Multiple choice

I say at once there are few difficulties in holding hereditary states, and those that are long accustomed to the family of their prince, than new ones; for it is sufficient only not to transgress the customs of his ancestors, and to deal prudently with circumstances as they arise, for a prince of average powers to maintain himself in his state, unless he be deprived of it by some extraordinary and excessive force; and if he should be so deprived of it, whenever anything sinister happens to the usurper, he will regain it.

  1. there are few difficulties in holding hereditary states, and those that are long accustomed to the family of their prince, than new ones; for it is sufficient only not to transgress the customs of his ancestors, and to deal prudently with circumstances as they arise, for a prince of average powers to maintain himself in his state

  2. there are fewer difficulties in holding hereditary states, and those that are long accustomed to the family of their prince, than newer ones; for it is sufficient only not to transgress the customs of his ancestors, and to deal prudently with circumstances as they arise, for a prince of average powers to maintain himself in his state

  3. there are few difficulties in holding hereditary states, and those long accustomed to the family of their prince, than new ones; for it is sufficient not only to transgress the customs of his ancestors, and to deal prudently with circumstances as they arise, for a prince of average powers to maintain himself in his state

  4. there are fewer difficulties in holding hereditary states, and those long accustomed to the family of their prince, than new ones; for it is sufficient only not to transgress the customs of his ancestors, and to deal prudently with circumstances as they arise, for a prince of average powers to maintain himself in his state

  5. there are fewer difficulties in holding hereditary states, and those long accustomed to the family of their prince, than the newer ones; for it is sufficient not only to transgress the customs of his ancestors, but also to deal prudently with circumstances as they arise, for a prince of average powers to maintain himself in his state
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D Correct answer
Explanation

‘Fewer’ is the right construct as there is a comparison between the two types of states. ‘that are’ before long is redundant and hence not needed. ‘new’ before ‘ones’ does not need a comparative form as there is no comparison hence ‘newer’ is not needed. ‘only not’ is the right construct as it qualifies ‘to transgress’ where not only would take the meaning in an absolutely unrelated direction. Hence (4).

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