What is machiavelli’s primary purpose in writing this passage? to inform readers about the relationship between a prince and his servants to entertain readers with stories about masters and servants in italian city-states to provide readers with information about the duties and benefits of serving a prince to convince readers that a prince must choose a trustworthy servant to represent him.

The answer is to convince readers that a prince must choose a trustworthy servant to represent him

Explanation:  

Niccolo Machiavelli, the author of the revolutionary and controversial book, 'The Prince' wrote the passage stated in Chapter 22 to convince its readers that a prince must choose a trustworthy servant to represent him.

Machiavelli wrote that a servant is a representation or a reflection of what kind of person the prince is. He argued that although a servant is of no importance to a prince, his presence and traits will be a basis of forming an impression or an opinion about the prince.

For example, if a servant is faithful and capable, he will be known as a wise prince because he has the power and ability to make them loyal and competent. And the same goes if they are dishonest and inept, it will make him look a weak and incapable prince.