Is the phrase the ends justify the means a useful summary of Machiavellis The Prince

In Machiavelli's 'The Prince' it would appear, at first, that Machiavelli is advancing the argument that 'the ends justify the means'. However, I am unsure that this is a useful summary of 'The Prince' and that it may be an over simplification and even a misunderstanding. 'The Prince' has been condemned for promoting fraud, force, and immorality in politics, justifying the use of evil means by a beneficial end. It has also been associated with …

…summary of 'The Prince'. It may, however, represent the ideas and values held by the monarchs/princes of the 16th century. It is not a useful summary as far as the judgement over whether to follow the 'cruel' or 'kind' way of 'statecraft' is not decided in 'The Prince', which simply shows that the most efficient/effective and easiest way for achieving this may well be through following a more cruel, deceptive and 'cunning' policy.