"For among other evils caused by being disarmed, it renders you contemptible; which is one of those disgraceful things which a prince must guard against"

This quote means that being disarmed makes a person or a prince susceptible and weak, which can result in others disrespecting and looking down upon them. This is a disgraceful position for a prince or leader to be in and should be avoided at all expenses. Machiavelli thinks that a prince must preserve the appearance of strength and power to ensure the loyalty and affection of their topics.