in morals, the act of dissembling, by fallacious appearances, or false pretensions. Good princes regard dissimulation as a necessary vice; but tyrants consider it as a virtue.

It is apparent that secrecy is often necessary, to oppose those who may be willing to circumvent our lawful intentions. But the necessity of precaution would become very rare, were no enterprises to be formed, but such as could be avowed openly. The frankness with which we could then act, would engage With respect to dissimulation, three things are to be observed: 1. That the characters of those are not to be esteemed, who are reserved and cautious without distinction. 2. Not to make secrets of unimportant matters. 3. To conduct ourselves in such manner, as to have as few secrets as possible.