ether or not they conform in their methods to thespirit of the times。 This follows from what I have said； that two menworking differently bring about the same effect； and of two workingsimilarly； one attains his object and the other does not。Changes in estate also issue from this； for if； to one who governshimself with caution and patience； times and affairs converge in such away that his administration is successful； his fortune is made； but iftimes and affairs change； he is ruined if he does not change his courseof action。 But a man is not often found sufficiently circumspect to knowhow to acmodate himself to the change； both because he cannot deviatefrom what nature inclines him to； and also because； having alwaysprospered by acting in one way； he cannot be persuaded that it is wellto leave it； and； therefore； the cautious man； when it is time to turnadventurous； does not know how to do it； hence he is ruined； but had hechanged his conduct with the times fortune would not have changed。Pope Julius II went to work impetuously in all his affairs； and foundthe times and circumstances conform so well to that line of action thathe always met with success。 Consider his first enterprise againstBologna； Messer Giovanni Bentivogli being still alive。 The Veianswere not agreeable to it； nor was the King of Spain； and he had theenterprise still under discussion with the King of France； neverthelesshe personally entered upon the expedition with his accustomed boldnessand energy； a m