As far as the conflict between Esteria and Xenia we firmly recommend not to remain neutral as Machiavelli writes, “...revealing himself without any reservation in favor of one side against another. This policy is alway more advantageous than neutrality”(72). It is unquestionable that your armies are stronger and whoever you side with will come out victorious. We recommend, that you send your son with his armies to aide Xenia and defeat Esteria. Once Esteria has been defeated, Xenia will be completely at your mercy and eager to please you, “When the combatants are such that you need have no fear of the victor, there is all the more reason to support one side or the other...If you are the victors, your ally is at your mercy, and with your help