Read the passage from chapter 17 of the prince.

therefore a prince, so long as he keeps his subjects united and loyal, ought not to remind the reproach of cruelty; because with a few examples he will be more merciful than those who, through too much mercy, allow disorders to arise, from which follow murders or robberies; for these are wont to injure the whole people, whilst those executions which originate with a prince offend the individual only.

which statement best summarizes the author’s claim?

a cruel prince risks robberies and murders.
a cruel prince may be better for his subjects in the long run.
a cruel prince should not mind having murders and robberies.
a cruel prince will always have subjects who work hard for him.