The preceptes of warre, setforth [sic] by Iames the erle of Purlilia, and tra[n]slated into englysh by Peter Betham

The preceptes of warre , setforth by James the erle of Purlilia , and translated into englysh by Peter Betham .

1544.

Though peace be a vertue , that vertues do the excell . yet mayst thou boldely fyght , in a iuste quarell .

The Epistle . To the ryghte honourable syr Thomas Audeleye knyght , lorde Audeley of Walden , and lorde Chauncelour of Englande , Peter Betham wisheth health and continuaunce of honour

SOme men peraduenture ( right honourable lorde ) wyll thynke me blame worthie , bycause I haue presented thys translation to the handes of your lordshyppe rather then to some actyue and valyaunt capitayne , whose prowesse is wytnessed by his martiall affayres , and bolde enterprises , which also is thought in some mens opynyon by dutye to haue the patronage of all those thynges that appertayne to knyghthode and chiualry . Euen as Lawe wyghtes and Philosophers , which take to theyr selues the perfect knowledge of thynges , are iudged amonge all other men ( althoughe there be some men , whose iudgement is no lesse allowable ) mooste worthye , of whome in maters doubtfull , we ought to aske counsayle , and those men ben estemed vnwise whych debate suche causes with other , then wyth them , syth they haue professed that knowledge : Yet to those whych weye thynges by the outewarde face , breuely I wyl make this answere . Lyke as there be many men whych although they haue not theyr beerdes longe , their lockes lyinge on theyr shoulders , ne be clothed with the robes of a philosopher yet for theyr hygh knowledge , they are not vnworthy that name . Euen so there be amonge noble men , that be worthye to haue the praysefull name of a capytayne , not for theyr brode shoulders , out sette brestes , and knyghtlye feates : But for theyr wysedome , conueyaunce , and watchefull foreseinge of all suche thynges , whych by any meanes maye anoie or ouerwhelme the state of the common wealth . For the strength of the bodye is not to be matched wyth wytfulnesse and fyne vnderstandynge . And that cytye is not best defenced whyche is inuyronned wyth stronge walles , and warded with fortresses of bulworkes , trenches , and suche other lyke , but that whyche wyth wyse counsaylours is proptvp and strengthed .

Also ryght honourable lorde , lyke as Cicero whyche was chosen Consull in the ciuyle and inwarde ruffelyng , by the free consente of good men , was worthely called the father of theyr countrye , defendour of theyr cytye , and mayntayner of theyr liberties , not for his valyauntnesse in warrely dedes , and that he was the graunde capytayne to leade the Romayne power agaynste Catilyne , and hys mooste wycked fellowes , but that throughe hys endeuoure and carefulle dylygence , he saued the cytye of Rome from fyre , the virgyns and wyues from rauyshyng , and the temples from spoyling , the Senatours from slaughter , and thoughtlesse for hys owne lyfe , vanquyshed the cursed conspiracye of Catiline , with the whole route of so many brainsyke hopelostes , whych were alied vnto hym . Thys was not done by hys stoute fyghtynge , but by hys dilygente carefulnesse & swete orations : by whiche he brought to passe all hys attemptates and affayers . Euen so ryght honourable lorde , you beyng chosen to this hygh offyce , whyche by you is setteforth and honested , haue bothe in inwarde commotions , and outward warres , shewed your endeuour to defende this royalme , as well from the bloodsheddynge and slaughter of it selfe , as from the entryes of forayne enemyes , not that you dydde beare harnesse on youre backe , lodge in the campe , and leade an armye , but that by your aduyse and counsayle , such thinges haue ben decreed : suche enterpryses fynysshed , and weyghtye matters concluded , that thys royalme hath flourysshed , all thynges haue luckely chaunced and oure enemyes on euerye parte subdued . This your lordshyppes wysdome vnder oure moost gracyous , noble , and soueraygne prynce Kynge Henrye the tyght , by your swete and pleasaunte orations , haue opened and broughte to passe suche thynges amonge other the honourable senatours , auncient fathers and worthye counsaylours of this royalme , whyche haue auaunced the common profyte , enlarged the marches of this lande , and brought vnder to thys daye all our enemyes . Wherfore the famous and worthye name of a capytayne in suche one as you be , rather then in any other is prayseable , in whome so many vertues be linked : whyche you haue gotten by paynefulnesse , paynefulnesse hath purchased you great renoume , renoume hath auaunced you to honour , honour hath made manye to folowe you , whych folowers with most prayse , do treade the , footesteppes of so auncient and wytfull a capytayne .

Furthermore yf we cal to remembraunce the Grekes and Troians , and searche whych of them deserued greatest prayse in that longe battayle ( amonge whome the feates of chiualrie were moost vsed ) we shall sone se that wysdome had euer the hyghest prayse . For Vlisses bothe of Homere and other wryters , was moche more praysed then eyther was Achilles or Aiax , whyche both in strength passed all other . For howe many thinges were conueyed by Vlisses wysedome , whych the puissaunce of Achilles , the strength of Aiax , the fersenesse of Diomede could neuer brynge to passe , ne ones attouche Who was ambassadoure to Achilles ? Vlisses . Who plucked the Grekes from flyght ? Vlisses . Who caused the death of Rhesus ? Vlisses . Who was the destruction of Troye ? Vlisses : whyche all were doone by wysedome , and not by strength of the bodye . For strength stryketh , wysdome refrayneth , strength feareth no perils , wisdome stayeth , strength is rasshe and foolehardye , wysedome is bolde and puissaunt , whyche alone doth shape and worke all thynges past mans iudgement , for which cause in the frame of mans body she is set in the hyest place Wysdome also is lykened to the goddesse Pallas , whyche as well among the wil les of the goddes as mens doynges doth decise all thynges . Thys ladye was of the grekes partye , whyche euer was at hande wyth Vlisses in all weyghty and dowbtefulle matters by whose helpe he waded thorough owte all ieoperdyes , whych mought haue ben noyouse to the whole armye of the grecians .

Thys one ladye doth guyde al magistrates as well in tyme of warre , as of peace . Thys lady in all common weales doeth lyfte vp one , to ben as a shynynge starre , & a pure bright glasse , that in one she maye shewe forth her hye gyftes , as appeareth by one Annibal , whych by wysdome dydde almoste caste downe the romayne empyre , breke theyr force , & darken the renoume of the noble Senators whych beyng lordes ouer all the worlde in strengthe coulde neuer be matched with anye forayne prince , but wyth thys one Anniball whome wysedome dyd guyde . Whyche also dyd welknowe that wysedome woulde mayster strength .

Nowe ryghte honorable lorde , none vpryght reader can blame me , that wisdome is so set alofte , & enhaunced , which so moche surmounteth strengthe , whan greater renoume , is due to the polytike counsaylour , then to the stronge man of armes . Whyche thynge is daylye seen in our warres , & in the noble capytayns of thys realme , whose straunge sleightes and feates of warre , yf any man wyl go abowte to brynge togyther , and make a booke therof : he shulde playnely shewe that the youthe of Englande doth so florysshe in warlye knoweleage that they passe all other bothe Grekes & Romans to thys daye . Thus whan the laude of chyualdrye , doeth so clerelye shyne in a wyse counsaylour : I shall desyre youre lordeshyppe to take in good worth thys my simple doynge , in whyche I haue done my diligence to content your lorde shyppe and satisfy the nobilitye and gentrye of Englande , as well in the termes as in the sentences , whome I do moste hartelye wysshe , that thys translation maye please , the whyche to reade theye shall be the rather drawen , whan that thynge shal be taught here in lessons , the which is shewed to be done in dede , in the booke of Iulius Frontinus , whyche is translated by the well learned Morison a man of swete and eloquent spekynge , so that the feates of war there done and tolde by hystories , doo proue these precepts of chyualdrye , for the most parte in euerye place . That booke is worthye to be red of all them that be chyualdrous , and couette to wynne renoume in warfare , whych is wyth feate termes adourned , to the euerlyuyng prayse of the translatour . I se it tyme to make an end , lest my epistle waxe ouermoch , yet I wil be bolde vnder your lordeshyppes licence , somethyng to wander from my fyrst mattyer , and to speake a lytle of the translatours of thys age , whych after my pore iudgement do marre and misframe our englysshe tounge , through theyr termes vnnedefullye borowed of other languages . For lyke as the carpenter that goth abowte hys worke , doth occupye for the most parte hys owne instrumentes , and hath lytle nede to borowe of anye other craftesman : So I thynke that all translatours ought to vse the vsuall termes of our englysshe tounge , which of it selfe is ryche and plentyfull and not to breke wythout all iudgemente in to the boundes of the latyn tounge , to steale termes of it , as yf our englyshe tounge had not in hymselfe suffysaunce of woordes , to set fourth all our speakynges . But suche men as do vnaduisedly desyre other tong termes , woulde be taken ( to my indgement ) as authours of our woordes , therby to enlarge our language ( whyche rather they do make poore and barrayne ) so that manye good mattyers be dusked and defaced , wyth theyr newe borowed ynkehorne termes , and the common people of Englande , do not vnderstand the wrytynges ne yet the speache of them , fortheyr trycke termes of theyr owne brayn shaped .

These men thinke all theyr owne doynges woorthye greatest prayse whan that but some of them be well done .

Yet lette no man thyncke , that I doo damne all vsuall termes borowed of other tounges , whan I doo well knowe that one tounge is interlaced with an other . But nowe to be shorte , I take them beste englyshe men , which folowe Chauter , and other olde wryters , in whyche studye the nobles and gentle men of Englande , are worthye to be praysed , whan they endeuoure to brynge agayne to his owne clennes oure englysshe tounge , & playnelye to speake wyth our owne termes , as our others dyd before vs , which men I coulde reherce by name , but that I shulde be thought to flatter . The dead I maye well prayse .

Wyate was a worthye floure of our tounge , as appereth by the mornefulle ballet made of hys death in Englysshe , whyche is mooste wyttye fyne and eloquent .

Nowe ones agayne ryght honorable lord , I must begge a little pardon to make an aunswere to some euylle speakers , whyche of nature enforced to dysprayse other mens doynges , wyll berke & rage agaynste thys myne enterpryse , whyche am thus bolde to take marters of warre in hande , whan that I am no warriour But let them bluster & spitte owte their poyson wordes : learned and witful men do knowe , that phisitians and astronymers do come to theyr knowleage , more by great studye and readynge of bookes wyth them selfe , than by the teachynge of other menne : so I ryghte honorable lorde , chyfelye holpe by moche readynge of bookes and markynge of the same , & partlye by the helpe of them , that haue bene in warres , haue ( as I truste ) not gone farre amysse , as shall appere to the gentle reader , whom I desyre to report as he shall se . Thys sayde , I praye god shylde your lordshyppe from al mischaunce and contynue your helth and honour to the comforte of poore suters , and preferment of them that be honeste and vertuouse .

In the moneth of Decembre , 1543.

Thomas Phayes . Chyefest is peace , but yf by extremitye , Thou be enforced to fyght for thyne owne , Learne here the science and actes of chyualdrye Pollicies , & priuities , to many men vnknowen : Wherby thyne enemyes may be ouerthrowen . In suche a necessitie shalt thou neuer fynde Suche an other treasure : kepe it wel in mynde .

* REX INETERNVM VIVE .

¶ Fautes escaped in the printyng through ouermoche haste . In the prologue , the fyrst page , lyne . 15. rede lawe wryghtes for lawe wyghtes . The. 2. page , the. 19. lyne , for that be worthye , reade many that be worthye . The. 3. page , the last line , leaue out ( and ) The. 11. padge , the. 13. lyne , read mothers for others . The. 12. page , the. 3. lyne reade matters for marters . In the fyrste Chapter . 2. padge , 4. lyne , leaue out ( not ) The. 3. padge , the , 5. lyne , reade trustynesse for trustye men . In the same padge . 21. lyne leaue out ( hygh ) . Chapter . 2. the. 7. lyne reade this for his . Chap. 5. line . 10. reade lyghter for hygher Chap. 7. lyne . 8. reade abode for abyde . Chapter . 9. lyne . 10. reade behauyour . Cha. 19. lyne . 5. reade agreued for agreed Cha. 21. lyne . 7. reade do not stray for not straye . Chap. 24. lyne . 7. leaue out to . Cha. 27. lyne . 2. reade not to be , for to be . Cha. 30. lyne . 4. rede recount for to recount Cha. 36. lyne . 4. rede argument for agrement . Cha. 40. lyne . 1. reade this law for lawe , the. 17. lyne of the same chapter , real by manly for manly , leauyng out and in the same lyne . Cha. 45. lyne . 10. reade euer for neuer . Cha. 50. lyne . 6. reade do with spedynesse , for put in execution . Chap. 58. lyne . 10. reade theyr voyage for voyage . Chap. 59. lyne . 1. reade wyll gyue none , for wyl none . Cha. 61. lyne . 1. reade vnwyllynglye for wyllyngly . Chap. 65. lyne . 4. reade those for these , the seuenth lyne reade se for set . Cha. 67. for successed reade surcessed . Cha. 72. lyne . 8. reade braggeth for bryngeth . Cha. 74. lyne . 4. reade connynge for commynge . Chap. 75. lyne . 21. reade prouince for prouynge . Cha. 77. lyne . 14. reade flayne for shame . Chap. 105. lyne . 6. reade to constrayne , for constrayne . Cha. 109. lyne . 11. reade name for men . Cha. 117. the last lyne rede badge for lodge . Ch. 124. line 13 rede binde them for bynde Cha. 142. lyne . 8. reade for the moost parte , ¶ staautes escaped in the printyng through ouermoche haste . ly . 9. rede they be brought , for be brought Chap. 143. lyne . 5. rede whome for when . Cha. 144. line . 19. for fynges redr fyngers Cha. 149. lyne . 15. rede singuler for siguler Cha. 154. lyne . 6. reade shulde for do . Cha. 157. lyne . 8. for commyng rede connyng . Chap. 158. lyne . 8. reade laye for lye . Cha. 170. lyne . 4. reade demeanour for demeanours . Cha. 194. lyne . 5. reade wonne for ioyne . Cha. 196. lyne . 5. rede discouer for to disco . Ch. 1003. lyne . 14 for commyng , rede conning ¶ Fautes escaped in the seconde boke . In the. 36. Chapter , lyne . 5. rede takynge of demeanes , for take demeanes . Cha. 38. lyne . 3. reade woad for wood . Cha. 40. the last lyne saue one , rede continuaunce for countynaunce . Cha. 41. lyne . 10. reade serche for seche . Cha. 46. lyne . 4. reade foes for force . Cha. 47. lyne . 7. for one rede vpon . Cha. 51. lyne . 4. rede vnmmanued for vnmaymed . In the title of . 58. chap. for relyue rede helpe , lyne . 3. the same cha. rede weake for wean . In the last chapter added of the translatour , lyne . 17. rede of nature , for of our nature , lyne . 35. botye for both .

BEfore that thou begyn to make battayle , it is nedefull to take aduysement ones and agayne , whether the cause and begynnynge of thy warmakynge be honest . But yet that is not a suffycient cause to gyue battayle , except for thys purpose thou do it , to lyue afterwarde peaceable , and in quyete , not wyllynge to sowe and stere vp battayl after battayle , the which thynge is both foolyshe and cruell .

But yf thyne enemye can satisfy and content the by sorowfulnes , or els otherwyse it were wycked , cruell , and rather beastly than manlye , to make battayle agaynste hym , eyther for the vayne desyre to beare rule , or for the couetousnesse of rychesse . And so to destroye hym by the swearde , whome gentle wordes wolde haue vanquyshed . When I speake of thys sorowfulnesse , I meane that which is vnfayned and wythout any doubt or ieopardy , that suche wronges vnpunished , shulde entise thyne enemye , to offre semblable trouble , and occations of displeasure . For then quycly and sharply punyshment is to be done . And if thou abyde any hurte through his wrongfulnesse , by and by redresse it , and the people shall therby well iudge and esteme the. But yf thou be not afrayde that some prince either stronger or egall in power , wyll make battayle agaynst the ( my counsayle is ) Fyrst to rayse and styre vp warre agaynst hym : bycause the greater boldnesse is thought to be in hym that begynneth , then in hym whyche defendeth the assaultes of hys enemyes . As to leade out thy souldyours fyrst after winter , than to set them in aray , and so to set vpon thyne enemyes , is verye profytable . By whych meanes , thou shalt brynge thyne enemies to quyet , and repentaunce , and eftsones shalt purchase peace , whych thou hast desyred . And so thy feare and dread is a iust occation , fyrste to gyue battayle , and the same to put awaye and ende .

But one thynge do not forget , althoughe thou haue a iust occation , to begynne the fray , diligently to foresee what shal be the ende . For euery man maye begynne war , but to cease and haue an ende standeth in the conquerour his hande Wherfore dyligentlye knowe thyne owne power , and therwith the strength of thyne enemies before thou begynne battayle . Knowe also thy frendes , and learne who be thy foes , and howe greate theyr puisaunce is . Also attempte and proue theyr trusty men in other thynges , leaste when thou arte troubled in thy warres , sodeynlye wyth all theyr force and violence , they come vpon the , and so do vnto the moche hynderaunce . And brefelye thynke that all men may be thy frendes , and that the same maye be thyne enemyes , and what is to be done yf thys or that do chaunce . Remembre also all thynges in thy mind whyche may happen in so doubtful battayle and daungerfull warres .

Moreouer prepare & make ready all thinges necessary for battayle ( so that thyne enemies be not priuye to the same ) before y● byd battayl . For long preparaunce bryngeth redy victorie , & so hygh charges and all other thinges necessary ar to be considred For if thou be lyke to haue the vpperhand , then to want money & treasure , to be without instrumentes of war , & to lack ꝓuision is the redy way to purchase shame & sclaunder , after so hasty & vnaduised enterprise Wherfore trulye it foloweth , and euen so chaunceth , that he whiche rashlye begynneth battayle , sone shall repent : and after wyth all humblenesse , shall desyre peace , not without his greate daunger , and notable reproche .

2 ¶ To chose the capitayne .

Chose such one to be captane of thyne Armye whyche is borne of a noble and valyaunte stocke , and fearyng nothynge more then shame and reproche , and is with oute all euyll doynges . For he that shall rule other , conuenient it is that he know to master hym selfe . For where affection surmounteth , reason is vndertroden and gyueth place , without which men be men apparent , and not in dede . And therewith comely it is , the captayne not to be defamed wyth lecherye and coueytousnesse , which be vyces chefelye to be eschued & abandoned . For these two detestable vyces bryng forth diuers effecteis . Lechery forsoth doth shame the good fame of the capitaynes , to runne in disdayne of frende and foe , and therwith causeth the whole Armye , ( whiche is moche worse ) to folowe hys fleshlye vnclennesse , throughe whych the whole Armye wyth the capttayne is vnapte to battayle , and faynte strengthed . And when they doo applye suche wanton pleasures , and gyue them to Venus daliaunce , then they forsake the feates of Armes , and despyce the manlye wrestlynges of Mars . For hys goddas doth destroy the courage of the minde and wasteth the strength of the bodye , & brefely where luxurye raygneth , no vertue wyll appeare . Suche enimitie , suche hatefull spyte is betwyxt vertue and vncleane lecherie , that no loueday , no hope of peace is at any tyme amonge them .

But that captayne which is couetous causeth hys souldyours , whyche bene of them selues bolde and ready , agaynst al daungers , to gyue backe , loth & straunge , to put them in ieopardye , or go vpon any perylles , eyther for the prayse of theyr capitayne , ( whyche is hatefull for hys nygardnesse ) or els to get the victory when they perceyue theyr labour to be spente in vayne , trustyng no rewarde for theyr paynes and daungerfull attemptes .

But what shall it nede to speake of all , when these two vyces be the spryngwel and heed of al myschefe . Moreouer chose the suche a capitayne whyche is luckye . For some be so vnhappye throughe vnkynde fortune , that theyr chaunce is to be vanquysshed , althoughe they haue a great nombre of souldyours , and power of men . Therfore luckynesse is to be wisshed in a good capitayne , whiche from hys youth hath ben in warfare , vnder a good capitayne , and praysed for kepynge hys araye , alwayes hyghly taken and regarded of the whole Army . The which also hath shewed many tokens of wyttynesse and in the feactes of Armes prest and redye to trye mastryes , felowlyke in apparell , whose affayres haue alwayes bene guyded by reason , whyche hath not also assayed any thynges rashly . I was purposed to haue wrytten more of th offyce of a capitayne , but at large in the other two bookes I am mynded to wryte therof . And in many Chapters ensuynge , I wyll note and shewe the maners and condycyons of capitaynes .

3. ¶ Of sufferaunce in warre .

Manye thynges are to be suffered in warre , which were to be loked on , in the pleasaunt tyme of peace . For it is not expedient out of hande to reuenge all iniuryes and displeasures . But to differ the punyshment to the ende of the battayle , dissemblyng suche iniurious dedes , left at that tyme we purchase so many our enemyes , that we be not able to beare theyr malyce and force . For it is a lyght thyng to styrre vp battayl , but to leaue of with glorye and renoume , is an harde thyng . And lytle sparkes ( whych nothynge we regarde ) somtyme kendle a great fyre .

4. ¶ Of the stoute and valiaunt mynde of the captayne .

A prouident capitayne and expert in the knowledge of warre , wyll neuer rest neyther in hys victorye ne yet subdued , but in all states , wyll beare hym selfe moost stoutly , by whych meanes his enemyes shall dreade hym , whether he haue the vpper hande , or vanquished , and shal think hym both there and away , to worke and imagine theyr discomfiture . Whereby it shall chaunce , suche a valiaunt captayne eyther to purchase honest couenauntes , of peace , or elles prayseable victoryes of hys enemyes .

5. ¶ Of the siege and assaulte of a cytye .

All cyties and townes for the mooste parte be more wynable on the one syde , then on the other . Wherfore cause all the trompettes to blowe vp on that side which is better defenced , whereby thyne enemyes called vp , and feared by the noyse of the trompettes , maye runne thyther , leauyng the other syde of the citie which is vndefenced , and so the assaulte shal be the hygher . For vndoubtedly wyth lytle slaughter we may scale and clymbe vpon the walles , where fewe be leafte to defende , and leest hede is taken . Also a lytle nombre , is despysed of many , & shortly ouercomen . But thyne enemyes gladly wyll leaue the parte defenced , yf that they se the weaker and vndefenced parte to be assaulted . Wherfore my counsayle is to take the strongest parte of thyne at mye and assaulte the syde of the cytye defenced , and so leest doubted , although the captayne maye vse his owne aduyse according to the situation of the place , and nombre of hys enemyes .

6. ¶ Of a great army of our enemies

When the nombre of thyne enemyes is great , then my aduyse is , to encrease thyne Armye , with maryners and shypmen : yf thy Nauye be nere at hande , or els shortly to pike some newe bande and garison of men , to match thyne enemies both in power & nombre of soldyours . For many ben a greate feare to fewe , and the multitude of enemies , wil dismay a litle armye . But when sodeynly they shall se thyne Armye renewed , and well furnysshed , theyr braggyng courage shall fall , and they wyll not matche ne auaunce forwarde , wyth suche gladnesse , as they wolde haue done , yf thy nombre had contynued the same : Wherfore an experte capitayne wyll remembre , ( sparyng for no costes ) sodeynlye and at a tryse , to renue hys Armye . Wherby he may be eyther egall , or exceade hys ennemyes in strength and nombre of souldyours .

7 ¶ Of the reproche of the capitayne that houseth his Armye in the somertyme .

That capytayne is worthye greate blame and sclaundre , which lodgeth hys Armye in houses in somer tyme , when the feates of Armes and martiall affayers , are chefely to be put in vre . And what other thyng is it ( I sweare by Hercules ) when your soldyours take vp theyr lodgyng and abyde in wynter tyme , then to make them vnmete to battayle , and vnsufferable of all labour . Therfore let the capitayne diligentlye prouyde , that hys Armye do not sloudge in slouthfull ydlenesse , but wonte themselues to dayly labour , wherby they shal take all the tyme of warfare , to be a game and sporte . For what is more then custome , whych causeth al intollerable and harde paynes , to seme lyght , easye and gentle .

8. ¶ To spye and searche a place to fight in

The capitayne , before that he ioyne in battayle , or fall in handegrypes wyth hys enemyes , ought to viewe wyth hys eyes ( whyche be sure and faythfull iudges ) the place where the fyght shal be , & therby shortly he shall perceyue , what is profytable for hym , and what no , & how to set his men in aray , and ordre his battayle , and how to worke by pollicye and craft , & whether hys enemyes can worke any wyles or craftye sleyghtes agaynst hym . But a wyse captayne wyll remembre , that he do not cary hys hooste to the felde , before that hys spyes and scoutewatches haue surelye knowen , that hys enemyes do not lye in wayte , but that all thynges be sure and faulfe .

9. ¶ Of the apparell of the capitayne .

The capitayne ought to be felowlyke in hys garmentes , wherby he shall purchase the fauour of the commons . And declare hys humblenesse , auoydynge the name of arrogancie . But in his vertues let hym surmount all other . For it becommeth hym that coueyteth to beare rule , euen as he is hygher in dignitie and honour , so to blemysshe all other wyth hys vertues & gentle behauyou . Otherwyse he is vnworthy to be called a capitayne whych is more blameworthye then his souldiours , and whose doinges be moch worse .

10. ¶ To knowe the maner and condicions of thyne enemies before thou make battayl

To fyght hande to hande with thyne enemies , except thou surely know theyr maners before is very daungerfull : & great damage therby may chaunce to thy army . For a captayne experte in the knowlege of warre wyll neuer make battayle , before he knowe the maners of hys enemies . For howe manye dyuerse countryes there be , so many dyuerse sortes of fyghtyng there be . And agaynste euerychone dyuersely we must set our arraye , and bestowe our strokes . And so a prudent capitayne wyll aduyse and hede wyth hym selfe , the harneys , horsemen , and fotemen of hys enemyes , and besyde that wyl rekon wyth hymselfe what is to be done , and what thynges ben expedient .

11. ¶ Of the Germaynes and Frenchemen .

When thou hast battayle wyth the Germaynes and Frenchemen , prolonge the tyme , before thou come to handestrypes . For theyr bodyes be nesshe , and vnpaynefull , & by hungre and thyrst moche weakened , that for werynesse , they can neyther stryke other men , ne yet defende themselues . And thus whom by strength thou canst not ouercome , by pollicye and crafte , thou shalte subdue . And by thys sleygth , the soldyours of the East parte shall vanquyshe and destroye , the Italious men , both strong and better harnessed then they be .

12. ¶ Of sedicion to be appeased amonge an Armye .

When any trouble or sedicion is in thyne Armye , the captayne ought wyth gentle and fayre wordes to mitigate and aswage the fierce hertes of the soldiours And when the contention is ones appeated , to punysh the authours of that factious sedicion , or els to sende them on some busynesse , that the correction of a fewe , maye be an example to manye , wherby ( other therby feared ) wyll not be bolde to styre vp and nourysh suche tumultuous sedicion , lest they haue lyke punyshment .

13. ¶ Howe to viewe the Armye of thyne enemyes .

A capitayne whiche wolde viewe the campe of hys enemyes , must feyne and desyre peace . And vnder that pretence , sende some of hys souldyours experte in warres , to searche and aduise the campe of hys enemyes , the wayes to theyr pauylyons , and in what parte euery capitayne doth lodge , and howe greate theyr power is . Then by nyght he maye sette vpon them , and easely gyue a noble vyctorye . For it is a lyght thynge to put to flyght and slee men vnwares , and halfe deed in wyne and slepe .

14 ¶ Of peace to be preferred before battayl

A wyse captayne wyll not forsake any couenauntes and conditions of peace whych maye turne to hys honoure and profyte , although the mastrye be in hys handes . Lest fortune which now appeareth gentle and fauourable , hereafter shewe her selfe vnkynde and straunge , & he that euen now reioyseth as victour , shortly after vanquished , may wayle & sorow

15. ¶ Of trompettes and other clamours in an hoste .

When the hoste of thyne enemyes is nere , good it is , to commaunde al the fewellers to buylde theyr fyres , the trompets blowe vp alarum , al the host to make an outcrye , and brefelye to fyll heauen and earth wyth the noyse and sounde of trompettes , and make all on a rore , wherwith thyne enemyes may be afrayed ; & thy frendes gladdened , takyng example of Pompeius , that through ignoraunce , warned al his soldiours pryuily to go without any brute or noyse makyng : which thyng was the destruction of all hys hoste .

16. ¶ Of the rerewarde .

Let the capitayne set in the last warde good & strong men . For yf that parte be kept hole and saulfe , the rest of the Armye may be defended : yea oftentymes the victorie by that warde , is atcheued & gotten bycause when other wardes do faynt & waxe feble in fyghtynge , this fresh & desyrous to graple with their enemies , fierselye wyll fyght , and as souldiours pyked out of the whole host , wyll renewe the battayl more gredely , then the other before them , & be like to ouercom their enemies weried with longe trauayl & continuaunce of fyght .

17. ¶ Of great cyties .

Great , ryche and welthy cities can not stande long among them selues in peace excepte they haue some outwarde enemyes . Wherfore suche cities whyche be enryched wyth greate lordshyppes , and haue yerely newe maiestrates , do ꝓuyde to haue some outwarde enemyes , leste in longe reste and ydlenesse , they growe to great , rychesse and houge possessyons : wherof all thynges that bene yll yssue and spryng . When Carthage dyd with stande the people of Rome , then th empyre dyd florysshe . But when that Carthage was onerthrowen , Rome wythered , and fell to al kynde of noughtye lyuynge . Wherfore what profyte is in outwarde feare , the thinge doth shewe hymselfe .

18. ¶ In campyng thyne Armye what is to be done .

When the campe is measured , the capitayne ought to kepe the stronger parte of hys men in harneys , vntyl all the fortresses and fences be finyshed . For it happeneth oftentymes , when thyne Armye disordrely doeth wandre , in measurynge of the campe , than to be ouercome of their enemyes , and vtterlye destroyed . For what greate mastrye is it for an hooste harnessed and prepared to fyght , to encountre wyth thy men which ben vnharnessed , and bent to the measuryng of the campe , and to chase them awaye , wyth moost bloodssaughter . The which thing euydentlye doeth appeare by the slaughter of the Trentes done by the Venetians

19. ¶ To kepe thy frendes .

When the capytayne neadye and poore can not be beneficiall , and gyue rewardes to hys frendes , yet at the leest let hym take punyshment of theyr aduersaryes , wyth whome they bene agreed , for that shall be a greate example and paterne , that other wyll abyde faythfull and frendly , and therwyth wyll gladly wythstande the wronges of hys enemyes .

20 ¶ Of quycknesse in battayle .

Castels and cytyes , with fortresses wel defenced , ben oftentymes cast downe to the grounde by spedy quyknesse . Wherfore after rype and quycke counsayle takynge , it is profytable to vse all spedynesse . For what goodnesse doeth ensue of forwardnesse , experience doth shewe , and men may playnlyse .

21. ¶ Of the arraye to be kepte .

The nerest way to atchyue the victory is to kepe the souldiours in array : wherfore the capitayne must warne his souldiours , vnder great penalties , not to breake theyr arraye , chefely when we make battayle agaynst the east country souldyours . Who dylygently kepe theyr arraye , & not straye out of ordre , yf they be guyded by some expert warryour , and others that be practysed in such warly feates . For such men wyll be no lesse carefull to loke on all thiges , then the graunde capitaynes , & wyll recouer of fresh the battayle agayne , bringynge into arraye the whole hoste , sparpled and disseuered abrode .

22 ¶ Of a lytle multitude in a cytye .

Where a lytle bande and company of men is in the cytye , my counsayle is , to con passe and inuiron̄e them about garlandwyse , and holde them in fyght both daye and nyght , incessauntly besiegyng them , that through werynesse , they shall be enforced to gyue vp . For who is so lustye & stronge , that long can lyue without quiete and rest , yea that is able to stande in fyght . Wherfore the capitaynes in the assiege of cyties , must aduysedlye searche , what company of men be wythin the cytie , and whether they ben able to defende the cytye , daye and nyght , yf he purpose to vanquysh them .

23 ¶ Of the hope and trust of sedicion .

When there is any semblaunce or hope of any sedicion to be in that cytye , whych we purpose to besiege , my counsayl is , to leaue of and differ th assaulte for a tyme . For in suche sedicion the cytye is lyke to be taken , wyth lytle laboure , and greate prayse . Therfore lette the capitayne be watchfull , to foresee euery occation , leste by hys vnwarynesse , some mischaunce & damage do ensue , euer obseruynge thys , not at any tyme to gyue battayle , yf any hope or lykelyhode be , that wrathfull sedicion is rysen amonge the cytizins .

24 What is to be done in tyme of peace .

When the warres do surceasse , suffre not thy souldiours , to dispende theyr lyfe in ydlenesse , but occupy them in husbandrye , that by the profyte and fructe therof , thou mayest both nourysh thyne army wyth wages and vytayles , and by suche exercyse , to kepe theyr bodyes strong and durable . Also it shal not be vnprofytable at suche tyme to ouercome and fence the cytyes with trenches and bulworkes .

25. ¶ Of fayned rumours .

Fayned rumours in tyme of battayle , bene both profytable and lykewyse hurtfull . For whych cause a capitayne , whych forecasteth manye thynges , wyll cause false tales and vayne rumours to be spat pled abrode , in the stede and place of true tydynges : aswell amonge hys enemyes , as in hys Armye . For experyence doeth teache , fayned rumours sometyme to do moche profyte .

26. ¶ Of the offyce of the capitayne .

Let neuer the capitayne commaunde any greater thynge , then he hym selfe first wyll take in hande . But let hym at thys tyme shewe hymselfe afrayed , & at other tymes dissemble , to gyue backe and flye . Through which sleygth the victory doth chaunce .

27 ¶ To knowe whether a cytie is thy frende or no.

When the capitayne doth suspect any cytye to be hys frende ( me counsayle is ) to desyre and aske some great request , which wolde not be graunted , but of a frendlye cytye . And by thys meane he shal playnly knowe they re mynde and herte towarde hym . And this counsayle shall so turne to hys aduauntage and greate profyte .

28 ¶ Of confidence and assured hope in battayle .

Although the warres be very greate , yet must not the capitayne dispayre . For the chaunce of battayle is doubtfull and vncertayne , whose ende doth not answer to the begynnynge . And in that tyme ladye fortune , nowe doth shewe her selfe gentle and bonaire , now cruell and churlish , sometyme fauourynge thys parte , efte that parte , after her owne pleasure .

29 ¶ Of the situacion of the cytie to be searched and knowen by the capitayne hym selfe .

A capitayne ought to beholde with his owne eyes the situacion of the place , before he come with hys hoste to besiege it , or make any assault therto . For more ease it is to assaulte the cytye on one part , then on an other . Wherfore a witty capitayne wyll viewe and marke the situacion in euerye parte , and thereby knowe whyche parte of the cytye maye moost easelye be besieged .

30. ¶ Of lybertie to be kept and encreased of all men .

A wyse capitayne wyll not chaunge the libertie of townes whych he hath subdued , but rather encrease and kepe them saulfe . For nothynge there is , that soner shall entyse and allure the captyues , to loue the , and forget theyr olde lorde , then to se theyr libertyes and priuyleges vntouched , in whych men set all theyr felicitye , and for whyche no reasonable man wolde forsake to suffre mooste cruell and fearefull death .

31. ¶ Of the doubtfull commyng of thyne enemyes .

When we be in doubt , on what partie our enemyes wyll set vpon vs , and so we knowe not howe to ordre our armie , and sette our arraye , best it is to set our araye foursquare . For in that sleyght is moost sauftye and syckernesse , and so no parte shal be vndefenced , wherby oure enemies shal be disceyued , which thought to haue commen vpon vs on the backe syde . By which pollicie eyther our enemies shal be put to flyght , or at the leest thyne armye shal be saulfe and harmelesse .

32. ¶ When the arraye of thyne enemyes is troubled and out of ordre .

When the arraye of thyne enemyes is broken , and they in great feare , the capytayne must pursue with hys moost valyaunt warryours , before they recouer theyr selues , and be delyuered from that feare . For yf they take herte agayne , harde it shal be wythout a great nombre and puisaunce of men to vanquysh them .

33. ¶ How to make thyne armye stronge and lustye .

Kepe thyne armye in rough and mountayne places , to make theyr bodyes styffe and strong . For pleasaunt places , do cause weakenesse : wherfore souldyours whether they be springalles , or auncient warryours , that longe haue sludged in ydlenesse , neades must be exercysed in rough places , that their bodies may be strong & more durable , throughe theyr exercyse in suche rough and hyllye places . For accordyng to theyr exercyse , so shall they be in strength and valyauntnesse . And this is the onely meane to make our army strong and lustye . The capitayne may somtyme for theyr exercyse , deuyde his souldyours and ordre them in forme and lykenesse of a battayle . But he must beware of bloodsheddyng , lest some discorde and quarellyng , therof do ryse , whyche is the destruction of an hole hoste .

34. ¶ A policie to be vsed when thy men do forsake the.

Yf any company of thy souldyours , of any euyll mynde and wycked purpose , do forsake the , and goo to thyne enemyes , in tyme of battayle , to the entent that other of thy host be not amased wyth theyr sodeyne departure : The capitayne must publysh and noyse , that thyng to be done by hys aduyse and counsayle . Therby to delyuer hys company out of feare , and make them more redye to fyght , trustynge the departure of theyr felowes aduysedly to be done .

35. ¶ To searche and boulte out the counsayle of thyne enemyes .

Sende those that be wyttye , and ther wyth experte warryours , whiche vnder colour that they haue forsaken theyr company maye spye and searche all the doinges , endeuours , and counsayl of thyne enemyes , and the same to recounte to the capitayne , whych after that all thynge is delated , and discussed , wyth the wyttyer sorte of his souldiours wyth hastye and quycke expedition wyll folowe the same .

36. ¶ Of them that be besieged .

They that be besieged , and set aboute wyth theyr enemyes , that they can not yssue out of the place where they be , must shewe some token and agrement , that they haue plentye of vytayles , and other thinges necessary , to contynue th assaulte .

Wherby theyr enemies hauyng no hope to wynne the cytye , maye leaue of and retyre homewarde . For by this pollicy and sleyght many haue ben disceyued .

37. ¶ What is to be done when two hostes do vexe and pursue the.

Yf thyne enemye haue two Armyes of men , and thou also other two , to wyth stande his force ( my counsayle is ) to pyke the chefest men that thou hast of the one partie of thyne armye , and then wyth al spede to set vpon the one hooste of thyne enemyes , before they bothe come & ioyne togyther . By this pollicye Hasdrubal of Carthage was lost wyth all his hole host yea then Carthage was destroyed for euer . And the Romaynes empyre dyd florysh and stande .

38. ¶ A crafte and pollicye to take a cytye .

Yf thou be not able to take the cytie by strength , and the siege semeth longe ( my counsayl is ) to departe for a tyme , & stray this waye and that waye , somtyme nye , and somtyme aloofe . And then sodeynly come vppon them . For by suche ofte styttyng and remouyng of thyne army , thou shalt dismay them , and so to take the citie

39. ¶ A place to encrease thyne armye wythout great charges .

Yf when thou art farre from thy countrye , thou must set forth mo men , my counsayle is to call togyther all the most worshypfull and rychest citezins , there aboute dwellynge , and commaunde them bothe well horsed and harnessed , to be ready at a certayne daye . And when all shal be assembled , wyll them to prepare them selues readye , or elles to appoynt some in theyr stede , whych are stronge and lusty . Thys pollicie Scipio Africanus vsed , when he made most cruell battayle agaynst Carthage .

40. ¶ Of an holsome lawe to be made in the citie .

Establysh and ordeyne lawe in the cytye , that the capitayne shal be beheeded , and lose hys polle , yf hys armye be ouer comen . So eyther shall he wynne the victorye , or els valyauntly fyghtynge shall dye , deseruyng immortall prayse . Also he wyll be more carefull to foresee all thynges , then yf no suche lawe hadde bene decreed , ne yet wyll he suffre hys armye ydelly to sludge , but he wyll kepe them occupyed in daylye exercise , oftentymes admonyshyng them to remembre theyr countrye lawe , whyche is eyther to kylle , or to be kylled : to slee or to be slayne , therwyth warnynge them , nothynge to be more prayseworthy , in a good warryour , then manlye fyghtynge and for to obtaynethe victorie fearynge not to dye .

41. ¶ Of excesse to be eschued .

Excesse in apparel , meate and drynke doth make feble the vertue of thy mynde and causeth the strength of the bodye to decaye . Wherfore wyse men haue purposed , to flye mistemperaunce , as a pestiterous and deedly disease .

42. ¶ Of wantonnesse , to be cast of in wealth .

Let not the capitayne be wanton and proude in good chaunce and luckynesse , but rather beware and remember , that in suche luckynesse men falle to ryot , to their great reproche , and the vtter damage of the whole hoste . Therfore lette not the capytayne swell and waxe proude in happynesse , ne yet yelde and be discouraged in aduersitie but for the time in both fortunes kepe ane gall & vniforme state of mynde .

43 ¶ To throwe downe villages and castels vndefenced .

In countryes be many vyllages and castelles , whyche be not defenced at all . Wherfore my counsayl is , to throwe them downe , and sette them on fyre , that thyne enemyes may haue there no vytayles , neother thynges necessary , to succour them selues and theyr horses . Fyrste , yf we do leaue them standynge , we gyue to our enemyes a greate occation to trouble vs , by warre . Also it is expedyent to waste all the fodder , and corrupte the fountaynes of waters ( yf there be many ) so that theyr commynge towarde vs , shall be to theyr great charges and anoyaunce to the whole armye . For a garison of men , can not longe soiourne and tary in one countrye wythoute vytayles , and other thynges necessary for theyr lyuyng .

44. ¶ How to purchase frendes , and to kepe the same .

Euerye wyttye capitayne ought earnestly to trauayle , to labour , fyrst to gette frendes , and longe to retayne the same . For by frendes realmes be mayntayned and preserued , and great succour standeth in them , yf they be true . Suche vertue & force is in frendshyppe , which is the only nourysher of mankynde , and releue of sorowe . Wherfore worse it is for a capytayne , to be wythoute frendes , then to lacke treasure .

45. ¶ To abydesiege .

All thynges ( yea , be they neuer so greuous ) are to be suffered in a sore siege before we yelde ourselues to our enemyes . For nothyng is so prayse worthy in men , as vnfayned fayth , the whyche ones being defyled , what is in those men prayseable ? Wherfore honest it is , for them that are besieged , to kepe theyr foretresses , to the ende and extremitie of theyr lyues , & neuer to put theyr bodyes to moost harde paynes . For fortune manye tymes doeth lyft vp men vnwares . Therfore do they abyde in one mynde and fayth , that be besieged , and gyue theyr bodyes for the saulfetie of theyr lorde . For a valyaunte man can do nothyng more worthy euerlastyng renoum : then to fynishe hys lyfe by kepyng his fayth , and bounden dutye .

46 ¶ when it is mete to fyght by eruption .

It happeneth oftentymes for the greate assaulte of our enemyes , to appoynt our selues sodeynly to burst out . In whyche case , let euery valyaunt capitayne know that it is not good to fight by eruption , but in extreme nede . For that kynde of fyght is to be refused , but in great ieopardy & at low downefall , and when no hope is leaft to defende our tentes : or when our souldyours be whole weryed in battayle . The same thyng is to be marked in th assault of cytyes .

47 ¶ To enterclude the passage of our enemyes by fyre .

Fyre is a great succour and ayde to an hoste . For when our enemyes ben at hand that wythout great daunger we can not leaue the tentes ( my counsayle is ) to conuaye woodde betwene both the hoostes , and to sette it on fyre , and then wyth all haste to departe into some other places , better defenced . For the flame and smoke wyll let the prospecte and foreseinge of our enemyes , that they can not sykerlye pursue and folowe vs : wherfore before that the fyre be vtterly quenched , the capitayne maye haue space to goo farre of , wyth hys Armye .

48. ¶ A pollicie to stoppe the flying of thyne enemyes .

When thyne enemyes do faster flye , then thou canst well folowe wyth thyne Armye , then sende forth thy horsemen , to let theyr flyght , whych may snatch vp and trouble the laste warde , vntyll the fotemen shall approche . For then the battayle more sykerly and egallye , shall be foughten and tryed on bothe sydes , and the victorie more easelye shall be gotten , withoute greate losse and slaughter of men .

49 ¶ How siege is to be layed to cytyes and castels , and of them that be besieged .

My counsayle is , when thou doest be liege any cytye or castell , to caste fyrste a trenche , then bulworkes , and aboue that buylde many turrettes , that no man can come out of the cyty , ne yet any man may haue free passage into the cytie .

Other wayes you shall neuer take any citye or castell whych is wel fortifyed . For elles they maye cal vnto them outwarde ayde and succour , and therwith may certify and admonysh theyr lordes and princes , in what estate they be , what vytayles be in the cytye , and howe longe they maye abyde and contynue th assaulte .

And yf thyne enemyes obstynatlye do defende the cytye , my counsayle is , when the cytye is ones taken eyther by sleygth or rendrevp , cutte of the handes of them that kepte the citye , so toughly that theyr greuous punyshment , maye be an example to other , not so frowardlye to stande in theyr owne conceyte , and contynue theyr assaultes .

50. ¶ To auoyde and escape traynes .

Traynes and wyles maye be eschued aswell by chaungynge of the place , as by appoyntynge of capitaynes . For in tyme of rest men haue oportunitie , to inuente wycked counsayle , and the same immedyatly to put in execution .

51. ¶ Of hostages and pledges rather to be taken , then to fyght in open battayle .

Better it is , and more for thy saulfegarde , to take hostages of noble men , and so to haue thyne enemyes to yelde , and rendre vp all theyr landes , then in cruell fyght to proue the doubtfull chaunce of battayle : whych oftentymes is varyable and wauering , and causeth them to haue the vpper hande , whome ye wolde haue iudged , to haue bene subdued . And then tyme it is , to take hede , when that fortune doeth flatter vs . For she is false and deceytfull . Wherfore let vs folowe this commune saying . Assured peace is worthy to be preferred , before doubtfull and hoped victorye .

52. ¶ To stoppe our hauen .

Yf thou wylt stoppe an hauen ( my cost sayle is ) to fyll a shyppe full of greate stones , and then to drowne the same shyp , ouerthwarte in the hauen : wherby other shyppes can not well arryue at anye strounde , ne yet go out of the hauen .

53. ¶ To make hydde and false dytches to betray thyne enemyes .

They that ccueyte to conuaye & leade theyr enemyes into couerte and hyd dytches , my counsayle is , to sette a bande of men nye vnto them in harneys , whyche softely and priuily maye conuey them selues into dytches .

54. ¶ To passe ouer a water with an Armye .

Yf thou wylt passe ouer a water , that can not be waded , my counsayl is , to driue an houge nombre of cattel into the vpper parte of the streame , by whyche meane , the streame beneth wyl ronne more gently and styll , and thyne armye maye haue the more free passage .

55. ¶ To knowe yf thyne enemyes be afrayed .

Yf we perceyue the stomakes of our enemyes to quayle and waxe faynte , it is good , gredelye to pursue them , that we maye eyther put them to flyght , or elles vtterly slee them before they recouer theyr strength . It is the offyce of an experte warryour to knowe when hys enemyes ben afrayed . But the better to learne the same , take this one lesson of me . Yf thyne enemyes ofte chaunge and pytche theyr tentes , it is a sygne and token of feare .

Wherfore a wyse capitaynes parte , is to assayle them wyth bikerynges and rodes to knowe yf they dissemble , or els wolde trayne vs in theyr trappes .

56. ¶ To constrayne thyne enemyes to fyght in open battayle , and come to hande strypes .

Yf thou wylte constrayne thyne enemyes , to stande in fyght agaynste the , although the place be vnegal and inconuenyent , my counsayle is , to conuaye thyne armye to some of theyr cytyes or townes And so either wil they suffre to take their cytye , or els they wyl fyght with the , and deale strypes .

57 ¶ A pollicye to stye .

Best it is for an host , that purposeth to stye , to kyndle and buylde many fyres , to fasten manye helmettes , on stakes in the toppe of theyr tentes . And thus thyne enemies being scorned , and brought into a double , thou mayest conuey thyne armie far of , before that it be knowen whether thou be in thy tentes , or fledde awaye .

58. ¶ When thyne enemyes snatche vp and destroye the last warde .

When thy men be snatched and discomfyted in the last warde , my counsayle is , to sette there the strongest men and best warryours . Otherwyse thyne army shal haue moche harme , throughe the destruction of that warde . Also that warde is not able to withstande the force of thyne enemyes , except it be somtyme renued with good warryours . And by this meane thy hoste maye frely passe on voyage .

59. ¶ Of the notable falsehode of the barbarous people .

A circumspect capitayne wyll none af fiaunce or trust to the cruel barbarous aliauntes . For many due profes of antiquitye , do playnly shewe , not without experyence of the same , that no fayth ne loyaltie is in them . Whych examples I wyll ouerskyppe , desyryng to be shorte . They be men in shappe , but brutall beastes in fearcenesse and crueltye , subtyl , and craftye , desyrous and thyrstyng mans blood in that one thynge , passynge all kynde of wylde and sauage beastes . Wherfore a wyse capitayne wyll beware of theyr disloyaltie , and villanye , and wyll thynke him selfe neuer in saulfegarde , from their falsehode and engynnes . I speake of them that be not Chrystians .

60. ¶ When fewe must make battayle wyth many .

Best it is for a lytle hoste , whych by necessitye must fyght and make battayle with a stronger Armye , to set vpon the chiefe capitayne , and wyth all violence to seke meanes to kyll hym : whych beinge ones slayne , thyne Armye eyther shall atchyue the victorie , or els depart with egall prayse of that bickeryng . For the heed being cut of , what strength is in the other membres .

61. ¶ Thoffyce of the capitayne .

The capitayne wyllyngly must heare the complayntes of the souldyours , and theyr guydes . But yfhe be dryuen and enforced therunto , let hym shewe hym selfe to take the thynge in hande agaynst hys wyll . And by that meanes he shall purchase theyr fauours , and be taken as a father , rather then a capitayne , whome the souldyours wyll haue in great reuerence wythout any feare or dreade .

62 ¶ To forbeare holye thynges .

The capitayne ought to commaunde hys men , to refrayne and forbeare from holy thynges , vnder a greate penaltye . Lest other his affaiers ( the more vnluckelye for suche thynges ) do chaunce , & God be enuyfull to vs aswell as man .

63 ¶ Of the capitaynes liberalitie when the battayle . is wonne .

The capitayne ought bountifully and wyth a pleasaunte countenaunce , to rewarde hys whole host , after that the vyctorye is atchyued . That his souldyours by such rewardes enlarged to them , may henceforth be more redye and glad , to enterprise mooste peryllous daungers . For a faythfull armye wyll swallowe vp all parylles , before that so lyberall a capytayne , shuld haue any shame or reproche . Therfore that capitaynes must in such case shewe them selues large in rewardes , with which not only men , tut gods also be wonderfully reconcyled . Also let the capitayrs remembre to setforth the doinges of hys souldiours with hyghest prayse , vsynge some oration , eftsones gyuing them immortall thankes for theyr manfull valiauntnesse in that battayl : declaring al thinges to be done according to theyr loyall duty and allegeaunce .

64 ¶ Of reproche to be eschued .

A wyse capitayne ought to warne his souldiours , to regarde and wey nothyng somoche as theyr good fame . For who wolde desyre the fruition of this lyfe , but rather miserable death , to haue his name stayned with cowardyse . Therfore the capitayne ought to enforme his whole army that they regarde theyr name , before al other thinges . By this meane he shal haue his company fearig nothig more than shame very desyrous of prayse , and readye in all perylles , so that he shall take none enterpryse , ne hygh affayre in hande , whyche shall not chaunce to hys mynde and wyl .

65. ¶ Of the capitaynes offyce in ioynynge of the battayle .

The dutye and offyce of a good capytayne , is to come into the forewarde and fronte of the battayle , in the ioynynge of the hostes , to succour these companyes that begynne to stagger and faynte , and furnysh them agayne that be discomfyted . It is fearefull to hys enemyes to set the capitayne in the foreward at the fyrst ioynyng , and to hys owne men an hartyng and boldnesse . But let not hym longe tarye there , but returne to the other wardes , and knowe what thynges they lack , and what maye be profytable to them , & what noysome , euer bryngyng fresh and newe men , for them that be wounded , therwyth strengthenyng the forewarde , wyth pyked champyons , which be most valyaunte and best practysed in trauayles and feates of warre .

66. ¶ How to entreate thyne enemyes , the vyctorie obtayned .

The dutye and offyce of a polityke capitayne is , after that the battayle is won and the vyctorie ones atchyued , to saue theyr lyues that haue not ben very cruel , and ouer stubburne . For what can be thought more vngentle , yea more like to the cruell and fierce brutall beastes , then wythout anye mercye and mekenesse , to handle thyne enemyes . A capitayne vndoubtedly of suche conditions , shall kendle the myndes of all men agaynste hym , that they had leauer to suffre all thynges then to be vnder his rule and gouernaunce and proue the chaunce of battayl , then to yelde them selues to suche a cruell monster . Wherfore let euery capitayne be gentle to hys souldyours , vsyng all meanes to kepe them bounden to hym , partly by praysynge theyr valyaunt deades , sometyme rewardyng them lyberally , remembryng this , where leest ieopardy is , there to vse hys power wyth lyke descretion , lest he be mocked , that in suche a lytle busynesse , he doth vse hys mayneforce and puisaunce . For that capitayne is iudged rather to be foolysshe , then wyse , that vseth more fiercenesse , then is nedefull . Therfore a wyse capitayne wyll considre the tyme and cause , and not folowe hys angre , the compagnion and marowe of cruelnesse .

67 ¶ To kepe leage and promysse of peace with our enemyes .

Whatsoeuer leage of peace the capytayne shall make with any cytye , kyng or prince , honest it is that he kepe the same stedfastly , and that he do not slyppe from it , or shewe hym selfe disloyal , for any displeasure done to hym of his enemyes . For howe moche is that capitayne worthy to be regarded , whose fayth is attaynted , and whose falsehode , is disdaynfull to euery man ? wherfore not onely to our frendes , but also to our enemies , fayth is to be kept , and promyses are surely to be perfourmed All wyse capitaynes haue done this . Yea Scipio Africanus , in the tyme of truce , wyth the cytizins of Carthage , moued dyuerse wayes , and sufferyng many rebukes , successed to reuenge his wronges , both for the dignitie of the Romayne people , and also for hys owne honoure , wyllynge to kepe hys faythe of peace , otherwyse then the citizins of Carthage , men notable for theyr falsehode , dyd perfourme towarde hym , knowynge traynes and deceiptes to come rather of a seruyle nature , then of honest mynde and noble herte .

68. ¶ Of the captaynes offyce in accomplyshyng al thynges .

The offyce of a carefull capitayne , is to watche , to be spedye , to go about al thynges : not plucked awaye for anye sleape , paynes , or other pleasures , therwyth redye daye and nyght , to seke all occations to noye hys enemyes , and to reliefe hys frendes , whych must spare for no money to knowe the endeuours of hys enemyes dayly , yea yf he can euery houre . By faith full spyes , shortly he shall knowe that , yf he wyll frely rewarde them , at the begynnyng , and then after lode them wyth greter promysses . Thys is the nerest meane to auoyd hynderaunce , and discomfiture of our men , and the best pollicye to gette the mastrye .

66. ¶ When thyne enemyes armye prepareth passage ouer any water .

Yf thou haue pytched thy tentes nygh to anye ryuers syde , and thyne ennemyes wolde haue passage that waye , suffre them frely to passe by , dissemblynge feare and flyght , and when parte of theyr armye is passed ouer , then set vpon them , wyth all thy puisaunce . For at suche tymes , the victorye is moost easely gotten , when thou doest fyght agaynst parte , and not wyth the whole Armye . But spare not to dyscomfyte them that be passed ouer , and also to stoppe and kepe backe those that be on the other syde .

70. ¶ When thy souldyours ben astonyshed and fearefull .

A capitayne that is redye to fyght , & perceyueth hys Armye fearfull and astonyshed , ought to refrayne for that tyme , feynyng one cause or other , that hys purpose is so shortly chaunged . For feare is the readye waye to lose the victorye , when on the other part boldnesse and sure trust to ouer throwe all , do cause worth ye vyctories . Feare also causeth moche staughter , of thy men . Therfore a wyse capitayn wyll not yssue , wyth hys Armye toward hys enemyes , for feare of discomfyture , when his men be so hertelesse & coward-like , but wyl forbeare for that tyme , & vse all meanes to plucke that feare out of theyr mindes , finishing his orations with this conclusion : That the vyctorye is in theyr handes , yf wythout feare they wyl bolden themselues to matche and encountre wyth theyr enemyes .

71. ¶ When scarcetie of vytayles is amonge our enemyes .

When our enemyes lacke vytayles , & suffre great scarcitie of all thynges , best it is , to withdrawe ourselues , and vtterly refrayne from battayle , that by famyn our enemyes maye sterue : And then we shall get a noble victorye , without blood sheddyng of our souldyours . For an Armye besieged wyll attempt all thynges , rather then to be famyshed . But a paynefull capitayne , in al thynges consydryng the commoditie of hys hooste , in suche case wyll not gyue open battayle , neyther for iniuryes of hys enemyes , ne yet for the lauash wordes of his owne companye . Not consydryng and weyinge before , the ende of the matter , as it becommeth a wyse man .

72 ¶ Battayle is not to be begone but of necessitie and constraynte .

Battayle is neuer good to be begone , but eyther of vrgent necessitie , or elles of great oportunitie . Although some prynces shortly ben entysed to make battayle , when any lyght occation shall serue , and yet they be not trauayled in knowledge of warre , ne do perceyue the slyppernesse of fortune , which for this tyme bryngeth herselfe very fauourable . To th intent she maye ouerthrowe and cast into myseryr all her adherentes : whyich thyng Marius the Romayne emperour dyd wel knowe whiche after he had twyse dryuen kynge Bocchus to flight , and done moch slaughter , vppon his men , yet he denyed not to stryke truce wyth hym , although manye of hys petycapitaynes earnestlye bralled and grudged agaynst that dede of Marius whiche dyd remembre the bryckelnesse of fortune , that at her pleasure , lifteth vp the oppressed , and treadeth vnder the victours

73. ¶ To refrayne from battayle before that we haue deuysed and layed our traynes .

A watchfull capitayne wyl beware to make battayl , before that he haue layed & couertly conueyed his traynes , whych be the chefest cause of the victorie : wythout whiche ( for the moost parte ) Annibal neuer gat any famous victorye . For when the Romaynes and the Carthaginenses dyd ioyne togyther in battayle , in open & playne felde , the Romaynes euer preuayled , and gat the vpperhande , wherfore a wylye capitayne wyll chose a place , to in trappe and betraye his enemyes . For by suche traynes he shall conquere them easely , and otherwayes perchaunce he shal be shamefully discomfited and oppressed .

74 ¶ What is to be done , that our enemies may be perswaded , their capitayne to be slayne .

When the hostes be ioyned togyther , and god Mars guydeth al , then vse this pollicye , to cast thyne enemyes in feare . Sende some souldiour , commyng in theyr language , which may sowne and crye with a loude voyce , that they do fyght in vayn for theyr chefe capitayne is slayne . Thys must be done in that parte , where the capytayne is not . For there the souldyours wyll be more lyght of credence , and soner in feare . Yea , and for this cause chefelye , that battayle bryngeth this yll with hym , that noman is there borne , or waxeth to any stature , but many be slayne , yea the strongest and moost delyuer men of all . By this meane therfore sone they do beleue the rumour , and be put in feare , which if it abyde , causeth the puisaunce both of the mynde , & the bodye , to fal and faynte . And they be ready to retrace , offeryng them selues to be slayne , lyke beastes .

75 ¶ To kepe whole and saulfe territories and townes .

A foreseing capitayne ought ( yea prouoked to many iniuries ) to refrayne , and not to wast such townes and territories as he purposeth to haue vnder his dominyon and rule . For by that meane he shal purchase the fauour of the countreymen and by suche gentlenesse , he shall escape the name of crueltie . For certes the men of that prouynce , wyll thynke that that chiefe capitayne doth fauour them : when he doth forbeare to dispeople and waste theyr townes and fieldes , and doeth not appeare , to stryue for theyr goodes and rychesse , but for the empyre and lordshyppes . For no man doeth doubte that realmes be mayntayned and nouryshed by the only loue and obeysaunce of the subiects , and not by any Armes of men , or ryche treasures . Therfore let the capitayne commaund all hys souldiours to vse no fiercenesse in that prouyng , whiche entendeth to subdue , but to dismisse the noble men and citizins that be taken captyues frely , and with great gyftes , vsyng all meanes to crepe into theyr fauour .

76 ¶ That thyne Armye is to be lodged and kept in the marches of thyne enemyes .

Kepe thy hoste in the borders or pale of thyne enemyes , for any thynge , & there puruey vytayles for them wyth all dyligence , sparynge thy frendes . For when thou dost lodge thyne army , in theyr countryes , or nye to theyr campe , thou doest breake theyr herte , and moch discourage them : eftsones auauncyng and encouragyng the stomakes of thy frendes . In example wherof , Annibal the chiefe capytayne of the Carthaginenses , doth teache what profite it is to lodge our host in the campe of our enemyes , whych conducted and conueyed hys armye from Hispayne by many ieopersome trauayles , into Italye , whych wholy almoost he dyd waste , by fyre and sworde , & conquered a great part therof . Scipio also knowing the same pollicie , brought forthe hys Armye into Afryke , and gat Carthage by rendre and vpgyuynge .

77. ¶ What is to be done , when in wynter we must fyght .

Best it is in colde wynter , to take mete before we go to fyght . For good meate & drynke , be the nerest remedyes , to refresh vs , and put awaye colde . The proffe of which thing , by the slaughter of the romaynes at the stoude called Trebea , is playuly shewed where the romain power was almoost lost and destroyed , the cause wher of was , that the capitayne brought forth his souldiours whych were wyllynge to fyght , fastyng and vndyned : wherby the mooste parte of them clunged for colde , was rather by starknesse of meat , than by the violence of theyr enemies shame . Therfore the capitayne must warely foresee , that in wynter tyme he do not issue forth with hys men before they be refreshed with hote meates and drynkes . By thys meane he shall ouergo and subdue hys ennemyes , whych by longe fyghtyng shall faut and fall downe for hungre , when men refresshed wyth hote meates , bene hable to susteyne battayle an whole daye .

79 ¶ Of pleasures to be eschued of the capitayne , and the hoste .

The inuincible Armye of Annibal , doth planly setforth before our eyes , that the pleasures of the bodye be hurtfull to an hooste of men , to berefte them of theyr wytte , fierse and fell courage , which win teryng in Capua , lost theyr strengthes .

For Capua is the mother cytie of wanton pleasures , so that Anniball dyd often embrayde his men , saying : that that host was not hys , whych he had before . The cause wherof was the pleasure of Capua wherby the lustye myndes of the souldyours were nesshed and made womanlike Therfore the capitaynes ought to be carefull , that theyr men be not vanquysshed soner of pleasures , then of theyr enemies Whyche thynge were shamefull and reprocheable . The cytye called Spartana dyd turne the eyes of theyr cytizins from Asia , bycause from thence dydde come all thynges pleasaunt , which be the deedlye poyson of the mynde , and of the bodye . They also did wel knowe , and were assured that men soner do fall to wantonnesse from vertue , then they do forsake pleasures , and embrace vertue .

79. ¶ To chose a place to fyght in , when the sunne and the dust maye be noysome to thyne enemyes and in theyr eyes .

The capitayne ought to chose a place , mete and commodious to fyght in , prouydyng that the sunne may be in the face of his enemyes . And yf the place be sandye or drye , for the heate of sommer , let hym tarye the tyme , that the wynde blowe in the face of his enemyes , and on his souldyours backes . For the coursynge of horses wyll rayse vp a great dust , which the wynde wyll carye into the faces of thyne enemyes , and blynde theyr eye syght .

And this was the chefe cause of the Romayne slaughter at the towne called Canne

80. ¶ Of tyme not to be lost , or vaynely spent .

Nothyng ought to be more regarded , of a pollityk capitayne , then tyme , which entendeth to enterpryse greate thynges , worthye euerlyu yng renoume . For sluggeshnesse causeth bothe losse and shame . Wherfore he must endeuoure , to fynysh all thynges wyth care and spedynesse , after the example of Annibal of Carthage whyche by greate rewardes , purchased passage into Ytaly , that thesoner he mought finysh hys iourney , and ende his voyage . The same thyng also was done by the romayne capitayne , which embraided and rebuked of his frendes , that he boughte his passage derelye , made this answere . I regarde not my costly iourneye , when I haue redemed the tyme , mooste dere to them that trauayle and employe theyr wytte about thynges weyghtye , and of greate importaunce .

81. ¶ Of good and euyl doinges semblable to be rewarded as punyshed .

Yfthy men do any faulte in thyne Armye , be slowe in theyr punyshmentes . But bountyfull in gyuynge rewardes , yf thou haue knowledge , that they haue done any thing galauntly and well , that other maye be prouoked and styrred vp , at that example to be redye at hande . For valyaunt and lusty warryours be more slow when theyr welldoinges dye wythout rewardes , or thankes . Therfore let the capitayne auaunce and setforth hymselfe , by largesse the onelye vertue laudable , to knytte and lyme hys men in sure loue , & the causer of all good chaunces , without whych all other thynges decaye , as appeareth peareth by the ryche kyng Perses , which nygardly gapynge after treasures , was berefte by the Romaynes , bothe of hys kyngdome , and richesse , with most shame and sclaundre .

82. ¶ What is to be done when thy men be lyght and spedye .

He that hath a lyght Armye must pursue , and wyth spede trace after hys enemyes , whych be loden wythe harneys , & trouble them daye and nyght , wyth contynuall assaultes , not sufferyng them quyetly to take theyr meate and drynke , but brynge them into extreme dispayre . The whych thynge was well knowen of Sertorius , an expert warryour and wyse capitayne , whych dyd so disquyet Pompei , wyth hys lyghte harnessed men , that he brought hym into vttermoost distruste & discomforte . Wherfore it is a greate pollicy to haue light harnessed men in thyne Armye . For so thou mayeste discomfyte thyne ennemyes , and they not lyke wyse the. Yf therfore an Armye laden with harneys pursue the , thou doest not nede gretly to care , that thy men shall be oppressed by them , when on the other partye , thou mayest nowe and then assaulte , and kylle them , when they be weryed , & yet quycklye thou mayest retrace backe , and skape . It is therfore profytable for the Italyons to fetche manye horses oute of the east partye , whych be to them a great helpe to destroye theyr enemyes .

83. ¶ That examples do helpe to encourage souldyours .

Howe moche examples do moue and encourage souldiours , Sertorius commen of the stocke of Senatours , & a valiaunt capitayne doth wytnesse , which when he was not able to brydle and rule the fierce violence of the barbarous aliens ( whome then he dyd leade in battayle ) after that many of them were slayne of the Romaines , and mo wounded , endeuourynge to comfort theyr sorowfull and heauye hertes , and restore theyr olde strength , caused two horses to be brought into the open fielde of the whole armye , of whyche the one was leane and the other was fatte & lustye , commaundyng also a stronge man to plucke of the tayle of the leane horse , & a weake man to plucke of the tayle of the fatte horse . But the stronge man went aboute to plucke the whole tayle awaye at one plucke , and yt nothinge auayled . And the weake man that laboured to plucke awaye heere by heere , made all bare to the stompe . Then the army which dyd not knowe , what that example dyd meane , had the thynge declared to them of theyr capitayne . And so by that wyttye example he had them euer after buxome , and obedient at his commaundement .

84. ¶ That nothyng be done agaynst the capitaynes commaundement .

In the Armye , neyther meate ne drynke ought to be taken , without the consente of the capitayne . But all thynges must be done by his aduertysemente . By thys waye theyr busynesse shal more happely come to passe .

85. ¶ To refrayne thy souldyours sometyme .

It is a poynte of wysdome , somtyme to holde backe thy souldyours from battayle , whyche pollicye is not vnprofytable . For afterwarde they wolde be more gladde to fyght , and more fiercelye wyll go vpon theyr enemyes .

86. ¶ It is not tyme to fight when thyne enemyes do dispayre , and be carelesse of theyr lyues .

When we perceyue our enemyes , nothyng to regarde the pleasure of theyr lyues , but lyke brute beastes headlynge , to come vpon vs . It shal be profytable somwhat to gyue place to theyr woodnesse . Yea although we be able to ouermatche them in nombre and force of men . Also yf they were closed and enuyroned on euery syde , best it were to open way , and make a glade for them . For nothing is more folysh and vayne , then to fyght with them that wyllyngly wolde dye .

87. ¶ What is to be done when we mistrust our souldyours to be afrayed of the sowne of gunnes and noyse of them that wayle .

Yf any lykenesse be , or mistrust that thy souldyours bene afrayed of the gunshote and otherwyse , whereby theyr hertes be lyke to fayle , it is a good pollicye , to stop their eares with some thing , and so with out feare they shall fyght , neyther hearyng the wofull waylynges of them that be wounded , ne yet the noyse of gunnes . Whych pollicye wyl serue at these dayes agaynst the Almaynes that vse a greate nombre of gunnes in theyr armyes .

88. ¶ What is to be done when thyne enemyes be moost parte archers .

When our enemyes be for the mooste part archers , then set aganyst them , men fenced with tergates , whych sort of souldyours be sometyme in the hostes of the East partie . And by this pollicie thyne army shal be out of theyr daunger .

89. ¶ What is to be done before the siege of a cytye .

Before we begynne to lay siege to any cytie ( my counsayle is ) fyrst gently to fall into some entreatie with them , and therwyth to prouoke and entyse them , to rendre vp theyr cytie by large gyftes , & fayre promysses , chiefelye yf that people be naturallye desyrous of ryches . For the renoume of that capitayne whych without bloodsneddyng doth atchyue the victorye is vnmatche able , besyde that hys men wyth fierce stomakes wyl auenture their lyues for hys sake .

09. ¶ Of rashnesse to be eschued of a capitayne .

It is a thynge vnsittyng to se a capytayne or an armye trauayled in warres , to vse any violence , or vnaduysed heedynesse . Suche a braynsyke and hopeloste capitayne , is worthye to be forsaken , lest that by hys follye the whole hoste be destroyed of theyr enemyes lyke shepe .

91. ¶ A pollicye to take the fotemen .

Yf thou purpose to brynge forthe the fotemen of thyne enemies , then cause thy horsemen to retreate and gyue backe , by lytle and lytle , dissemblyng feare & flyght that therby the fotemen maye be entysed to raunge and runne abrode , which kepe them selues in strayte , hyllye , and roughe couertes , where the horsemen can haue no easye entrie to them . By which meane the fotemen shall be taken and slayne .

92 ¶ A pollicie to diffeate and dispoynt the gunners , that they stande in no stede and vse .

The Frenchemen and Almaynes , at these dayes haue in thēyr armies a great nombre of gunners , which sore trouble & hyndre theyr enemies . Wherfore my coum sayle is , that armye ( which hath no suche souldyours ) to sette vpon them in mooste raynye wether . For at those tymes they be vnseruyable , and can do no good .

93. ¶ Of the offyce of the capitayne in orderyng the affayers of hys armye .

The graund capitayne ought discrete ly to deuyde and poynt in good ordre , the busynesse of his army among his peticapi taynes . Wherby he may be dispatched & depeched of al other businesse , but only to searche the counsayle and attemptates of hys enemyes , and therewyth he maye ouerse , that euery man attentyuelye perfourme hys worke and taske .

94. ¶ To refrayne aswel from the empyre as from the treasures after the victorie .

Our auncestours noble men , of godlye lyuynge , thought it ynoughe to ouerthrowe theyr enemyes , and only content with the conquest , dyd earnestly refrayne from the empyre , lest they shoulde be iudged rather to fyght for vayne rychesse , which be the very cause of deathfull battayle , then for euerlyuyng renoume .

These were men , whose doinges ar worthye to be fresshe and flouryshynge in the memorie of man , whose names are worthye to be spred immortall , in euery age , whose fame shoulde not be shutte vp , or hydde in any posteritie . These maye be a patent and president , to all other , and the shynyng ymage of vertue , whom al men may beholde and loke for the enforcement of theyr prowesse , in suche lyke affayers . But alas the chrystian princes and kynges , of this age , be of an other sort and condition ( the whyth thing vnneth I can rehearce without teares ) whyche ought to cast downe theyr eyes , with blushing countenaunce , when they reade or heare the Ethnike princes so farre to passe them , in theyr doinges , and in all other kyndes of vertue .

95. ¶ To constrayne thy souldyours to fyght .

When thou doest mistrust that thy soldyours wyll gyue backe and flye , my counsayle is , to sette at theyr backe a stronge garryson of men , whiche maye receyue & take them at theyr retreate , and without mercye kyll them , in the sight of the other And therfore make this crye and proclamation amonge thy men , that they fyght manfully , puttyng no trust in runnynge awaye . Whiche opinion of desparation is the onely remedye for suche towardes .

96 ¶ To tame fierce people .

Yf there be any sorte of people , that be fierce and noysome to thy men : Best it is to take from them theyr horses , harneyes and weapons . For what can theyr haulte frowarde , and churlysfhe stomakes preuayle , without theyr weapons . And this pollicie the machomete byshop , which is called the Soldane , doeth vse . Or els he coulde neuer kepe vnder and tame , so many people with so fewe guydes , and vyle souldiours , except he had forbydden them the vse of theyr horses , harneis and other thynges .

97 ¶ To dissemble retreate .

Profytable it is somtyme , to leaue to thyne enemyes , thy pauilions furnyshed and replenysshed with good wynes , and dayntye meates , and to dissemble to flye , wyth thy hoste . And after at mydnyght vnloked for , to assayle them , when they be fylled and engorged excessiuelye wyth wyne and meates . For certes then thou shalte fynde them dronken , and as deed , wyth suche intemperaunce , that it shal be easye , withoute manslaughter to subdue them . And this pollicye is worthye to be remembred .

98 ¶ To pyke out for souldyours those whych be paynfull .

When thou doest master thy men , than best it is to chose for souldyours , those that be hardye , stronge and paynfull . For dastardes and nesh felowes ben vnfytte for warres , when paynfull and bourlye felowes wyll become good warryours .

99. ¶ Of exercyse .

The Romayne people ( lordes ouer all the worlde ) haue taught vs by theyr doinges , to knowe what profyte doth come of exercyse , whyche as well in tyme of peace , as in warre , dyd occupy theyr chyualerous men , in the feates of warre .

They of ryght were called lordes . For what science is that whyche can be kepte flouryshyng without exercyse , when exercyse doeth passe and ouercome nature , & also causeth women vnmanly , to be warlyke and bolde ? As appeareth by the women called Amazones : which practisyng theyr selues in martiall labours , became princesses and empresses .

Therfore a skylfulle capytayne ought to dryue hys men to some kynde of exercyse , lest they be astonyshed , when tyme is that they must fyght . For this word ( exercitus ) an hoste , hath hys name of exercyse .

100. ¶ What is to be done , when our enemyes be conquered .

Yf it shall be thy chaunce to ouercome thyne enemyes , it shall be not vnprofytable , to put on theyr armature and apparell , and then wyth all spede , to goo and assayle theyr cytyes . For peraduenture they being deceyued through the fashyon of the armatour , and apparell , soner may be taken , and also dismayed with the sodayne chaunce , and being bare of al counsayle , wyll yelde vp theyr cytye , and theyr selues .

101. ¶ When fewe must fyght agaynst many .

Oftentymes it chaunceth , that a lytle nombre shal be enforced to fyght agaynst a great power . Wherfore this is my counsayle , in suche a case , that thou sette vpon thyne enemyes by nyght , whych contemnyng so small and weake a nombre , wyll neglygently kepe watche and warde , at whyche tyme by fortune beinge ladye of warres , which fortune is gentle to them that beseche and ensue her helpe , and fauoureth them , that do lose theyr owne demayns , and after rauen other mens possessyon , thou mayeste dyscomfyte , and ouerthrowe them . By thys pollycye , the fierse Carthaginenses , hauynge thre mayne hostes , reioysynge at the death of the Scipions , and at the discomfiture of the mooste parte of the Romayne hooste , were in one nyght in Spayne scattered , dryuen to flyght , and slayne wyth the Romaynes , that remayned alyue , whyche were a very fewe . Whyche destruction of the citizyns of Carthage , was the chiefe cause that the Romaynes kept styll Hyspayne , after the vnluckye death of the Scipions . Therfore this pollicie maye be vsed in greate nede and peryllous daunger .

102. ¶ when the souldyours must sleape .

Accustome thy souldiours to slepe with out strawe , that by vsage they maye do that wyllyngly , to the whiche necessitye shall sometyme compell them . And what doth more in all thynges , then custome , whyche is the ladymastresse to putte all thinges in vre . For nothig can be thought sharpe or paynefull , to them that wonte theyr selues to hardynesse . Therfore let men vse sufferaunce , in newe and straunge enterpryses , whych doth brynge al thynges to a perfection .

103. ¶ To brynge suspicion of treason amonge thyne enemyes .

Yf any of thyne enemyes whiche hath good skyll in warlye busynesse , do disappoynte the of those thynges that thou doest attempt : It shall be profytable for the , to brynge hym in suspicion of treason , wyth his prince , or hys citizyns , by some crafty deceipt . As in these two examples I shal teache the. The one is , when thou doest waste other mens fieldes , that then thou forbeare purposely , from his , whom thou doest couette to brynge into suspition of treason . Whych pollicie Annibal of Carthage vsed agaynst Quintus fabius maximus the Emperour of Rome , yea rather the conseruatour .

The other pollicie is , to sende some of thy seruauntes that be trusty & subtile to him whome thou woldest bryng in a ielousye of treason , to commune and talke with him as with his frendes , which thynge shall brynge hym both in hatred and suspition of treatorie , agaynst hys kynge , and cityzins . The which feate the Romaynes vsed agaynst Annibal . Or els the capitayn maye inuent , besyde these wayes , some other craft consydryng the tyme and place as to fayne letters , in which some matter of treason , is conteyned and entreated of betwene them , and prouyde that those letters maye be conueyed to the handes of the Emperour . But this stratageme neyther I approue , ne yet greatly prayse excepte it were agreed of the hole destruxtion of th empyre .

104. ¶ Of outwarde helpe that he suspicious warely to be receyued .

They that make battayle , are wont to requyre ayde from theyr confederates , & from theyr tributaries , or elles to hyre straunge souldyours , which thyng often tymes is the falle and destruction , of an whole Armye . For when they haue anye affyaunce , in theyr hyred men , sharpelye begynnynge to fyght , and reioyse as vyctours , eyther shortelye the hyred souldyours , do stagger , and stande at a staye , to turne theyr face , or elles the capitayne is dryuen to fyght agaynste them wyth hys men . Wherfore do thou not requyre moch outwarde helpe , but of such whose faith thou doest not suspecte . These hyred and straunge souldyours were the destruction of the Scipions in Hispayne . For when they trusted and affyed the Spaynyardes , the two brethren deuyded theyr Armye , which being kepet togyther , coulde not haue bene subdued . And shortly after through theyr false helpers , bothe were slayne , and all theyr men for the mooste parte maymed or kylled .

105. ¶ Of discention to be swaged and appeased .

Yf any heynous discention be styred amonge thy souldyours , whyche oftentymes may happen , for diuisions rysyng among them , my counsayl is , to set all thynges in quyet staye , and brynge them agayne to concorde , constrayne them by othes makynge , to forget suche wronges , and become good frendes , and felowes agayne commaundyng also that from thenceforth , they do not shewe anye token or remembraunce of that varyaunce , in deede ne worde .

106. ¶ what tyme townes and cities maye be despoyled and taken .

That capitayne is worthie to be hyghly praysed of hys owne men , and greatly feared of his enemyes , that by his wytte and conueyaunce goth about to take and despoyle townes , without bloodsheddig of hys armye , and endeuoureth by pollicie to conquere countries . That capitayn shall euer haue his souldyours redye and at hande , to ieoparde on thynges harde & daungerous : wherfore it becommeth a prouident capitayne , to proue and assaye all thynges , rather by conueyaunce and pollici , then by force of armes . For greater victoryes be wonne and gotten by pollicye , then strength . Therfore by nyght , & when rayne falleth , cytyes and townes are to be taken and despoyled .

107 ¶ Howe moche the presence of the graunde capitayne doeth profyte .

How necessary the presence of the graund capitayn is in the battayl , al men ( whose wyttes be not on batfoulyng ) may clerelye perceyue and se . For the souldyours , yea and theyr capitaynes , aswel for feare of shame , as specyallye for the presence of the graunde capitayne , wyll bestyrre themselues moost valyauntly . Manye also for trust of rewarde , and chefely to purchasse the Emperours fauour attentyuely wyll exploite and furnysh all thynges . Oftentymes also the battayle slowlye and cowardly foughten , is renued and restored , manfully by the presence of the graund capityne , whych doeth not leaue anye feate or trayne vnprouyded , encouragyng hys men now with me nacies , and now with gentle and comfortable wordes . By whyche meane the souldyours wyll contende one to passe an other in prowesse , so that in the Emperours syght , they maye do some thynge notable and prayse worthye . Therfore nothynge worthie perpetuall memorie can be done , yf the Emperour or graund capitayne be not at hand .

108. ¶ Of the multitude of enemyes .

Yf it chaunce , any great prince to be besette on euery parte wyth many enemies , so that he is not able to beare theyr force and vyolence , myne aduyse is , that wyth some he do make a leage of frendshyppe , and wyth other he do entreate of peace , And so he shall escape and auoyde the daungerfull destruction of his countrye . For when so many go about to get thy kyngdome , it is a lyght thyng , to put of some of them , eyther with great promyses , or with money , & chefely in this tyme , when men do not stryue somoche for renoume , as they do for ryches , and all the world doth gape for golde and syluer .

109. ¶ Of enemyes that be humble and treatable .

Somtyme for a lyght cause , greate battayles be begonne amonge men : wherfore yf they agaynste whome we make our preparaunce , shewe them selues gentle and tractable , it were not honeste on the other partye to shewe our selues vnmercyful . For what can chaunce more shame full to any man in hys lyfe , then to be noted and attached wyth tyrranny . What can make vs more worthye to be lykened to the wylde beastes , and also more doeth hurte the aduauncement of our renoume the encrease of our honour , and the wele publike of our realmes , then horryble tyrannie . Wherfore suche crueltie ought to be eschued , no lesse then the wylde beastes .

109 ¶ Of daungerfull and peryllous battayles .

Greuous and daungerfull battayles , do chaunce oftentymes amonge men .

For whych cause a sage capitayne ought to prouyde for all thynges , with ernest labours , and cheifely that he haue olde and beaten souldyours . For they knowynge the vse of battayle , doo not feare naked swordes , ne yet for strypes , no although they take many depe woundes , they styfly wyl abyde and stande to all ieopardies for the kepyng of theyr old men . Also they being practysed in warly knowledge , can discerne what is profytable and what is not , euer decreing this with them selues , eyther to conquere and ouercome theyr enemyes , or els manfullye to dye , whyche is the trne token and argument of a noble herte and lustye blood .

111 ¶ It is mete for yonge men in theyr youth to practyse martiall feates .

They whyche wyll become good and experte warriours , ought in theyr youth dilygently to applye and folowe the same . For yf a yongeman wonte hym self quyely to bestryde and mount vpon his horse , and lykewyse to lyght downe , to takevp his horse with the spurres , that he maye praunse , trauerse , and flyng wyth the heles , then surelye he shall become a good warryour . Let hym also practise to shote in hande gunnes , and crossebowes , to cast dartes , and chargegunnes , to cary swerd and tergate , and somtyme with his marrowes to raunge lyke a man of armes , to resemble a battayle : ✚ that when he commeth ¶ The youth of Englande doth vse in they re playinges a warrelike sport and reseble of bat tayl , whiche is called England and Scotlās to mans stature , greate experyence shall shyne and appeare in hym . To such one all labours , whyche be to other men intollerable , be lyght & easye , as to lodge on the earth , to suffre famyne , and abyde all other mooste sowre and trauaylous paynes . Wherfore it is greate profyte to brynge vp youth in suche exercyse , to harden them in greater thynges .

112 ¶ To encrease the nombre of thyne enemyes by a rumour .

When a rumoure is sparpled , that a myghtye hoste of men commeth agaynst the , augment the same rumoure amonge thy souldyours , affyrmynge the same to be true , by the reporte and acknowledgig of thyne outryders . Therby thou mayest be assured with what stomacke and herte they wyll buckle and bende them selues , to withstande and receyue such an huge nombre of enemyes , yf the nombre were so great in dede . When they shal come to fyght , and se the shewe to be abated , and diminisshed , forthwyth they wyll gather theyr hertes , with moche more force and vyolence , whych before doubtyng of the victorye , now as victours wyll boldelye fyght , steppynge forwarde , wyth cherefull courage , to whome nothynge is ieoperdsome , agaynste theyr conceipt and opinion of the victorie .

113 ¶ To preuent the wylies and traynes of a nobler prince .

When thou doest feare ( and not wythout a cause ) the trappes and deceiptes , of some noble man , leste that he wyll come vpon the sodaynly , and bereft the of thy kyngdome , dispoyle thy cyties and townes , and thruste thy lyue : It is not the worste , in preuentynge hym , to waste hys kyngdome spoyle hys cyties , and ymagyn his death . And so suche traynes which were prouyded for the , thou shalte vse to ouerthrowe and disceyue hym , and shalt catch hym in the same nettes and snares , that were layde and sette for the. For God his lawes , the lawe of man and nature , suffre well this , that a man maye turne that to the vndoinge of other men , whyche they layed for hym .

114. ¶ Of them that haue longe heere and longe beerdes .

Men in some countryes vse longe berdes and longe heere , whyche in battayle be troublesome and vnprofytable . For they be good stayes , to holde a man hard and fast . Wherfore it shal be good to clap them shorte . For lytle thynges somtymes do moche hurte . And in suche case al thynges whyche be hurtfull to vs , and profytable to our faes , are to be put awaye and not vsed .

115. ¶ Before we laye siege to cytyes , good it is to possesse the vplande fieldes .

It is not best to laye siege to any cyties before that we haue brought the whole demeanes of the cytye , into our handes . For yf the citizins kepe parte of theyr feldes in theyr possessyon , harde it shal be to get them without the great losse of tyme . When other cyties in that tyme mought haue ben subdued . Whych pollicie the women called Amazones , being of a manlye spyrite and bolde stomake , dyd put in vre : whych wolde neuer assaulte any citie , before that the y had taken the vplande villages .

116. ¶ Of men wounded and kylled to be conueyed priuily out of the waye .

Men wounded and kylled , do moche bolden thyne enemyes , and therwith cast downe the hertes of thyne owne men . Wherfore the capitayne must diligentlye prouyde , that he conuey away , and sente hys flayne men , with those that be wounded to some out place ( aswell vnwares to hys enemyes , as also to hys owne host ) For Philip of Macedon was moch hyndred therby , when he left the slayne men in the sight of his owne army , and ther with plainly to be viewed of the outryders of the Romaynes , wherby the host conceyued suche a feare , when they sawe the wyde dennes and deyntes of the woundes of theyr felowes , that they had rather suffre anye distresse , than to haue any mo bickerynges wyth the Romaynes . In this thynge the kynge was blamed for hys ygnoraunce , whyche after he dyd acknowledge . The Turkes that been in these dayes , men most expert in warre , know this pollicy which do burne theyr slayne men , lest their own men shulde haue any discomforte , or their enemyes any courage therof .

117 ¶ Of the requestes of lowe and humble peronages to be herd .

A mercyfull capitayne ought not to dis dayne the prayers and peticions of humble personages , but gentlye to hearken theyr behestes and desires . For what is somoch prayse worthye in a capitayne , as lowlynesse and humanitie : wherby he shal purchase both the fauour of hys owne men , and also of hys enemyes . Scipio Africanus warryng in Spayne agaynst the Carthaginenses , subdued more by hys vnspekeable humblenesse , then by the sworde Also the vnprocheable humanitie of Cesar dyd moche more lyfte vp and auaunce hys renoume , then all his noble actes , & dyd make hym wonderfull , and merueyled at , of all the worlde . Embrace therfore and folowe gentlenesse , which is the lodge of manhode .

118 ¶ To vse cruelnesse in the begynnyng of the warres .

It is not vnhonest in the begynnyng of thy warres , to vse crueltie , whyche is the verye cause that cytyes and townes well defenced , many tymes be yelded vp : whych yf they had not feared suche crueltye , wolde haue taryed & tryed the doubt full chaunce of warre , whereby moche hinderaunce mought haue chaunced and ensued to the capitayne and his Armye . This pollicye the wyse Romayne capytayn Metellus vsed agaynst Iugurth , in Numidia . But why speake I of Metellus when all wyse capitaynes vsed this pollicye , and wyll vse it so longe , as they be in deedly warres .

119. ¶ How to kepe thy kyngdome by boldnesse and couragyousnesse .

Brefelye we haue tolde in our boke of the gouernement of an empyre , howe kyngdomes ought to be guyded . But now I wyll recyte one reason , not vnprofytable , bycause it happeneth oftentymes kyngdome to be ruled by lineall discent of heyres , and bycause yongemen which be tendre of age , sometyme doo possesse the royall authoritie , and th emperiall estate whych for theyr youth sake ben assaulted of theyr neyghbours , nygh ioynyng and borderynge on them . Therfore my counsayle is , at the begynnyng of theyr gouernaunce , to shewe them selues sterne and stoute of mynde , therby to encourage the hertes of theyr subiectes , and put theyr enemyes in feare . That thyng was well perceyued of Alexandre of Macedon conquerour of all the worlde , which beynge yonge and tendre of age , takynge the empyre of Philip , kept it agaynst them that rebelled , by hys lusty courage , braggyng porte and greatnesse of mynde , although he was otherwayes enfourmed of hys counsaylours .

120. ¶ Of chastitie in warre .

Chastitie of all wysemen is hyghlye praysed , without whych no man is worthye to be called , or to haue the name of a capitayne . For how can he well guyde other men , that is ruled and led by pleasures and lustes , which be to man moost enuyfull foes . Therfore lette suche capitaynes folowe Alexander the moost dradde kynge of Macedon , whych not onlye abstayned from the steshlye pleasure of the beautyfull doughters of the kyng of Persia , but also from the syght of them . Also Scipio Africanus the luckie Emperour of the Romaynes , for his moost passyng chastitie deserued euerlyuing name . And also this worde ( Castra ) whiche we call an armye , hath his signification , bycause men there shoulde lyue chaste . I wyll not speake of the sclaundre whyche therby capitaynes do gette , but do you loke on the profytes . Doeth not lecherye make feble and weaken the strength , murther the wytte , hurte the memorie , dasel & blynde the syght , and perysh the hearyng ? which all howe necessarye they be in battayle , and els where iudge you .

121 ¶ Of cauillations to be experiensed in ieopardyes by capitaynes .

Wyse capitaynes are wonte in great ieopardyes to vse cauillations , to delyuer theyr souldyours out of care . For in so doinge , they appeare lytle to regarde that thynge , whyche theyr men chefelye feare . Wherfore the souldyours in suche case , cast away al feare , through the brag and confidence of the capitayne , & plucke vp theyr herte and courage . Anniball of Carthage , what tyme he rose in battayle , agaynst the Romaynes in Italie vsed cauellations . Alexandre of Macedon vsed also suche tryfelynges , in the greate battayles , with the king of Persia . For when his frende asked of him why in so ieoperd some a battayle , he went to slepe , he gaue hym this answere merely . Dost thou not know that we haue ouercommen our enemies , whych saying was blowen throughoute all the host , wherby they conceyued sure trust of the victorie .

123. ¶ Of souldyours that do saye yll by theyr capitayne .

It chaunceth oftentymes , the souldyours , yea those that be valyaunte warryours , to speake yll and backbyte theyr capytayne , when they be not taken and rewarded as they deserue by their doinges But yet the capitayne must take no dyspleasure therwyth , but rather shewe hym selfe liberall and gentle , that afterwarde they maye the more wyllynglye , followe hym at nede , then any other . Yea & gladly to runne through fyre and water , wyth hym , yf the cause shall requyre . Therfore a forecastynge capytayne wyll not cast of hys stronge souldyours for lyghte causes and tryffelles , but rather by all meanes he wolde entertayne and entreate them gentlye .

123. ¶ Wyth what thynges thy souldyours ar to be encouraged .

Marius the happye capitayne of the Romayne people , doth shewe hym selfe a paterne and example , that souldyours ar to be encouraged by the doinges of the capitayne , and not by vyolence . Which Marius dyd swete in all sorte of labours and toke great paynes , trauaylyng therby , rather then by violence , to call vp , and quycken the courage of his men . For when they sawe theyr capitayne , to take on him such intollerable paynes , they were ashamed , that they dydde not abyde suche lyke labours , yea and moche more vnsufferable . Whych doing of Marius , was worthye to be praysed . For how can a capitayne that gyueth hym selfe to gluttonye and slepe , kendle agd styrre vp the dulnesse of hys men , to any bolde enterprise to watching or suche lyke thynges . The souldyours wyl also scorne suche a capitayne , that rebuketh other men of such faultes as chefelye appeare in hym worthye to be blamed . That capitayne therfore that wyll guyde & gouerne other men , must learne to master his owne affections , whych yf he do , no doubt there is , but that the hole armye with glad mynde wyl folowe his instructions , and obeye hys decrees .

124. ¶ To purchace the fauour of a straunge countrye .

The capitayne that weareth the apparell , and vseth the maners of the countrye , where he is , wonderfullye shall come in theyr fauour , when he shall appeare as a countryeman there borne and of the same people . Which policie Alexandre of Macedon vsed after he had subdued the king of Persia , and obtayned the empyre . For he dyd inure and accustome hym selfe to theyr maners and fashyons . And so he by wearynge theyr kynde of rayment , and by kepynge theyr vsuall customes , dydde bynde as true liege men , whom before he had conquered in battayle .

125. ¶ A capitayne must be liberal , and therwith praysynge the stoutnesse of hys men .

A capitayne ought to be liberal to hys men accordyng to theyr desertes , & therwyth to gyue them hye thankes , for their famous enterprices . And when they setheyr actes well rewarded and taken , than all labours seme to them easy and lyght , and that they may please theyr capitayne they wyll not feare to shedde and spende theyr blood . Therfore nothynge doth soner purchase the fauour and true hertes , of thy souldyours , then liberalite & thankesgyuyng , which two be nouryshers of valyauntnesse . For whych purpose a bountyfull capitayne wyll not spare for anye cost , to ioyne the hertes of hys souldiours that thereby he maye haue them readye , and forwarde in all ieopardyes .

126. ¶ what is to be done when eruption is feared .

When we be afrayed of eruption , eyther of our enemyes , or oute of any cytye , best it is to cast bulworkes , wyth turrettes of wood , that our armye maye be defenced and kept in saufetye on euery syde . For sodayne outbrastes do moche discom fyte and trouble oure armye , when our enemyes vnloked for do sette vpon vs .

Suche is the violence of sodayne eruption which maketh the downeman to become vyctour , and gyueth the victorye to hym that is vnlyke and nye subdued .

127. ¶ what is to be done of the capitayne , when hys arme is in extreme peryl and daunger .

A venturous capitayne in th extreme distresse & ieopardy of his men , must neglect his owne safetie , casting hym selfe in ieopardye , and put hys lyfe in hasarde . For the souldyours seing the great and daungerous peryll of theyr capitayne , wyl be imboldened to pluck vp theyr force afresh contemning theyr priuate lyfe . For what comforte can they haue , when theyr capitayne is loste and slayne . Wherfore they then past hope , wyll fyght in hope , and destitute of all hope , wyll moost desperatlye , and lyke hopelostes , runne on theyr enemyes : whych is sometyme the recouerye of an whole hoste .

128 ¶ Wyth what thynge the mynde of the communaltie is gotten .

The hertes and good wyll of the rude people is chefelye gotten by bankettynge and rewardes , wherwyth they be moche pleased , iudgyng theyr selues , not to be regarded ne yet sethy , excepte they be called to deyntye feastes and bankettes . For the commeners do not seke , what is honest , but what is profytable , and yf no profyte do ensue , theyr frendshyp and good wyll decayeth . Which thynge was not folowed of Salust , that dyd bestowe and employ hys labour , rather to wryte the historyes of the Romaynes , then to seke and hunt for theyr fauour by feastmakyng and ban kettynge .

129. ¶ Of the fashyon to sende letters .

Letters maye be conueyed to thy frendes in cyties , campes , or elles where , by byndynge them to arrowes .

130. ¶ To allure thyne enemyes to slyppe awaye , and fayle theyr capitaynes .

A wytfull capitayne wyll sende some of hys souldyours that be subtyle & wyttye , to proue and tempt the mynde of his enemies , and by al meanes to allure some of the capitaynes , or experte warryours , to forsake and fayle theyr master in tyme of nede , promysyng to them great rewardes , makyng large profers , and therwith settyngforth and practisyng th affabilitie and lowlynesse of theyr capitayne , cessing not to graunt any demaunde , and also to promysse what thyng soeuer shal be pleasaunt or acceptable to them .

131. ¶ Of the badgies of the souldyours .

All the souldyours ought to be knowen by some badge , that the better they maye be discerned from thyne enemyes , lest indifferentlye they beate downe and stryke theyr frendes as foes . Whych may chaunce where there is no difference of armature and where thy men can not be distinctlye knowen from theyr enemyes , by theyr apparell and cognisaunce .

132. ¶ Of kynges and other princes that kepe not theyr feyth .

Kynges and other princes , do somtymes abuse the conditions of the lawes of warre and peace , to theyr owne commoditie . Yea rather to theyr priuate lust and pleasure , and haue not theyr eyes vpon iustice , which only they ought to haue in reuerence , and also worshyppe . For what kynge or prince is there now on dayes , so iust and vncorrupted , whyche wolde not seuen tymes in the day , breake the leage of peace ( whyche ought to be vndefyled ) surely trustyng therby to occupy and enioye the demaynes of hys enemyes , or at the lest the best parte of hys lordshyppes , wherfore euer haue thy frendes as well as thy foes suspected , & chefely when thy kingdom is in stryfe . For no man is soner deceyued then he whych hath affyaunce in all men . Wherfore that prince , which is wyse , wyll not commyt hys secretes to an other prince , but only for his safegard The priuities in the herte can not be searched . Also he wyll not suffre anye other prince , to entre into his castelles and holdes , whych he hath fenced , that they may viewe and marke them .

133 ¶ Of the condicion of the common people .

The conditions of the common people be very hatefull , whyche couet alwaye to resorte to them , where they trust to haue mooste aduauntage , whych do not set by ne regarde any man for his excellent and hygh vertues , yf there be no hope of profyte , to ryse by hym . Whyche thynge is shamefull to be spoken of , but chefelye to be done . But therfore we must applye vs to the inconstaunt nature of such people alluryng and hailyng them , to folowe vs , by feastyng and bankettes . As the fysshe is taken with the bayte . Wherfore a wyse capitayne wyll vse no lesse wysdome , to mayntayne the state of hys kyngdome , then he dyd in gettynge it . By this waye he shall kepe vpryght and establysshe all thynges . Otherwyse , he shall brynge all to nought , and a wyser prince shal possesse , and enioye his kyngdome .

135 ¶ Of a certayne kynde of defence .

Charrettes set in the earth , before the campe , wyth the wheles dygged depe , & cheyned fast togyther , be a great defence . And this was chefely vsed among many of the auncient souldyours for theyr spedynesse , whych were wonte to cary with them a great nombre of charettes .

135 ¶ Of the swetnesse of aduauntage .

Aduauntage maketh those that be cowardes , for the moost party redye to battayle . Wherfore a wyse capitayne ought moche to crake of the spoyle and pillage , whych wyl be great after the victorie , with such riches , that pouertie shal neuer pinch them after , if they bestow themself valiauntly , in this one battayle , and beare them lyke men , thys one daye , the laste daye of all theyr myserye and labour . Wherfore it is the capitaynes dutye , with suche lyke orations to comforte and encourage hys men to be forewarde , fiercelye to fyght , and boldly to stande to it .

136. ¶ Of a troublesome and vnrulye multitude .

A greate multitude of souldyours whyche be barbarous and rude , must be caryed to longe warres , for feare that some sedition do growe amonge them , whyche manye tymes doeth ouerthrowe whole countries . Wherfore the capitayn hedely must foresee , that all causes of sedicion be taken awaye and plucked vp by the rotes . For yf sedition be ones kendled the cytie is lyke to be burned , and all the citizins vtterly confounded .

137 ¶ Of the dutye of a good capytayne .

A valyaunte capitayne wyll be ashamed to be sene alyue , and all his men slayn For with what countenaunce , dare he be bolde to shewe his face , or to prease into the company of valyaunt capitaynes , when he doth suruyue his men being slayne . yf the battayle was yll fought , who shal be blamed but the capitayne ? whiche eyther in an vnegal and inconuenient place dyd pytche his fielde , or elles with a lytle power , rashly gaue battayle agaynst his enemies , which were both mo in nombre and more expert in warres , whych thing is not to be done , but in a great strayte , & vrgent necessitie .

138. ¶ In a newe rendre .

When any prouince or citye haue newly yelded them selues to the capitayne , he shall doo well to pardone all burthens , and charges of the cytye , as to open prysons for them that be in duraunce , and burne bokes of condemnations , and brefely no kynde of humanitie , ne yet of bountyfulnesse is to be forgotten . Wherby the capytaynes gentlenesse and good wyll , maye be knowen , and appeare .

139. ¶ Of the punishment of the capitayne whych forsaketh hys men .

The capitayne that forsaketh his host , and flyeth away , is worthye to be beheeded , in example of al other . For more prayse worthye , it is to dye in battayle valyauntly fyghtynge wyth greate glorye and renoume , then after for his cowardise with shame , and reproche to lose hys lyfe .

140. ¶ To abstayne from robbyng of temples .

Commaunde your souldyours , that they shunne to spoyle and robbe temples , lest God be offended therwyth . For great hurte and damage chaunceth to an army by suche vnreuerent spoyle of churches , whych for suche mischeuous doinges neuer skaped vnpunysshed , neyther in oure dayes , ne yet in any tyme out of our mind Therfore commaunde your menne to abstayne from the robbyng of temples . For no battayle is so harde to be skaped from as the battayle of God .

141. ¶ To pursue thyne enemyes in the chase .

When thyne enemyes do turne theyr face and stye , then pursue and chase them gredelye , yf there be no suspition of traynes . Do thou not deferre ne yet be slacke , lest they recouer them selues , and ashamed of theyr cowardlye flyght tourne agayne and cause the to recule , recoueryng the battayle , whyche nowe before was loste . For experyence doeth shewe howe vnprofytable it is , not to take tyme , when tyme doth serue .

142. ¶ To dissemble retreate and feare .

Yf the capitayne shall perceyue anye place conuenyente and mete for the discomfiture of hys enemies , it shal be not vnpro fytable , to dissemble retreate and feare , vntyll he haue trayned and ledde his enemyes thyther . And then let hym set vpon them , on the foreparte , on the backe , and on bothe wynges . Therfore the mooste parte be brought into suche traynes that tarye in holdes , and abyde th assaultes of theyr enemyes , and at the last ben enforced for famine , to pyght fielde in open champyon grounde .

143. ¶ what is to be done when great ieopardyes are to be vndertaken .

When great ieopardies ben at hande , which we must by some meane auoyd , them mete it is , to chose souldyours , whyche ben vnfearfull and couragious to encountre wyth theyr enemyes , when we muste imbolden wyth rewardes , and fayre promysses , that gladly they wyll marche forwarde , and not to steppe backe for anye ieopardyes . Also they are to be admonyshed , what prayse and rychesse they shall gette of that vyctorie . Besydes that we must earnestly affirme , that the only trust and hope of the victorie standeth in them . Wherfore they debatyng all these thynges wyth themselues , and myndefull of theyr former doinges , wyl purpose wyth them selues , to atchyue the vyctorye , and wynne theyr spurres .

144 ¶ To abstayne from treason .

You capitaynes and souldyours which loke and clymbe for honour , and wyl not indamage and impayre youre name , beware of treason : which is moost cursed & hatefull . For fyrste you shall haue them , whom you do betraye your deedly foes , and extreme enemies , and they for whom you worke that treason , shall feare and suspect you . Yea and at the laste hate and abhorre the deed , and euer doubtyng , lest you practyse suche traytorus wylyes agaynst them , which you haue vsed for them Wherfore yfsuche men wyll rebelle , and departe from theyr capitayne , lette them yet beware , to commyt so heynous a fault , whych in all ages is moost abhominable for great hatred is gathered of treason , whych faulte is abhorred of all men . The traytour also is hated , boked at with fynges , and defamed both alyue and deed . Therfore you maye se the frutes of treason .

120. ¶ Of the sagenesse and eloquence of the capitayne in his orations .

The oration of the capitayne , setforth and spoken , wyth weyghtye sentences , & apte wordes , is moche commendable , and verye requisyte . For weyghtye and fete wordes shal make hym praysed of al men and taken as the very ymage of vertue , & wysdome . Therfore the capitaynes must not in the face of al men , folowe theyr merye conceiptes , and vnaduysedlye speake , but amonge theyr familyers and nyghe frendes : Yea and then not wantonly and foolyshlye . But theyr wordes oughte to be seasoued wyth sagenesse and grauitie , and estemed as the oracles of the goddes .

146. ¶ To refrayne from spoyle and pillage before thyne enemies be wholye subdued .

Do thou gyue to thyne hooste a generall commaundement , that they refrayne from spoyle and robberye , vntyll thyne enemyes be conquered , and wholy brought vnder , and a greate penaltie must be sette to the contrarye . For when thy men fall to spoyle , and be gyuen to vauntage , thyne enemyes maye recouer and restore theyr strength , and euen now subdued , and lost men ryght agayne , become vyctours . Wherfore so longe as one lyueth , and any parte of theyr strength remayneth , for bydde thy men to gape after praye , leste the myrth of the vyctorie be turned to an heuye and sodayne sorowe .

147 ¶ To refrayne from burnyng .

After that the cities be taken , and thyne enemyes vanquyshed and slayne , it were vnprofytable to burne and waste all . For thou mayest leaue those cyties to be inhabyted and kept of thy frendes , and hereafter they wil be a great refuge and succour to the. Althoughe the capitayne consyderyng the tyme and place , may folowe the aduertysement and rede of hys frendes .

148 ¶ Of ayde and succour to be sent to thy neyghbours abborderynge on the.

Yf thy neyghbours be vexed and tourmoyled on euery syde with warres , it is conuenyent and honest to sende them ayd that the sorowful war may rather be bewayled of them , then of the. For to quenche the fyre of thy neyghbours house , is the safegarde of thyne owne . Therfore mete it is neyghbours to be frendes , when outward warres do noie them , lest thy neighbours hurte and damage lyght also vpon the.

149 ¶ what it is to do some valiaunt acte in the syght and face of thyne enemyes .

To shewe some token of puisauncie , and do some valyaunt acte in the eyes of thyne enemies , is a great helpe , and moch vayleable , to the gettyng of the victorye , whether it be done by the capitayne or any other souldiours , and also the enuy of hym shall enflame & prouoke other of thy men to enterprice lyke thynges , & the courage of thyne enemies therby shal be shaked and abated . And so a fewe valyaunt men , oftentymes haue ben the cause of all victories . Therfore let the capitaine be sure to haue some man vaileable in feates and strength . Whych in siguler stryfe , and man to man is bolde , valiaunt , and couragious .

150. ¶ Of lytle power not to be contemned .

A wyse capitayne wyll not be carelesse , and despyse a lytle armye , although it be but weake , and a small power , when of a lytle sparke ( whyche he wolde not thynke ) a great fyre doeth kendle . Wherfore the fyre must be quenched before the flame flasshe out , and all be set on fyre . And lykewyse we muste quenche and ouercome , that litle strength and puisaunce of our enemyes wyth all our endeuoure , lest it waxe and growe bygger , and then without more ieopardye , it can not be withstande . Wherfore it is great follie to neglecte suche thynges , and not in tyme to mete wyth lytle powers , and vtterlye to discomfyte them .

151. ¶ Of slouthfulnesse to be eschued of the capitayne and all other .

All capitaynes , souldyours , and other oughte to flye from ydlenesse , euen as from the pestylence : yea and rather more . For ydlenesse doth destroye the body and the mynde , whych is moost hyest of al thynges , and drowneth the renoume of men , when the pestilence destroyeth onelye the bodye : wherfore all capitaynes and souldyours , do you cast of that sluggyshnesse both in tyme of peace and warre , and stye from it , as from a wylde beast , when she setteth on you in tyme of prosperitie , gyuyng moost deedlye battayle . For cytyes whych neuer coulde haue bene ouerthrowen in tyme of warre , haue been destroyed , by slougthfulnesse in time of peace , which bringeth with her this mischefe , that not only fooles , but also wyse men be choked vp wyth the stynkyng canells of that vice

152. ¶ To viewe and know the countryes , before thou cary thyne Armye thyther .

A good capitayne wyll be sure diligently to vewe wyth hys owne eyes , the countryes rounde aboute , before that he carye hys armye thyther , and he wyll surelye knowe what waye his men may iourney mooste saufelye , and where that his enemyes may lye in wayte for hym , or els he for them , and what cyties and townes to destroye by the waye , it shal be profytable and expedient for him , lest he be deceyued sometyme by espyes , sometyme by ignoraunce , sometyme trapped in theyr traynes and snares .

153 ¶ Of the encrease of thyne empyre .

The dutye of a soueraygne emperour is , in tyme of blysfull peace , to augment and fence his empyre , with the procurement of newe frendes . Asdrebal the wyse kyng of the people of Carthage , was not vnknowen of this . For after the fyrst battayle that he had in Affrike , he enlarged and encreased , the power of Carthage , when he hooked in those that dyd bordre on hym , and purchased theyr fauoure . Whych thynge all wyse Emperours before this tyme , and in this time also , haue done and do .

154 ¶ The conditions of the capitayne .

The capitayne ought to be bolde in aduentures , and therewyth wyttye , and of moche counsayle . For what commoditye is it to haue a capitayne bolde , and the same foolysh and without counsayle , when they both do ioyne and iumpe so nere togyther And also the one nedeth so the helpe of the other , that for the defaulte of the one , no man is worthye to be called a capitayne , but a verye loute and a lobre , and vnworthye that honourable name , whyche also is lyker to haue a master , then to be a master .

155 ¶ What is to be done in the besiege of cyties .

It is very profitable in the assiege and beatynge downe of cyties , to make thys proclamation amonge the mayne hooste , by the commaundement of the graunde capitayne , that all the pillage and prayes shal be due to the souldyours . Then they allured and enflamed wyth the swete desyre of vauntage , and strengthened with the hope of ryches , wyll not be put backe for anye violence , thoughe it be neuer so great , but they wyl surely take and beate downe the cytie . Suche desyre and vnsaciable coueytosnes of vauntage raygneth amonge men .

156. ¶ A pollicie to knowe yf thy soldyours be faythfull .

Yf thy souldyous gently folowe the , from place to place , it is a greattoken and argumente of theyr faythfulnesse .

157. ¶ Of the great and huge couetousnesse of the barbarous people .

As the fyshes be taken wyth swete baytes , so the barbarous aliens be plucked and hailed wyth golde , yea & moche soner . For they esteme golde and syluer , moche more then any prayse or renoume , so that the Italions haue great hope to ouercome them for theyr gredye desyre of treasure , although the commyng of warfare and prayse therof , hath euer florished and yet doth amonge the same Italions .

158 ¶ How to cary an armye ouer a water thyne enemyes restynge .

It happeneth oftentymes , that algates thou muste carye thyne armye ouer some ryuer , where thyne enemies do resist and withstande thy passage , in whyche case thou muste gette bootes , yf matter and tyme want to make a brydge . But before that tyme farre from the campe of thyne enemyes , aboue or beneth thou muste lye in embushment , a bande of good warryours , couertly , which must come on thyne enemyes priuilye at theyr backes , and lokyng for no suche thyng , when they go about to stoppe and lette thy passage . And this is the best pollicye to carye thyne armye ouer any water .

159. ¶ The comfortable wordes of the capitayne , when hys souldyours be in dispayre .

when thy souldyonrs do despayre , eyther of the victorie , or of theyr iourneye : A stoute capitayne wyll not ceasse dylygently to confort them , wherby that heuynesse and feare maye be plucked oute of theyr myndes , and they more prest and readye , eyther to fyght or to go on theyr iourney .

160 ¶ Of thy souldiours , worshypfully to be buryed .

Yf it happen thy souldyours , to be slayne , thou shalt swage and appeace the angrye hertes of the rest , yf the deed bodyes , be brought worshipfully to burying whereby they shall se by the funeralles , that thou purpossed not theyr death , and destruction , but the prayse of that battayle and victorie , wherby they can not but loue and honour so gentle and mercyfull a capitayne that is of suche pytie , then which nothynge is more prayse worthye , ne yet draweth soner the myndes of men , moost marueylously and enterelye to loue hym .

161 ¶ When the power of thyne enemyes is moche stronger , what thynge is to be done .

Yf thyne enemyes preuayle both in non bre and puisaunce of men , by no meanes do thou come to hande grypes , ne yet appoynt the to fyght hande to hande , ne yet do thou gyue battayle in pyght fielde .

Neuerthelesse do thou not suffre them to lye quyet , but nyght and daye assayle them busyly , wyth some pyked souldyours , makynge roodes and assaultes , vnto theyr pale , continually renewyng skyrmyshies wyth them , euer shonnynge ioyned battayle . Myne aduyse also is , when thyne enmyes be very many on the lande , then to take the see , where thou shalte eyther gette the better , or els lose nothynge .

162. ¶ Of hostages .

Receyue hostages and pledges of great men from any countrie or cytie , which eyther be sent frelye , or by constraynte , and chefelye where there is any feare of false dealyng and vntrustynesse , whyche be the surest and moost fast bande of theyr loyaltie and faith . For the great loue , which they haue to the pledges , wyl make them to stande to theyr promysse .

163. ¶ To stynt the weapynges and skrykes of women .

The sorowful weapynges of women within the cytie , wyth diligence are to be stopped and stylled . For suche owtecryes and waylefull lamentation of women , lette the souldiours that they cannot take anye counsayle of thynges to be doone in suche vprore and wepynges .

164. ¶ To hyde and couer the slaughter .

A skylful capitayn wyl beare in minde to kepe close and layne ( to his power ) from the reste of hys Armye , the slaughter of hys men , and tourne all to the best , wyth gentle wordes , burnynge them in the night priuyly and vnwares to his army therwyth sendyng those that be wounded and maymed , to the cyties thereby which be frendfull to hym , sparyng nothynge , that they maye be healed , and may haue theyr strength restored . And those men whych be nowe hardened , he shall haue in other battayles forwarde , and redye to ieoperd them selues moost boldlye , at the request of so gentle a capitayne .

165. ¶ To pacify a stronge and valiaunt warryour which is displeased .

If it chaunce any of thy valiaunt souldyours to be wrongfully vsed , or suffre any rebukefull reproche , and therwyth to be displeased , it is expedyent wyth fayre wordes , to asswage hys angre , lest as he hath ben valiaunt and wytty on thy part so styrred by displeasure and vnkyndnes worke moche hurte and harme agaynste the.

166. ¶ Wagies are not to be craued when the treasures be spent and wasted .

The dutie of a faythfull capitayne is , and also of the souldyours , when they shall perceyue the treasure to be wasted , to surcesse , and not to desyre theyr wages For so doing they go about and endeuour them selues to betraye theyr lorde . Wher fore they must leaue for a tyme to call for theyr moneye , yf they couette and hunte to haue the fauour of theyr prince .

167. ¶ To passe by lytle thynges that be harde .

Lytle thynges , euen as great thynges whyche be harde , are to be passed by . For the charges be lyke , the praye vnlyke wherfore good it is , to passe by such places , where great labours with expenses must of necessitie be taken , and the profyt therof is lytle or none .

168. ¶ what is to be done of the chiefe capitaynes .

Many thynges there be , whiche are not to be taken in hande , but after that the enterpryse is begon , and the assiege attempted , by no meanes they must be leafte of . The profe of whiche thynge is playne by the wyse Romaine Emperours , whyche besieged the cytie Capua , and ouercame it , tarying there so toughly , that they left the defence of theyr owne countrye , to destroye and vanquish it . Also the huge host of Annibal coulde not plucke them away although they wer brought to vttermost despayre , yet nothynge doubtyng ne weryed wyth any labours , wolde not gyue ouer th assaulte , but constauntly continuyng , dyd brynge home a famous victorie with immortall renoume .

169. ¶ To kepe the possessyon of the thyng ones gotten .

Yf thou haue gotten cities or countries , by any meanes do not leue , ne giue them ouer , but kepe them with all diligence . For greater reproch it is , to lose lytle thinges , then at all not tohaue wonne them . Also harde it is , to wynne and destroye countryes . Wherfore it were no poynt of wyttynesse vnaduysedly to redelyuer vp , that whiche wyth so greate labours and charges was gotten .

170. ¶ Of the nature and condition of the common people .

The condition of the base and rude people , is piuysh and mutable , eyther wilye and boundely to serue , or elles after a proude and haulte demeanours , to be are rule . Wherfore the multitude neuer iustly ne egally can beare rule and offyce thorough theyr arrogaunte , stubburne , and stately conditions , whyche vse all kynde of crueltie , temperyng and measuryng all thynges by theyr fancye , and not by reason . Therfore no kyngdome longe can stande , guyded and gouerned by the commeners and vnskylfull people .

171 ¶ Of a multitude of gunners and crossebowe shoters .

When for the multitude of gunners , and other shoters in crossebowes , the soul dyours can not stande saulfely on the walles , myne aduyse is , to make holes , and so disturbe thyne enemyes with arrowes and dartes .

172 ¶ What is to be done when the walles be beaten downe .

It happeneth oftentymes , the walles of cyties , to be shaken and beaten downe wyth gunnes ( that deuilysh instrument ) then bulworkes wyth all spede , to kepe backe our enemyes must be made , wyth turrettes of wood , and ouerthwarde trenches fylled vp with sharpe pyles , wherby th assiege on that part may be more harde through the stronge munimentes , then it was before .

173. ¶ What is to be done in the slackyng of cities .

When the citie begynneth to slacke , it must be vanquyshed with the sworde .

174. ¶ To set vpon the campe of thyne enemyes not warely kepte .

Best it is , thyne enemyes negligentlye kepynge watche and warde , not by daye tyme but by nyght to set vpon and inuade them . For then without question the fyght shall not be harde , when thyne enemyes ouerthrowen and halfe deed with sleape and wyne , whyther to go or what to do , sodaynlye wakened , shall not knowe , ne yet shall perceyue the cause of that brute and disturbaunce , before they be strycken downe , taken , and slayne .

175 ¶ what is to be done in slowe and slacke siege .

When thy souldyours cowardly and wyth hollowe hertes , nothynge freshlye fyght , plucke the standart from the standart bearer , and flynge it amonge thyne enemyes , then after exhorte and desyre them , not to suffre suche a shame and reproche , that theyr enemies shal kepe thier standart . Then take thou a weapon , and commaunde the best warryours to folow the to wynne agayne theyr standarte , makyng a lane wyth moche violence .

176 ¶ Of lytle thynges not to be despysed .

Nothyng is of so lytle valewe , which in warre wyll not do some seruyce . Therfore an expert capitayne wyll contempne nothyng , although it be lytle worth .

177. ¶ Of warre on the see .

In warre on the see , the full wynde is the great parte of the victorie .

178 ¶ Of great perylles scaped and auoyded by rashnesse and foolehardynesse .

It sometome chaunceth , thyne armye to be in greate ieopardye , and so enclosed and set aboute , that vnpossible it is to scape away . Then the capitayne must vse some sodayne and vnaduysed meane , that by rashnesse the victorye may be ieoparded , when wittinesse can not helpe , whichthing hath luckely chaunced to many capitayns discomfited with vttermost perilles . Such force is in rashnesse .

179. ¶ Of a certayne kynde of defence .

When thy campe can not be wel defended for the open barenesse of the place , mine aduise is , to make the fortresses of fardels whyche kynde of defence , although it be not good , yet it maketh a face and shewe . wherby thyne enemyes for a tyme feared wyth the noueltie of the thynge , wyll recule , and not hastelye marche forewarde .

180 ¶ where thyne enemyes preua yle in horsemen .

Yf thyne enemyes be wel horsed , and thou woldest gladlye make a fraye wyth them moued eyther by some profyte , or elles constrayned by nede , this is my best counsayle , that eche of the horsemen , haue wyth them swyfte and nymble fote men , which quycklye , can mount vpon an horse , and so lyuerly lyght downe , so that whych to other men appeareth harde , is to them through custome ; lyght and but a tryffle . This kynde of fyght was begonne at the siege of Capua .

181. ¶ To rayse the siege of any cytye .

Yf thou purpose to rayse and moue the siege from thyne owne cytyes , then fierselye laye siege to some cytie of thyne enemye . For when they endeuour to succoure and rescue theyr owne cytye , they wyl sone departe from thyne . And so they then that be not able to kepe & ayde theyr owne cytyes , by strength , do saue them well , by siege made to the cytyes , of theyr enemyes .

182 ¶ Of cyties yeldynge them selues .

Those cyties whych wyllyngly yelde , and gyue vp themselues vnto vs , although we be not able to defende them , it is not conuenyent to spoyle and pylle them , or to vexe them with any wronges , but rather with bountyfulnesse and humanitie , to entreate and vse them , that althoughe that great gentlenesse shall not moue and tendre theyr stomake , yet that deede worthye the memorie of men , shall be further knowen . By whyche other cyties moued hereafter , wyll yelde the soner .

183. ¶ How necessarye warly connyng is to souldyours .

The knowledge of martial feates doth moche imbolden and encourage both souldyours and their capitaynes . For suche men do knowe to helpe theyrselues , and can take tyme to strycke theyr ennemyes , wythoute hurte . And except theyr enemyes be skylfull and experte , as they be ( the battayle not ioyned ) they be assured of the vyctorye , in whose bolde hertes , strength so moche encreaseth , and they styfly stande in fight to obtayne the victorie . But this science as it is gotten and assured by exercyse , so is it lost by negligence .

184 ¶ Great victories ben eschued with fewe and expert souldiours .

Yf thou endeuoure thy selfe to do famous and valiaunte actes , take to the a fewe , and those pyked souldyours , wel exercised in warre , and hardened in laboure with whome thou mayest discomfyte , at thy pleasure , the vnskylfull multitude of thyne enemyes . But yf thou trust to do the same thyng with an huge garrison , which be rude , and hauing no skyll , thou shalt be trapped of thy purpose , and shamefullye destroyed , and therewith taken in thyne owne trayne .

185 ¶ Of yonge men to be chosen .

Yonge men ought to be chosen for soldyours which be tall and stronge , whych can suffre hungre , thyrste , and lye on the grounde , whiche also haue a pleasure , to handle weapons , to fyght , takyng it for a sporte and game . Suche fellowes lustye and stronge , be lyke to become valiaunte and expert warryours , whose helpe thou mayest be assured to vse in great ieopardyes , and all thynges shal chaunce to thy desyre and mynde . Therfore diligent care and wysedome is requyred in chosynge & takyng vp souldyours .

186. ¶ What men they shoulde be to whome the kepynge of countries and cities is commytted .

We must warely foresee to what men we commyt the kepyng of prouinces , and cityes , and whome we make our lieufetenauntes , and that they be ryche and auncyent cytizins , of our owne cytie , hauyng chyldren thryfty and disposed to vertues For such men vndoubtedly wold be fayth full and loyall , in whome no suspition of treason is to be feared , which wolde be reprocheable and shamefull to them , and theyr posteritie , ne yet any falsehode is to be demed or mistrust in them .

187. ¶ Of the maner of fyghtynge .

Cause thy souldyours to foyne contynually , and not lay on downryght , which force of fyghtynge is moche dreaded of thyne enemyes , cheifelye yf the foynes be cast at the face . These woundes ben vncurable , and the wounded haue more nede of a preeste then of a surgyon . But yf thy men haue bastarde swordes , or twohanded swordes , vsed in the ast partyes , lette them gyue downryght strokes . For those swordes be so deedlye , that lyghtlye they wyll stryke of the heed , cleaue the bodye , and dismembre all partes .

188. ¶ In what place best it is to lodge thyne armye .

Campe thy souldyours so nere as thou canst , in places where fodder , water , and fewel is abundaunt , that thy souldiours maye haue plentye , withoute any stop or entercourse of theyr enemyes . Beware al so to pitche thy pauilyons and tentes vnder an hyll , lest thyne enemyes ( vnwares to the ) take and occupye the hylle , to thy greate discomfyture . Do thou also forsee that thyne armye , be not lodged in places whyche wyth raynes and brookes wyll be shortly ouerflowed , or where the bankes maye be cutout to drowne thyne armye , or at the leest thy catall and other vitayles . Prouyde therwyth not to tarye , and kepe the hoste , there where is al playnes , and champion grounde , for the daunger of gunnes . But to be brieue I can gyue no sure rule where to lodge thyne armye . For the place and tyme must chaunge thy purpose , in which case the wittynesse of the capitayn , & knowledge , is moch requyred

189. ¶ How to make stronge the campe with fortresses , thyne enemyes assaultynge the.

Yf thyne enemyes ben at hande , and nedes the campe must be fortifyed , set abrode a fewe horsemen , and a greater garryson of fotemen readye to withstande & dryue awaye thyne enemyes , vntyll thy fences & fortresses be wholy done , and then conuey them by lytle and litle into thy campe By whych meane thyne enemyes shal be mocked , and thy men shal afterward more sykerly raunge forth , and thyne enemyes whyche euen now reioysed as victours , shal be dryuen awaye with shame .

190 ¶ To take our subiectes rather then straungers for souldyours .

Mete it is rather to rayse and assemble an army of thyne owne men than of straungers , whome thou shalt haue faythfull and redye in all peryls , which hauyng theyr countrye , parentes , chyldren , kynsemen & frendes , in remembraunce , wyl not gyue back ten tymes in the daye to daunger theyr lyues . In whiche mynde all kynges & princes be ( excepte the wyse and ryche Venetians ) that they wolde rather take theyr owne men , then outpeople and aliens .

191. ¶ What is to be done in th assemble and takyng vp of souldyours .

When we purpose to make battayle , expedyeut it is to foresee and surely know in what places the thyng is to be done .

For yf we muste trauayle in hyllye and rough places , our armye must be garnysshed , moche more with fotemen , than horse men . And the horsemen also must be lyght harnessed , that wyth more ease they maye clymbe vp , and lykewise come downe the hylles , yf neade be to fyght on fote . But yf we must warre in playne and champyon countryes , then horsemen be moost necessarye . For fotemen wyll stande in lytle steade and vse . These thynges be spoken , not without some consyderation , when in the assemblie of an armie kynges and princes ben at great charges , & somyme in vayne .

192 ¶ To kepe thyne armye healthfull .

The health of thyne Armye is mayntayned by exercyse , by healthsome countrie and swete ayers : but chefelye where is plentye and abundaunce of vytayles .

For of famyne the plage sometyme doeth come , when men for wante and defaulte of vytayles , be dryuen to eate vnhealthsome and corrupted meates .

193. ¶ what is to be done when waters can not be waded ouer .

Where the water is so depe , that neyther fotemen ne yet horsemen dare venture ouer : best it is to turne the water into dyches out of the wont course , & great streame , by whyche meane the water beinge fallen , thyne armye maye wade and passe ouer .

194 ¶ To chastice and agrieue thyne enemyes hoste .

It is a good pollicie by hungre , rather then by weapon and incurtions , to vanquysshe thyne enemyes . For nothynge is more profytable , ne yet more prayse worthye , then by vnbloudye battayle to ioyne the mastrye . But take hede lest thyne enemyes , thus sterued , and tamed , with honger : do prouoke them by some dyspleasures to battayle . But then lye stylle , wyth thyne armye , and refrayne from anye assaultes , or bykerynges , vntyl theyr vitayles be whollye spent .

195. ¶ To knowe yf any spyes lurke among thy souldiours .

Although it be verye hard in a greate armie , to knowe the lurkyng spies , yet I wylle shewe some wayes , not vnprofitable , of whych this shal be one . Oftentymes to serche and viewe thy registre , & if there be any not registred , and wrytten , it is a great token , those to be spyes . And also yf any of them that be regestred , do carye ty dynges & thy endeuours to thother part , then nedefulle it is , to stoppe and besette wayes , passages , and woodes , by nyght and daye , to take and to carye them to the capitayne there to be racked , yea and yf any do wander owte of the campe , the capitayne not commaundyuge , they shal be taken gyltye of petitreason . It shall be therefore , the offyce of a capitayne dayly to beholde aboute hys armie , bothe by hym selfe and other trustye and beleueable souldyers , and marke men by they re face , by whych policye he shall knowe the tyme yf any of hys souldyours abode .

The capitayne also muste commaund al men to take they re lodgyng by day lyght , and to be in they re tentes , and yf any shal be suspect , than take and imprison them , by torment also constraynyng them to tel theyr intentes , commandes , and charges .

196. ¶ To kepe close theyr counsayles .

Let the capitayne debate and discusse , wyth the wytty and experte warryours , nowe and agayne , what is to be done . But what he wyll do , let hym disclose , & to discouer that to fewe , depelye wayeng the thynge , wyth hym selfe , by whych policie he shal neuer attempte , ne enterpryse , anye matter voydelye , whan hys endeuours , and affayres be vnknowen , and conceled : but by all wayes he shall haue hys owne desyre .

197. ¶ The oration of the capytayne to hys hoste whan they be marchīgforthe to fyght .

The hoste vauncyng towarde battayl , the capitayne ought to speake these wordes : that wyllynglye he wyll seke hys owne death , excepte he brynge with hym the victorie , which wordes wonderfully wyll moue and arrayse theyr hertes , and chiefely yf they loue and haue hym in any reuerence , so that for his wont gentlenes and largesse , they wyll put theyr lyues in daunger to gette hym the glory & renoume coueytynge theyr death wyth hys death . Wherfore lette the capitayne shewe and persuade to hys companye , that hys lyfe , death , and renoume , doo stande in theyr manlynesse and handes .

198. ¶ To take thyne enemyes by wyles .

Myne aduyse is , to sende forth thyne vnable souldyours , sorye felowes & most vnprofytable , to be as a bayte , praye , and vntysement to thyne enemyes , which prouoked and allured to take them prisoners or elles vtterlye to slee them , ryght waye maye be catched and trayned in snares . For they then gladsom of the lytle mastry disordrelye wyll ( as victours ) folowe the pursute and chase farreof , kepynge none arraye . By which couyne and trayne , manye haue bene deceyued : whyche pollicye was not vnknowen of the Easte souldyours , whych dyd let loose theyr horses to straye amonge theyr enemyes , and they coueytyng to steale the horses , were taken and slayne .

199. ¶ What is to be done wyth captyues and prisoners .

It is not good to kylle the captyues , and prisoners , but to kepe them to tillage and those chefelye that be burlye , carterlyke , and fytte thereto . For what profyte can come of theyr death , when yf they be kepte on lyue , we maye vse them in husbandrye : and of theyr labours get greate encrease and aduauntage . Which thyng hath bene done of many kynges and princes . And the Turke doeth at this tyme in drugerye and mooste vyle occupations , kepe as slaues and bondmen , a great nombre of chrysten men ( Alas to the reproche and shame of Chrysten princes ) knowing hys armye can not be nourysshed , wythout the frutes of the grounde whyche beinge soulde , hys souldyours therby haue and receyue theyr wagies , knowyng also famyne to be noyouse , and worse then a plage , to hys hoste : whyche desstroyeth cities , countreyes , and townes .

1000. ¶ To fynde swete water and fresshe .

Abowte the sea bankes , fresshe water is founde , also in the mydde lande , and places farre from the sea , wher shrubbes do growe . Mete it is , the capytayne to haue knowledge of these thynges .

1001. ¶ Of nyght battayle .

If thou fyghte , in the nyghte tyme : profytable it is to haue the moone , on thy backe . For soo thyne enemyes , shall not well warde , ne escape the strokes , of thy men . For the lyghte , and also for the false vmbrage , whych the Moone doth shewe fourthe .

1002. ¶ Of the dewetye of the capitayne in excersysyng hys souldyours .

Nedefulle it is , for a capytayne to knowe , before he come to battayle , that bothe hys horsemen , and also hys foote men , rude in the cunnyng of warre , must be daylye exercysed . For theyr vnskylfulnesse is the great destruction , of the whole hoste , when they knowe not howe for to kepe theyr arraye , nae yet what to do , but lyke men astonysshed , voyde of all warlye knowledge , and nowe to learne the feates of warre , in whose hand the chyfe parte of the battayle doth stand , begynne to staye and proffer theyr backes .

1003. ¶ Of the dewtye of the graunde capytaynes in battel .

Kynges and prynces , ( the counsayle lours of the weale publyke , for the tyme dismissed ) muste calle vnto them , actyfe , and experte warryoures , and vse theyr counsayles , in warlye affayres , not doynge anye thynge , rashlye , agaynst theyr aduertisement , of whyche thynge Pompeyus maye be an example , that for hys knowlege of warre , deserued to be called ( magnus ) great or noble , which when he warred agaynste Cesar , was costrayned by the Senate , to chaunge hys pourpose and to vse an other waye , then he wyth hym selfe had decreed , or elles the commyng of warre requyred : wherby it chaunced that he was vanquysshed wyth hys frendes moost shamefullye .

1004. ¶ Of the fotemen , and sygne of battayle .

The tentes redde , beforetokens of battayle to come , and sygnes of the vyctorye , wyth the bloodsheddyng of thyne enemyes .

FINIS libri primi .

The second boke .

¶ The Proheme of the seconde boke , vnto the lawes of warre .

IT nowe remayneth , that in fewe wordes we playnelye shewe and open what lawes , the graunde capitaynes and also the peticapitaynes ought to vse agaynst the defaultes of their souldyours , not onelye in tyme of warre , but also of peace . For without mans iustice and equitie , not armyes onelye , kyngdomes and lordshyppes , but also lytle countryes can not longe contynue , and kepe theyr egall estate , suche strength and vertue is in iustice and equitie . Therefore it shall not be moche vnprofytable , here shortly to shewe , what I haue founde in the Romayne lawes , and also what thinges ben obserued and vsed nowe in these dayes , in the punyshment of souldiours , whyche maye be taken for a lawe , so that there shal be none in the whole army , that can saye the capitayne to haue wronged and iniured hym .

2. ¶ Of them that yelde theyr selues to theyr enemyes .

Yf any yelde theyr selues to thyne enemyes , hauynge no iust and vrgent cause , the hygher he is in hys degree , the sorer let hym be punysshed . And for this cause that the other souldyours and theyr capitaynes take none example of hym ( the chaunce of the battayle not tryed ) to yeld themselues to theyr enemyes .

3. ¶ Of an outstrayer .

He that leaueth and strayeth from his owne companye , muste be punysshed by the purse , or els lose hys place , or be sende forth abrode lyke a slaue , that he maye be an example to other , not to straye oute of ordre .

4. ¶ Of a spye or outryder .

A spye whyche wyll be entysed , at the request of hys enemyes , and so leaue hys capitayne , is worthy to be beheeded , and that iustlye . For the saulfetye and destruction of the whole hoste doeth lye in hym . Wherfore hys punyshment muste be the greater .

5. ¶ Of ronneawayes and landeleapers .

They that ronne to theyr enemyes , & then after returne , must be hanged . He also that is purposed to flye , and in the meane tyme intertaken , is worthye to be beheeded . Whiche lawe amonge oure souldyours now on dayes is put in vre , but not afore .

6. ¶ Of them that lose theyr harneys .

He that loseth his harneys in battayl or shall alienate them , must chaunge hys place , but he that stealeth others , must be put out of his souldyourshyppe .

7. ¶ Of them that do thynges prohybited , and kepe not the lawes and decrees proclaymed .

He that shal do any thyng forbydden of the capitayne , and therwyth doeth not kepe hys commaundementes , must be be heeded : although the thynge be not well done . Also yf he steale into the campe , by walles or ditches , dryuen by no great feare he is worthye the same punyshment .

8. ¶ Of them that raysevp sedicion .

They that styre vp anye sedition , are moost worthye to be beheeded , but yf the sedicion shal come of some light complaynt then put them out of theyr place of souldyourshyppe , whych fyrst dyd moue that busynesse .

9. ¶ Of a legion reculynge .

Yf any legion gyue backe , let them lose the name of chiualrye for euer .

10 ¶ Of banyshed personage .

Banyshed personnes intromyttynge theyr selues to be taken vp as souldiours must be beheaded for the dignitie of chyualrye .

11. ¶ Of hym that is sentforth lyke a slaue .

He that is sente awaye lyke a drudge , for the glorye of chiualry , must not be receyued as a souldyour agayne , that the renoume of chiualry therby be not impaired .

12. ¶ Of them that be iudged to dye .

They that be iudged to dye , for the sclaunder that runneth on them , must not be taken in and receyued .

13. Of them that steale the youth of chiualrie

He that shall steale yonge scholers in the feates of warre , in tyme of warre , muste be exyled , and lose parte of hys goodes in tyme of peace , he must be beaten with stanes or kytgels .

14. ¶ Of hym that maymeth a yonge souldyour .

He that maymeth a yonge souldyour of chiualrie , is worthye banyshment .

15. ¶ Of hym that leaueth hys compagnie .

An horseman that leaueth hys companye in tyme of warre , deserueth heedyng and in tyme of peace to lose his roume .

16. ¶ Of them that rebell .

He that doeth offre violent handes to any of the capitaynes , is worthy heeding and that fault is augmented by the state and honour of the capitayne .

17. ¶ Of disobedience and sturdynesse .

Disobedience agaynst the graunde capitayne , or peticapitayne , is worthy heedynge .

18. ¶ Of hym that flyeth .

He that fyrste tourneth his face in the battayle to the example of other , deserueth heedyng . For by suche cowardly and holloweherted felowes , thyne enemyes be comforted and encouraged , and thyne owne men discouraged and afrayed .

Wherby it happeneth oftentymes , thyne armye retreatynge to be dryuen downe & slayne : wherfore this penaltie is iustlye ordeyned for suche heauye hertes .

19. ¶ Of spyes and scoutwatches .

Espials whych reuele and open thy secretes to thyne enemyes , be ranke & hygh traytours . Wherfore to haue theyr heed chopped of , is theyr mete punyshment . Also those whyche dissemble syknesse , for anye feare , be worthye the same punyshment .

20. ¶ Of hym that woundeth hys felowe .

Choppe of hys heed that woundeth his felowe with a sworde , and thrust him out of hys roume , that hurleth a stone at hys felowe : lest of suche braulynges some sedicion do ryse .

21. ¶ Of runneawayes and traytours .

Cause ronneawayes and traytours to be racked , before they suffre heedynge , to knowe yf they haue not other felowes , priuye and alied to the same conspiracie .

22. ¶ In what places thy souldyours shal be forbydden to bye thy bytayles .

Forbydde and restrayne , thy souldyours to bye theyr vitayles , in those places where they kepe warre , lest the countrye men be constrayned rather for feare , then for a iust price , to sel theyr wares , and lest that by dayntye fare , thy sould yours be flacke in theyr feates of chiualrye .

23. ¶ Of them that leaue nyghtwatche .

Beheede them that leaue the nyghtwatche , whiche punyshment is nedefull , when not only the capitayne , but also the whole armye deepely and soundly sleape , in the eyes of the watche , and the diligence of the watche , is the foretresse and defence of thyne armye . What thyng therfore is more shamefull and cruell then to betray and slee the whole army slepynge , and takyng theyr rest after theyr werye trauayles and busynesse .

24. ¶ Of them that scape out of prison .

He that scapeth oute of pryson , is not lykened to ronneawayes . For that was done to saue hys lyfe , which thyng nature hath graunted to all beastes .

25. ¶ Of a ronneagate or strydlande .

A ronnegate brought agayne , by hys father , is to be punyshed more gently , than by the heed .

26. ¶ Of the tyme appoynted by the capitayne .

He that doeth not repayre to hys companye by the tyme appoynted , without a lawfull excuse , is to be taken and accompted a ronnegate .

27. ¶ Of a disturber of the peace .

Punysshe by heedyng that souldyour , which bringeth thyne army in an vprore

28. ¶ When thy souldiours be in theyr iourneye .

Souldiours which be taken vnwares and sodaynly ( theyr former lyfe wel knowen ) are worthye pardone .

29. ¶ Of them that scatre out of the company .

They that wandre from theyr company are worthy to be kidgelled or lose their place .

30. ¶ Of a captyue .

Yf any of thy men that is taken prisoner wolde not returne when he mought , decken hym for a ronneawaye , but yf he returne , receyue hym : yf it be sure that he was taken agaynst hys wyll , and ranne not thyther .

31. ¶ Of them that forsake the capytayne .

He that doth not helpe and defend hys capytayne , whan he maye , or leaueth hym whan he is enuironed & set abowte wyth enemyes , is worthye to be hanged on a payre of gallowes .

32. ¶ Of gonners on horsebacke .

It shal not be vnprofitable to acquaynten and wount your horses , as the duchmen do , to suffer the sytter whyche is a gunner and not to be affrayed therof . For no sorte of souldyers , is more profytable than they nor yet doth more myschife and hurte . For no man is so well harnaysed , that can be saulfe from them : such a vyolence is in that warlye instrumente .

33. Of gunnes called serpentines wyth other .

It shall be very profitable to haue many wagons & charettes laden with gons For there is none armye so strong , whom they wyll not destroye , so that horses & men far of be slayne , wyth them . Also the great sounde shal so feare men , that their strength and courage shal fal and decay .

34. ¶ Of a profitable defence of the campe .

A greate defeuce for thy campe , shal be to haue manye wagons and carres , shod wyth yron , and aboue those turrettes of wood fylled wyth serpentines and other kyndes of gonnes , whyche is the sureste defence for thy campe .

35. ¶ To gyue thankes and prayse to god after the victorye .

Because we be pourpossed to leaue nothynge in this booke vnto wched , whych is to be requyred , in warlye knowlege , & eke in the connynge of chyualdrie . Therefore comelye it is the head leader of the armye , ( the victory ones atchyued and gotten ) humblye to rendre and gyue prayse , euerlastynge , wyth hys whole hoste , to the lyuynge lorde , that he of his vnspeke able and omnisufficient mercye , in other battayles , wolde be mercyful , and good vnto them , for wythout the helpe succour and strength of the Lorde , mans power is vnable and nothyng . And yf the lyuing god , shal be wyth vs , & fyght on our syde , what can the swordes of oure ennemyes hurte or harme vs . Therefore the chyefetayne or graunde capytayne , ( no tyme let passe , ne no tariaunce made ) & his whole armye , wyth a pure sincere and vnfained herte ought to gyue thankes to the Lord offerynge vp wyth a faythefulle mynde , wherwyth god is pleased .

36. ¶ Whether it be lawful for christen men to make and styr vppe battayle .

Leaste that some men , readynge thys my booke , shoulde doubte whether it be lawful for christen men to styrvp battayl whan that man slaughter , captiuitye , rauyne , deflowrynge of maydens , and take demaynes , do folowe thereof . To plucke thys fansie oute of theyr mynde , let them knowe in fewe woordes that warfare is no syn , but he that kepeth batayle , highly pleaseth the Lorde , whyche thynge doth playnlye apere by holy George , and Dauid the electe prophete of god , and by the battayle & turnament of Centurio . I leue of the testimonies of saynt Gregory , & other sayntes , which do say & affirme , that god is not displesed with warre . But what shal I saye of the vndowted , & vnfallible sayenge of Chryste , which commaundeth tribute to be payde to Cesar , that he may haue to bestowe on hys souldyers , and so to kepe the worlde in peace and quyet , the whyche peace , god the rewarder of all faythefull hath lefte here behynde hym , the onlye pawne , and pledge of hys mercyfull goodnes . Shall we therfore dysproue chrysten warrefare , of whyche we haue suche a commoditye ? The souldyours also ought to be content , wyth their wages , and not to craue more than their duetye is . But that suche menne , maye wyth greate prayse and glorye , kepe battayle , mete it is these qualityes and vertues , to appere and shyne in them .

¶ Fyrste that he be a temporall man , actyue and valiante . For the defence of hys contreye , and iustyce , castynge no peryls , expert and cunnynge in warlye feates , so ber and temperate in lyuynge , prompte to do all thynges , reasonable , sowthefast and faythfull , wyttye , mercyfull : and of good hope . If these thynges shal be in the capitaynes , and rulers , what can be blamed in them ? be they not then acceptable vnto god .

37. They that go on warfare , do leaue theyr iewels behynde at home .

When we go forth to battayle , good it is to carye nothyuge wyth vs , that is of any valewe , excepte oure horses , and harnays , no ne yet to leaue any thynge in the campe , and tentes , least oure enemies be thereby strengthed and encouraged to fyghte for the hope & desyre of that pray . For all men be endewed wyth thys of nature , that for ryches and vauntage sake , they thynke all perylles lyght and easye , all labours a playe and sporte . Therfore do we leaue our ryches at home , least vnwyllynge we gyue mattyer and occasyon to our enemyes to fyght , and so of dasterdes , make them bolde : of cowardes , coragyouse .

38. ¶ To make the water noysome and vnhealthsome to thyne enemies .

If we couet to make the water poison full to oure enemyes , it shall not be vnprofytable , to cast a great quantity of wood , broken and brused a sonder , in the vpper parte of the streame , whereby the water shall be bytter to the tast , that neyther menne horses maye drynke of it .

39. ¶ In what place the battayle is to be fought .

The chyeftayne muste forsee and prouyde , that hys men maye haue a water behynde theyr backes , to refreshe and water theyr horses , and hys ennemies none , by whyche meane forsothe , he shall carye away the maystry , whan hys enemies , & theyr horses weryed by longe trauayle , and fyght , can haue no refreshment .

40. ¶ To kepe the citie besyeged in faythe and constancie .

Oftentymes it chaunceth , cities to be be syeged , and therwyth to suffer greate famyne and honger ( thonly tamer of men ) ouer theyr huge & paynfull watchynges in the same syege , whyche al do cause the cities rather and ryght waye to gyue vp , and yelde , except the capitayne by his policie , wyth fayre woordes and exhortacions , do kepe the citizens in sure fayth and constancie dissemblynge & faynyng manye thynges . In example and profe whereof I wyll note some thynges hereafter that capitaynes instructed wyth my lessons , maye serche mo wayes , to kepe the citie , to theyr kynge or prince , obeysaunt & fayth full . Wherfore fyrst the capitayne , ought to feyne letters , sente from hys lord wher in he is promysed , in shorte space to haue more ayde and succoure . And yf he shall perceyue them waueryuge , and bente to yelde vp , he muste go abowte at some tymes , to perswade them , by orations decked & garnyshed with art , and pyked reasons to plucke them from such a myschyfe , promysyng them all libertye . Than after let hym also laboure , that letters fastened to shaftes , maye be conueyed by nyght , to the batelyng of towres in whyche some cityzen is admonyshed by some good frend of hys , in the armye of theyr enemies , not to yelde and gyue vp the citye . For theyr capitayne is disceyptefull , and worketh all by couyne and craft whych ( although his promises be fayre ) is mynded wyth fiere and swoorde , to destroye the whole citie . And suche other thynges are to be feyned , whyche appere trouthlyke , that the countenaunce of the syege , maye not be grenous to the citizens .

41. ¶ To scape oute of a narrowe place .

It chaunceth of tentymes , thyne army wanderynge in hyllye countryes , to entre into some narrowe and strayte place , besette couertlye , with thyne enemyes . Where , what to do , or whyther to turne , thy men doe not well knowe : wherfore a skylful capytayne , must thus prouyde , that yf he be not of power to dryue hys enemies , from thense by strength , let hym daye and nyghte seche , when they be wythout watch , and then sodaynlye , and vnloked for , rushe vppon them . At other tymes , let hym fayne despeyre , and retrace backe in many skyrmysshes , layenge some pyked and actyue warryours , in couerte embusshemente .

42. ¶ Of bowes .

Fotemen with bowes , whych englysh men vse : do greate seruyce in an host . For there is no breste plate , whyche is able to wythstand , and holde owte the stroke of the arrowes , suche force and vyolence is in bowes .

43. ¶ Of the owtragyouse assault of thyne enemyes .

Yf thyne enemyes that be horsemen , be within a myle , and do come towarde the outragiously ( the reynes of theyr horses beinge let slacke ) staye there . And yf they be fotemen and be within halfe a myle , stande styll , and gredelye receyue them , pantyng for werynesse , hertynge thy men boldly to fyght , and to gyue manye a sore stroke , which thyng maye be done , when thyne enemyes be weryed .

44. ¶ To foresee the place rounde about , where the battayle shall be .

Beware to gyue battayle , except thou haue before diligently viewed , by thy self and thyne espyals , yf there be any ieoperdye of traynes and gyles , lest thou ouerthrowe thy selfe . When thyne enemyes at what tyme thou arte moost earnestlye set to fyght , shall oppresse the sodaynlye , eyther on thy backe , or elles on thy syde : where thou shalt yelde thy selfe vanquyshed and taken , bycause the defaulte can not be escaped ne holpen , and al through thyne vnwarenesse .

45. ¶ To set vpon thyne enemyes in theyr iourneye .

Yf we can knowe what waye out enemyes wyll take theyr voyage and iourneye , it shall not be vnprofytable , spedelye to preuent them , and gettynge a place conuenyent to lye in wayte , and set vpon them vnwares , lokyng for no such thing For then vndoubtedly , easye it is to ouermatche and conquere thyne enemyes .

46. ¶ What is to be done when our enemyes ouermatche vs in force .

It chaunceth to haue suche men , oure enemyes whose force and strength vneth or not at all we ben able to susteyne : wherfore myne aduyse is to entreate the force of our enemyes , and beseche ayde & succour at theyr handes , or to seke for helpe of them that bordre on vs , and bene oure neyghbours , warnyng them dyuers wayes of the ieopardye that is at hande of theyr lordshyppes , and yf the soner they do not aide and releue them , they can not but yelde and submyt theyr selues , which thyng shal be also great damage to them For the downefall and burnynge of thys house , is the fyrematche of the nexte .

47. ¶ what is to be done when we do fyght in straites .

Yf bothe the hostes mete and ioyne in strayte places , and neythet wyll recule , one fote , but styfly endure the fyght , then myne aduyse is , the cheftayne ( takynge a certayne of hys stronge and weyghtye souldyours ) to assayle hys enemyes commyng on theyr backe , or one the one wing although the passage be daungerous and longe : whereby certes he shall attayne a prayseworthye victorie , wyth lytle losse or none , of his men .

48. ¶ Of ouermoche confidence .

Yf we haue gotten th upper hande , of parte of our enemyes , it is not good to ton tinue the battayle , trustynge in our puissaunce , and so hope on a greater victorye , lest we put in hasarde what we haue gotten , encountrynge with the whole hoste , whych were fondely and rashly done .

49. ¶ Of the capitaynes commaundement that no man take any prisoner .

Yf we purpose and trauayle to gette a notable conquest of our enemyes , the capytayne oughte to commaunde , vnder a greate penaltye , to hys men , that they take no prisoner , ne captyue , vntyl he shal gyue some token of the same , which pollicie is not the worst . For the souldyours shall then lose no tyme , about captyues , but shall wyth al theyr force put to flight beate downe , and kylle theyr ennemyes . Whyche done , hereafter the capytayne maye gyue the sygne of praycatchynge .

50. ¶ Not to departe from the place appoynted .

Peticapitaynes be wonte oftentymes , bycause they wolde be iudged valyaunte and skylfull , to departe from the place appoynted , in hope of some praye , and pyllage : whyche thyng hath ben the cause of great slaughter , in many battayles , and the losse of victorie : wherfore the peticapi taynes must learne to be obeysaunt to the commaundement of theyr capitaynes , & not to seme more wytfull then they be .

51. ¶ That the tentes be not leafte vndefenced .

When the capitayne shal displaye and aduaunce his baners to battayl , let hym beware that he leaue not his campe vndefenced , and vnmaymed lest when he is mooste enforced to fyght , his vytayles be despoyled , his campe set on fyre , ( as it is lyke to be ) and after he shall haue no such place so defenced , vnto his great damage and hynderaunce .

52. ¶ Of thyne enemyes fallyng in varyaunce and stryfe .

Yf the capitaynes of thyne enemyes do not well agree , it is then expedyent , before they fall to an onement and concorde intermyttyng no tyme to assaulte them . For the maystrye then wyll be lyghtlye wonne , when not one , of a stubburne stomake wyll consent and agree to thothers aduertysement . But had leauer to be subdued of his enemyes , then conquere by the pollicie of hys fooe .

53. ¶ Let thy men be redye in harneys , thyne enemyes lying at hande .

Yf the campe of thyne enemyes be pytched nygh vnto the , suffre by no meanes , not for anye fayre woordes of thyne enemyes , nor promysse of truce and alience , that thy men ben out of harneys ( chiefely the best part ne yet that thy souldours , neglect watche and warde . For not seldome tymes , it chaunceth in leage of peace , thy men to be beaten downe , slayne and conquered , by traynes and wyles , whom ꝓwesse and manlynesse coulde neuer haue subdued .

54. ¶ Of the besiegyng of cyties .

Let not thyne armye doubt to setvpon cytis warded with all kyndes of defences yf they shall perceyue dastardes , and vnscylfull fellowes to kepe the defence . For hygh towres , stronge double walles , can not defende those that be cowardes , caytyfes , and rude of all warlye knowledge . Feare doth stoppe theyr eares , and dasyll theyr syght . Wherfore without taryaunce when thou shalt come to suche cytyes , set vpon them rounde about , thonderyng as heauen , with noyse and outeryes , whom it shall be easye to vanqnysshe , wythoute moche blooudsheddynge . But beware , thou slacke not and abate thyne assaulte , vntyll thou haue wonne the cytie , leste theyr courages and force by sufferaunce , encrease , and so the siege shall be daylye more paynefull and harde .

55. ¶ To make brydges wyth ropes .

Auncient capitaynes were wonte to caryouer theyr armye ( bycause bootes and queres were scante & daungerous ) wyth ioyned brydges made of wood . But bycause stuffe doth somtyme want to make suche brydges , and longe it is yer they can be done , mynd aduyse is to make brydges wyth stronge ropes , cast ouer the water , knytte fast to pyles and stakes of woodde and in the myddes of the streame , vnderset with proppes and beames to make them styffe . For the easye passage of thy men . And suche ropes the armye maye alwayes carye with them , that they be not stopped at any water .

56. ¶ To reuenge our enemyes with lyke anoyaunce .

It chaunceth oft tymes , eyther for valyaunt prowesse of our enemyes , or the multitude of them that thy men doo sultayne great losse and dammage : whych is to be reuenged moost fiersely , with suche an other lyke , and not to be forgotten and vnpayed . For by suche displeasures or vyolence shoulde ben enflamed to vengeaunce , whereby we shall kepe oure dygnytye , and purchasse the good opynyon of oure souldyours , and also of the communaltie , which shal be a stay to kepe the same faith full and sothfast .

57 ¶ How to conuaye the battayl from one place to an other .

Yf it be more daungerous and noyous vnto the , to gyue battayle in thys place , than in that , vse thys remeadye . Carye thyne armye vnto the other countryes of thyne ennemyes , besyegynge theyr cities , burnynge the villages , spoylyng and wastynge the fyeldes , and so cause them rather to followe the , then thou to followe them . But for all that , do not leaue thyne owne countryes vndefensed , desyryng to waste and destroye others .

58. ¶ To relyeue the scarcenes of water .

If cities and townes besyeged , haue scarsitye of water , thys remeadye is next Fyrste to sende out the base people , we●n and vnprofitable , and then to kyll all the cattell , and laye them in salte for theyr sustenaunce , that the water whych was so wasted by them , may be kepte , by whych meane , they shal be able to contynue longer assaulte .

59. ¶ To recouer cities and. townes loste .

If we haue loste in sommer tyme ( oppressed wyth the multitude of enemies , deceyued by the defaulte of oure men , or vndermyned wyth some trecherye ) our cities or townes , lette vs endeuour to restaure in winter tyme the same cities , that the thynges lost by the slowthefulnes , of oure souldyours , in sommer tyme , maye be recouered wyth spedynes , and diligens in wynter , and that we wynne agayne & restore the fame of chiualdrye , by the agayne gettynge of oure losses . For good fortune , sometymes doeth ensue , by the chaunge of tyme .

60. ¶ What is to be done whan thou art ouermatched .

Yf thyne enemies gredely pursue the , ne yet then thow arte not able to defende and wythstande theyr vyolence : best it is to carye thyne armye , to some cyties nigh vnto the sea , bothe for the plentye and aboundance of vytayle , and also to refresh theyr broken strengthe , and wangled bodyes , and chyefty to furnysshe thy numbre , that thou mayste matche thyne ennenyes , aswell in noumbre of men , as also in valyantnes .

91. ¶ To set fyere on thyne ennemies pauylions

If thyne enemyes pauilions be rered vp , and made of dry stuffe , trauayle with all , haste , to sette them on fyre , and cheefe lye the wynde blowyng harde . By which policie they shall be despoyled , bothe of theyr cattayle , and other necessary implementes . For the fyer taken with the wynde sodaynlye wyll ouerburne all the pauilions . And than also thowe mayste haue a good tyme , to sette vppon them . For whan they be doubtful , what is to be done whether to resiste thy force , or to saue theyr ryches , ( whyche they set more by than their lyfe ) they maye easelye be put to flyghte , and be slayne , and so then shall atchyue the victory wythout much bloodshedyng

62. ¶ What is to be done when we can not atcheue out of a place wyth our armye .

¶ We come somtymes by chaunce , with our armye , into suche places , where neyther long we can abyde , ne yet saufely departe , or yet retreate wythout great daunger , than what is to be done in such trouble and vttermost discumfyture , wyth all spede we muste take counsayle , whan that one waye of our sauftye dothe remayne , that we take truce wyth them for a tyme and Promysse sure couenauntes of peace by wytfull ambassadours . Wherby it shall be sure , that thyne enemyes more neglygentlye , wyl kepe watche and ward . And thy tyme spyed , it shal be lyght to passe by and escape eyther by nyght , or els by day , owt of that daungerous place . But somtyme perforce thou must open a lane , and make a waye , by harde strokes and manfull fyghtynge .

63. ¶ To make an assemble and shewe of horsemen in the face of thyne enemyes .

¶ Myne aduise is , that the numbre of our souldyours maye appere greate and huge , to harneys the lacqueis of our horsmen , and apoynte them , to stande farre of lyke a garrison of men , wyth the poyntes of theyr speres vpryght . For so thyne ennemyes wyll iudge a bande of horsemen there to appere , whyche shall moche affraye theym , that we haue yet so greate a noumbre of souldyers at hande , to succour and ayde vs yf nede requyre .

64. ¶ To refrayne from the besiege of suche cities whych haue daylye newe succour .

Best it is to wythdrawe and leaue of the syege of suche cities , whych fetch vnto them ( maugrye our teth and in spyte of our hertes ) daylye newe succour . For the assaulte through theyr new ayde , is hard yea almoste vnpossible , when lustye and stronge men , occupy the rowmes of them that be wounded , and theyr vytayles be so plentye , that they fele no lacke nor skarsitye . Wherfore we must all wayes fyght wyth fresshe men , newe strengthes , and plentye of vytayles . But yet sodaynly to breke owte , and besyege suche cities I do not muche dysalowe .

65. ¶ What is moste expedient for the chyfe capitayne to do at the fyrst entrye in to countreyes .

If we make entries in to any countrey wyth an armye , myne aduise is , bycause it were paynful , & harde , to lay syege to euery towne , and assaulte euery citie , to sende sage and honest personages , to promisse , for a long tyme , the release of their rentes , and affyrme the same wyth fayth and many othes . Yf wyllyngly they wyl yelde and become hys lyeges , and trewe subiectes .

66. ¶ What is to be done in the syege of bygge cities .

In the syege of greate cities , takyng a bygge compasse rounde abowte , we must wyth all laboure : make and intercut not farre of the citte , brode and depe trenches defensed wyth turrettes of woodde , for feare of sodayne eruption , owte of the citye , whyche is the cause of many incommodities , than brode wayes must be cast that th one parte of the hoste , maye haue course and recourse to helpe the other yf nede be .

67. ¶ What is to be done whan oure enemyes spyes are taken .

Yf the spyes of oure enemyes chaunce into our handes , myne aduisement is , to graunt them lyfe , and gyue to them gret summes of money , therby to knowe the counsayle of oure enemyes , and their purpose , and semblable to tell to them what thynges be mooste profytable , for vs to knowe . For nothynge is more necessary , than to knowe the endeuours , of our ennemyes , whan lytle or nothyng they can hynder what we do pourpose . But yf we shal sende theym awaye liberallye , rewarded , demaundynge nothynge of th affayres , of our enemies , it shal be a great argument of confydence & assured boldnes in vs , to the great feae of orur enemyes , But the capitayne may take counsayle of thinges , & performe what he shal thinke necessarie .

68. ¶ Not to haue one espye alwayes .

Do we remembre thys , that it is not conuenient ne yet necessarye to vse one espye styll . For they allured and enuegled , with the hope of great rewardes , do bring oure conueyaunces and affayres , to the eares of our enemyes , and recount to vs suche thynges , as be false and nothynge necessarye , wyth many false lyes , wherefore we muste diligentlye forsee , that neyther of the scoute watches , the one know the other , for feare of crafte and trechery whyche thyng ones knowen , to hang them is nexte remedye .

69. ¶ To knowe the feare and cowardise of thyne ennemies .

Whan the hostes bene at ioynynge , yf we perceyue the speres of our ennemyes , to mooue and beate to gyther , that is a great sygne of theyr waueryng , and hollowe hertes . And it is good somtyme to know suche tokens of cowardnes .

70. Of the duetye of bolde and stoute fellowes .

It becommeth not those that be balyaunt , to feare any ieoperdye , or to be broken wyth the doubtefull chaunge of fortune , when nothynge is so vnweldable , that by manlye prowes , and sufferaunce , maye not be conquered and vndertroden .

71. ¶ To recouer the health of thy souldyers .

If thyne armye be troubled wyth any dysease , & thou doest couet to recouer they re wounte healthe , it shall be the best , to carye them to open and hyllye places .

72. ¶ A policie to disceyue and defraude our enemyes .

Easy it is to trifle wyth our enemyes , and make them beleue that we be vnharneysed yf we couer oure harueys , wyth some kynde of rayment , vnder whych coloure and gyle , they wyll come hedlynge to fyght , and wyth fewe rashlye , wyl set vppon vs .

73. ¶ To gette the fauour of oure souldyers .

If the capytayne be dyligente to heale them that be wounded , and also cherysshe the sycke folke , shortleye he shall wynne the fauoure of hys souldiours , so that for the encrease of his renowme , they wyll not shrynke : to bestowe and spende theyr lyfe .

74. ¶ To haue fyere to burne in water .

It shal be very profitable in warres on the sea , to haue an artificiall fyer , whych wyth water canne not be queanched , by whyche policie , the nauye of Sarracena , was destroyed at Constantinople , and the kynge therby payd yerelye a hundred poundes of golde for tribute .

75. ¶ What is to be done whan capytaynes do not agree in one sentence .

It chaunceth oft times that mindes of that capitaynes to be diuerse & variable , about the besiege of cities , where best it is fyrste to begyn , and there chefely where the armie is furnyshed wyth lyke power of dyuers capitaynes . But what is to be doone in suche a chaunge of myndes , shortlye shall you knowe . Wryte the names of the cytie and cast them into a potte , and the cytye whych shal fyrst by chaunce be taken out set vpon that wholye togyther , wyth one force and power , whiche aduertysement is not the worste . For through suche dyscorde , the death of an whole armye maye ryse and come .

76. ¶ Of falsehode to be reuenged .

Although other iniuryes maye be suffered , and to forget them is a token of a noble mynde , yet dissoyaltye by all meanes is to be reuenged and acquyted .

77. ¶ A waye to laye siege to cytyes on the see syde .

When we may arryue and cast anker by the walles of the cytye , myne aduyse is , to dryue thyne enemyes of the walles is this . Fyrst hard & fast , to bynde the mastes of the shyppes togyther with the gable ropes nye some shore , and so to make a brydge , that the gunnes maye stande to beate thyne ennemyes from the walles , whych ones dryuen away , it shall be easy on that syde to sette ladders , and scale the walles to the wynnyng of the cytie .

78 ¶ Where we haue onely welle water .

Yf for the greate scarcitie of water , we ben enforced to occupye wel water , great hede is it to be taken , that suche welles be not poysoned , by some crafte : to the vtter destruction of theyr whole hoste , whyche sone maye chaunce , yf we take not moost dyligent care and hede .

79. ¶ To chose a place to fyght in .

When our enemyes doo preuayle in force and nombre of men , and we can not auoyd but gyue battayl , best it is to chose a narrowe and strayte place , lest our enemyes enclose and compasse vs rounde about , wherby we shal be sone vanquyshed and ouercomen .

78. ¶ To mocke our enemyes .

Yf we be dryuen to flyght on the hye see , for that we be not able to matche our enemyes , and they make sayle after vs verye swyftly , and ben euen in our tayle , it shal be good to mocke them thus . Fyrste to cause our nauye to stryke sayle , and make a bragge as we wolde fyght , that done , wyll the maryners ( at a sygne gyuen ) to hoyse vp the sayles , to be readye to flye agayne , the whych thynge when thyne enemyes shall perceyue , shortly wyll they shyppe theyr ores , and take them to theyr harneys , couerynge theyr heedes wyth theyr sallettes , and brefely prouydyng all thynges whych shall be thought necessary for battayle . Then when we shal se our enemyes harnessed , and readye to fyght , ( the sygne gyuen ) our nauye maye make awaye with all haste , and flye . And they loden wyth harneys , shall not recouer to ouertake vs .

81. ¶ When thyne hoste is in great ieopardye .

When thyne armie is in great ieoperdie , my counsayl is that chiefe capitayne , yea & al that capitaynes , to lyght downe from theyr horses , therby to encourage the hertes of their souldiours by their bold aduenture & lyke daunger , and that more stoutlye and gredely they maye fyght , seing theyr capitaynes beinge in lyke peryll , and fierselye encountrynge wyth theyr ennemyes , and so the souldyours castynge of all hope to flye , may cousydre this with them selues eyther to vanquysh theyr enemyes , or els to dye with glorye and prayse .

82 ¶ what is to be done when thyne enemyes ben at hande .

When the hostes ben in ioynynge , and both partes redye to fyght , it is the parte of a pollityke and wyttie capitayne , to pmesse greate rewardes vnto hys men , yf they beatdowne and subdue his enemies wyth whyche hope they greatly gladdened , wyll be more prest to set vpon theyr enemyes and purpose wyth them selfe neuer to gyue ouer , ne turne theyr faces , vntyll they haue atchyeued the vyctorye , whych assured opynyon hath ben the cause of many victoryes .

83. ¶ To prouyde that thyne armye maye haue suffysaunce of vytayle .

The dutye of a carefull capitayne is to foresee that hys armye haue suffycyent vytayles . For yf they be sterued for hungre , vnpossible it is that they shoulde do anye thynge vyliauntly , when not onlye men , but also horses famysshed , doo lose theyr strength and lustynesse , whereby they be not able to stryke theyr enemye , ne yet to defende theyr selues .

85. ¶ To prouoke thyne enemyes to fyght in ioyned battayle .

Yf thou desyre to ioyne in battayl wyth thyne enemyes , and to come to handstrokes , eyther for the greate commoditie of thyne armie , or for some great nede , myne aduyse is to dispeople the countries , wast and destroye the fieldes rounde about , to cause thyne outryders to raunge , harde to the pale of thyne enemyes , or vse some other kynde of displeasure , wherhy they prouoked , rashly wyll gyue battayle , and so accordyng to thy desyre , thyne enemies shall come forth . But yet remembre neuer to ioyne in battayle , except thou haue before vsed some pollicie , or layed thy traynes , to entrappe thyne enemyes , or doo preuayle in an excedyng nombre of men , and force of souldyours whiche be bothe act yue and puissaunt . Then vndoubtedlye wythoute anye sleyghtes in playne fielde saufely thou mayest encountre and ioyne in battayle with them .

¶ Thus endeth the boke of James the Erle of Purlilie , dedicated to kynge Ferdinandus , in the peare of our Lorde . M. D. xxvii .

I Wyll be bolde moost gentle readers to put to this one precept of warre . In whiche I wyl somewhat to my poore iudgement , shewe the nature of Englysh men , that the capitaynes of Englande may knowe and be warned ( which thynge without my warnyuge they do well followe and kepe ) although I shal do no great hurt to leaue that in wrytynge , whiche they to theyr hygh prayse forsee in theyr warres , that Engysh men be not able to continue war , neither at home ne yet in forayne royalmes , without vytayles .

Wherfore all capitaynes ought to prouyde , that theyr souldyours maye haue meate and drynke ynough to fylle theyr bellye , or els they can not so fiersely and gredelye contynue warre as they dyd begynne . For Englyshmen of our nature , be not content with so lytle meate and scarce foode , as other men borne in the hye countryes be : For whych cause , theyr strength is weakened , when that they lacke feedyng , accordyng to the saying of Polidore , which sayth that none armye , neuer so great , is able to withstande a garrison of Englyshe men at the fyrst brounte and begyunynge of theyr warres . Whych saying maye thus way be true , yf they haue not suche plentie of vytayles to suffyce theyr appetyte and hungre as they had at the begynnyng . For by hungre theyr force and fiercenesse , doeth slake . Also all you capitaynes remember to prayse & set forth with moost gentle wordes , the doynges of youre sould yours , and sometyme to rewarde them freelye , when wyth prayse they ben encouraged and harted to take in hande any great enterprice , and for hope of rychesse at the deuysion of the pyllage , and bothe they wyll not feare to ieoparde theyr lyues .

Wherfore they must be commaunded at the wynnynge of all townes and cyties , fyrste manlye to fyght and delyuer them selues out of al feare of theyr enemyes , and then frelye euery man to get what they canne , and gather all prayes to theyr owne vse and profyte . Wyth whyche hope they wyll be so encouraged , that the power of anye prince , is not able to be are theyr force and violence . For by nature men of the east countrie , be sharpened to fyght , and encouraged by hope and aduauntage .

FINIS .

¶ A table contaynynge the chapiters of the fyrste booke , To chose the capitayne . Cap. 2. Of sufferaunce in warre . ca. 3. Of the stowte and valyaunt mynde of a capytayne . 4. Of the assyege and assault of a citie . 5. Of a gret army of our enemyes . 6. Of the reproche of that capytayne which howeseth hys armye in the sommer tyme . 7. To spye and serch a place to fyght in 8. Of the apparell of the capitayne . 9. To knowe the maners and condicions of thyne enemyes , before thowe make Battayle . 10. Of the Germaynes & Frenchmen . 11. Of sedition to be appeysed amonges an armye . 12. Howe to viewe the armye of thyne ennemyes . 13. Of peace to be preferred before batayle . 14. Of tempestes and other clamours , in an hoste . 15. Of the rerewarde . 16. Of great cities . 17. In campyng thyne armye what is to be done . 18. To kepe thy frendes . 19. Of quycknesse in battayle . 20. Of the arraye to be kepte . 21. Of a lytle multitude in a cytie . 22. Of the hope and trust of sedicion . 23. What is to be done in tyme of peace . 24. Of fayned rumours . 25. Of the offyce of the capitayne . 26. To knowe whether a citie is thy frende , or no. 27. Of confidence & assured hope in battayl . 28 Of the situation of the citie to be searched and knowen by the capitayne him selfe . 29. Of libertie to be kept and encreased of all men . 30. Of the doubtfull commyng of thyne enemyes . 31. When the arraye of thyne ennemyes is troubled and out of ordre . 32. Howe to make thyne Armye stronge and lustye . 33. A pollicie to be vsed when thy men do for sake the. 34. To searche and boult out the counsayl of thyne enemyes . 35. Of them that be besyeged . 36. What is to be done whan two hostes do vexe and pursue the. 37. A crafte & policie to take a cytye . 38. A policie to encrease thyne armye wythoute great charges . 39. Of an healthsome lawe to be made in the citye . 40 Of excesse to ben eschewed . 41. Of wantonnes to be cast of in welth . 42. To throwe downe villages and castels vndefensed . 43. Howe to pourchace frendes and to kepe the same . 44. To abydesyege . 45 Whan it is mete to fyght by eruption . 46. To interclude the passage of our enemyes , by fyer . 47. A policie to stoppe the flyeng of our ennemyes . 48 Howe syege is to be layed to cities and castels and of them that be besyeged . 49. To auoyde and escape traynes . 50. Of hostages and pledges rather to be taken than to fyght in open battayle . 51. To stoppe an hauen . 52. To make hydde and false , dyches to betraye thyne enemyes . 53. To passe ouer a water wyth an army . 54. To knowe whether thyne enemyes ben afrayde . 55. To constrayne thyne ennemyes to fyght in open battayle , and to come to handy strokes . 56. A policie to flye . 57. Whan thyne ennemyes snatche vp and destroye the laste warde . 58. Of the notable falshod of the barbarouse . people . 59. When fewe muste make battayle wyth many . 60 The offyce of the capitayne . 61. To forbere holye thynges . 62. Of the capytaynes liberalitye whan the battayle is wonne . 63. Of reproche to ben eschewed . 64. Of the capitayns offyce in ioynyng of the battayle . 65. Howe to entreate thyne enemyes , the victorye obteyned . 66. To kepe leage & promysse of peace wyth our enemyes . 67. Of the capitaynes office in accomplysshynge all thynges . 68. Whan thyne enemyes armye prepareth passage ouer any water . 69. Whan thy souldyours be astonysshed & fearefull . 70. Whan scarsitie of vytayles is amonge oure enemies . 71. Battayle is not to be begonne but of necessitie and constraynte . 72. To refrayne from battayle before we haue deuised and layde our traynes . 73. What is to be done that oure ennemyes maye be perswaded theyr capitayne to be slayne . 74. To kepe whole and saufe territories and townes . 75. That thyne armye is to be lodged & kept in the marches of thyne enemyes . 76. What is to be done whan in wynter we muste fyght . 77 Of pleasures to ben eschewed of the capitayne and the hoste . 78 To chose a place to fyghte in whan the sonne and the duste maye be noysome to thyne ennemyes and in theyr eyes . 79 Of tyme not to be looste , and vaynely . spente . 80. ● Of good and euell doynges semblable to be rewarded as punyshed . 81. What is to be done when thy men be light and spedye . 82. That examples do helpe to encowerage souldyours . 83. That nothynge be done agaynst the capitayns commaundement . 84. To restrayne thy souldiours somtyme . 85 It is not tyme to fyght whan thyne enemyes doo despayre , and be carelesse of theyr lyfe . 86. What is to be done whan we mystruste oure souldyours to ben afrayde of the sowne of gonnes and noyse of them that wayle . 87. What is to be done whan thyne ennemyes are moste parte archers . 88. What is to be done before the syege of a citye . 89. Of rasshenes to ben eschewed of a capitayne . 90. A policie to take the fotemen . 91. A policie to defeate and disapoynte the gunners that they stande in no steade and vse . 92. Of the offyce of the capytayne in ordryng the affayres of hys armye . 93. To refrayne aswell from the empyre as from the treasures after the victorye . 95. To constrayne thy souldyers to fyght , 96 To tame fyerce people . 97. To dissemble retreate . 98. Of exercyse . 99. What is to be done whan our ennemyes be conquered . 100 Whan fewe must fyght agaynst many . 101 Whan thy souldyours must sleape . 102. To brynge suspicion of treason emonge thyne enemyes . 103. Of outewarde helpe that be suspiciouse warely to be receyued . 104. Of discention to be aswaged and appeased . 105. What tyme townes and cities may be despoyled and taken . 106 Howe muche the presence of the graunde capitayne dothe profyt . 107. Of the multitude of enemyes . 108. Of our enemyes that be humble and tractable . 109. ¶ Of daungerfulle and peryllouse battayle . 110. It is mete for young men in theyr youth to practise martial feates . 111. To encrease the noumbre of thyne ennemyes by a rumour . 112 To preuent the wyles and traynes of a noble prince . 113. Of them that haue longe heare and long berdes . 114. Before we laye syege to cities , good it is to possesse the vplande fyeldes . 115. Of men wounded and kylled to be conueyed priuilye out of the way . 116. Of the requestes of lowe and humble per sonages to be herde . 117 To vse cruelnes in the begynnyng of the warres . 118. Howe to kepe thy kyndome by boldenes and couragyousnes . 119 Of chastitye in warre . 120 Of cauillations to ben experiensed in ieo perdies by capitaynes . 121. Of souldyers that do saye euyll by theyr capitayne . 122. Wyth what thynges thy souldyours are to be encouraged . 223. To pourchace the fauoure of a straunge countrey . 124. A capytayne muste be liberall , and therewyth praysynge the stoutenes of hys men . 125. What is to be doone whan eruption is feared . 126. What is to be done of the capitayn whan hys armye is in extreme peryll and danger . 127 Wyth what thynge the mynde of the commynaltye mynaltye is gotten . 128. Of the fashion to sende letters . 129. Howe to allure thyne enemyes to slyppe awaye and fayle theyr capitaynes . 130. Of the badgeys of the souldiours 131. Of kynges and other princes , that kepe not theyr faythe . 132. Of the vyle condition of the common people . 133. Of a certayne kynde of defence . 134. Of the swetenes of aduauntage . 135. Of a troublesome & vnruly multitude . 136 Of the dutye of a good capytayne . 137. In a newe rendre . 138. Of the punysshemente of the capytayne , whyche forsaketh hys men . 139 To abstayn from robbyng of temples . 140 To pursue thyne enemyes in the chase . 141. To dissemble retreate & feare . 142. What is to be done whan great ieoperdies ar to ben vndertaken . 143. To abstayne from treason . 144. Of the sagenesse and eloquence of the capitayne in his orations . 145. To refrayne from spoyle and pyllage before thine enemies be wholy subdued 146 To refrayne from burnyng . 147. Of aide and succoure to be sende to thy neyghbours abbordryng on the. 148. What it is to do some valiaunt act in the syght and face of thyne enemyes . 149. Of a lytle power not to be contemned . 150. Of slouthfulness to be eschued of the capitayne and all other . 151. To viewe and knowe the countryes before thou cary thyne armye there . 152. Of the encrease of thyne empyre . 153 The conditions of the capitayne . 154. what is to be done in the besiege of cities . 155 A pollicye to knowe yf thy souldyours be faythfull . 156. Of the great and huge coueytousnesse of the barbarous people . 157. Howe to carye an armye ouer a water , thyne enemyes resystyng . 158. The confortable wordes of the capitayne , when his souldyours be in despayre . 159. Of thy souldiours worshypfully to be buryed . 160. When the power of thyne enemyes is moch stronger , what is then to be done . 161. Of hostages . 162. To stint the wepiges & scrikes of women 163 To hyde and couer the slaughter . 164. To pacifye a stronge and valyaunt warryour which is displeased . 165. Wages ar not to be eraued , when the treasures be spent and wasted . 166. To passe by lytle thinges that be harde . 167. what is to be done of the chefecapitaīs . 168 To kepe the possessyon of the thyng ones gotten . 169. Of the nature and condition of the common people . 170. Of a muititude of gunners and crossebow shoters . 171. what is to be done when the walles be beaten downe . 172. what is to be done in the slackig of cities 173 To set vpon the campe of thyne enemyes not warely kepte . 174. what is to be done in slow & slak siege 175 Of title thynges not to be despysed . 176. Of warre on the see . 177. Of great perilles scaped and auoyded by rashnesse and foolehardynesse . 178. Of a certayne kynde of defence 179. where thyne enemies p̄uayl in horsmen . 180 To rayse the siege of any cytie . 181. Of cyties yeldyng them selues . 182 How necessary warly connyng is to souldyours . 183. Great victories ben atchieued with fewe and expert souldyours . 184. Of yonge men to be chosen . 185. what men they shulde be to whome the kepyng of countries & cities is commytted . 186. Of the maner of fyghtynge . 187. In what places best it is to lodge thyne armye . 188. Howe to make stronge thy campe with fortresses , thyne enemies assaultyng the. 189. To take our subiectes rather then straungers for souldyours . 190. What is to be done in the assemble and takyng of souldyours . 191. To kepe thyne armye healthfull . 192. what is to be done when waters can not be auoyded . 193. To chastice and agrieue thyne enemyes hoste . 194. To knowe yf any spyes lurke among thy souldyours . 195. To kepe close thy counsayles . 196. The oration of the capitayne to his hoste when they be marchyngforth to fight 197 To take thyne enemyes by wiles . 198. what is to be done with captyues and prisoners . 199. To fynde swete water and fresh . 1000. Of nyght battayle . 1001. Of the dutye of the capitayne in exercysyng hys souldyours . 1002. Of the dutye of the graunde capitaynes in battayle . 1003. Of the foretoken and figne of battayl . 1004. ¶ The Chapiters of the seconde boke . The proeme of the seconde boke vnto the lawes of warre . 1. Of them that yelde theyr selues to theyr enemyes . 2. Of an outstrayer . 3. Of a spye or outryder . 4. Of ronneawayes and landleapers . 5. Of them that lose theyr harneys . 6. Of them that do thynges prohybyted , & kepe not the lawes and decrees proclaymed . 7. Of them that rayse vp sedition . 8. Of a legion reculynge . 9 Of banysshed personages . 10. Of hym that is sendforth lyke a slaue . 11. Of them that be iudged to dye . 12 Of them that steale the youth of chyualdry . 13. Of hym that maymeth a yong souldyer . 14. Of hym that leaueth hys companye . 15. Of them that rebell . 16. Of disobedience and sturdines . 17 Of hym that fleeth . 18. Of spyes and scowtewatches . 19. Of hym that woundeth hys felowe . 20. Of runawayes and traytours . 21. In what places the souldiours shall be forbydden to bye vytayles . 22. Of them that leaue nyght watche . 23. Of them that scape out of prison . 24. Of a ronneagate and strydelande . 25. Of the tyme apoynted by the capitayne . 26. Of a disturber of the peace . 27. When thy souldiers be in theyr iourney . 28. Of them that skater owt of the company . 29. Of a captyne , 30. Of them that forsake the capitayne . 31. Of gonners on horsebacke . 32. Of gonnes called serpentines with other . 33 Of a profitable defence of the campe . 34. To gyue thankes and prayse to god after the victorye . 35. Whether it be lawful for christen men to make and styrvp battayle . 36. They that go on warfare do leaue they● iewels at home . 37. To make the water noysome & vnhealthsome to thyne enemyes . 38 , In what place the battel is be to fought . 39 To kepe the citye besyeged , in faythe and constancie . 40. To scape oute of a narrow place . 41. Of bowes . 42. Of the outragious assaulte of thyne ennemyes . 43. To forsee the place rounde abowt , where battayle shall be . 44 To setvpon thyne enemyes in theyr iourneye . 45. What is to be done whan oure enemyes ouermatche vs in force . 46. What is to be done whan we do fyghte in straytes . 47. Of ouer muche confidence . 48. Of the capitaines commaundement that no man take any prysoner . 48. Not to depart from the place apoynted . 50 , That the tentes be not left vndefensed . 51. Of thyne enemyes fallynge in variaunce and stryfe . 52 Let thy men be readye in harneys , thyne ennemyes lyenge at hande . 53. Of the besyege of cytyes . 54. To make brydges wyth ropes . 55. To reuenge our damages wyth lyke annoyaunce . 56. Howe to conuaye the battayle from one place to an other . 57 To relyue the scarsenes of water . 58. To recouer cities and townes lost . 59. What is to be done whan thow art ouer matched . 60. To sette fyer on thyne ennemyes pauilyous . 61. what is to be done whan we can not scape out of a place wyth our army . 62. To make an assemble and shewe of horsmen in the face of thyne enemyes . 63. To refrayne from the besyege of such cities whych haue dayly newe succour . 64. What is moste expedyent for the chyefe capytayne to do at the fyrst entrye into countryes . 65. what is to be done in the syege of bygge cities . 66 what is to be done whan oure ennemyes spyes be taken . 67. Not to haue one espye alwayes . 68. To knowe the feare and cowardyse of thyne ennemyes . 69. Of the duty of bolde & stowte felows . 70 To recouer the heath of thy souldiours . 71. A policie to deceyue and defraude our ennemyes . 72 To get the fauour of our souldyours . 73. To haue fyer to burne in water . 74. what is to be done whan the capytaynes do not agree in one sentence . 75 Of falshode to be reuenged . 76. A waye to laye syege to cities on the sea syde . 77. where we haue onlye well water . 78. To chose a place to fyght in . 79 To mocke our ennemyes . 80. when thyne host is in great ieoperdy . 81. what is to be done , when thyne enemies be at hande . 82. To prouyde that thyne armye may haue suffisaunce of vytayle . 83. To prouoke thyne enemyes to fyghte in ioyned battayle . 84. Finis .

¶ Imprynted at London in the olde Iewery by Edwarde Whytchurche . Cum priuilegio ad imprimendum solum .

¶ These bookes are to be solde at the weste dore of Pauls , by William Telotson .