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led all the senators andthe richest of the people; these dead; he seized and held the princedomof that city without any civil motion。 And although he was twicerouted by the Carthaginians; and ultimately besieged; yet not only washe able to defend his city; but leaving part of his men for its defence;with the others he attacked Africa; and in a short time raised the siegeof Syracuse。 The Carthaginians; reduced to extreme necessity; werepelled to e to terms with Agathocles; and; leaving Sicily to him;had to be content with the possession of Africa。Therefore; he who considers the actions and the genius of this man willsee nothing; or little; which can be attributed to fortune; inasmuch ashe attained pre…eminence; as is shown above; not by the favour of anyone; but step by step in the military profession; which steps weregained with a thousand troubles and perils; and were afterwards boldlyheld by him with many hazards and dangers。 Yet it cannot be calledtalent to slay fellow…citizens; to deceive friends; to be without faith;without mercy; without religion; such methods may gain empire; but notglory。 Still; if the courage of Agathocles in entering into andextricating himself from dangers be considered; together with hisgreatness of mind in enduring overing hardships; it cannot be seenwhy he should be esteemed less than the most notable captain。Nevertheless; his barbarous cruelty and inhumanity with infinitewickednesses do not permit him to be celebrated among the most excellentmen。 What he achieved cannot be attributed either to fortune or togenius。In our times; during the rule of Alexander VI; Oliverotto da Fermo;having been left an orphan many years before; was brought up by hismaternal uncle; Giovanni Fogliani; and in the early days of his youthsent to fight under Paolo
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