Machiavelli's Principles of Prudence

"If you really want to live in this world and live well," Machiavelli says, "you have to be willing to adapt." He goes through a list of 10 or 11 qualities that Prince has reputed to have. And the only quality that he seems to think the Prince ought always to have period is prudence. The book abounds with examples of Prince's executing people,. uh, fratricides, right?