It is in vain for princes, to take counsel concerning matters, if they take no counsel likewise concerning persons; for all matters are as dead images; and the life of the execution of affairs, resteth in the good choice of persons.

君主若只就事务征询意见，却不就人选征询意见，便是徒劳；因为事务本身如同静止的画像，执行的活力全在于选人得当。