Note 564 — NEW ENGLISH CANAAN OR NEW CANAAN. (continued 3)
Reading edition
Machiavelli died in 1527, and The Prince was published in 1532. The reputation of the man and of the book were as well established in Morton’s day as they are now.
“Nick Machiavel had ne’er a trick, (Tho’ he gave his name to our old Nick.)” (Hudibras, p. III. can. i. lines 1313-4.)
This derivation is not accepted by the authorities. See Brewer’s Dict., p. 614.