelli, in the _Principe_, the _Discorsi_, and the _Art of War_.

With keener political insight than Guicciardini, he perceived that the old felicity of Italy was about to fail her through the very independence of her local centers, which Guicciardini rightly recognized as the source of her unparalleled civilization and wealth.

The one thing needful in the shock with France and Spain was unity.
Without seeking to attack the whole problem of Italian history, two main topics must be briefly discussed in the present chapter before entering on the proper matter of this work.