How does the following line from paragraph 1 contribute to the development of ideas in the passage?: "Therefore a prince, so long as he keeps his subjects united and loyal, ought not to mind 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."
A. It emphasizes his point that sometimes leaders must be cruel to maintain order.
B. It suggests that leaders should do everything possible to avoid being labeled as cruel.
C. It introduces the argument that leaders who appear merciful are actually cruel at heart.
D. It highlights the idea that a leader only has to appear cruel but can, in truth, be merciful.​