THE STRATEGEMES, sleights, and policies of war, gathered together, by S. julius Frontinus, and translated into english, by richard Morysine.  
ANNO. M. D. XXXIX.   

TO THE MOST NOBLE VICTORIOUS AND redoubted prince, HENRY the. VIII. by the grace of God, king of England, and of France, defender of the faith, Lord of Ireland, and in earth Supreme heed immediately under CHRIST, of the church of England, Richard Morysine his most humble and faithful servant, wisheth all wealth, all honour, and unchangeable victory over all his enemies.  
MOST HYGE excellent, and mighty Prince, most dear and dread sovereign lord, if the love, which your highness beareth unto this your noble empire, still enforceth your grace's heart, not only to bestow the better part of all days, but of all nights also, in devising in time of peace most godly laws, statutes, and proclamations, for the tranquillity and quietness of your subjects souls, in time of war, plats, block houses, bulwarks, walls, castles, with other munitious, engines, and fortresses, for the safety and sureness of their bodies: if no so wernesse of pain can amove your graces thoughts from continual travail, Can I without my great shame, not be stirred to work somewhat for my part? He hath little will to travail, little love to his country, that seeth before his eyes, your highness thus occupied: and yet is nothing pricked, to do that he thinketh may serve his country. wise writers feign, that fond love hath wings, and seldom abideth long in a place, being hither and thither led by folly, and fancy: I can not but also think, that discrete love hath his wings, and flieth fast, where he seeth good may be done. Love hath no leaden heel's, and as he is quick, so is all labour light, where love hireth the workman. The feathers of his wings are so soft, that if they lie between our shoulders, and the burden, the weight is little felt, though we bear never so heavy. Love easily entertaineth all powers of the heart, and without force compelleth them all, to do that, that duty may by any title challenge of them. Your highness well declareth, that where occasion is, Love can not be idle. Lord, how may all englishmen rejoice, that your grace neither spareth, to visit with your own eyes, the ruinous places of the see quostes, by which our enemies might suddenly invade us, neither yet letteth, to work with your own hands, continually maneging tools, continually inventing new sorts of weapons, new kinds of ships, of guns, of armure. As god help me, I can not see, which way to wish greater pleasure, greater comfort, to all english men, than that they all might see, how your grace spendeth all the hole day. I have seen it, and now nothing wonder, though traitors, enemies to your highness, have been at their departure, compelled to say so moche honour by your grace, as they have said. I see, albeit Malice maketh men in their life time, to serve, to say and do moche otherwise, than Truth is, that yet, the presence of death, fear of god, & force of conscience, driveth them to confess truth, when lies will serve no longer, when vices appear to be as they are. Could sir Nycolas Carowe, have fallen into treason, if he had thought well upon that in his life time, which he confessed to be true, at his death? But I must by your graces favour, leave of that, which I am fallen into by the way, and entreat of that, which I purposed to speak of. I have long sithence, been much desirous, to dedicate some thing of mine to your highness, but finding all my trifles, far to base, to mean, to humyle, to go abroad, under the name of so noble and high a prince, I have rather done that becomed me, than followed that I most desired. but now, not withstanding, that this my labour is full like the rest, rude, unperfect, and rather begun than finished: yet perceiving your grace, even to thirst the safety of your people, the defence of this your moosle noble royalme, I could not, but for a season, a curtain drawn between my weak eyes, and the resplendent beams of your most clear majesty, follow fervent desire, and humbly offer unto your highness, this my rude translation, not doubting but as noble Xerxes thankfully received an handful of water, of a poor man, that so your princely goodness, wool take in good part, this mine, what so ever be, borne, and brought up undoubtedly, in good wills house.  
It hath been sometime moved, whether in war, policy of mind, or Strength of body, should do more. but long experience, hath put this thing so out of question, that in all battles, the special praise or dispraise remaineth to the captain. Yea some men are not afraid to affirm, that it is much better to have an army, where the capitain is a lion, and all the host fearful dear, than to have a dear the captain, and all the host lions. Ajax was strong, Ulysses wise: Homer giveth much more praise to the last, than to the first. Ajax was hardy and valiant in fight: but Ulysses knew the time & place, where hardiness might prevail. Strength striketh, but Policy provideth, that the strong be not overmatched, and that they bestow strokes in a right place, and at time convenient. Many more fields have been lost for lack of policy, than for want of strength. many towns won by sleights, which a long season easily were kept against greatest might, strength, and force. Wherefore seeing present occasion requireth martial feats to be known, and strength of body to be armed and animated with wit and policy: I intending here to serve my country, found nothing so fit, for thaccomplishment of this my purpose, as to set out the Strategemes, sleights, & crafts, used by the noblest capitains, that all antyke histories treat of. By reading and reasoning whereof, your graces captains shall not only increase and nourish their imagination, invention, and derteritie, in using like sleights, but easily escape all traps, gins, and imbushementes, laid for them. They shall also hereby perceive, many sweet baits to cover sour hokes. They shall learn there to escape danger, where great advantage is offered. The noble captains of England, have oft declared, that they little need any instructions, any books, to teach them to touse their enemies: & yet it can hurt no man, to see those things practised, by ancient captains, which may give good occasions, both warily to invent new policies, and wisely to use the old. Noble hearts, undoubtedly can not but desire, to here of noble feats, and take pleasure in seeing, how wit with small force, oft times worketh wonders, where exceeding great strength can not avail. If men be not weary, to play a thousand times at one game, where either Fond pleasure, or Vile gain, or (when it is best) health of body is sought: can any gentle man be loathsome, to refresh his mind, to help his memory, to kindle his courage with honest delight, of reading or hearing such things, as appertain to thesafegarde of body and goods? to the purchasing of honourable victories, fame, and renown? The infirmity of man's nature is such, that both the senses of our body, and also the powers of our mind decay, and go to ruin, unless they be daily refreshed and helped. The eye is continually helped, with clear light, with fresh and comely colours, the smell with wholesome air, and odours delectable, the taste asketh in his meats and drinks, a dew temperature. And as it is here, so is it in the better part of man, wit, understanding, Memory, and Invention, with all the rest, qualities and ornaments of the mind, must be helped with continuance of reading, hearing, and reasoning of mattiers, without which, they wax rusty, they canker, and decay. There is a time for all things, as Solomon wisely writeth. When time required peace, we talked little of war. New occasions bring matters, not thought upon, in place. Time maketh evil things not only comparable with good, but good also. When time is to pull down, it is very folly to build. when time biddeth slay, it is nothing so good, to heal the diseased, as to kill them that be not sick. When time biddeth spend, sparing is great waste. Love is lewdness, when time biddeth hate. Peace is to be refused, when time forceth men to war. Wherefore, I have besides this my translation, in an other trifle of mine, exhorted all my country men, peace laid aside, to prepare for war, that if need constrein them to it, they may be ready to entertain false friends, worse than enemies, according to their deserts. I keep your highness to long with my rude talk, wherefore most noble prince, pardon craved, I wool make an end, most humbly beseeching your majestic, to accept this cup of troubled water, a time may come, that good will, enstrengthned with your highness favour, may find some clearer vain, and so serve your graces thirst, with right delectable liquor. Our lord long preserve your highness, to the setting forth of his glory, to the comfort of all your subjects, to the destruction, & death of all popery.  
Amen.   

¶ Here beginneth the Table of this present book.  

¶ The first book.  
OF CONCEALING and keeping close a purpose or counsel. Capit. pri.  
¶ To search out the secrets of enemies. Cap. two.  
¶ The keeping of an order in war. Capitulo. iii.  
¶ To conduct an army, through places beset with enemies. Cap. iiii.  
¶ To escape out of dangerous places. Capit. v.  
¶ Of laying and making trains by the way. Cap. vi.  
¶ How things that we want, may seem not to lack, or how we may supply the use of them. Capit. seven.  
To set enemies at division. Cap. viii.  
¶ To pacify the sedition of soldiers. Capit. ix.  
How to inhibyte the desire to fight at time unconvenient. Cap. x.  
¶ How to encourage and stomach an army to fight. Capit. xi.  
How to put away fear, that soldiers conceive in all unlucky chances. ca xii.   

¶ THE second BOOK.  
TO choose opportunity and time convement to fight. Cap. primo.  
To choose a place to fight in. Cap. two.  
To order the array. Cap. iii.  
¶ How to trouble and disorder the array. Capit. iiii.  
Of trains and deceits. Cap. v.  
To let an enemy escape, lest he being enclosed, should through despair, renew the battle. Cap. vi.  
How to dissemble adversities. Cap. seven.  
How to order the battle by constancy. Capit. viii.  
What things are to be done after the battle, if the matter prosper, and to confirm and establish the residue of the war. Capitu. ix.  
How in hard chances to ease adversities. Capit. x.  
How to retain and keep wavering minds faithful. Cap. xi.  
What things are to be done before the camp, when men mistrust their puissance. Capit. xii.  
Of fleinge away. Cap. xiii.   

¶ THE third BOOK.  
OF sudden assault. Capit. i.  
How to deceive them that be besieged. Capit. two.  
How to entice enemies to treason Ca iii.  
By what means enemies may be made needy. Capit. iiii.  
How to persuade the siege to continue still. Cap. v.  
How to destroy the garrisons of enemies. Cap. vi.  
Of deryving and turning the course of rivers an other way. Capit. seven.  
How to fear them that are besieged. ca viii.  
How to break out on that side, where we are not looked for. Cap. ix.  
Of the trains that are laid, to entice out the besieged. Capit. x.  
To dissemble retreat. Cap. xi.  
Now contrary wise, touching the safeguard of the besieged, what diligent exercise they should use. Cap. xii.  
How to send forth and receive in a messenger. Capit. xiii.  
How to introduce succours, and to provide victuals. Cap. xiiii.  
How to make those things, which we want, seem plenteous. Cap. xv.  
What remedy against traitors and runneawayes. Cap. xvi.  
Of eruptions and breakings out of enemies. Cap. xvii.  
The constancy of the besieged. Ca xviii.   

¶ THE FOURTHE BOOK.  
OF discipline of war. Cap. i.  
The effect of discipline. Cap. two.  
Of continency & sober abstinence. ca iii.  
Of justice. Cap. iiii.  
Of constancy. Cap. v.  
Affection and moderation. Cap. vi.  
Of divers counsels. Capi. seven.   
¶ The general rules of war, taken out of Uegetius.  
Thus endeth the Table.   

THE first BOOK OF SEXTUS JULIUS FRONTINUS wherein are contained the sleights and policies exercised in war before the field be pight.  

¶ Of conceling and keeping close & purpose or council. Cap. 1.  
AFTER THAT M. Portius Cato, had overcome the cities of Spain, and thought that in process of time they would rebel, through trust of their strong towns, sent his letters to every one of the said cities, commanding them by and by to beat down their walls and bulwarks, threatening them war, unless they forth with fulfilled his commandment. He caused his sundry letters in one day to be delivered to all the cities, whereby each of them thought, that that commandment was given to them alone, and so by fear obeyed his letters. Where as if they had known like commandment given out to all the other cities, they happily by conspiracy would have rebelled.  
Hamilcar capitain of Carthage, to th'intent he might privily and unlooked for, aryve with his navy in Sicily, gave tables sealed to all the ship masters, wherein he had written, whither he intended his viage, giving them in commandment, not so hardy to open or read them, except that by force of tempest they were driven from the course of the ammyrall ship.  
Gaius Lelius sent in embassage unto Syphax, to th'intent he might wisely espy and search out the councyll and conveyance of his enemies, took with him under a colour and pretence of slaves, certain of his chief capitains, of which one called Lucius Statorius was half known of his enemies, because they had been oft together in war, Lelius, to hide what he was, took a staff, and corrected him like a slave.  
Tarqvinius superbus the father, supposing that it should make greatly for his purpose, if the chief of the Gabiens were slain, because he would commit to no man his mind, he answered nothing to the messenger sent from his son, but walking by chance in his garden, with a little rod struck of the heads of the highest poppies, the messenger returning again without any answer, told the young man Tarqvinius, what he had seen his father do, and he understood, that the chief of the city were so to be served.  
¶. Cesar mistrusting the Egyptians, made as though he had been sure of them, passing the time there, in beholding the pleasures, the works, and occupations of their City Alexandria, giving himself to banqueting and feasting, as one taken and enamoured with their commodities and pleasures, falling from his old wont unto the manners and life of the Alexandrians. and in the mean time, he prepared and conveyed in to the city a garrizon, wherewith he held and kept the contrary.  
Uentidius in the war of the Parthenians, perceiving that one Pharncus a Cirreslen borne, which were associate with the Romans, did utter unto the Parthenians, all that was done in the host, by policy converted the falsehood of the barbarous stranger, unto his own great profit. for he feigned himself to stand in dread, lest those things should happen, which he most coveted: and wished for those things to chance, which he feared most of all. Therefore he being pensive and not a little afraid, lest the Parthenians should come upon him, and pass over Euphrates, before that his legions could repair unto him, which were in Cappadocia beyond Taurus, he went earnestly in hand with the traitor, that he should by some solemn and accustomed point of falsehood, entice the Parthenians to pass over their host by Zeugma, for as much as it seemed to be the nearest wave, saying that if they took that way, he would lightly delude and avoid their arrows by the opportunity of the place & help of the hills. for if they did arrange forth their army into the open champion ground, he should there stand in utter despair. The barbarous host being by him brought into this opinion, left the hills, and led about their army the lower way: and whiles they were preparing all things needful, and leyinge bridges over the broad water, which was a very laborious and painful work, they spent and lost above. xl. days: In the which time Uentidius had gathered his strength together, and stood in a readiness. three days before the Parthenians came, and so joined with them in battle, and slaying the better part of them, won the field.  
Mithridates' being enclosed by Pompeius, sought means to flee the morrow following, and to cloak this his purpose, he sent forth his men a foraging, even unto the valleys hard under his enemies nosis. And furthermore to put away all suspicion, he appointed with many his enemies, to talk with them on the morrow, and commanded many fierce to be made through all his army, And the night following, at the sound of the trumpette, in the second time of watch, he brought forth his hole army, even by the tents of his enemies.  
The emperor Domitian, called also Germanicus, seeking all means, how to repress the germans, which kept themselves in their armour, knew very well, that if the Germans should perceive the coming of so great a captain and emperor, that they would prepare themselves to war, with moche more endeavour and greater enforcement, deceived them by a pretence of his going into France. And so suddenly broke in upon that barbarous and fierce nation, and vanquished them, to the great safeguard and wealth of the provinces.  
¶ What time Asdrubal and Hannibal his brother, lay with their armies in sundry placis, Claudius Nero, choosing and settling his camp, nigh unto Hannibal, uless as the said Nero coveted to match and break the strength of Asdrubal, before his brother Annibals' strength and his were joined together, having also little confidence in his own power, made haste to his fellow Livius Salinator, that was appointed to war against Asoruball: And to th'end Hannibal should not perceive nor suspect his departing, when he had picked out ten thousand of the most valiant men of his host, he commanded the other, that he left behind, to keep watch and ward, as they were wont to do, kyndling as many fires, and setting forth the same face and brag of the army, as before when they lay all together, lest Hannibal suspecting somewhat their small number, should set upon them. And so he departed privily, and came to his fellow, and joined their armies in one, suffering in no wise the camp to be enlarged, lest Asdrubal, perceiving some token of his coming, should have refused to fight: so with both their powers together, they set upon him, and overcame him, and than he again with all speed possible returned unto Hannibal. Thus by one policy, he beguiled the one, and oppressed the other, two of the most expert and skilful captains of Carthage.  
¶ Themistocles captain of Athenes, exhorting the citizens to repair speedily their walls, which they had cast down by the commandment of the lacedemonians, made answer unto the ambassadors, sent from Lacedaemon, to interrupt that their purpose, that he himself would come, and put away their suspicion. And thither he came, where feigning himself sick, he drove forth a certain space, and when he perceived, that his cautel and craft was suspected, he earnestly contended, that the rumour was false, which they had herd, requiring them to send some of the noble men to Athens, which might credibly inform them of the fortification of the City: and privily conveyed letters to his friends, willing them to retain these ambassadors, until they had fully finished their work, and than after to send word unto the Lacedæmonians, that the city was well strengthened and defensed, and that their ambassadors and noble men might in no wise return again, before that they had sent Themistocles home. the which request the lacedemonians were fain to fulfil, lest the loss of one man should have been the death of many.  
Metellus Pius in Spain, being demanded what he was minded to do the day following, answered on this wise: If this cote on my back knew, and could utter it, I would bourn it.  
When a certain man axed Licinius Crassus, what time he would remove his army, he answered, Art thou afraid, thou shalt not know that by the trumpet?   

¶ To search out the secrets of enemies. Capit. two.  
SCIPIO Aphricanus, taking his occasion and time convenient, sent Lelius in embassage to king Syphax, and with him certain of his chief captains and centurions in slaves apparel, whose charge was to view and mark, of what strength the kings army was. They going about this, of purpose let go an horse, and run ning up and down after him, saw the place, where the greatest part of all the kings provision lay, which when they had showed Scipio, the war by fire was ended.  
¶ When the Carthaginenses perceived, that Alexander's riches and power was so great, that he gaped also after Aphryke, they caused one of their citizens Hamilchar, a quick witted man, and full of courage, feigning himself banished, to go unto the king, and by all endeavour and study to win his favour, which at length obtained, he disclosed the kings secrets unto his country men.  
¶ The same Carthaginenses sent certain men unto Rome, there to tarry for a long time, under colour of embassage, and so to espy from time to time, what they intended.  
¶ M. Cato in Spain, because he could by no other means come to knowledge of the councille of his enemies, commanded. iii. hundredth soldiers violent lie to run all together upon the watch men, and to snap up, and safely to bring one of them to him, which man Cato so racked and tormented, that he uttered all the secrets of his company.  
¶ C. Marius cons. in the wars against the Cymbrians and the Almains, to the intent to try, whither the french men and the Genoese were his faithful friends or no, sent them a letter, whereof the first part commanded, they should in no wise open the later part being sealed, until a certain time: afterward, before the day appointed was come, he sent and required those letters again, and when he perceived by the seal, that the letters had been opened, he understood they were not his friends.  
¶ There is another way, whereby captains may perceive moche themself, As Aemilius Paulus, which in the war of the Hetrusciens at Colonia, suffering his army to wander in to the plain, saw a far of a great flight of birds rise and suddenly flush out of the wood, whereby he perceived, that there lay embushementes covertly. wherefore he sent out straight way outriders, and found that there lay. x. thousand of the Boyens, ready to receive the romans. than sent he forth his legions an other way, where they were not looked for, and on all sides did discomfit them.  
¶ Likewise, when Thyamenes, the son of Horrestis, heard that his enemies were lodged on a mountain, very strong of natural situation, he sent his currors afore to know, and they making relation, it was not true, that was supposed, he marched forward: and as he beheld, a great flight of fowls to fly together from the hill suspected, and in no wise to alight, he deemed, that the host of his enemies lay there covertly, and so conducting his army about another way, he beguiled the deceivers.   

¶ The keeping of an order in war. Capi. 3.  
ALexander Macedo, having a vehement and fierce army, took ever this way in war, to fight in plain battle.  
¶ Likewise C. Cesar in the civil war, having his army by long use perfect in feats of arms, and knowing the army of his enemies to be young and unexpert, always endeavoured himself to try with his enemy in a pight field.  
¶ Fabius Maximus, dying in war against Hannibal, wanton and proud of his great victories, determined not to fight, but only to defend & keep Italy, and thereby deserved to be called Cunctator, a tarier, slow in fight, and yet to be taken for the best and wisest captain.  
¶ The Byzantes against Philip, eschewing and avoiding all danger of plain fight, neglecting the defence of their borders, kept themselves within the muniments of their cities, and there by brought to pass, that Philip being sore aggrieved, and loath to abide the long besieging and assaults of them, went his way.  
¶ Has drubal son of Gisgon, at the second war of Carthage against Spain, where as scipio laid hard to his charge, divided his army discomfited into sundry cities, and thereby brought to pass, that Scipio, because he would not be troubled with the assault of so many and divers cities, withdrew his army into places of rest, for all the winter.  
¶ While Hannibal tarried still with his army in Italy, Scipio conveying his into afric, made the Carthaginenses of necessity call him home to the defence of his own country, and so drove the force of his enemies out of Italy.   

¶ To conduct an army through places beset with enemies. Cap. 4.  
EMilius Paulus cons. conducting his army through a straight, nigh unto the see side, the Tarentines laying wait for him with a navy, and setting upon his company with Scorpions, covered the side of his host, passing forth by, with such as he had before taken prisoners, for regard of whom, his enemies forbore their shot.  
¶ When Agelilaus, capitain of the Lacedæmonians, returned from Phrigia, laden with pillage & spoil, his enemies pursued him, and at all places apt for battle, provoked him to fight, wherefore he set his prisoners and captives on both sides his army, and so whiles his enemies favoured them, the Lacedæmonians at their commodity went away even by them.  
¶ Because the same Agesilaus could not pass with his host certain straights, defended and kept by the Thebans, he vanced his banners toward their city of Thebes, whereof, the Thebans being afraid, left the straights, and went to defend their city, and so Agesilaus came back, and went on the same way, that he intended before, no man withstanding him.  
¶ Nicostratus, captain of the Aetolians against the Epirotes, seeing the passages into their borders, were straightly kept against him; he made a face, as though he would break in by an other place: whither when all the multitude of the Epirotes ran to defend, he leaving there a few to make a show, as though the hole host tarried still, with the residue entered in that way, that he was not looked for.  
¶ King Philip of Macedon, in his journey toward Grece, hard that the straits, called Thermopylas, were taken and kept of his enemies, and that the Ambassadors of the Aetolians were come to him, to entreat of peace, keeping them surely, by great journeys, hasted to the straits, where they that were set to defend them, being careless, and looking for the return of the ambassadors, he passed the straits.  
¶ When Iphicrates capitain of Athenes, warring against Anaxibius of Lacedaemon, should conduct his army by places kept and defended of his enemies, his passage being on the one side let with cleves of hills, and on the other side with the see, tarrying still a season, there came a day much colder than was wont, and therefore no man suspecting him, he picked out all the strongest of body of his host, which being warmed with wine and oil, commanded them to swim so far by the sees side, till they were passed the rocks, and so unwares to set upon, and oppress the keepers of the straits.  
¶ when Cn. Pompeius could not pass over a certain river, by reason of his enemies, which lay on the other side, he used this policy, oft times to range out his host toward the river, and to recoil again to his camp, at length his enemy being persuaded, that he would do so still, he suddenly rushed out, and so won the passage.  
¶ Alexander Macedo, being let of Porus king of Ind, to pass over the river Hydaspes with his army, used this policy: first he made his soldiers to range out busyly toward the water, and after that by this manner of exercise, he had forced them to lie at their fence on the other side of the bank, he suddenly sent over his army by the upper part of the river.  
P. Claudius cons. in the first war of Carthage, because he could not convey his army from Rhegio unto Messana, by reason that the Carthaginenses had beset the narrow see, spread abroad a rumour, that he could not continue the war, because he had taken it in hand, without consent of the people, & made a face, as though he would have sailed into italy. The catthaginenses believing, that he would sail thither in deed, departed thence: and so he turned about his ships, and arrived in Sicil.  
When the captains of the Lacedemomens', had purposed to sail over unto Syracuse, and were in fear of the navy of the Carthaginenses, which lay decked and ready unto war, they caused. x. ships, which they had taken in battle of the Carthagin. to go out before, as though they had come home again with victory, cowpling their other ships unto them on both sides, and at the styrne also: under the which colour they deceived the Peneans, and passed over.  
When Philip might not pass the narrow sees, called Cyanee, by reason that the navy of the athenians kept all the convenient passages there, he writ unto Antipater, that Tracia was up, and rebelled, the garrison, which he there left, by disobeyed taken and slain: wherefore his will was, that he should set all other things aside, and follow him thither, and so he ordered the matter, that the athenians took the messenger, that bore the letters, at the sight whereof, supposing they had gotten knowledge of all the privities of the macedonians, departed with their navy, and than passed philip the straits, no man withstanding him.  
When Chabrias of Athens could not enter the haven of the Samians, being kept of by a garrison of his enemies, that lave in ships before the haven, he commanded a few of his ships to pass by the haven, conjecturing, that they, which lay there for defence, would make out after them, and they, by this policy enticed out, no man in manner resisting, he obtained the haven with the rest of his navy.   

¶ To escape out of dangerous places. Capit. v.  
VUhan Q. Sertorius in Spain, should needs pass over a river, his enemies even at hand, pursuing him, he cast out a trench in manner of a crooked moan, which when he had filled with wood, and other such like things, he set a fire, and thus excluding his enemies, freely passed over the flood.  
Likewise Pelopidas a Theban, in the war against the Thessalonians, sought passage. for his camp containing a great ground on the river side, he made a trench with old house rafters, stakes, and other stuff meet to bourn, and set it on sire, and thereby kept back his enemies, while he passed the river.  
What time Luctatius Catulus was put to flight of the Cunbriens, this one hope to save his army he had, if he might drive his enemies from a flood, the bank whereof was by them kept and defended: so he made a show of his army, upon a hill not far of from the river, as though he would there have pight his tents, commanding the host not to unload in any wise, neither to lay down pack ne burden, no man to break the array, or to part from his standard: and the better to deceive his enemies, he commanded to rear up in their full sight, certain tents, and to kindle fierce, some to make a trench, some other he sent a foraging and to gather wood, in such wise, that they might be seen to go abroad. The Cunbrians' supposing, that they intended all such things in very deed, chose themself a place also, & as soon as they were scattered abroad in the country, to purvey all such things, as were necessary for them that intended to tarry, Catulus got good occasion, not only to pass over the river, but also to trouble and grieve his enemies.  
When Croesus might in no wise wade over the river Halis, neither yet could make boat or bridge, he cast a dyche behind his army, and so turned the course of the river that way.  
When Cn. Pompeius lying at Brinduse, and purposing now to depart out of Italy, and so to differ and put of the battle, for as much as Cesar lay at his back with an army, would take shiping, he stopped and closed up some ways with walls, some he intercut with dyches, setting upright in them stakes, covered with hyrdels and earth, some ways toward the haven, he fenced with great trees, laid overthwart, thick together, in great quantity, which thing done, under a colour, as though he would have held and kept still the city, he left a few archers, to keep the walls, conveying the rest of his army unto ship, without any great noise or business, and anon after that he had taken shiping, the archers followed him by ways well known in small vessels, and overtook him.  
When Herculeius, legate unto Sertorius, had brought a small army in Spain, into a long way, that was very narrow, between two steep hills, and perceived, that a great company of his enemies made toward him, he cast a great dyche overthwart the way, with a trench meet to bourn, and set fire thereon, and so kept of his enemies, and escaped.  
When Cesar in the civil war, had set his army in array against Afranius, and could not recoil back without danger, by stealth brought back certain of the first and second array, and cast a dyche of. xv. foot behind them, & thither after the son set, he received his army.  
Pericles of Athens, being driven by them of Peloponesus into a place environed with steep hills, where was but two ways to escape out, before the one way, where he intended to break out, he let cast a dyche of great breadth, under pretence to shut out his enemies, and to the other side he led his host, as though he would there have broken forth. Wherefore his enemies, believing that he could in no wise escape that way, where he himself had cast the dyche, withstood him with all their power on the other side, then did Pericles cast bridges, prepared for the nonce, over the dyche, and that way conveyed out his army, where no man resisted him.  
What time Cornelius Cossus consul, in the war against the Samnites, was found of his enemies in an unegal and inconvenient place, P. Decius his chief capitain, counseled him, to make out a small band of men, and to prevent his enemies, and so to take the hill, proffering himself to be their guide, and by that policy his enemy being provoked to stop him from the hill, the consul escaped, and he the same night being besieged of his foes, broke out, and came again safe with his company to the consul's army.  
A. Sylla, being between certain straits at Esernta, sent unto the host of his enemies, desiring the captain of communication, and so treated with him of certain conditions of peace, intending no such thing indeed. At length, perceiving his enemies to wax somewhat slack and negligent, by reason they were entered into a treaty of peace, he broke out by night, leaving behind him a trumpeter, to divide the watches of the night, that the host might be thought to remain still there, commanding him, to tarry and give the fourth watch, and than to follow after. And thus he conducted his army safely with all their stuff and ordinance into a sure place.  
The same man, in the war against Archelaus, lieutenant unto Mithridates in Cappadocia, being in distress by reason of an inconvenient place and multitude of his enemies, fell to an entreaty of peace, and took a truce for a time: whereby his enemies took less heed unto him, and so he escaped.  
When Hasdrubal, Hannibal's brother, might not conveniently escape out of a certain thick wood, by reason the high ways and those quarters were beset, he fell to entreat with C. Nero, promising to depart out of Spain, so that he would give him passage with his army. then after he finding certain cavillations at the conditions, drove forth moche time, sending away every day in the mean while, part of his army by narrow paths, that were nothing regarded. And afterward he fled away himself easily with the other few that tarried with him.  
Spartacus by night slew his prisoners, and certain beasts, and with their carcases filled up the dyche, where with Marcus Crassus had enclosed him, and so he passed over.  
The same man also, when he was beset in Lesbio, on that side, where the hill was most dangerous and pitchelong, and therefore not kept, let down his men with scaling ropes, made of certain wythes and twigs, and by that means he not only escaped, but also on the other side so amazed them, that with lxxiiii. sword, he put to flight certain great cohortes of his enemies.  
The same man also enclosed by L. Uarinus, proconsul, pitched up stakes here & there before the entering of his camp, and set thereon dead carcases, clad and harnessed like men, to make a show unto them, that were afar of, that watch and ward was diligently kept, leaving also fires in every quarter of the camp, under the which deceitful colour, he deluded his enemies, and conveyed away his host by night.  
Brasidas, captain of the lacedemonians, brought in to the danger of a greater multitude of the athenians, than he might make his party good with, willingly suffered his enemies to environ him, to th'intent that the host, by ranging themself round about in great length, garland wise, might be the thinner, and so he broke out on that party, where he perceived fewest withstood him.  
¶ When Iphicrates in Tracia had pight his tents in a low place, and had knowledge, that his enemies lay upon an hill nigh to him, and that there was but one way to come down, at night he commanded a small number, which he left in the camp, to make many fires, leading out the rest of his army, and disposing them on both sides of the foresaid way, suffered the barbarous aliens to pass by, bringing them even into the same places of danger, that he alyttell before was in, with the one part of his army, he slew their rearward, and with the other, he chase an apt place to pitch his tents.  
¶ Darius to deceive the Scythes, at his departing left dogs and asses in his tents, whose barking and braying the enemies hearing, thought Darius to be there still.  
By like error the Genoese, blynding the Romans, tied buguls here and there unto trees with wythes, the which with their oft lowing, made the enemies believe the host lay still.  
Hanno enclosed of his enemies, made a great fire of such stuff, as bourneth quickly and tarrieth not long, in that place, where he saw he might best break out: then his enemies fleeing to stop the other passage, he brought his army through the midst of the flame, covering their faces with their shields, and their legs with clothes.  
¶ Hannibal purposing to flee, partly because of the inconuenyent places, and partly for lack of victual, Fabius Martinus holding him hard, by night tied little faggots of small sticks to oxons horns, and fyring the faggots, he let the oxen go. and when the beasts were troubled with the fire, which increased as they moved their heads, they running hither and thither, lightened all the hills where they became. The romans at the first thought it some monstrous token, but after they had showed unto Fabius all the matter, he fearing some deceit and guile, kept still his camp, and so Hannibal departed without any resistance.   

¶ Of laying and making trains by the way. Cap. vi.  
When Fuluius Nobilior should conduct his army from the Samnites unto the Lucanians, and knew by traitors, that had left their own captains, and come to him, that his enemies would set upon the rearward, he caused his strongest legion to go foremost, and his carriage to come behind, whereupon the enemies having occasion, began to rifle their farthels and carriage. here Fuluius appointed. v. cohortes of the foresaid legion on the right side of the way, and. v. on the left, and so his enemies being busy about their spoil, he enclosed and slew them.  
The same Fuluius, his enemies following him at his back, camme unto a river, the which not withstanding it could not stop him, yet by reason of the swiftness, somewhat hindered his purpose, he laid one of his legions privily on this side the river, that his enemies contemning the small company, that was with him, might the boldlier follow after, this done, the legion that lay in wait for the nonce, broke out of their embushement, and so discomfited their enemies.  
Iphicrates, for the inconueniencye of places, was fain to lead his army all along into Thrace, and it was told him, that his enemies would set upon the vaward: wherefore he commanded certain cohortes to go and tarry on either side, the residue he had speedily to march forward. the hole army passing forth, he retained with him a sort of the most picked men: and so his enemies being occupied all about, in spoiling, weary also, with his men fresh, lusty, and well ordered, he set upon them, and after they were discomfited, he took away their pillage.  
¶ The Boyens, knowing that the Romans host should pass through the wood called Litana, cut and hewed all the great trees in such wise, that they had a very little hold to stand by, ready to fall at any impulsion, and they hid themself at the uttermost trees so cut. and as soon as the romans were entered the wood, they throwing down the trees next unto them, overthrew also those, that were farther of, by which means the ruin growing or, they all to crushed a great number of their enemies.   

¶ How things that we want, may seem not to lack, or how we may supply the use of them. Capit. 7.  
L. Cecilius Metellus, because he lacked ships, to convey his elephants over the water, joined barrels and tons together, and covered them with bourdes, and thereon set his elephants and so passed the see at Sicily.  
When Hannibal could not compel his elephants to take the stream of a deep river, neither had any vessels to convey them in, he commanded one of the fiercest elephants to be wounded under the ear, and as soon as he that struck him had so done, to swim over the river, and then to run straight forth. The elephante, being sore moved and grieved with the wound, swam after him over the river, to revenge his grief, & so gave all the other stomach to do the like.  
When the captains of carthage should tacle their navy, and wanted stuff to make ropes, they clipped women's hear, and made ropes thereof. Likewise did the Masiliens and the Rhodiens.  
M. Antonius gave his soldiers barks of trees in stead of tergates. Spartacus and his army used shields of osyers', covered with beasts skins.  
The noble deed of Alexander of Macedon I think worthy to be remembered in this place. He leading his army through the deserts of Afryke, was grieved with extreme thirst. when one of his soldiers brought him water in a salet, he poured it out in the sight of all his army, counting more profit, in giving them example of temperancy, than either to have drunk the water himself, or to have bestowed it on some, the other remaining still thirsty.   

¶ To set enemies at division. Cap. viii.  
VUhat time Coriolanus by war would revenge the shame of his condemnation, he commanded his men of arms in any wise to spare the senators lands, burning and wasting all that longed to the common people, thereby intending, descension sowed among them, to set the commons against the lords.  
¶ Hannibal not able to match Fabius in strength and feats of war, thinking to grieve him by some slander, forbore to hurt Fabius' lands and possessions, and spoiled other men's. On the other side, Fabius, to th'end the citizens should not mistrust his fidelity, gave all his lands to the common wealth, through which great nobleness of mind, his truth and loyalty was nothing suspected.  
¶ Fabius Maximus, the fift time that he was consul, because the army of the gauls, the Umbrians, the Etruscians, and Samnites joined together against the Romans, (which to withstand he fortified his field beyond the mountain Apennine) wrote letters to Fuluius and Posthumius, that lay in garrison to defend the city, that they should remove with their power to Sitium: which things done, the Etruscians and Umbrians drew home to defend their own, leaving behind them the Samnites and gauls, whom Fabius and his fellow Decius did set upon, and overcame.  
¶ What time a huge number of the Sabine left their own costs, and invaded the borders of the Romans, Marcus Curius sent forth by secret ways a power of men, to set fire here and there, on their villages and towns, and so were the Sabines fain to return, and to rescue the waist and destruction at home. Thus Curius without fight, drove back the great host, and grievously assaulted their borders, now in manner vacant, fleeing them that they caught here and there scattered.  
¶ T. Didius mistrusting his small number, sought means to prolong the battle, until the coming of certain legions, that he looked for: and when he also perceived, that his enemies went to meet, and keep back the legions, he called his soldiers together, commanding them to be in a readiness to fight, giving them warning, neglygentely to keep their prisoners: of the which some fled away, and brought word to their company, that Didius was prepared to battle, the which thing hard, they left of to lay any longer wait for the legions, & by that means they came safe without any resistance unto Didius.  
¶ In the war against the Carthaginenses certain cities had purposed to fall from the Romans unto them, but first they imagined, how to get home again the hostages, which they had given unto the Romans: Therefore they feigned, that there was a great sedition among the borderers, the which could not be assuaged and appeased, except the Romans sent over their ambassadors, and when they were sent, and come, the cities kept them, as contrary hostages and pledges, and would not suffer them to return home, until they had received again their own.  
¶ The Roman ambassadors, sent unto king Antiochus, which had now after the conquest of the carthaginians, Annibal in court with him, whose counsel he much used against the Romans, brought to pass by their sundry talkings with Annyball, that the king suspected him, which before was greatly in his favour, and worthy so to be, both for his wiliness, and great experience in war.  
¶ Q. Metellus, warring against jugurth, corrupted the ambassadors sent to him, that they should betray jugurth. Also when other came, he did likewise. and even so used them, that were the third time sent to him. But as for the taking of jugurth, the matter went slowly forward, for he would have him delivered alive: but yet he wrought a great feat by this policy, for when the letters, that he addressed to jugurthes' friends, were intercept and taken, he slew them all, and being spoiled of his counsellors, he could afterward get no friends.  
¶ When that C. Cesar had taken a certain water lagger, and had knowledge by him, that Afranius & Petreius that night would remove their tents, he purposing to let his enemies of their intent, without vexing of his army, by and by in the beginning of the night, made his men to cry and call for vessels, and to drive mules with moche noise against the camp of his adversaries, and to continue that noise the most part of the night: and so made them believe, which of purpose he caused to tarry still, that he himself had removed.  
¶ When the africans passed the sees into Sicily, with a great host to assault Dionysius king of Siracusa, he fortified Castles in divers places, commanding the keepers never the less, to yield them to their enemies, and when they were dysmissed, to return privily unto Syracuse, which castles of necessity the Aphricans were driven to furnish with garrisons. And by this means, when Dionysius had brought the army of his enemies, to a small number, as his desire was, and had gathered his own strength together, setting upon them, vanquished his enemies.  
¶ Agesilaus of Lacedaemon, making war against Tysaphernes, feigned to conduct his army into Caria, there to take the advantage of the hills against his enemies, which were stronger than he in power of horsemen. by the which brag and policy, he enticed Tysaphernes into Caria, which done, he broke into Lydia, the heed of the kingdom of his enemy, and oppressing those that he there found, got the kings treasure.   

¶ To pacify the sedition of soldiers. Capit. 9  
VUhan A. Manlius consul, had perceived, that his soldiers grudged against the men of Campania, where they were now lodged, conspiring together to slay their hosts, and after to take away their goods, he spread abroad this rumour, that they should lie there still all the winter. and thus they of their purpose let and disturbed, he delivered Campania from great peril, and as time and occasion served, punished them that were causers of that sedition.  
¶ What time the legions of the Romans were furiously set and bent on perilous sedition, Lucius Sylla restored them from their rage unto a quietness by this policy: He commanded, that word should be brought hastily to the host, that their enemies were at hand, and that they should raise up a cry, and call them to harness, and blow up the trumpets, whereby he broke of the sedition, they all together consenting, as need required, against their enemies.  
¶ What time Pompeius' host had slain the senators of Milan, for fear of trouble and business, that might have happened, if he should have called the offender's alone to examination, he sent for them all together, as well for the faultless, as the guilty, so that they seemed to be sent for, for some other purpose. and therefore appeared they that were faulty, with less fear, because they came not alone: and they, whose conscience pleaded them not guilty, gave good attendance, to keep them that were faulty, lest peradventure their escape and flight, might have turned them to displeasure.   

¶ How to inhibit the desire to fight at time inconvenient. Cap. x.  
Q. Sertorius had learned by expetyence, that he was not able to match with the hole host of the Romans, therefore to instruct the barbarous people, that unadvisedly desired to fight with them, he brought forth two horses before them all, the one lusty and strong, the other feeble & week: and two young men also of like condition, the one strong and lusty, the other lean and feeble. and the strong fellow he commanded to pluck of the weak horses tail all at ones, the feeble fellow to pluck of the lusty horses tail by little and little. And when the weak man had done that he was commanded, the mighty man of arms was still wrestling and tugging with the weak horse tail, and all in vain. Now I have showed you (said Sertorius) by this example, the power of the Romans army, he that setteth on them all together, shall find them unuincyble, but he hat setteth on them part by part, shall easily crop, and wear them to nought.  
¶ When Agesilaus, capitain of the Lacedemonians in war against the Thebans, had pight his tents along the river side, and perceyning the power of his enemies much stronger than his, to restrain his army from rash desire to fight, said, that he was warned of god, to fight on the hills. and thus leaving a little garrison on the river side, got up on the hills. The Thebans, taking this to be done for fear, passed over the river, and the garryzon being easily put to flight, pursued very greedily after the other. and so by inconueniencye of the place, they were overcome of a smaller number.  
When Scorilo, captain of the Daciens, knew, that the Romans were at discord among themselves, nor yet thought the time meet to assail them, for outewarde war causeth citizens to grow to a concord, he caused in the sight of the people two dogs to fight together, to which most eagerly fighting, he showed forth a wolf. and forthwith the dogs left their malice, and fell upon the wolf. By which example he allayed and overcame the rage of the barbarous people, that other wise would have turned to the Romans profit.   

How to encourage and stomach an army to fight. Capit. xi.  
M. Fabius, and Cn. Manlius consuls, in war against the Hetrusciens, their army refusing to fight, by reason of sedition, feigned themself to prolong and put of the battle willingly, until such time the soldiers, constrained with reproaches of their enemies, desired to fight, making a solemn oath, that they would return again with victory.  
¶ When Fuluius Nobilior must needs try the matter in fight with a small army against a great number of the Samnites, which were very haute and proud, by reason of favourable fortune, he feigned, that he had corrupted one of the legions to betray their fellows, and that this might be the better believed, he commanded the Tribunes, the Centurions, and all the first order, to bring together all the ready money, gold, and silver, that they had, that he might show the traitors their reward, promising to restore them their money again, when he had obtained the victory, with great rewards beside. the which persuasion gave the Romans great comfort and courage: whereby they pight a field by and by, and got a worthy victory.  
¶ When C. caesar should fight against the Germans, and Ariouistus, perceiving his soldiers to be of small courage, said in his exhortation to them, he would have no more that day to help him, but the tenth legion. whereby he brought to pass, that the tenth legion, as with a special testimony of manliness, was encouraged, and so were the other for very shame, lest those alone should have had the praise of manhood.  
¶ Q. Fabius, which knew very well, the Romans to be of so lyberalle and honest nature, that by despite and contumelious dealing, they would be soon moved, vexed, and grieved: looking also for no right nor equal dealing of the Penians, sent unto Carthage ambassadors, to entreat of peace, upon certain conditions, which when they were brought and perceived to be unreasonable, full of insolency and pride, the Romans army was straight stirred and encouraged to fight.  
When that Agesilaus had pight his field, not far from Orchomeno, a city that was in league with him, and perceived, that many of the army had their chief riches and treasure within the camp, he commanded the towns men, that they should receive nothing into the town, belonging to his army, to the intent his soldiers might fight the more fiercely, knowing that they fought for life and goods.  
When Epaminundas should fight against the Lacedæmonians, to th'end that the strength of his soldiers might be helped with some fervent affection, he pronounced in his exhortation, that the lacedemonians had determined, if they got the victory, to slay all the men, and to make their wives and children bond for ever, and to beat the city of Thebes down flat to the ground. With the which words, the Thebans were so moved and aggrieved, that at the first bront they overcame the lacedemonians.  
Eutidias' captain of the lacedemonians, preparing himself to battle, the same day that other of his company had obtained in battle on the see, although he knew nothing what was done, published abroad, that their side had got the victory. whereby his soldiers were constant and moche imbolded to fight.  
A. Posthumius in the battle, wherein he had encountered with the Latins, setting forth the shape of two young men on horseback, greatly stomached his men of war, saying, that it was Castor and Pollux, which came to help them, and so he recovered the field.  
Archidamus captain of the lacedemonians, warring against the Archadians, caused privily by night, certain harness to be laid within his camp, and horses to trample about the place where the harness was. On the morrow he showed the tracks or fotynges of the horses, as though Castor and Pollux had there rid, persuading, that they would not fail to come and aid them in their battle.  
¶ When Pericles, should give battle, he espied out a certain wood, from whence both the hosts might be seen, which wood was very great, thick, and dark, dedicate to father Pluto: there he ordained an image like a man of great stature, boted up above the mid thigh, in a rob of pourple, with a great and comely bush of hear, sitting on a high chariot, drawn with white horses: the which as soon as the banners were displayed, and the token of battle given, appeared out in the sight of both hosts, and called Pericles by name, exhorting and encouraging him, saying, The God's are on the athenians part. which caused his enemies at the first encounter to turn their backs and flee.  
L. Sylla, to encourage his men to fight, feigned that the God's had showed him, what should befall. And after in the sight of his army, even a little before the battle, he prayed to a little image, that he had from Delphis, and desired, that he would haste the victory to him promised.  
C. Marius had with him a certain witch of Syria, of whom he feigned to know all adventures, that fell in battle.  
Q. Sertorius, having a very barbarous host, and dull of understanding, led about through Lusitania, a very fair and goodly white hind, plainly affirming, that he knew by her afore hand, all things that were either to be done, or to be eschewed, to the intent those barbarous fellows should obey all his commandments, as though they had come from heaven.  
When Alexander Macedo should do sacrifice, he writ with a certain water made by craft for the nonce, in the same hand of the southesayer, that he should put into the beasts bowels, the letters signified, that the victory should be given to Alexander: the which letters, quik lie received and printed on the warm liver, and by the king showed to the army, couraged their hearts, as though god had promised them victory.  
Epaminundas warring against the lacedemonians, thought it meet to increase the good affiance of his men of arms, with some point of religion, took away by night the harness and armure, that was offered and set up to adorn the temples, persuading his soldiers, that the gods followed him in his journey, to aid and help them in battle.  
¶ When Agesilaus had taken certain of the Persians, whose apport was very terrible, as long as their apparel was on, whom he striped naked, and showed their white and effeminate bodies to his soldiers, to the intent they might despice them.  
Gelo the tyrant of Syracuse, entering war against the Penians, after that he had taken many of them, brought forth the weakest and most uncomely persons, naked in the sight of all his army, to persuade them, that they were but wretches, and men worthy to be despised.  
Cyrus' king of pierce, intending to concitate the minds of his people, to weary and anger them with painful labour, held them all day at work, and utterly tired them in he wing up a certain wood: and the morrow after he made for them a very plenteous feast, demanding in the feast time, which day liked them best. And when they all allowed the pastime of the day present. And yet these (que he) must he come by, by the other. for except ye first overcome the Medes, ye can never live in freedom and at pleasure. Whereby they took great courage and desire to fight, and subdued their enemies.  
Because L. Sylla in war against Archelaus Mithridates lieutenant at Pirea, perceived his soldiers had little courage to fight, he so wearied them with continual labour, that they were glad to desire, that the token of battle given they might fight.  
Fabius Maximus, fearing lest his host would not continue the fight manfully, by reason they might quickly flee to their ships, commanded them to be set on fire before he began the battle.   

¶ How to put away fear, that soldiers conceive in all unlucky chances. Cap. xii.  
SCipio, conucyinge his host out of Italy into afric, in landing, by chance slipped and caught a fall and perceiving that his soldiers were thereat abashed, with great constancy and bold stomach, turned that, which caused fear, into comfort, saying, Hark what I say my soldiers, I have fallen upon afric, and oppressed it.  
When C. Cesar, taking ship, hast to fall, he said, I perceive O country, what thou meanest. By which interpretation he brought to pass, that they all believed he should safely return from whence he departed.  
¶ Sempronius Gracchus consul, his host being ranged in battle against the Picentes, and both parts being confounded with a sudden earth quake, comforted and couraged his men to invade their enemies, being superstitiousely amazed, and by this exhortation he overcame his enemies.  
When Sertorius saw, that the outesyde of his horsemen's tergates, and the horses breasts suddenly, as it had been by some wonderful prodigy, appeared bloody, he by and by expounded it to be a plain token of victory, because those parts of the shields and horses, are wont to be sprinkled with the blood of their enemies.  
¶ Epaminundas perceiving that his soldiers, were sad and sorrowful, because that the banner cloth, was blown of by a great wind, and carried in to a grave, where a Lacedaemonian had been buried, said, Be not afraid my soudiars, this signifieth the death of the lacedemonians, for sepulchres be adorned with funerals.  
The same Epaminundas, saying his soldiers were afraid with a flaake of fire, that fell from heaven in the night, said, Surely god showeth us this light, in token of comfort.  
As he an other time, being ready to fight against the Lacedæmonians, would have sitten down, by chance his chair fell under him: whereof his soldiers were greatly abashed, saying, that commonly such chance betokened great misfortune, No not so, quoth he, but here by we be warned, that it is no time no we to sit.  
L. Sulpitius Gallus, knowing that the Eclyps' of the moan was at hand, lest his soldiers should take it for a heavy token, warned them thereof before hand, declaring unto them all the reason, and causes of the eclipse.  
Likewise did Agathocles Siracusanus in war avenst the Penians, what time the eclipses happened, the day before they should fight, expounded all the reason thereof unto the army, lest they should take any conceit thereat, & taught them, that what so ever chanced there, it was by course of nature, and not appertained to their affairs.  
When on a time there fell a great and terrible flush of lightening in Pericles' camp, and made his soldiers greatly afraid, he called them together, and in all their sights with two stones beaten together, struck out fire, showing them, that likewise the violent dashing together of contrary elements, and breaking out of the cloud, caused the lightning, whereby he allayed all their trouble and fear.  
when that Timotheus of Athens should fight by water against the Corcireens, and the ship sailing forth to encounter their enemies, the ship master hearing one of the rowers snyse, was going back, than said Timotheus unto him, What, art thou amazed to here that one of so many thousands hath caught cold?  
When that Chabrias of Athens should fought by see, and perceived that his soldiers were sore amazed with a lightning, that flashed out even before the navy, as a prodigious fortoken of some misadventure, he said, Now sirs is the chief time to encounter with our enemies, when jupiter the great God himself, showeth his power to be present with us.   
Thus endeth the first book.   

THE second BOOK  

The preface.  
THE examples that instruct and teach a captain, what he ought to do, and how to behave himself before the battle, are in mine opinion sufficiently declared in the first book, now I wool show you, what is wont to be done in the self battle, and what after the field is done.   

¶ To choose the opportunity and time convenient to fight. Ca i.  
WHEN Publius Scipio in Spain knew that hasdrubal captain of the Penians had ranged out his army early in the morning, before they broke their fast, he kept in his, unto the seven. hour, commanding them to sit at rest, & take their repast. and when his enemies with hunger, thirst, and long tarrying, were now tired in their harness, and began to recoil to their camp, suddenly he ranged forth his host, and giving battle, overcame them.  
When that Metellus Pius warred against Herculeius in Spain, and that this Herculeius by and by at the spring of the day, had ranged out his army even unto Metellus camp, the season of the year being moste fervent and hot, he kept his in unto the. vi. hour of the day, and so his men being fresh and lusty, overcame easily the other wearied with great heat.  
When the same Metellus joining his power with Pompeius against Sertorius in Spain, had oft ranged out his army, his enemy evermore refusing to fight, because he thought himself not able to match them both: after on a certain time, he perceived, that Sertorius soldiers were greatly encouraged to fight, valiantly exercising feats of arms, charging and discharging their spears, thought it best to forbear for a time, till that their heat and courage were abated: and so recoiled his army, & caused Pompeius to do the same.  
Posthumius in Sicily lay with his host. three miles from the Penians, the dictators whereof ranged out their army daily even before the romans camp, the which he resisted with a little bend of men, and small skirmishes, standing even before the trench. Which custom the Penians now despising, he keeping the residue within his camp, fresh and ready, after his old wont, with a few sustained th'assault of his enemies, and kept them skirmishing longer than he was accustomed. And thus they wearied, and sore an hungered, after the. vi. hour, began to recoil, whom Posthumius with his army fresh & lusty, vanquished.  
forasmuch as Iphicrates of Athens had knowledge, that his enemies, continually used to eat at a certain time, he commanded his men to take their repast more timely, and ranged them out in battle, and setting upon his enemies, he so dallied with them, that he neither would give them battle, nor yet suffer them to depart. now when it drew toward night, he recoiled back again, keeping his men never the less ready in their harness: and when his enemies being wearied, not only with standing at their defence, but also with long fasting, made haste to refresh their bodies, and to take their repast, Iphicrates again brought forth his army, & set upon his enemies being unready and out of order.  
The same Iphicrates warring against the Lacedæmonians, kept his camp a long space, hard by his enemies, and both parties went forth at certain dew times a foraging. On a certain day he sent abroad about their business the slaves and drudges of the army in soldiers apparel, keeping the soldiers still within: and when his enemies were scattered abroad for like business, he won their camp by assault, and the unarmid returning unto the roar, and noise, here and there with their burdeyns, he easily either slew, or took prisoners.  
When Uirginius consul saw afar of, his enemies racing out all abroad, he commanded his to pitch their darts in the ground, and rest them: then with his army lusty and fresh he set on the other now almost breathless, and put them to flight.  
Fabius Maximus knowing, that the french men & the Samnites, were most valiant at the first braid and that the courage of his men grew and increased more and more as the fight continued, commanded his soldiers, that they should be content at the first encounter to sustain and forhere, that so with tarrying they might weary their enemies, the which thing succeeding, he sent in succour unto them, & with all his strength in the vaward, oppressed and subdued his enemies.  
Philip at Cheronea, remembering that he had warryours hardened with long use and exercise, and that the Athenienses were quick and fierce, but unexercised, and only violent at the first brayed, he of purpose prolonged the battle, and anon after, the Athenienses fainting, he avanced his banners more fierce lie forward, and slew them.  
¶ The Lacedæmonians, being certified by their espies, that the Messenians were set on such a rage, that they came to battle, with their wives and children, differred to fight.  
When Cesar in the civil war, had enclosed the host of Affranius and Petreius within a trench, he pined them with thirst, in so much that they thereby erasperated, destroyed all that withstood them, and proffered to fight: Cesar kept in his men, supposing it no meet time for battle, when ire and despair had inflamed his enemies.  
It is plain, that jugurthe, having well in mind the puissance of the Romans, used always to give battle to ward night, to the intent, that if his men should be put to flight, they might have the opportunity and succour of the night to hide them.  
Lucullus in war aienst Mithridates and Tigranes in Armenia the greater, at Tigranocerta, when he having but xv. thousand men, and his enemies an innumerable multitude, which therefore were unruly, took this advantage, to inade his enemies out of array and order, and so forthwith dispurpled them, that the kings themselves were fain to cast away their cote armure, and flee.  
Claudius' Tiberius Nero, in war against the Pamnoniens, seeing the fierce bar barous fellows come forth in array early in the morning, kept in his, and suffered his enemies to be beaten with the mist and rain, as it chanced the wether to be very foul that day. and after when he perceived their courage fainted, and their bodies were sore weakened with the rain and long standing, the token of battle given, he assailed and overcame them.  
When Cesar in France had perceived, that Ariouistus king of the germans, had an ordinance in manner of a law, not to fight in the wane of the moon, than chief he joined battle with them, and overcame his enemies, entangled and let with their superstitious observing of the times.  
Uespasian the emperor, on the Sabbath day, when it is not lawful for the jews to do any earnest business, assaulted and overcame them.   

To choose a place to fight in. Cap. two.  
MArcus Curius perceiving, that king Pyrrhus army, being at large, might not be resisted, did his endeavour to fight in straight places, where they thronged together, might be a let to themselves.  
¶ Cn. Pompeius in Cappadocia chose a high place, and thereon pight his tents, where the styping of the hill holp the courageous setting out of his soldiers, and so he easily overcame Mithridates, even with the violent decours and descending down from the hill.  
¶ When C. Cesar fought against Pharnaces, Mithridates' son, he ordained his array on a hill, the which thing got him speedy victory. For the darts thrown from above, upon the barbarous people, that came underneath, forthwith put them to flight.  
¶ When Lucullus should fight against Mithridates, and Tygranes in Armenia the greater at Tygranocerta, he took quickly the plain top of the next hill, with part of his army, and froo thence rushed down upon his enemies underneath, and invaded their horsemen on the one side, and putting some to flight, some out of array, so pursued them, that he returned with right noble victory.  
Uentidius against the Parthians moved not once his army, before his enemies were within half a mile of him, and then with a sudden race he marched so near them, that their arrows, which did good service a far of, could now do him no harm near hand. By which policy, and with a lusty bold courage, as though he mistrusted nothing, he quickly vanquished and subdued the barbarous people.  
When Hannibal should fight against Marcellus at Numystron, he fenced his army on the one side with hollow broken ways: and using the natural situation of the place, for a fortifycation and defence, he overcame a right worthy captain.  
¶ When the same Hannibal at Cannas knew that the brook Uolturnus, far passing the nature of other rivers, sent out in the morning exceeding air and wind, which raised and blewe up sand and dust, he so ordered his battle, that all the violence thereof, should be on their backs, and in the faces and eyes of the Romans: by the which incommodities wonderfully grieving his enemies, he obtained that famous and notable victory.  
¶ When Marius should fight on a day appointed against the Cymbriens, and Deuche men, he first strengthened his soldiers with meat, and than caused them to rest before the camp, to put their enemies to the more pains, in travailing the space that lay between both hosts. and when he had put them to this labour, he added thereunto an other incommodity, that is to say, he so chose his ground, and ordered his array, that the wind, the dust, and contrary son lay in the face of his enemies.  
Epaminundas captain of the Thebans, ranging out his army against the Lacedæmonians, commanded the horsemen to race out before, and to raise up a great dust in his enemies eyes, pretending as though he would have set upon them with the horsemen, conducted the foot men from that part, where the horse men were, and came behind on their backs unwares, and slew them.  
Three hundred against an innumerable multitude of the Persians, kept the straits of the hill called Thermopylas, where mought but like number of men meet together to fight, and by that means, as touching the meeting together, they were equal in number with the barbarous aliens, and being moche more valiant in war, slew a great number of them. neither had they been overcome, except the traitor Ephialtes had led their enemies about, and oppressed them on the back side.  
¶ When Themistocles captain of Athens perceived, that it was most profitable for the Greeks, to try the matter against Xerxes' multitude, in the straits of Salanes, and could not persuade the cities thereto, by policy he brought to pass, that his enemies compelled the Greeks to do according to his advise: dissembling with Xerxes, as though he would betray his country, sent him word, that the athenians intended to flee, and that it would be a very hard thing for him, to lay siege to all their cities. Whereby he persuaded the barbarous host, which was disquieted, with dying out all night in watch, to fight with the athenians, fresh and lusty, even in those straits, that he desired, where in no wise Xerxes could use his great number of soldiers.   

To order the array. Cap. 3.  
VUhan Cneus Scipio in Spain against Hanno, at the town named Indibilis, perceived, that the army of the Carthaginenses was on this wise ordered, that in the right wing were the spaniards, a sturdy kind of soldiers, the which not withstanding had now in hand an other man's matter: and in the left wing were the Aphriens, not all thing so sure in strength and man lines, but of moche more constant mind and purpose: he brought back and with drew the left wing of his army, to the right wing, which he furnished and beset with most valiant warriors, and so assailing the weakest of his enemies, with the strongest of his army, and vanquyshing the Aphriens, he easily constrained the spaniards, which stood as though they had been lookers on, to yield themself.  
Artaxerxes, in battle against the Greeks, for as much as he had the greater number, devised his array to be spread brother, than the host of his enemies, and set the horse men in the forefront, and the light harnessed in the wings, & so caused the mydward to proceed somewhat softer for the nonce, whereby he enclosed the host of his enemies, and so slew them.  
¶ Contrary wise Hannibal at Cannas, somewhat withdrawing the wings of his host, and advancing forth the midwarde, at the first brunt and meeting drove the Romans back, but when they were now joined in fight, the wings at a certain watch word coming forward, the midward giving somewhat back, enclosed their enemies, which greedily followed the midward: and so pressed them on both sides, and slew them, using the policy of the old and long taught army. For this manner of order and array, scarcely any man may easily put in ure, but namely he, that is an expert warrior, ready at all points.  
¶ Asdrubal in the second war of Carthaginenses, sought means to avoid the necessity of fight, and therefore conducted and lay with his host on a rough rocky hill behind wines: Livius Salinator, and Claudius Nero brought all their power unto the side wings, leaving the fore frunt void, and so setting upon him on both sides, overcame him.  
¶ Xantippus captain of the lacedemonians in afric, against M. Attilius Regulus, set his light harnessed in the forward, and in the rearward the chief and strength of all the host, and commanded other his soldiers, after they had fling their darts, that they should give place to their enemies, and as soon as they were come again into their order and array, by and by they should run forth on each side, and break out again from the wings, and so get behind their enemies: that when their enemies were no we come, and received of the stronger ward, they might enclose them round about.  
¶ Sertorius used the same feat in Spain against Pompey.  
¶ Cleandridas a Lacedemonien against Lycaonos set his host very thick thronged together, that it might muster much less than it was, and his enemies thereby taking the less regard, even in the very fight, he opened and divided his order and array into side wings, and so inclosng his enemies, destroyed them.  
¶ When Castronius of Lacedemonia came to succour the Egyptians against the Persians, knowing that the Greeks were the better men of war, and more dread of the Persians, their armure and apparel changed, he set the Greeks in the forefront, and while they held the Persians hard, & equally matched them, he sent to them a band of the Egyptians armed like Greeks, the Perscans, which were scant able to resist the Greeks, whom they took for Egyptians, no we perceiving another multitude come upon them, whom they believed to be Greeks, were utterly dismayed, and fled.  
¶ Cn. Pompeius in Albania, perceiving that his enemies were stronger both in number, and of horse men, commanded his horse men, that in the straits, near unto a little hill, they should cover their helmets, lest by their brightness they might be seen: Then to march forth on horseback, and as it were to go forth before the footmen: and charged them also, that at the first assault, they should give back, until they came to the foot men, and then flee out in side wings: the which thing done, the place being discovered, the battle of the foot men appeared suddenly in the mids, & enclosing his enemies, slew them.  
¶ When Hannibal in afric against Scipio, had furnished his army of Penians and other that aided him, For he had in his host strangers not only out of divers parts, but also of italy: next to. lxxx. elephants, which he had set in the forward, to trouble and break the array of his enemies, he set the frenchmen, Genoese, Baliares, and the Mauritans, to the intent they should not flee, the Penians being at their backs: and being set against his enemies, if they did none other hurt, yet at least they should weary them: then his own and the Macedons, fresh & lusty to encounter with the Romans wearied, he set in the middle ward: and last of all he ordered the Italians, whose fidelity and faint courage he mistrusted, because he had brought many of them out of Italy against their wills. Scipto, against this order and array, set the strength of his legion, ordered in three battles in the front, the spear men and the chief and strongest soldiers: he joined not his cohortes together, but left a space between them, through which the elephants driven by their enemies, might easily pass without troubling or breaking the order of his battles: those spaces between he filled with soldiers in light harness, that the array should not be seen or show open: which had in commandment, that at the violent coming of the elephants, they should either recoil back, or else go a side. farther he ordained, that the horsemen should be in the wings: and over the Roman horsemen in the right wing he appointed Lelius, and Masinissa over the Numidians in the left wing: which prudent order, no doubt, was cause of the victory.  
C. Cesar, by the same means, that is to say, with stakes, kept of the hooked chariots of the french men.  
When Alexander at Arbela, was in dread of the multitude of his enemies, and yet nevertheless had good affiance in the manliness of his soldiers, he so ordered his battles, that they might turn themself every way, and fight on every side, if they chanced to be enclosed of their enemies.  
Archelaus against L. Sylla, set chariots, armed with hokes like scythes, in the front of his battle, to trouble and break the array of his enemies, in the second battle he set all the foot men in array after the fashion of Macedons: in the third battle, as the Romans used, he set them, that came to aid him, mingled with fugitives, that were fled out of Italy, whose constancy he much trusted: the light harneised he set uttermooste of all. Than to enclose his enemies he ordered his horsemen in two wings, of whom he had a great number. Against these ordinances, Sylla let cast a broad ditch on either side of his camp, the heeds of which he fortified with bastiedes or fortresses: to the intent he would not be enclosed of his enemies, and assailed on all sides with the number of foot men, and namely of the horsemen, which were very strong.  
Than he ordered his foot men in three battles, leaving spaces for the light harnessed, and for the horsemen whom he set uttermost of all, that when need required, he might send them forth. Farther he commanded them, that should defend the standard, which were in the second battle, to drive stakes in the ground thick together, between the which, when the wanes armed with scythes, approached, he received his army. Than at last making all a great shout together, he commanded the soldiers, that were light harnessed, to throw their darts, which done, the enemies wanes armed with scythes, either cumbered with the stakes, or feared with the clamour and noise, or grieved with the darts, turned again upon their own host, and disturbed and broke the array of the Macedones: which reculing back, and Sylla pursuing, Archelaus set to incountre him, his horse men, the which the horsemen of the Romans put to flight, and achieved the victory.  
When that C. Duillius perceived his great ships to be deluded with the exceeding swift navy of the Carthaginenses, and that the manliness of his soldiers stood him in no stead: he imagined hands of iron, to catch and clasp his enemies ships to his, whiles he might cast over bridges, and so come together to try the matter, by the which means he destroyed them.   

¶ How to trouble and disorder the array. Capit. 4.  
VUhan that Papirius Cursor should encounter with the Samnites, in time of battle he commanded Spurius Naucius, his company knowing nothing thereof, that a few of the drudges and horsekeepers, riding on mules, & drawing green bows after them on the ground, should run out together overthwart the hill with a great noise. & as soon as these fellows were come forth on this manner, Papirius beholding them, cried with a loud voice, that his fellow was surely come to prevent him of the victory. By the which brag the Romans were greatly encouraged, and driving their enemies fiercely before them▪ put them to flight.  
F. Rutilus Maximus in his fourth consulship, at Samnium assayed by all means, how be it in vain, to break through the array of his enemies, yet at the last he privily brought in a company of spear men, and sent them about with Scipio, to take the other side of the hill, where they might come down on the back side of his enemies. the which thing done, the Romans courage increased, and the Samnites being dismayed, and secking to flee, were all together slain.  
When that Minutius Ruffus was overmatched with the great multitude of the Scordisciens and the Daces, he sent his brother, and a few horsemen before him, with the trumpetours, to blow a alarm: and so it came to pass, that when his enemies hard the great noise, and saw a face of a great multitude appear out of the hills, they were utterly amazed and fled.  
Acilius Glabrio consul, against the host of king Antiochus, which he brought into Achaia through the straits of Thermopylas, had not been deceived, but also discomfited by the inconuemency of the place, except he had sent Portius Cato tribune to overthrow the tops of the mountain Callydronius, and so had suddenly appeared on the back side the hill, over the kings camp. for by this means was Antiochus host disturbed and put to flight, the Romans breaking in on both sides of them, and taking their camp also.  
When C. Sulpitius Petreius consul, should fight against the french men, he commanded the horse keepers and carters, privily to convey themself into the next hills with their mules, and to advance and show themselves, when both hosts were joined together in fight, as though they had been horsemen. at the which sight the french men, supposing that there came succour to the romans, gave back, where they had almost gotten the upper hand.  
When Marius, near unto the waters called Aque sixty, purposed the day folo wing to fight against the duche men, he sent by night Marcellus knight, with a small power of footmen, and certain horsemen, on the back side of his enemies, and that they might make a show of a great multitude, he commanded the horse keepers, cooks, and drudges to go also harnessed, taking their beasts with them, covered and laden with bedding, and other baggage, and to come down on the back side their enemies, when they perceived the battle began. by the which colour their enemies were stricken with so great fear, that they turned their backs and fled.  
¶ Licinius Crassus in the battle of the fugitives, in the camp of Calamarcum, ranging out his army against Castus and Canimocus, captains of the french men, sent behind the hill xii. cohortes, with C. Promptinus, and Q. Martius Rufus his captains, which when the battle began, making great shout and cry, so sharply set on their enemies behind at their backs, that they were discomfited: and in every place, where they should have fought, sought means to flee.  
¶ Marcellus fearing, lest the cry of his soldiers, should disclose the small number of them, commanded the drudges, horse keepers, and all the rascals, that followed the host, to make noise and cry together, and so under the colour of a great multitude, he feared his enemies.  
¶ When Ualerius Levinus fought against Pyrrhus, and had killed a rascal soldier, he held up his sword all bloody, and made both the hosts believe, that he had slain king Pyrrhus. wherefore his enemies, supposing themself to be destitute, by the death of their captain, all abashed with that lie returned again into their camp.  
¶ jugurthe in the battle against C. Marius, having knowledge of the latin tongue, by long conversation with the Roman host, came out in to the forward, crying in latin, Ego C. Marium occidi, I have slain Marius, which words caused many romans to recoil.  
¶ Mironides of Athens, in a doubtful and dangerous battle against the Thebans, suddenly leapt forth in to the right wing of his host, crying with a loud voice, that he had got the victory on the left wing. Whereby he so encouraged his own men, and so discomfited his enemies, that he got the victory.  
¶ Croesus against a mighty power of horsemen of his enemies, set out a great number of camels, at the which strange sight, the horses being amazed, not only overthrew those, that bestrod them, but also bore down the array of the foot men, making them a prey for their enemies.  
¶ Pyrrhus king of the Epirotiens, in battle with the Tarentines against the Romans, after the same manner broke the array with elephants.  
The Carthaginenses also oft-times used the same policy against the Romans.  
¶ When the Uolsciens on a time had pitched their tents near unto groves & woods, Camillus set fire on all that would bourn, even unto his enemies tents, and brent them out of their camp.  
¶ The spaniards against Hamilcar set oxen in their forward with veins fast yoked one unto an other, and in the veins laid they brands apt to burn, with dry sticks, mingled with brimstone, and when the token was given to fight, they set those things a fire, driving the oxen upon their enemies, and so amazed them, and broke their array.  
¶ The Phalisciens, and the tarquinians decked and set forth certain of their soldiers in prtestes apparaylle, with firebrands and serpents, like furies of hell, and so troubled and disordered the Romans array.  
¶ when Athas, king of Srithia, fought against a huge host of the Tribulliens, he commanded, that women, children, and all that were unmeet to battle, should bring droves of asses, and oxen, on the backward of their enemies, advancing, and showing their spears in their hands: than he caused a rumour to be spread abroad, that the farther scythians were come to aid him. by the which policy, he put his enemies to flight.   

¶ Of trains and deceits. Cap. v.  
Romulus' laying part of his army in secret embushement, approached unto the Fideniens, from whom he feigning himself to flee, brought them hastily pursuing him, thither where his imbushementes lay, which being sparpled out of order, they assailed on every side, and easily slew.  
Q. Fabius Maximus consul, being sent to secure the Sutrines against the Hetrusciens, so ordered the matter, that the hole power of his enemies, set against him: than dissembling as he feared them, and as though he fled, got the higher ground, on whom following him out of array and order, he sharply set, and not only vanquished them, but also got their camp.  
Sempronius Gracchus against the Celtiberiens first making as though he had been afraid, kept in his host a certain space, and afterward sent out the light harneised, to provoke and vere his enemies, and so to recule again. When he had thus enticed and brought farther his enemies, and by chasing in & out, set them out of order, he suddenly struck out, assailing them so sore, that he took their camp also.  
Q. Metellus consul, keeping war in Sicilia against Hasoruball, was the more circumspect, because that hasdrubal besides his great army, had also the help of. Cxxx. elephants, first therefore he showed to mistrust himself, and as one discouraged, kept his army within the precinct of the city, Panormus, casting a great dyche before him. than after perceiving, that hasdrubal had set his camels in the forward of his field, he commanded his spear men, to go and throw their darts on the elephants, and straight way to recoil back into their camp, the which thing done, the guyders of the elephants being sore moved so to be mocked, drove their beasts even into the very dyche, where at the first being cumbered and let, some were slain, and some driven back again upon their own company, to the great trouble of the hole army. Than Metellus, tarrying for this occasion, advanced forward with all his host, and setting on them on the side, slew the Penians, & so conquered them, and also their elephants.  
Tamiris queen of the Scythians, feining as though she for fear had fled, enticed out Cyrus, capitain of the Persians, unto certain straits very well known of her soldiers, where suddenly she turned her host, and wan the victory, being helped by the situation of the place.  
The Egyptians pitching their field in a marish ground, covered the ground with reite or wides of the see, and at the first brunt of the battle, feigning to flee, they led their enemies, that followed and chased them into the fen, and so enclosed them.  
Uiriatus, which of a robber and rover, became the captain of the Celtiberiens, feigning as though for fear he fled, to give place to the roman horse men, brought them into a very foul and deep gogmier, and when by sure paths well known, he was escaped and gone, he slew the Romans ignorant of the places, and drowned in mud.  
Fuluius chief capitain in the battle against the Cymbrians pight his camp very nigh his enemies, & commanded his horsemen to chase them even unto their camp, provoking them first to fight, and than to fain themself to fly, and to retrace again. Thus he accustomed them certain days, until that he perceived, that the Cymbrians, chasing them very greedily, were wont to leave their camp without defence: after espying his time, while part of his armies kirmyshed with them, as they were wont to do, conveyed himself privily with the light harnessed, on the back side of their tents: and being out of order, suddenly set upon them, and passing over the bulwark, wan their camp.  
Cneus Fuluius, when the Phaliscians host, far greater than the romans, had pight their tents in the Romans borders, set on fire certain villages a good way from the host, by his own soldiers, to the intent the Phaliscians, thinking their own fellows to have done it, might scatter abroad in hope of pillage.  
Alexander having a company of Epirotes against the illyrians, sent forth certain of his men in the illyrians apparel, giving them commandment, to waste and destroy his own country Epirus: the which thing, when the Illiriens espied, they now careless, began to run forth on every side to pillage, supposing those that set the towns a fire, to be spies & scoutwatches of their own part, and so they were enticed and led into dangerous places, where many of them were slain, and the rest put to flight.  
Leptenes Syracusanus also warring upon the Penians, commanded to set a fire his own fields, villages, and certain castles: the Penians, supposing their own fellows had done that enterprise, ran out to held them, and so they were received, and slain of their enemies.  
Maharbal, sent of the Penians against the Aphriens, that rebelled, perceiving that this nation was very greedy and desirous of wine, mingled a great quantity thereof with Mandrake, which hath a virtue to cast men into a dead sleep. this done, he made a light skirmish with them, and of purpose gave place: and after in the night feigned to depart thence, leaving behind him, certain packs in his camp, with the wine infected. the barbarous aliens perceiving he was fled, came and took the camp, and for joy so gulled in the wine thus infected, that they lay along straight on the ground like dead men, Maharbal turning again, took and slew them.  
Hannibal perceiving, that both his own host, and the Romans also lay in such places, where was but little wood, leaving for the nonce in that barren and desert cost, great plenty of cattle in his camp, departed thence, when the Romans came, and found the cattle, they slew and eat very moche of the flesh, which could not be wholesome, because they wanted wood to dress it. Hannibal knowing this full well, returned by night, when they feared nothing, and were very unlusty, by reason of the flesh, that they eat half raw, and vexed them very sore.  
When Tiberius Gracchus in spain had knowledge, that his enemy was very needy, and troubled for lack of victuals, he forsook and left his camp, plenteously furnished of all manner meats: than his enemies taking the camp, & ingurging themselves immoderately, became all heavy and unlusty, Gracchus suddenly returned with his host, and oppressed them.  
They that warred against the Erithriens, taking a spy of theirs, that lay out in a high place, slew him, and clothed in his apparel, one of their own men, which giving the Erithriens a token from the same place, called and brought them forth to their discomfiture.  
The warriors of Arabia, perceiving, that their custom was known, which used to give warning with smoke by day time of their ennemes coming, and with fire by night, commanded, that this custom should be continually kept: but after their enemies approached near them, that custom was laid aside. their enemies therefore supposing, that their coming was not known, because the lights were not set up after the old manner, came in among them hastily, and were discomfited and slain.  
Alexander Macedo, his enemy pitching his tents in the higher ground, conducted part of his host aside, commanding the rest to kindle up fierce after their accustomed manner, and setting out a face of the matter, as though the hole host had lain still, he conveyed his power about by higher regions, and so drove his enemy from the upper ground.  
Memnon king of Rhodes, having a great power of horsemen, and desiring to bring his enemy down into the valley, which kept himself on the mountain: sent certain of his soldiers, under the colour of runagates, to his enemies, to tell, that Memnon's host was so vexed with perilous sedition, that now one part of his host fell away, and after an other, and that credence might be given to this their saying, he caused small castles and holds to be furnished with defence in the sight of his enemies, as though the seditious persons had ordained such places of succour one against an other. than came they, that kept the hills, down into the valley, and assaulted the castles, where they were by the horsemen enclosed, and discomfited.  
Harridas king of the Molossiens', being assaulted of Ardias Illirius, which had the greater host, sent in to the costs of Aetolia, such as were unable to fight, spreading abroad a rumour, that he would give up his cities to the Aetolians, but he himself in the mean time, with all that were able to bear weapon, devised and laid wait in the hills, and hollow ways, whereby the illyrians should come. they fearing lest the Aetolians would prevent them, and take all that belonged to the Molossiens', as men hasting to pillage, regarding not their order and array, made great haste: and as they came out of order, fearing no such thing, Harridas sodeynelye brake out of his inbushmentes, and vanquished them.  
T. Labienus, lieutenant to C. Cesar against the french men, coveting to assail them, before they received aid of the germans, pretended a colour of desperation, and removing his host to the other side of the water, spread a rumour abroad, that he would depart the day following. The french men, believing him to flee, appointed to pass over the river that was between them. Labienus perceiving that, turned his army, and even in the water slew them.  
When Hannibal perceived, that the camp of Fuluius the Roman capitain, was negligently kept, and that he enterprised many things unadvisedly: in the dawning of the day, the mist being some what thick, and the air therewith much obseured, he made a few of his soldiers to show themself to those that kept watch in the romans tents: while Fuluius addressed him suddenly thitherward with his host. Hannibal on the other side invading him, took his camp: and so broke out on the back of the Romans, slaying their captain with. viii. M. valiant men of arms.  
The same Hannibal perceiving, that the romans host was divided between Fabius, which was dictator, and Minutius, master of the horse men, and that Fabius waited nothing but an occasion, Minutius being inflamed with desire to fight, pitched his tents in a field, that lay between his enemies: and after that he had laid privily in wait, a certain of foot men in the rocky and hollow ways, he sent a company to take the next hill, & so to call out his enemy. Minutius had no sooner brought forth his host to assault them, but they, which Annibal had laid in wait, arose, & utterly had destroyed Minutius host, if Fabius had not succoured them in their great danger.  
When the same Hannibal lay at Trebia, where he might behold Sempronius host, he set his under captain Mago, with chosen men of arms, the wether being exceeding cold, at the river, that ran between them. than caused he the horsemen to race out, even unto Sempronius pale, thereby to provoke him to follow them, commanding, that at the first setting out of the Romans, they should recoil over at such fourdes as they knew well. The consul unadvisedly setting upon, and following after them, caused that his host yet fasting, was clunged and frozen, by reason of the fervent cold, before they could pass the river. Hannibal forthwith, they being overcome with cold and hunger, set out against them his army, which he had cherished for the same purpose, with fire, oils, and meat: Mago also appointed for the same purpose, fiercely set on them behind and slew them.  
The same man at Trasimenus in a place, where a straight way leadeth unto the foot of an hill, and thence in to an open field, feigned to fly, and escaped by the straights into a broad field, and there pitched his tents: and by night, setting in array his men of arms, brought forth his host in the dawning of the day, being also helped with a mist by the hill that hung over the straights on both sides: Flaminius still pursued him, until he came into the straits, where he was iclosed before, behind, and also on both sides, and was slain, both he and all his company.  
The same Hannibal against junius, that was dictator, commanded at midnight. vi. C. horsemen, divided into sundry companies, to show themself continually by course about their enemies tents: and after that the romans with dying out in wait all night in the rain were sore disquieted, and wearied, the captain junins, giving them a token to recoil, Hannibal brought forth his army, that had lain all night at rest, and invaded their tents.  
When Hannibal had pight his camp at Cannas, he caused. v. C. Numidians to fly from him unto the Romans, and that they might the better be believed, they yielded up their sword, and their targets, and so were received into the rearward. and as soon as both hosts joined together, they drew their short weapons, which they bore about them privily, and caught up the targets of them that were slain, and so slew the Romans.  
The japigiens' also gave unto P. Licinius proconsul, under a pretence to yield themselves, certain villages and towns: and when they were received in the rearward, they slew the romans.  
When both the army of Syphax, and also the Penians host, lay against Scipio Aphricanus, he appointed by night to set upon Syphax army with fire, because there was of wood, and other things apt to bourn great plenty: to the intent he might both slay the Numidians, for fear running out of their tents, & also receive the Penians, which no doubt would come forth to help their fellows, and both came to pass after his own mind and sentence.  
¶ Pompeius keeping war in Armenia against Mithridates, which had the greater power of horsemen, disposed by night. iii. thousand soldiers in light harness, and. v. hundred horse men in a valley among the shrubs, between the two hosts, and in the morning at the break of the day, he sent forth against his enemies, horsemen so addressed, that when the hole host of their enemies, should enter battle with them, they might keep their array, and give back a little and little, until they had given space unto them that lay in wait for the same purpose, to rise behind on the back of their enemies: and when they had so done, they turned again, that seemed to have fled, and slew their enemies, trembling for dread, which they had got between them. also the foot men approaching near, gored in the horses: whereby they quite abated the courage and great affiance, that the king had in the multitude of his horsemen.  
Mithridates, whom Lucullus oft times overcame by very power of chivalry, set upon him again by craft, subornating and privily hiring a certain excellent man of strength, called Adathantes' to run away unto Lucullus, and first by all means to win his favour, and than to slay him, which thing he manfully attempted, all though he missed his purpose. for not withstanding that Lucullus retained him as one of his knights, yet he laid privy wait on him, supposing, that it was neither meet, rashly to trust a fugitive, running from his capitain, nor yet to forbid other to do the same. Than after he had showed his diligent service & labour in many ba tails, and was put in great trust, he chose the time for his purpose, when all was at rest and quiet in the praetors pavilion: but fortune favoured Lucullus. for this fellow, that might at all times when he would, come unto the capitain, if he were waking, came now by chance, when he was a sleep. therefore when he would have gone in, to the capitain, as though he had brought word of some sudden chance, or other thing needful, and being obstinately kept out by the servants, that had great regard unto their masters health, feared lest he had been suspected, and so fled again unto Mithridates, disappointed of his purpose.  
¶ Melanthus captain of the Athenians, whom Xanthus' king of Boetia provoked unto battle, was no sooner come within his reach, but he said, O Xanthus, thou dost unlaufullye, and contrary to thy covenant, to come forth against me alone man, with an other following the. when Xanthus marveled, who that should be, that accompanied him, and looked backward, Melanthus stepped in, and slew him at one stroke.  
¶ When Iphicrates of Athens, at Cheronessum, understood, that Anaxibius, captain of the Lacedæmonians, led his host by land, he conveyed the most valiant warriors out of the ships into a secret place, commanding the ships nevertheless, as though they had been still manned with soldiers, to pass over the sees openly, and so by land he broke in behind the lacedemonians, fearing no such thing, & oppressed and discomfited them.  
¶ For as moche as Alcibyades, capitain of Athens, against the capitain of the Numidians, and the Lacedæmonians, had upon the narrow see called Hellespontus, a great host, and many ships, he landed part of his soldiers by night, and hid part of his navy behind certain promontories, sailing forth himself with a small number, to provoke his enemies: whom making toward him, he still fled, until he had brought them, where his ships lay. Then they fleinge and landing, were slain by those, that he before had landed for the same purpose.  
When the same Alcibiades should fight in battle on the see, he caused to set up masts in a certain promontory, commanding his men, that as soon as they perceived the battle begin, they should hoist up the sails. Which feat caused his enemies, that supposed, when they saw the masts, that an other navy came to aid him, to turn away and flee.   

¶ To let an enemy escape, left he being enclosed, should through despair, renew the battle. Cap. vi.  
IN the battle, wherein Camillus was captain, the senate thought it best, that the Gauls, which desired vessels to pass the river Tibris, should be carried over, and also helped with victuals. And afterwards to men of the same nation, seeking to flee by Pomptinus field, the romans gave way, the which is therefore called Gallica via.  
¶ When L. Martius a knight of Rome, whom the host chose to be their captain, after the two Scipions were slain, had enclosed the Carthaginenses, which to sell their lives dearly, fought very eagerly: he somewhat slacked, and opened the wards of his army, giving them space to flee: and so being sparpled abroad, he slew them, without any danger of his own men.  
¶ What time Cesar had enclosed the germans, whom despair caused most fiercely to fight, he commanded, to let them pass, and as they fled, he set upon them.  
¶ When the germans, at Trasimenus, were enclosed of Hannibal, & fought exceeding fiercely: he opened the army, and made them a way to get out: beating them down as they fled, without any loss of his own men.  
¶ When Antigonus, king of Macedonia, had compelled the Aetolians, to take them to their places of succour and refuge, and afterward perceived, that they being constrained with hunger, had determined to break out, and die manfully together, he gave them a way to flee: and so breaking their violent rage, slew them, when they had turned their backs.  
¶ When Agesilaus capitain of the Lacedemonians in battle against the Thebans, perceived, that his enemies were enclosed through the situation of the place itself, and that they fought therefore the more fiercely, as men in despair, he slacked and opened his array, making the Thebans a way to escape out, and than closing again his army, without loss of any of his own part, slew them fleinge.  
¶ When Cn. Manlius consul returned out of the fight, and found the romans camp taken of the Hetrusciens, and all the ways in, strongly kept, he so troubled his enemies, enclosed in the camp, that in the great outrage, they slew both him, and also many of his men: his lieutenant perceiving that, removed their standing, and gave them way to pass out again towards their own company, and as soon as they were spread abroad, he pursued them again, and slew them, by help of the other consul Fabius that met him.  
¶ When Themistocles had vanquished Xerxes, he would in no wise agree, that the bridge should be broken, over the which he would return home, saying, It was better to drive him out of Europe, than to enforce him to fight of despair.  
The same Themystocles sent one to Xerxes, to bring him word, in what peril he was, unless he fled quickly.  
When Pyrrhus' king of the Epirotes had taken a certain city, & perceiving that the citizens, their gates being shut, were compelled by extreme necessity to fight manfully: he made them a way to flee.  
The same Pyrrhus among his other precepts, belonging unto a worthy captain, hath left in remembrance, that a man should not over fiercely follow his enemy, not only, lest necessity should compel him to play the man, but also that he might ever after be the better willing to flee: for as much as he will suppose, that he that hath the upper hand, will not pursue him unto death.   

¶ How to dissemble abversities. Cap. seven.  
Whan Tullus Nostilius, king of the Romans, in battle against the Ueients, saw, that the Albanians, forsaking the romans, got them upon the next hills, the which thing sore troubled the romans: he said all a loud, that the Albanians had so done by his commandment, to enclose his enemies: whereby he put the Ueientes in great fear, and the Romans in great comfort. and thus by wisdom he restored the matter, that began to go to wrack.  
¶ Lucius Sylla, his lieutenant fleinge from him with a great power of horsemen, in the setting forth of the battle, said plainly, that he commanded him so to do, and by that means he not only araised the minds of his soldiers out of despair, but also gave them good hope and comfort, that some profit should follow thereof.  
The same Sylla, when they that came to aid him, were by chance enclosed of their enemies and slain, standing in dread, lest that misadventure should discourage all the rest of his army, said openly, that those fellows had conspired to forsake him. Wherefore he sent them of set purpose, in to those inconvenient places. Thus under a colour, as he had revenged himself, he cloaked that manifest calamity, and comforted all his army.  
When king Syphax ambassadors brought word unto Scipio, that he should not pass out of Sicilia in to afric, in trust of his society and aid, and fearing lest these tidings might abate his soldiers courage, to here that the league and society between them and the king was broken: he sent away the ambassadors quickly: and spread abroad a fame, that Syphax had sent for him of his own accord.  
When a barbarous alien in battle had brought word unto Q. Sertorius, that Herculeius was slain, he straight slew him with his dagger, lest he should have borne these tidings any further, and discouraged the army.  
Alcibiades in a sore battle against the Abydiens, perceiving a messenger make great haste to ward him, with sad and heavy cheer, would not suffer him to do his message openly, but after by secret relation, he had knowledge, that his navy was assailed of Phannabasus, the kings lieutenant, he kept all things close, both from his enemies, and also from his own men: and the battle ended, went and rescued his navy.  
Hannibal taking his journey toward Italy, was left and forsaken of. iii. thousand carpenters, which were horsemen fighting in chariots, and lest his other men should have been thereby discouraged, he said openly, that he himself had sent them away, and that credence might be given to his saying, he sent also certain home again, that could away with no great labour.  
L. Lucullus, perceiving, that the horse men of Macedony, which were hired to help him, suddenly consenting together, fled from him to his enemies, commanded to blow the trumpets to battle, and sent forth certain companies to follow them, his enemies supposing that they should join in battle, received the macedonians fleeing to them, with the point of their weapons. they than perceiving, that the contrary part received them not, and that they were in great jeopardy of them that they forsook, by necessity compelled, turned themself unto fight, and fiercely invaded Lucullus enemies.  
When Datames, capitain of the Persians against Anthophradates in Cappadocia, perceived, that part of his horsemen were fled away, he commanded all the rest to follow him, and when he had overtaken them, he lauded and gave them great thanks, that they had so cheerfully set out before him: he also exhorted and encouraged them, manfully to set upon his enemy. The which thing brought these runaways for very shame to repentance, in so much that they changed their purpose, thinking that it was not perceived.  
T. Duintius Capitolinus consul, on a time when the Romans began to flee, imagined and feigned, that his enemies on the other wing were put to flight. and so comforting and strengthening his men, obtained the victory.  
When Cn. Manlius against the Hetrusciens, perceived that his fellow Fabius, which governed the left wing, was sore wounded, & therefore part of his host began to flee, believing that the consul had been slain, he ran against them with companies of horsemen, crying, that both his fellow lived, and that he had vanquished the right wing. by the which constant and bold mind, he refreshed and renewed his men's courage, and got the victory.  
Marius against the Cimbrians and Almains, when they that pitched the tents, had so unwisely chosen their camp, that the water was in the barbarous men's hands, his army complaining and calling for water, pointed their enemies, with his singer, saying, Yonder you must fetch it. by the which secret incitation, he so moved them, that straight way they destroyed the barbarous aliens.   

¶ How to order the Battle by constancy. Capi. viii.  
SCruius Tullius a young man, in the battle, wherein Tarqvinius the king encountered with the Sabines, perceiving, that the soldiers fought nothing freshly, took the standard, and violently flang it among his enemies, the Romans so ardently fought to win again their standard, that they recovered their standard and also the victory.  
Furius Agrippa consul, for as much as a wing of his army began to recoil, plucked the banner from him that bore it, and flung it among the horsemen of the Hernitiens his enemies. whereby he restored the battle, the Romans endeavoured themself with high courage, to recover their standard.  
T. Duintius Capitolinus likewise flung his standard among his enemies, the Phalisciens, and bad his soldiers go fetch it again.  
When M. Furius Camillus, marshal of the host, and having the consuls power, beheld his army stagger and stand at a stay, caught violently the standard bearer, & drew him with his hands upon his enemies the Uolsciens, and Latins: and than very shame made all the other to follow.  
When M. Attilius consul in the battle against the Samnites, saw certain of the soldiers flee again into their tents out of the field, set out an army of his against them, affirming, that they should fight with him, and with worthy citizens, if they would not gladly fight with their enemies. and by that means he brought them all again into the battle.  
L. Sylla, when the legions recoiled and gave place unto Mithridates' host, led by Archelaus, with his sword drawn, ran forth into the forward, and calling his soldiers, said, If any man inquire of you, where ye left your captain, answer, fighting in Boetia. for shame whereof they all followed him.  
divus julius at Munda, his men reculing back, commanded his horse to be led out of his sight, and stepped forth a foot in to the forward, his soldiers being ashamed to leave their captain destitute, began lustyly to fight a fresh.  
Philippus fearing lest his men would not sustain and endure the violence of the Scythians, set his most trusty horsemen on the rear ward, commanding them, to suffer none of their fellows to flee out of the fight, and to slay all such as would needs depart. by reason of the which charge, it came to pass, that they, which were most fearful and cowardelyke, chose rather to be slain of their enemies, than of their own fellows, and so he obtained the victory.   

¶ What things are to be done after the battle, is the matter prosper, and to confirm and establish the residue of the war. Ca ix.  
VUhan C. Marius had vanquished the Almains in battle, because the night was at hand, he enclosed the residue, fearing and keeping them all night waking, by noise and crying of a few soldiers. whereby on the morrow he more easily overcame them, disquieted all the night before.  
When Claudius Nero had overcome the Penians, with their captain hasdrubal, hasting out of Spain into italy: he cut of the said Hasdrubals heed, and fling it into Annibals' Army: whereby Hannibal was sore afflicted for sorrow of his brothers death, and the army stood in despair of the aid, that was coming to them.  
L. Sylla showed up to them that were besieged in Praeneste, the heeds of their captains slain in battle, set upon spears ends: and so abated and broke their obstinate frowardness.  
Arminius, captain of the Germans, likewise commanded to stick up the heeds of them that were slain in battle, and set them up even before the trench of their enemies camp.  
When Domitius Corbulo besieged Tigranocerta, and the Armenians seemed stiffly to endure the siege, he put to death one of their chief magistrates, which he had taken in war, and fling his heed with a sling, into the city. the which heed by chance fell in the midst of the counsel, where the barbarous fellows were assembled the same time, at the which sight, as a thing monstrous, they were abashed, and made haste to yield them.   

¶ how in hard chances to ease adversities. Cap. x.  
VUhan the night had broken of that grievous and sharp battle, which T. Didius fought against the spaniards, wherein was great number slain on both sides, Didius caused many of his men's carcases to be buried in the night: on the morrow after the Spaniards came forth to do likewise: and by cause they found a greater number of theirs slain, than of the romans, they argued themself to be overcome by reason of the number, and condescended to the request of the Roman captain.  
When T. Martius a Roman knight being governor of the residue of the host that remained after the death of the two Scipions, perceived, that two hosts of the Penians lay at hand, not many miles asunder, he encouraged his soldiers to set upon the host, that lay next him, at midnight, being careless and out of order, through affiance of their victory: and slew them, leaving not so much as a messenger to bear tidings of the miserable mischance. and then giving his soldiers a lytte space to rest them, the same night with all haste, preventing the fame of the thing done, invaded the other army. And thus twice in one night enjoying like chance of battle, and every where destroying the Penians, he restored Spain again to the romans.   

¶ How to vetayne and keep wavering minds faithful. Capi. xi.  
P. Ualerius at Epidaurus, fearing that they of the town would deceive him, for as much as he had but small aid, prepared games of exercise a good way from the city, and when the most part of the multitude was thither assem bled, to see the sights, he shut the gates after them, and would not let them in again, until he had received hostages of the chiefest of the city.  
¶ When Cn. Pompeius suspected the Catinenses, and feared lest they would not receive his garrison, he desired them to suffer in the mean space, such as were sick and diseased, to be refreshed among them in their city, the which thing granted, he sent thither his most valiant men of arms, as though they had been sick and diseased, the which took the city and kept it.  
After that Alexander had conquered the Thraciens, journeying to ward Asia, he feared lest after his departing, they would rebel, would needs take with him, as though it were for honour, the kings, the governors, and all such as seemed carefulle for their liberty lost, leaving the commons behind, & making mean men their governors. & so he obtained, that neither the nobles, being bound with his benefits and pleasures, would desire any change, neither could the commons go about any such thing, being spoiled of their chief governors and heeds.  
When Antipater saw that the Necieus, hearing that Alexander was dead, arose together, to invade and trouble his empire, he dissembling as though he knew not for what purpose they came, gave them thanks, that they were assem bled to aid Alexander, against the lacedemonians, adding here unto, that he would certify the king thereof by writing. How be it forasmoch as he needed not their help as than, he exhorted them to depart home again. By the which asseveration and affirmance, he dyspatched the peril that was at hand by reason of the commotion.  
¶ What time among the women that were taken prisoners in Spain, a virgin of excellent beauty, and also of noble parentage, which ravished all men's eyes, was brought unto Scipio, he causing her to be kept with high diligence, restored her to Luceius her spouse, and further gave unto him for a dowry, the gold that her parents had brought to redeem her. By the which manifold magnificence, the hole nation was overcome, and submitted themself to the Roman Empire.  
¶ It is also written, that Alexander Macedo, with so high abstinence regarded a virgin taken in war, of excellent beauty, forasmuch as she was espoused unto a prince of the next nation, that he would not once behold her face, sending her forthwith unto her spouse. by the which benefit he alured and wan the hearts of all the nation.  
The emperor Cesar August, building turrettes and places of fence in the costs of France, in the war, wherein he over coming his enemies, deserved that surname Germanicus, commanded, that the price should be truly paid, for the fruits of all those places, which he had enclosed with his trench. and by that renown & fame of justice, he made them all his faithful friends.   

¶ What things are to be done before the camp, when men mistrust their puyssannce. Capit. xii.  
VUhan the Uolsciens were about to assault T. Quintius camp, he kept watch and ward with one cohort, and let all the rest of the army lie in quiet, commanding the Trumpets no we and than to blow, ranging on horseback about the tentis. when he had by this deceitful brag, kept of his enemies, and held them waking all night, in the dawning of the day, he broke out suddenly upon them, being weary with watch, and easily overcame them.  
¶ When Phares capitain of the athenians, looked after succour and aid, and feared lest his enemies, despising his small power, should in the mean time assault his tents, he commanded the more part of his men, to go out by night on the backside, and to return again into the camp that way, from whence their enemies might plainly see them, as though new succour and strength had comen to him. And thus he defended his host with feigned succour, until it was furnished with the aid, which he looked for.  
When Iphicrates of Athens, had pight his tents in the plain champion ground, and knew that the Thraciens would come by night from the hills, which had but one way to come down by, to rob and spoil his camp, he privily conducted forth his army, and distributed them on each side the way, that the Thraciens should pass by: where he set upon them on both sides, and oppressed them, running down unto the camp, wherein the fires were diligently maintained by a few that remained behind, to make a show, as there had lain a great multitude.   

Of fleinge away. Cap. xiii.  
VUhan the Gauls should fight with Attalus, they delivered all their gold and silver, to be kept of certain men, that might scatter it abroad, if it happened them to be put to flight, to the intent they might the more easily escape their enemies, being let with gathering up the pray.  
Tryphon king of Syria, being vanquished, scattered money all the way that he fled. and so he hindered Antiochus horsemen, that pursued him, and escaped them.  
¶ When Q. Sertorius was put to flight of Quintius Metellus Pius, he supposed not a thing sure enough only to i'll, but also warned his soldiers, to disparple themselves divers ways, and told them whither he would have them resort.  
¶ Uiriatus capitain of the Lucitaniens, escaped the Roman army, and also the dangerous incommodity of the costs, by the same reason that Sertorius did, first discevering his host, and then assembling it together again.  
¶ What time Porcennas' host lay sore upon Horatius Cocles, he had his men return into the city by the bridge, and to hew it down behind him, to th'end their enemies should not follow them: and all the mean space, while this thing was doing, he himself standing before the head of the bridge, kept of his enemies, and at length, when he heard the bridge crack, as it broke, he sprang in to the midst of the river, and swum over, not with weapons, but with wounds all to laden.  
¶ When Afranius fled from Cesar in Spain unto Ilerda, Caesar still pursuing near upon him, he stayed and pight his tents. and when Cesar had done likewise, and sent his men a foraging, suddenly he gave a token to depart again.  
¶ Philippus being discomfited in Epirus, lest the Romans should oppress him fleinge, obtained a truce to bury them that were slain, by reason whereof, the watch being somewhat negligent, he escaped.  
When P. Claudius was overcome of the Penians in battle on the see, and must needs break out through the strength of his enemies, he commanded other xx. to be garnished and set forth like ships of victory: at the sight whereof the Penians supposed the Romans had gotten the victory, and this he broke out terrible and dreadful to his enemies.  
The Carthaginenses being vanquished by see, and imagining, how to turn back the Romans, that followed and pursued them, feigned themselves to be driven upon the shallow sondes. and whiles they that chased them, stood in doubt what to do, for fear of like misadventure, where none was, they gave them space to escape and go their way.  
When Comminius Atrabas vanquished of D. julius, fled out of France into Britain, and arrived by chance in a part of the Ocean with a gale wind, but with a low tide, although his ships stack fast in the dry strands, yet never the less he commanded to hoist up the sails: than Cesar that pursued and followed him, saying afar of, the sails swelling with full wind, and supposing his enemy to have been plucked from him, with prosperous passage, returned back again.   
The end of the second book.   

THE third BOOK,  

THE PREFACE.  
IF I wist that the two books afore, did accordingly answer to their titles, and that they had hitherto assured the reder to hearken to them, I would now descrive the stratagems and policies, touching the assault and defence of towns, neither will I make any delay by presocution, but will first write what things are needful for the assauting & conquering of towns, and than what things may instruct the besieged.   

Of sudden assault. Capit. i.  
WHEN T. Quintius Consul had vanquished the Equiens; and the Uolsciens, and determined to conquer the town called Antium, he assembling his army together, declared to them, how necessary, and how easy a thing it was to do, if they would speedily go thereabout. and with that lusty courage, that his exhortation had kindled up, he set upon the city.  
¶ Marcus Cato considered, that the means to obtain a certain City in Spain, was to invade them unwares: and so he travailed, in the space of two days, through a rough rocky and desert ground. iiii. days journey: and oppressed his enemies, dreading no such thing. And after when his soldiers, that had won the victory, inquired of him, how this matter came so easily to pass, he answered: That then they got the victory, when in two days, they travailed. iiii. days journey.   

¶ show to deceive them that be besieged. Capi. two.  
VUhan Domitius Calvinus had besieged Luca, a City of the Genoese, not only sure fenced with situation and provision, but also with force and strength of men, he used oft times, to range about the walls with all his are my, and so to recoil again in to his Camp: the which custom persuaded the townsmen to think, that the Romans used this feat only for a pastime: and therefore little regarding what their endeavour was, Calvinus no longer ranged out after his old wont, but suddenly assaulted the city, and scaled the walls, so sore oppressing them, that they were fain to yield themselves, and their town.  
C. Duillius consul, oft times exercising his men of war and also his mariners, caused the Penians to be careless: and therefore they little regarded him, at the time, when he suddenly laid his navy hard to the wall, and scaled it.  
Hannibal took many cities in Italy, by sending certain of his men of arms before him, arrayed like Romans, the which by reason of the long war between them, spoke also latin.  
The Archadiens besieging a castle of the Messenians, prepared certain armure and apparel, after the fashion of their enemies, at the same season, when they had knowledge, that their enemies should have other succours come unto them, and putting on the said like harness and apparel that they were, which the Messenians looked fore, came and were received as their fellows, and so with slaughter of their enemies, won the apostle.  
Cimon captain of the athenians, intending privily to take a certain city in Caria, he unlooked for, set fire on the religious temple of Diana, and the wood, which stood without the walls: & so the towns men, running out, to help to quench the fire, he took the city void of them that should defend it.  
When Alcibiades captain of Athens, laid siege to a cite of the Agrigentines, strongly fortified: he desired, that they might consult and talk together: and as it were of things pertaining to both their wealths, he long reasoned and argued in the Theatre, and thus while he withheld the multitude under a colour of counselling, the Athenians, which he had appointed for the nonce, took the city undefended.  
Epaminundas of Thebes, in Arcadia upon a holy day, seeing the wife's of his enemies wandering without the walls, sent out among them many of his soldiers in women's apparel: and they being received at night within the gates, took the town, and opened it to their company.  
On the feast day of the Tegeates, when all the multitude was gone forth of the city to do sacrifice unto Minerva, Aristippus capitain of the Lacedæmonians, sent his soldiers like market men into the city Tegea, driving beasts ladyn with chaff. and thus no man regarding them, they set open the gates unto their own company.  
Antiochus in Cappadocia besiging the castle Suenda, took the capuls that went for corn, and slaying▪ the drudges that drove them, sent his soldiers back in to the castle in their apparel, as though they had comen again with corn. by the which error the keepers being deceived, they entered in to the castle, and let i their fellows.  
When the Chebans by no power could bring the haven of the Sicimens under their subjection, they furnished a mighty great ship with men of arms, setting out a face of merchandise to deceive them, and laid at the farther side of the walls a small company of men, to whom certain of the ship unarmed, ran forth and sayned to pick a quarrel, & so to make a great fray: the Sycintens being called forth to appease the fray, the Chebans ships took both their haven, and the city.  
When Chynarchus Aetolus had slain Carmades, king Ptolomeus lieutenant, putting on the cloak and hat of him, that was slain, was arrayed like a Macedonian, and he by this error received for Carmades, into the Samnites haven, won it.   

¶ How to entice enemies to treason. Cap iii.  
VUhan M. Marcellus had enticed one of the Syracusans, named Sosistratus to betray the city, he knew by him, that the watch would be somewhat negligent, on the holy day, wherein Ephirides their captain was ever wont to give them meat and wine plenty: Marcus privyly waiting for that merry feast day, and the sluggishness that would follow thereupon, scaled the walls, slew the watch, and opened to the romans host the city, afore time of great renome through worthy victories.  
¶ When Tarqvinius superbus could in no means cause the Gabiens to yield themselves, he sent Sextus Tarqvinius his son, all to beaten with rods, unto his enemies: he accusing his father of cruelty, persuaded the Gabiens to use his hatred against the king, and being chosen capitain of their war, he betrayed the Gabiens.  
¶ Darius the king of Persians, let Zopirus his companion, whose fidelyrie he had well tried, in all to mangling his face, of purpose, go unto his enemies, and by reason of those great injuries, he was thought to be Darius most mortal enemy: which persuasion he greatly furthered, with the manly feats, that he did against the Persians in battle: and so being made captain of Babylon, delivered the city to Darius.  
¶ Philip being kept out of the town of the Samnites, corrupting their chief captain Appolonius to betray the city, persuaded him, to set a wain loaded with free stone, in the entering of the gates: and by and by a token given, he pursued the towns men, and oppressed them, troubled at the gate, that was stopped with the wain.  
¶ Hannibal at the City of Tarentyne, the which was kept of the capitain Livius, with a garrison of the Romans, enticed a certain Tarentyne, named Eoneus, to betray the city, and thus instructed him, that he should go on hunting by night, as though he durst not do it by day time, for fear of his enemies, and against he came forth, Hannibal prepared wild bores for him, the which he brought unto Livius, as though he had taken them by venery. And when he had thus done many times, and therefore was little taken heed of, upon a certain night, Hannibal arrayed his men of arms in hunters apparel, and mingled them with Eoneus company, the which being laden with venison, and received of the watch, forth with set on and slew them, and breaking down the gate, let in Hannibal, with his army, and slew all the Romans, except those that fled before into the Castelle.  
¶ When Lysimachus king of Macedonia, assaulted the Ephesians, which had received a great robber on the see, named Mandro, to aid them, the which oft times before had brought ships laden with pillage unto Ephesus: to this man, corrupted to betray them, he delivered his most valiant warriors, whom he brought into Ephesus, with their hands bound as his prisoners, which afterward quickly taking weapons out of the castle, delivered the city unto Lysimachus.   

¶ By what means enemies may be made needy Capi. iiii.  
Fabius' Maximus wasting and destroying the country of Campaine, to th'end he would leave them nothing, on trust whereof they might endure the siege, he departed from them in the seed time, to the intent they might sow the residue of their corn: and when it was sprung up, he returned again, and trod it to nought, and so by famine he got them.  
¶ Antigonus did likewise against the athenians.  
¶ When Dionysius had taken many cities in battle, and purposed to assault the Rheginiens, the which had great abundance of victuals, first he feigned peace with them, and desired to have victuals ministered unto his army of the town: the which thing obtained, and the grain consumed, he set upon the City destitute of vyttayls, and overcame them.  
Alexander intending to assault Leucadia, that had great abundance of victuals, first got the holds that were in the borders, and gave leave to all that would, to flee unto Leucadia, that the victuals by reason of the multitude might the sooner be consumed.  
¶ When Phaleris of Agrigentyne would have conquered certain places, strongly fortified in Cicilia, he feigned a league with them, and left the residue of the grain, that he had, with them: than after he found the means, that the roufes of the chambers, wherein the grain lay, might be so opened, that the wether might drive in. when they in confidence of this, that was laid up in store, had wasted away their own grain, he setting on them, in the beginning of summer, assaulted and compelled them for need of vyttaile, to yield the city.   

¶ How to persuade, the siege to continue still. Cap. v.  
VUhan Clearchus captain of the lacedemonians, understood, that the Thraciens had purveyed them victuals, and all things necessary for a long season into the mountains, and that they had great affiance, that Clearchus should be constrained to give over his siege, and depart thence for lack of victual: at the same season, that he supposed their ambassadors would come unto him, he caused one of them, that were taken in war, to be slain, and after in the sight of the ambassadors, to distribute him limb meal unto the army, as it were to eat: which thing brought the Thraciens in belief, that there was nothing, but he would do it, to continue his siege, which could find in his heart, to taste so detestable dishes: and so yielded themselves.  
Tiberius' Graccus hearing the Lucitans say, they had uttayles enough for x. years, and therefore feared not to be besieged, answered, The. xi. year I will conquer you. Which saying so feared the Lucitans, not with standing their great provision, that they forth with yielded.  
¶ When it was reported unto A. Torquatus, besyeging a certain city in Grece, that the youth there was very diligently exercised in shooting and throwing of darts, he answered: I will shortly sell them so much the dearer.   

¶ How to destroy the garrisons of enemies. Cap. vi.  
VUhen Hannibal was returned into africa, Scipio perceiving, that many towns, which reason warned him to subdue, were kept with strong garrizons, devised and set in sundry quarters: he sent now and than a certain power of men, to trouble and vex them, and last of all he came himself, as though he would destroy the cities: Than he feigning fear, fled back. Hannibal supposing that he had been afraid in deed, gathering together all his strength and puissance, as though he should have fought a field, began to follow after. Scipio, bringing to pass that thing that he desired by Macinissa, & the Numidians, took the cities being now destitute of their garrisons.  
¶ P. Cornelius Scipio, considering how great a difficulty it was, to conquer Delminum, because every man ran thither to defend it: began to assault the other towns. and when each man was retired home to the defence of his own, he took Delminum, void of succours.  
What time king Pyrrhus would conquer and subdue the chiefest cite of the Iliriens, dispeyring to win it, began to assault the other cities. and by this feat he brought about, that his enemies, on trust that their chief city was strongly enough fortified, determined to go and defend the other. Which thing done, he called back all his puissance, and took the City, void of such as should defend it.  
When Cornelius Ruffinus consul had a certain time laid siege to the town Crotana, which by reason it was defended with a strong power of the Lucaniens, was invincible: he made a countenance to give over his enterprise, than sent he a prisoner, enticed with a great reward, to Crotana (as though he had escaped from their custody) to persuade, that the Romans were departed and gone. Which thing the Crotaniens supposing to be true, dismissed their garrisons: and so being destitute of those that should defend them, and unable of themselves to keep the town, were oppressed and taken suddenly.  
When Mago capitain of the Penians, had overcome Cn. Piso, and enclosed him in a certain tower, suspecting that aid would come to secure him, sent a runneaway, to persuade them that came after, that Piso was already taken. whereby he dyscouraged and kept them back, whiles he accomplished his victory.  
When Alcibiades would have won the Syracusans in Sicilia, he sent unto them a witty and politic fellow of the Latanensians, where he than lay with his army: this man, brought into the counsel house, informed them, that the Catanians were most grievously set and bend against the Athenians: in so much, that if they might be aided of the Syracusans, they would subdue both them and Alcibiades. whereby the Siracusans were persuaded, to go with all their power to Catana, and leave their own city: the which Alcibiades on the back side, assaulted, and being destitute, according to his hope, he sore afflicted.   

¶ Of deryvinge and turning the course of rivers an oter way. Capi. seven.  
P. Servilius constrained the town Isaura, by turning away the river, where they fet all their water, for thirst to yield themself.  
C. Cesar in France, pined the city of the Caducians for lack of water, not withstanding a river ran about it, and that they had great plenty of wells: which thing he brought to pass by undermining the wells, and keeping them with artillery from the river.  
Lucius Metellus, in the hythermore Spain, knowing that his enemies had pight their camp in a low place, brought the river above them: and they being sore troubled with the sudden overflowing of the water, by enbusshement laid for the nonce, he slew them.  
Alexander laying siege unto Babylon, through the midst whereof, ran the river Euphrates, let cast a dyche, and raised a great bulwark on the top thereof, that his enemies might suppose him to cast out earth, for his some other use. and so the river suddenly being turned, he entered into the cite, over the way, that the water was wont to have his course, now being dried up.  
It is said, that Semiramis, besieging the Babyloniens, likewise turned the course of the river Euphrates.  
Clisthenes of Sycion, broke up the condyte, that brought the water into the town of criseans. And within a while after, being sore grieved with thirst, he restored to them the water, corrupted with the herb Helleborus: which water, when they had drunk, cast them into a lask. and so deceived, he took them.   

¶ How to fear them that are befeged. Ca viii.  
VUhan Philip could by no power get the castle Trinassum, he began to cast up earth before the walls, and made as though he would undermine them. Wherefore they of the castle, fearing, lest they should have been overwhelmed, yielded themself.  
Pelopidas of Thebes, purposing to conquer two towns at ones, of the Magnecians, which stood not far asunder, at the time that he moved one of his armies to the one of them, he commanded, that. iiii. knights should come from the other army, with garlands on their heads, and a notable merry cheer, as though they brought tidings of victory, and to help forth this dissimulation, he ordained, that a wood, which stood between both the towns, should be set on fire, to make a show as though the town had burned. Besides that, he caused certain prisoners in the towns men's apparel, to be led and brought thither. By the which asseveration he so amazed the besieged, that they now thinking themselves half overcome, yielded up.  
When Cyrus king of pierce had enclosed Croesus at Sardes, to which hold there was no coming, by reason it was fenced with a rough rocky hill, he caused masts to be raised up as high as the top of the walls, whereupon he set images of armed men, arrayed like Persians, and in the night made them to be brought hard to the hill. Than as soon as the day appeared, he gave assault to the town on the other side. now when the son arose, and those images glistered, and shone like men of arms, the inhabitants thought surely their town had been taken on that side: wherefore they of faint courage thinking to i'll, caused their enemies to get the victory.   

¶ How to break out on that side, where we are not looked for. Cap. ix.  
SCipio at Carthage, a little before the going out of the tide, following (as he said) god his guide, approached to the walls of the city: and in the falling of the water, he broke in on that side, where no man looked for him.  
Fabius Maximus, son to him that was called Cunctator, considering the situation of the city Arpos, which was kept with a garrison of Annibals, sent in the dark night six. C. soldiers, which should scale the walls, on the strongest side of the town, because it was leeste frequented and taken heed of, and so set open the gates. they being holp with the great rush and noise that the fall of the water made, (which caused that the noise that they made in their business, was not hard) did as they were commanded: he on the other side, after a token given, set upon Arpos, and won it.  
When Marius in the war against jugurthe, at the flood Mulucha, would conquer a castle, set on a stony hill, unto which there was but one straight and narrow way, on every other side being pitchelonge downerighte like a wall: a certain Lumbarde, a simple soldier, showed unto him, that as he by chance went gathering of snails among the rocks, he came to the top of the hill, where he saw, how the castle might easily be won. then Marius sent forth certain centurions, and among them the best trumpettours, & the most wightiest and nymblest fellows, bore heeded and barefooted, to the intent they might the more easily espy and see far and near, every thing by the rocks, their tergates and weapons they hanged on their backs: so those fellows led by the lumbarde, fastening darts and nails in the rocks, clamme up, and came on the back side of the castle, which they found void without defence (for they within thought it needles, to defend that part) than they began to blow up their trumpets, and to make great ado, as they were commanded: Marius manfully encouraging them in this adventure, began fiercely to assault the castle. the men of arms within being called back by the unarmed multitude, which cried, that the castle was won on the back side, caused Marius to pursue hard after, and to conquer the castle.  
Lucius Cornelius cons. took many towns in Sardinia, by this policy: he used by night to lay part of the most valiant men of his host in imbushment: whom he commanded to lie and wait privily for the time, in which he should come in the night: and when he came, and that his enemies would issue out, to encounter with him, he would make as though he fled, and draw them pursuing him far from their city: than they that lay in embushement should assawlte and win the cities left without defence.  
When Pericles captain of Athens, would conquer a certain city, which was strong and surely defended with great consent and agreement of the inhabitants: he commanded in the night, to sown up the trumpets, and to make great noise and clamour, on that part of the walls, that lay toward the see: his enemies supposing he would have entered into their town that way, left the gates: by the which unkept and undefended, Pericles entered in.  
Alcibiades captain of Athens, coming unwares by night to Cyzicum, to th'intent to win it, commanded to blow his cornets, on the other side of the walls, the inhabytauntes, which had been able enough to defend that side of the walls, run to the other, where they thought themself only to be assaulted, and were not: and so Alcibiades got into the town.  
¶ Thrasybulus captain of the Milesians, to th'intent to get the Sycionians haven, skyrmyshed now and than with the towns men by land, and while the enemies assembled, and repaired thither, where the byckering was, with a navy unlooked for, he took the haven.  
Pericles' intending to get a castle of the Peloponesians, which had but two ways to come unto it, the tone he closed up with a dyche, the t'other he strongly fortified. Than they of the castle, little regarding the other side, where the ditch was, enforced themselves to defend that part only, where they saw the strength of their enemies lie. Pericles preparing bridges, and casting them over the ditch, where his enemies took none heed, got into the castle.  
Antiochus in war against the Ephesians, commanded the Rhodians, which came to aid him, that they in the night should invade the haven with great brute and noise. And while all the multitude ran thither hastily without advisement, leaving the other places of fence unkept, Antiochus assaulted the city on the other side, and took it.   

¶ Of the trains that are laid, to entice out the Besieged. Cap. x.  
CAto in the sight of the Lacetayns, whom he had besieged, conveying aside his other soldiers, caused certain Suessavians, that came hired to war, men of small courage, to assault the walls. When the Lacetanes had lightly beaten those back, and greedily chased them fleeing, Cato got the city with the other cohortes, which he had privily hid.  
¶ Lucius Scipyo in Sardinia, with great business leaving the assault that he had intended to make to a certain city, made as though he fled: and whiles they of the town rashly followed after: by his other men, which he had privily laid thereby, he invaded the town.  
¶ When Hannibal had besieged the city Hymera, he suffered his camp, to be taken of purpose, commanding the Penians to recoil, as though their enemies had prevailed. Which feat so deceived the Hymerians, that for joy thereof, they left their city, and ran out hard to the Penians camp. And thus Hannibal took the city by them, which he had privily laid in wait for the same purpose.  
¶ Himilco of Carthage, at Agrigentum, laid privily in wait near to the town part of his army: and commanded, that when the towns men were issued out a good way of, they should set green wood on fire. Than yarly in the morning, with the other part of his army, he went to entice out his enemies, and making as though he fled, reculing back a little and little, drew them a good way from the city. Than they that lay in embushement near the walls, as they were commanded, set the griene wood a fire. The Agrigentines beholding the smowlder rise up, supposed verily, that their city had been on fire: and whiles they fearfully ran back to defend it, they were incontred of those, that lay in embusshement near the walls, and so between them, and the other, whom they pursued, now following at their backs, they were discomfit & slain.  
¶ Uiriatus laying certain soldiers in imbusshement, sent forth a few, to drive the Socobrigians beasts away, which to rescue they ran out a pace, & followed after the robbers that made semblance to flee, till they were come to the imbusshement, which broke out, and slew them.  
¶ When Lucullus kept two parts of the City Heraclea with a garrison, the Scordiscians' horsemen making semblance to drive away their beasts, provoked them to issue out of the town. Then feigning to flee, they brought Lucullus pursuing them, where their imbusshement lay: which slew him, and. viii. hundred men of arms.  
¶ Chares the captain of Athens, assauting a city lying on the see cooste, laid a navy privily behind certain promontories: Than commanded he, that one of his swiftest ships should make out hard by his enemies garrison: which seen, all the ships that lay to keep the haven, made out a main to pursue her: Than Chares with his other ships, swypte in to the haven, and got the city.  
¶ What time the Romans in Sicilia laid siege to Lilybei, both by land and see, Barca, the capitain of Carthage, commanded part of his navy, to show themselves a far of in their armour: when the Romans saw that, they made out toward them with all speed. Than Barca, with his other ships, which he kept in secret, got the haven of Lilybei.   

¶ To dissemble retreat. Ca xi.  
VUhan Phormion captain of Athens had overcome the country of Calchidense, and their ambassadors came to require the cause why, he gave them benign and curteys answer. and the night that he intended to send away the ambassadors, he feigned, that his citizens had sent him letters: which wylled him in any wise to return home: and retreting a little back, dismissed the ambassadors: They bringing tidings, that all thing was well, and Phormion departed, the Chalcidens through hope of the humanity showed them, and departing of the army, neglected the keeping of their city: Than Phormion returned again by and by, whose power they, not looking for any such thing, were not able to resist.  
¶ When Agesilaus capitain of the Lacedemonians, had besieged the Phocensians, and understood, that their garrisons were now grieved with the incomodities of the war, he retreated a little back, as it were for some special business, giving them good occasion to depart. Not long after he returned again with his army, and overcame the Phocensians, being destitute of succours.  
Alcibiades against the Byzantians, which kept themselves within their walls, laid an imbushement, and feigning to retreat back, oppressed them unwares.  
When Uiriatus retreating back, had gone. three days journey, he went the same again in one day, and finding the Sogobrians careless, and occupied about their sacrifice, oppressed them.  
¶ When Epaminundas perceived, that the lacedemonians were come to Mantinia, to aid and secure his enemy, he thought it possible enough, to win their city Lacedemonia, if he could get thither privily. Wherefore he commanded many fires to be made by night, to cloak his going, as though he had remained still: but he betrayed of a runaway, and overtaken of the lacedemonians host, left his journey taken toward Sparta. Never the less he turned this his policy against the Mantinians. for making likewise fires, as though he would tarry still, he deceived the lacedemonians, and iourneyeng. xl. miles back again to Mantinia, took it destitute of aid and secure.   

¶ Now contrary wise, touching the safeguard of the besieged, what disygent exercise they should use. Cap. xii.  
WHEN THE city of Athens was besieged by the lacedemonians, Alcibiades fearing the negligence of the watches, gave them in charge that they should take good heed, & mark well the light, that he by night would show them out of the castle: & at the sight thereof, they should set up their lights: In which business, he that was found reckless, should suffer for it. Thus they diligently looking for the token of the captain, kept their watch thoroughly, and eschewed the peril suspected in the night.  
When Iphicrates, capitain of Athens kept Corinthie with a garrison, and upon the coming of his enemy, went about to view, how the watch and ward was kept, he found one of the watch men on sleep, which he struck through with his spear: for the which deed, when some rebuked him of cruelty, he answered, Like as I found him, so have I left him. It is said, that Epaminundas of Thebes, did such a like deed.   

¶ How to send forth and receive in a messenger. Cap. Xiii.  
THe Romans besieged in the Capitol, sent Pontius Cominus to Camillus, to besieche him to come home from exile: which to deceive the watch of the Gauls, was let down by the rock Tarpeia, and swiming over Tyberis, came to the Ueians: and when he had done his message, he came again to his company the same way.  
¶ The Campanians, besieged & straightly hold by diligent watch of the Romans, sent for the a fellow suborned as a run away, that had in his belt or sword gyrdelle, a letter, the which (finding an occasion to escape) he bore unto the Penians.  
Some men also have sent letters written in parchment sowed in venison and beasts bealyes.  
Some also have thronged beasts together, over against their enemies, and so escaped the watch. Some have written in the inside of their scabbardes.  
¶ L. Lucullus to certify the Cyriceniaus of his coming, which were besieged of Mithridates in their city, that had but one narrow way, to enter into it, which was strongly kept and defended of his enemies, a little bridge, joining the said City to the main land: caused one of his soldiers, which was a good mariner and well skilled in swiming, to sit between two botts blown full of wind, with letters enclosed within them, the which he fastened together beneath with two square staves, equally distant asunder, and so to pass. seven. miles by see. xx high the thing this simple soldier accomplished, guiding his course with his legs, as it were with rudders: and so deceived them, that stood at watch, thinking it had been a monster of the see.  
Hircius consul, sent unto Decimus Brutus, that was besieged of Antonius to Mutina, letters written in lead, which being bound to the soldiers arms, they swam over the river Scultella.  
The same Hircius with bristles bound letters about pigeons necks, (the which he had before kept in dark places hungry) which he would let flee as near the walls as he could. The pigeons being fain of light, and greedy of their food, flew up to the highest buildings: and so were taken of Brutus, which by that mean was certified of all things: and afterward he ordained meat to be laid in certain places, that the pigeons might flee thither.   

¶ How to introduce succours, and to provide victuals. Cap. xiiii.  
VUhan Ategua a city in Spain, was in the Civule war besieged of the Pompeians, Maurus, that was king for a space in time of variance, as though he had been of Caesar's part, and one of the chief captains, called up certain of the watch, of which he refused some for the nonce: by the which constant and bold deceit, he introduct & brought Pompeius' garrison, through the mids of Caesar's host.  
While Annibal lay at siege before Casilinum, the Romans seute thither barrels of meal down the stream of the river Uulturus, to the intent the besieged should take them up: which when Hannibal with casting a chain over the river had stopped, they scattered nuts in the river, which passed the chains unto the city: and with that food they holp and sustained the need and scacitie of their fellows.  
Hircius sent in salt to the Mutinensians besieged of Antony (whereof they had great need) packed in wine vessels, by the river Saniturnus.  
The same Hircius sent beasts down the stream, which being received, great lie relieved the need of his friends.   

¶ How to make those things, which we want, seem plenteous. Capi. xv.  
VUhan the gauls had besieged the Capital, the Romans in their extreme famine, threw out bread among their enemies, and thereby making them believe that they had abundance of victual, endured the siege till Camillus came to secure them.  
It is said, that the Athenians used like policy against the Lacedemontans.  
When they that were besieged of Hannibal at Casilinum, seemed to be brought to extreme famine, by reason that Annibal destroyed the herbs, that was a great part of their food, by oft ploughing of a place, that lay between his camp and the walls: they sowed their seeds in place prepared and tilled. whereby they brought to pass, that they were thought to have victual enough, till the sedes then sown, should be ripe to serve them.  
When the Chracians were besieged on an high mountain, into the which their enemies had no way to come, every man bringing a little quantity of wheat or other victuals, they fed their beasts therewith, and so let them stray unto their enemies camp: which when they had taken and killed, and found in their entrails a manifest token, that they had eaten corn and other victuals, they supposed that those men must needs have great plenty of such things, wherewith they fed their beasts, and therefore they broke up their siege and departed.  
Thrasybulus capitain of the Milesians, his soldiers being sore grieved with the long siege of the Aliattes, which hoped to compel them by famine to yield themselves, upon the coming to him of the Aliattes' ambassadors, commanded to bring all their corn in to the market place, and at the same time he made a great feast through all the city. and so he persuaded his enemies, that he had plenty enough to endure a long side.   

¶ What remedy against traitors and renneawayes. Cap. xvi.  
VUhan Cl. Marcellus knew the purpose, and counsel of Batteus of Nolan, which endeavoured him to corrupt the commons, and thought to do Hannibal a pleasure, because he was by his benefit healed of his hurts, that he had among the Cannensians, and delivered out of prison, home to his friends: for as much as Marcellus durst not slay Batteus (lest for his punishment he should set the other Nolans in his top) he sent for him and said, He was a right valiant man of arms, and that he knew it not before, and exhorted him, to stick still on his part. and with honourable and courteis words gave him an horse. With which benignity he not only bound him, but also the commons (by whom they were much ruled) to be faithful and true to him ever after.  
Amilcar captain of Carthage, seeing that the Galls oft times fell from him unto the romans, and now of custom were received as friends, subornated certain of his most trusty men, in like manner to feign themself to forsake their capitain: which slew the Romans when they came forth to receive them. which crafy policy did not only further Amilcar at this present time: but also caused the Romans afterward to suspect such as were runagates in deed.  
When Hanno captain of Carthage in Sicilia, understood, that the gauls that he had hired, about four thousand, would leave him and go to the Romans, because they were behind unpaid of their wages certain months, he durst not punish them for fear of sedition, but promised very liberally to recompense the injury that they had by prolonging the tyme. Wherefore the Galls thanked him. At time convenient he sent his most trusty steward to Otacilius Consul, which as though he had fled away for variance between him and the capitain in a certain count making, showed, that the next night he might take at advantage. iiii. thousand gauls, which were sent forth to get pray and pillage. Otacilius neither gave credence by & by to the renawaye, nor yet thought it a matter to be despised: but laid an imbushment for them, of the most picked men, that he had: which encountering with the gauls, satisfied the drift of Hanno double, they slew the romans, and were themselves all slain.  
Hannibal by like policy was revenged on those that forsook him, and fled to his enemies. For when he knew, that certain of his soldiers were fled the night before, and wist well that his enemies spies were in his camp, he pronounced openly, that those runagates, which were gone forth by his commandment, to hearken and spy what his enemies did and intended, should not be called cunning and witty warriors. The roman spies, hearing those words, returned and told them to their company. Than the romans, taking those runaways, and cutting of their hands, sent them to Hannibal again.  
¶ When Diodorus kept and defended Amphipolis with a garrison of men, and suspected two thousand Thraciens, which seemed to be bend to spoil and destroy the city, he feigned a lie, that a few ships of his ennemes were arrived at a strand hard by the city, which might easily be taken and spoiled. In hoop whereof, he sent forth those hollow hearted Thraciens, and than shut the gates, and would no more receive them in.   

¶ Of eruptions and breakings out of enemies. Cap. xvii.  
THe Romans, which lay in garrison to defend the Panormitains, hearing, that hasdrubal was coming to lay siege to them, of purpose set a few here and there one, to defend the walls: whose small number, hasdrubal despising, and rashly approaching to the walls, was by eruption of the Romans slain.  
When Emilius Paulus Camp was unprovidedly assailed of all the Lygurians together, he making a countenance to be afraid, kept in his soldiers a long tyme. Than after when his enemies began to wax weary and faint, he broke out at. iiii. gates of his camp, & slew & took the Lygurians prisoners.  
Uelius lieutenant to the Romans, keeping the castle of Tarentine, sent ambassadors to hasdrubal, to get him liberty safely to depart thence: by the which crafty dissembling he caused his enemies to be careless: and so struck out suddenly, and slew them.  
¶ Titurius Sabinus, against a huge host of the Galls, by keeping in his army, cowardly at his defence, showed himself to be afraid, and this to augment, he sent forth a runagate, which should affirm the Roman army, to be in despair, and to seek means to i'll. The barbarous aliens encouraged with hope of victory, loaded themselves with wood and bows to fill the dyches: and with great haste and courage set upon the Romans tents pitched on an hill: from whence Titurius with all his power rushing down upon them, slew the Galls by heaps, and took many of them prisoners.  
¶ The Esculanians, when Pompeius came to assault their town, set to defend the walls a few feeble old men: And while the romans as careless for them, took little heed, the towns men suddenly broke out, and put them to flight.  
¶ The Numantines being besieged, did not so much as make defence before their bulwark, and kept themself so close, that Popilius Lenates boldly began to raise up ladders and scale the walls. Which after suspecting some deceit & guile, (for even then they made no resistance) and so wning to the retreat: The Numantines breaking out, set upon them, turning their backs, and descending down.   

The constancy of the besieged Cap. xviii.  
THe Romans besieged of Hannibal hard at their walls, boldly to show they nothing mistrusted, sent forth succours at a gate on the other side, to aid their armies that were in Spain.  
¶ The same Romans would after the tenant was dead, let for no less price the field, where Annibal had pight his camp, than it was wont to go, before the war began.  
The said romans being besieged of Annibal, & they besiging Capua, decreed not to revocate and call home again their army, until they had taken the town.   
The end of the third book.   

THE FOURTHE BOOK,  

THE PREFACE.  
SITHENCE I have now by moche reading, gathered together, the stratagems and policies of war, and with no small diligence, digested them in three books, according to my promise (which I trust I have accomplished) I will in this fourth, exhibit and declare to you such things, as could not aptly be descrived with the policies of the foresaid books, being rather examples of stratagems or sleights, than stratagems themselves, which although they be worthy feats, yet have I separated them, because they are of divers matters, lest some by chance reading those, should suppose them to be omitted for lack of knowledge: and therefore will I explicate them, as things remaining of the other, and wool observe like order in their description, as before.   

¶ Of discipline of war. Cap. 1.  
PUBLIUS SCIpio at Numantia, redressed the army, which was corrupted with the sloth and idleness of the capitains that had been before him, dismyssing a great number of the slaves and drudges, bringing the fouldiours by daily exercise, to do their duty: which he caused to make many journeys, and to bear on their backs, as much victuals as should serve them many days: so that he accustomed them to suffer cold and sharp showers, and to wade over waters a foot. Now and than he embraided them of fearfulness and cowardice, breaking such vessels in pieces, which they used more of delycacie, than for need in their expedition. In this behalf, the reproach, that he gave to the captain C. Mevius, is right notable, to whom he said, To me but a while, to thyself and to the common weal thou shalt ever be lewd & unprofitable.  
Q. Metellus in the war jugurthine with like severity restored the Discipline, that was decayed and neglected among the soldiers: and further prohibited them, that they should use none other flesh but roasted or sod.  
It is written, that Pyrrhus should say to him that took up soldiers, Chose thou those that be great, and I will make them strong.  
¶ When Scipio Aphricanus saw a soldier bear a targate galyardly decked and trimmed, said, He marveled not, that he had so curiously garnished his tergate, wherein he had more trust than in his sword.  
¶ When Philip had prepared his army to go forth, he commanded, that no man should have any cart, or other thing used for carriage with him, nor a horseman to have but one page. x. foot men one slave, which should bear quirnes and cords: when they went forth in such places, as they lay in the summer, he commanded them to bear on their necks meal for thirty days.  
Caius Marius, somewhat to ease the army in carrying their traffic and baggage, wherewith they were greatly loaded, devised their vessels and victuals into farthels laid upon staves, underset with forks, which made their burden lighter, and they might more easily rest under it. Whereupon they were called in pro verb, Marius' mules.  
When Theogenes of Athens led his host toward Megara, and was inquired how the army should be ordered, said, He would even there order his battles. Than privily he sent forth the horsemen, and commanded them like enemies to return and fiercely set upon their fellows. Which thing done, he permitted the battle to be thus ordered, that they that remained with him, as it were prepared to encounter with their enemies, should take every man what place he would, and when the faint hearted fellows drew back, the strong and valiant, boldly stepped forth into the forefront: and as he found them standing, so he advanced them in the order of chivalry.  
¶ Lysander of Lacedemonia corrected a certain man, because he strayed from his company. And when the man said, he strayed not from the army to rob or steal any thing, he answered, I wool that thou show no spece or likelihood of robbery.  
When Antigonus hard, that his son had taken up his lodging in a woman's house that had three very fair daughters, he said: My son, I here say, ye be to straightly lodged, where be many masters in the house, take a larger Inn. Thus he being commanded to remove and go thence, Antigonus caused to proclaim, that no man under the age of fifty years, should lodge in the house of a sole woman.  
¶ All be it that N. Metellus cons. was let by no law, but that he might continually have his son in his company, yet would he rather have him win wages in war.  
When Publius Rutilius cons. might according to the law, have his son always in his company, yet he made him a soldier in the legion.  
T. Scaurus forbade his son to come in his sight, because in the forest Tridentine he gave place to his enemies, the young man pressed with shame of that reproach and infamy, slew himself.  
The ancient Romans and other nations did constitute and make their tents and pavilions through the hole body of thyr army, like round cottages: where as the old world knew none other, but walled towns.  
Pirthus king of the Epirotes, was the first, that ordained to lodge his hole army within one trench or bulwark. After when the Romans had overcomen him in the fields Arusine, near the city Statuentum, and had got his camp, marking and observing how he ordered his army, by little and little they came to this manner of pitching of tents, and lodging their army, that is now used.  
P. Nasica lying with his army in their wyntring places, ordained that his soldiers should fall to building of ships, though the use of them was to him not needful: lest they should be corrupted with sloth and idleness, or else by reason of leisure, having nothing to do, would imagine and commit some injury against those that were confederates and friends to the Romans.  
Clearchus, chieftain of the lacedemonians, said to his army, The captain ought rather to be dread, than the enemy: sygnifienge that they, which feared the doubtful dart of death in battle, if they left their capitain, were sure of extreme punishment.  
By the counsel of Appius Claudius the senators decreed, that they which were taken by king Pyrrhus, and after sent home again, if they were horsemen, should be made foot men, if they were foot men, should be made light harnessed men, & all such to lodge without the camp, till each of them, had brought home two spoils of their enemies.  
Otacilius Crassus cons. commanded, that they, which taken of Hannibal, and creeping under the yoke of reproach, were returned home, should lie without the trench of the camp, that they being unfensed, might accustom themselves to perils, and wax the more bold and hardy against their enemies.  
P. Cornelius Nasica, & Decimus junius consuls, first bet with rods, and after sold those, that were condemned to have left and forsaken the host.  
Domitius Corbulo in Armenia, commanded, that the two wings and three cohortes, which at the castle, in the beginning of their assault, gave back to their enemies, should lodge without the trench of the camp, till they had by continual labour and prosperous exploits, redeemed their reproach & infamy.  
N. Metellus in Spain, commanded five cohortes, that had given back and fled their enemies, to make their testaments, and sent them again to recover the place, that they had lost, threatting that they should never of him be received, except they returned with victory.  
The Senators commanded P. Ualerius the consul, to lead the army vanquished at Siris, unto Sirinum, and there to fortify their camp, and in their tents to pass away the winter.  
●. Piso, commanded that Titius, capitain of a cohort, because he gave back and fled his enemies, should stand daily before the pavilions of the chief captains, the cincture of his gown cut of, his cote ungyrde, and bore footed, till the watch came, and that he should neither feast nor bain himself.  
Sylla commanded the cohort and centurions, through whose ward their enemies had broken, to stand before the pavilions of the heed captains, helmed and ungyrded.  
Domitius Corbulo in Armenia, commanded an officer to cut the garments of Aemilius Rufus, capitain of the horsemen, because he gave place to his enemies, and had not well furnished his wing with armure: and in that dishonest and shameful apparel, to stand before the heed captains pavilions, until they were sent out.  
When Attilius Regulus should pass over from Samnium into Lucerna, and his host was encountered and put back by his enemies, he sent forth a cohort against them, and commanded to slay those that fled, as rebels.  
Cotta consul commanded P. Aurelius his kinsman, whom he made governor of the army at the siege of Lipara, while he went to Messana, to know by divination what should betide, because his bulwark was burned, and his camp taken, to be beaten with rods, and to be taken in the number of the simple soul diours, & to do such duties as they did.  
When Marcus Cato, after a token given, had loosed from the cost of his enemies, where he had lain a certain space, and saw one of his soldiers left on the shore, crying, calling, and beckening to be taken in: He made about with all his navy to the shore again, and commanded the same soldier to be taken and straight put to death: willing rather to make him an example to the other, then that he should be slain of his enemies, with reproach & infamy.  
Appius Claudius slew with a club every tenth soldier, brought forth by lot, the which had fled and given back from their enemies.  
Aquirius beheaded three of the centurions, because their enemies had broken through their ward.  
The legion that beat down the place, called the kings town, without commandment of the grand captain, was so punished, that four thousand of them were committed to ward, and slain. More over, the senators decreed, that they should in no wise be buried nor mourned for.  
¶ L. Papyrius Cursor, being dictator, required, that Fabius Rutilius, master of the horsemen, should be beaten with roddis, and beheaded, because he fought against his commandment, not withstanding he had the upper hand: neither would he forgive the punishment, for the contention or intercession and request of the soldiers, and fleinge to Rome pursued him: neither would he there remit the dreadful punishment, until that Fabius with his father fell down at his knees, and that also the senate & people made intercession for him.  
¶ Manlius, that afterward was named Manlius the proud or imperious, caused his son, which against his father's commandment, had encountered with his enemy a challenger, and got the victory, to be beaten with rods, and have his heed stricken of.  
This Manlius the son, the hoft preparing seditiousely to arise against his father for his sake, said: That no man was of so great estimation, that for his sake the discipline of war should be broken. and thus obtained, that they suffered him to be punished.  
Q. Fabius Maximus cut of the right hands of them that fled away from their capitain unto their enemies.   

¶ The effect of discipline. Cap. two.  
IN the time of civil war, when Brutus and Cassius host should take their journey together through Macedonia, and Brutus came first to a river, in which he must needs make a bridge to pass over: yet Cassius army both in making of the bridge, and speedy passing over, out went Brutus. the which vigour or strength of knightly discipline, brought to pass, that not only in work, but also in the chief point of war, Cassius and his men, excelled Brutus and his.  
¶ When C. Marius was at his liberty, to choose one of the two armies, he would, either that, which had been in war with Rutilius, or that which had been with Metellus, and afterward with himself: he chose the less, which was Rutilius army, because it was thought to be more expert in discipline of war.  
Domitius Corbulo, with two legions, and a very small number of such as came to aid him, traded in the discipline of war, withstood the great power of the Parthians.  
Alexander Macedo with. xl. M. men accu stomed in chivalry by Philip his father, continually unto his time, set upon in manner all the hole world, and vanquished powers innumerable of his enemies.  
Cirus in war against the Persians with. xiiii. M. men of arms, overcame innumerable difficulties.  
Epaminundas captain of the Thebans, with four thousand men, of the which only. iiii. hundred were horsemen, overcame the host of the Lacedemonians, in which was. xxiiii. M. footmen, and xvi. hundred horsemen.  
Fouretene. M. Greeks, which number came to help Cirus against Artaxerxes, overcame in battle a hundred thousand barbarous aliens.  
The same. xiiii. thousand Greeks after their captains were lost in war, committing the governance of their returning home unto one of their own army, called Xenophon of Athens, returned and came home safe and sound, passing through many unknown and dangerous places.  
Xerxes' being sore troubled at the straits Thermopyle, by three hundred of the Lacedæmonians, after that he had with great difficulty overcome them, said, This thing deceived him, that he had many men, but good and expert men in knighthood he had none.   

¶ Of continency and sober abstinence. Cap. iii.  
IT is written, that Marcus Cato was contented with the same wine, that his mariners used.  
When Cyneus the ambassador of the Epirotiens, brought unto Fabricius a great sum of gold for a present, he would none of it, saying, that he would rather rule them that had gold, than have it.  
¶ Attilius Regulus, being a man in most high authority, was so poor, that he found himself, his wife, and his children with a little plot of ground, tilled by one bailiff of housbandrye, of whose death when word was brought him, he wrote unto the Senate, to provide an other to occupy his room: for saying his servant was dead, he must needs apply his husbandry himself.  
¶ After Cn. Scipio had accomplished his worthy enterprises and noble feats in Spain, he deceased in great poverty, and left not behind him so much money, as should suffice for the dowry of his daughters, to whom, for very need, the senate was fain to give dowerye of the common treasure.  
Likewise did the nobles of Athens unto the children of Aristides, which after he had been in most high room and authority, departed in great poverty.  
¶ Epaminundas capitain of the Thebans, used so great abstinency, that in his household stuff was there no more found but one brasyn cauldron, and one spit to roast his meat on.  
¶ Annibal, which used to rise very yearly afore day, never rested until the night came again, at length in the twelve light he rested himself at supper, neither with him were there any more beds laid to meat, than two.  
The same Hannibal being in warfare under the grand captain Asoruball, oft times slept upon the bare ground, and had no more but his cloak to cover him.  
It is left in remembrance also, that Emilius Scipio was wont to eat his bread, as he walked in his journey with his friends.  
The same thing is also told of Alexander Macedo.  
We read also that Masinissa being now lxxxi. years of age, was wont at noon, either standing before his pavilion, or else walking up and down, to eat his meat.  
When Caius Curius had vanquished the Sabiens, and the measure of ground and lands that valiant men of war are wont to receive, was granted him by decree of the Senate house, after a more ample manner: he held himself content with the portion, that was customably given: affirming, that he was an evil citizen, which was not content to live as other did.  
¶ Also the continency of the hole Roman army, hath been oft very notable, as the host, that was led by M. Scaurus. For Scaurus hath left in memory, that the apple tree, which was enclosed at the foot of his camp, was left the morrow after, when the host removed, standing, without touching of the fruit.  
¶ After that L. Mummius had taken Corinthe, and had not only adorned Italy, but also all the province, with rich tables and costly images: he of so great spoils, took so little to his own use, that the Senate was feign for very need to give dowerye unto his daughter of the common treasure.   

☞ Of justice. Cap. iiii.  
VUhan Camillus had besieged the Phaliscians, the school master under pretence to walk abroad, brought the Phaliscians children without the walls, and delivered them unto him and said, The city must needs grant now all his request, to obtain again these their so dear hostages. Camillus, not only abhorring this falsehood, but also binding his hands behind his back, delivered him to the children, with rods to drive him home before them unto their fathers. By the which benefit he got the victory, the which his will and desire was not to obtain by fraud. For the Phaliscians, for this justice, willingly yielded themselves.  
¶ King Pyrrhus physician came unto Fabricius, captain of the Romans, and promised to poison Pyrrhus, so that he would give him a reward worthy of so great an enterprise. Fabricius thinking he had no need to purchase his victory so wickedly, detected the phisytion to the king. The which faithfulness, as of duty, compelled Pyrrhus to seek the Romans friendship.   

¶ Of Constancy. Cap. v.  
VUhan Cn. Pompeius' soldiers threatened to spoil the money, that was carried in the triumph, Servilius & Glaucia, exhorting him to divide it, leeste it would cause sedition, he affirmed, that he would no triumph at all, but rather die, than bow and obey to the lewd liberty of his soldiers. And when he had earnestly reprehended them, he cast forth his lauriate bundelles, borne in sign of victory, bidding them first to spoil those, and by that odious proffer, he pacyfyed them.  
In a time of sedition amongs the citizens, that rose in harness, when the soldiers were in their most pride and fierceness, Caius Cesar feared not to put the whole legyon out of wages, beheadding the captains of the sedition. afterward those, which he had put out of wages, beseeching him, not to put them to that reproach and infamy, he restored, and had most valiant warryors of them.  
When Posthumius had encouraged his soldiers to war, & they again demanded of him, what his will was, he bade them follow him, catching and advansing the standard, he first of all invaded his enemies: the soldiers followed after him, & obtained the victory.  
When L. Marcellus was comen unwares into the hands of the gauls, he turned his horse round about, to look, on which side he might get out, when he saw himself sore environed on every side, he called the God's to help, and struck into the mids of his enemies: and as they stood bashefully marveling at his boldness, he escaped, and slew their capitain also. and where was scant hope of life, thence he brought spoils of great richesse.  
When Paulus had lost his host at Cannas, and Lentulus in so great danger offered him a horse to flee, he answered, that he would not live after so great a loss and slaughter, not withstanding it chanced not through his default: & so sat still on the same stone, whereto he leaned, being sore wounded, until that he was oppressed, & thrust through of his enmis.  
Uarro his fellow in office, with greater constancy, remained alive after the same destruction, to whom the Senate, with that hole voice of the people, gave thanks that he despaired not of the common wealth, & the residue of his life time well approved, that he preserved himself, not for desire of life, but for love of the common wealth. For he let both his beard and his hear grow, and never after eat his meat, sitting at the table. and when the people proffered to give him any honour and dignity, he refused it, saying, That it behoved the common wealth to have more prosperous rulers.  
Sempro. Tuditanus, and C. Octavius, chief captains in war, when all was lost at Cannas, and they but a very few together, being also enclosed on every side, counseled their fellows, to draw their sword, and to break out with them even through the garrison of their enemies, affirming, that they were bend so to do, though no man else would follow them. and with. xii. men accompanied, they broke through the ward of their enemies, and came safe and sound unto Canusium.  
C. Fronteius Crassus in Spain, going forth to get his prey, with three thousand men, and circumvented of Asdrubal in a dangerous place, his purpose and counsel told unto the first order only, in the beginning of the night, when he was nothing looked for, broke out through the watch of his enemies.  
P. Decius, chief captain in war, against the Samnites, counseled Cornelius consul, being taken in a dangerous cooste of his enemies, to send forth a little power of men, to prevent and take the hill that was at hand, offering himself to be their guide: and his enemies being enticed an other way, let out the consul, and beset Decius, the which wrestled out of those straits, also by night, and came again safe to the consul's army.  
The same policy he used under Attilius Calatinus consul. for when he saw the host was come down into a valley, his enemies dying in the upper sides round about, he required and took of the consul. iii. hundred soldiers, whom he encouraged manfully to fight for the hole army, & ran down into the mids of the valley, his enemy coming down on every side to oppress them, and being hold a good while with sharp fight, gave the consul good occasion to range and spread out his army.  
A certain noble man of Lacedemonia, Phylyp, sending them word, that he would utterly forbid them many things, except they delivered up the city, said, what? will he forbid us also, to die for our country?  
When it was said, that the Persians, would send out arrows as thick as clouds, upon the Lacedæmonians, Leonidas answered, We shall fight the better in the shadow.  
While Celius a high judge sat to give sentence, a Hickwall alighted & sat upon his heed, whereupon the Wissardes gave answer, that if the bird were let scape, their enemies should have the victory: if she were killed, the Romans should obtain, but Caelius with all his family should perish. at the which answer Caelius slew the bird, and so came it to pass, that the romans got the victory, and Caelius, with. xiiii. of the same family and kindred were slain in the batrel. Some report this of Lelius, and not of Caelius.  
Publius Decius, first the father and eft the son, in their magistrate vowed themselves to die for the common wealth, and springing out on horseback among their enemies got the victory, and left it unto their country.  
When P. Crassus' in war, against Aristouicus, fell into his enemies hands, between Aelia and Mirina, & was carried away a live, he abhorring captivity in a Roman consul, with his riding rod threste out the Thracians eye that held him: which being sore moved with the spiteful deed, & with the grief of his maim, thrust him through. Thus willingly he avoided the reproach and shame of servitude.  
M. Cato, the son of Censorius, in battle, fell through the stombling of his horse, and after he had recovered, and perceived, that his sword was slipped out of the scabarde, fearing to be slandered, he returned back upon his enemies, and his sword recovered at length, got again unto his own company.  
The Peteliniens, enclosed of the Penians, for great need of victuals, thrust out their fathers, mothers, & their children, prolonged their own life with beasts hides, moisted and dried again with the fire, with leaves of the trees, and with all kind of beasts, so enduring the siege of a. xi. months.  
The Casiliniens besieged of Annibal, were brought to so great need and famine, that a mouse was sold for a hundredth pence: and though the one famysshed, that sold it, the other lived that bought it: yet they still continued faithful unto the Romans.  
¶ When Mythridates laid siege unto C●●icū, he brought forth the prisoners, that he had taken of the cite, & showed them to the besieged, thinking to compel them by compassion and pity, to yield themselves. But they, exhorting the prisoners, manfully to endure the death, kept still their fealty unto the romans.  
The Aeginenses, what time their wives and children were slain of the Uiathotiens, chose rather to behold the tourment of those their so dear pledges, than to fall from the romans.  
The Numantiniens, rather than they would yield themselves, agreed to die all together, and brent their howsen, slew their wives, their children, and themselves, that there remained not one to be taken prisoner: so that their enemies could not triumph, neither of their goods, their City, nor yet of their persons, but of their name only.   

☞ Affection and moderation. Cap. vi.  
VUhan Q. Fabius son exhorted him, to take a commodious place, though it were with the loss of a few men, he said, wilt thou be one of those few?  
As Xenophon sitting on horseback commanded the foot men to take a certain hill top, one of them grudging, and saying, that he might easily sitting on horseback, command them so painful things, he lighted of his horse, and set up that simple soldier, and began to run himself a foot unto the hill appointed: the soldier not able to abide the shame thereof, his fellows laughing him to scorn, lighted down of his own accord, and they all could scarcely bring Xenophon to take his horse again, and to reserve his labour to other duties belonging to a captain.  
As Alexander, lying out in warfare the winter time, sat by the fire, and perceived a soldier in the army all most dead for cold, made him sit in his own place, saying: If thou hadst been borne in Persia, it had been treason for the to have sit in the kings seat, but to him that is borne in Macedonia, it is lawful.  
divus Augustus Uespasian, perceiving a certain young man, well borne, unable unto war, yet by reason of great poverty thrust into the long order and array, appointed him a certain fee, and so honestly dysmissed him.   

¶ Of divers counsels. Cap. seven.  
CEsar was wont to say, that the same counsel pleased him against his enemy, that many physicians used against the diseases of the body, that is, to subdue them with famine, rather than with force.  
Domitius Corbulo said, that an enemy must be overcome with a broad chypping axe, that is to say, with diligent labour.  
L. Paulus said, that it became a noble captain to be aged and ancient in manners, meaning that sage and sober counsel was to be followed.  
It is reported, that Scypio Aphricanus, when some men called him a sorry lighter, said, My mother brought me forth to be a worthy captain, and not a common soldier.  
Caius Marius to one Teutonius, provoking and challenging him to fight, answered, If Teutonius would fain die, he may go hang himself. and when he had appointed him a player at the sword, a wretched person, and very aged, he said, If thou overcome this fellow, I will take the victor to task.  
Celius capitain of the company in the forward, when the Romans were besieged in Germania, fearing less his adversaries, would convey a heap of wood, dying thereby, unto his fortress, and so fire his tents, feigned that he lacked wood, and sent forth on every side to steal it: bringing thereby to pass, that the germans themself took great pain to remove the wood away.  
Cn. Scipio in a battle by see, threw into his enemies ships, tankards of pitch and tar, that both the weight thereof might hurt them, and also the shedding thereof, might nourish and increase the fire.  
Hannibal first taught king Antiochus, to cast vessels full of adders, into his enemies ships. whereof the soldiers amazed, might be let both in fight, and in all their other duties, belonging unto the ship.  
¶ The same thing did Prusias, when his navy began to shrink.  
¶ M. Portius violently broke into the navy of his enemies, and when he had tumbled out the Peniens, distributing their armure and badges, whereby they were known among his soldiers, he drowned many ships of his enmis, deceiving them with felowlyke apparel.  
The athenians being oft times greatly disquieted and troubled by the Lacede moniens, came upon certain festival days, which they kept high and holy, without the walls unto Mynerua: and having all thing thereto belonging, made as though their intent were to do sacrifice: hiding privily their armour and weapons under their clothes. And when they had done their sacrifice, they returned not immediately to Athens, but forth with in good order of battle marched toward Lacedemonia, at the time when they were lest looked for: and so over ran and spoiled the country of their enemies, which were wont to rob and spoil them.  
Cassius set certain of his great ships on fire, which were little worth for any other purpose: and being driven with the wind among his enemies ships, set them also a fire & brent them.  
When Marcus Livius had put hasdrubal to flight, and was by certain exhorted to pursue his enemies to death, he answered: Let some remain alive, to bear tidings to our enemies of our victory.  
hasdrubal entering into the borders of Numidie, and intending to subdue them, affirmed, when they prepared to resist him, that he came but to take elephants, whereof Numidia had great plenty: and made promise, not to hurt them, so that they would grant him this his request. and when they were departed asunder by reason of that persuasion, he suddenly set upon them, and so brought them under his subjection.  
Ptolomeus, being to weak to encoun tree with Perdicca, which had a stronger and more valiant army, caused a few horsemen to drive all the beasts, drawing the wagons after the host, and he going before them with that small power that he had, brought to pass, that the dust raised up by the beasts, mustered as though an other army to aid him had followed after. The fear of whose coming so bashed his enemies, that he overcame them.  
When Mironides of Athens should fight with the Thebans, which had moche better horsemen than he, informed his host, that there was some hope of health, if they kept their ground: but if they fled or recoiled back, there was no remedy but death. By the which reason, he strengthened his men, and won the victory.  
Iphicrates captein of Athens, appointed his navy in apparel like his enemies, and when he was arrived among them, whom he suspected, and was received with high reverence, their falsehood spied out, he spoiled their town.  
¶ After the field fought at the lake Trasimenus, where was great slaughter of the romans, and. vi. M. taken prisoners, a pact and covenant made, Hannibal suffered the confederates and fellows of the Romans, gently to depart home to their own cities: and to report, that the cause of his war was only to set Italy at liberty, and by their help and means, certain people committed themselves into his governance.  
¶ What time the Locriens were besieged of Crispyn, captein of the Roman navy, Mago spread abroad a rumour that night unto the Romans host, that Hannibal had slain Marcellus, and was come to deliver the Locriens, that were besieged: and after he sent out horse men privily, commanding them to muster and show themselves on the mountains, that lay in the sight of the Romans host. by the which policy he brought to pass, that Crispin, thinking Hannibal to be at hand, took shipping, and fled.  
¶ P. Scipio in Lydia, perceiving that Antiochus host was sore beaten with gain, that fell day and night continually, and not only his men, and horses began to faint, but also his bows the strings being wet, were weak and unprofitable, encouraged his men to pitch the field the morrow following, not withstanding it was a dismal day, and by this counsel, he won the victory.  
¶ When the Vacceians in a pight field were hardly matched with Sempronius Gracchus, they compassed all their army with veins, furnished with valiant men of arms, in women's apparel. When Sempronius boldly vanced forward, to besiege his enemies, as though he had gone against a company of women, they that were in the veins, set on, and put him to flight.  
Eumenes Sardianus, one of Alexander's successors, was enclosed in a certain castle, where he could not exercise his horses, advanced them up before at certain hours daily, in such wise that they rested upon their hinder feet, having their forefeit raised up on high, and when they sought to have their natural wont and standing, they traversed and flung with their heel's until they sweat.  
¶ What time the barbarous aliens pro missed Cato men to conduct him in his journey, and also a garrison to aid him, so that he would give them a great some of money, he stack not at the matter, to promise them largely, because he might other pay them obtaining the victory with the spoils of his enemies, or by their death be loosed of his promise.  
¶ Quintus Maximus commanded to call unto him one Statilius, a noble man of arms, & approved in deed, which intended to flee from him unto his enemies, and made an excuse unto him, that through the envy of his fellows, he never knew unto that day his manly qualities: than giving to him a horse and money: he obtained, that this man, which came unto him fearful, his conscience accusing him, departed chierefull. And so of him that was before to be mistrusted, he had a faithful and valiant man of arms ever after.  
When Phylyp hard, that one Pythias, a valiant warrior of his, had withdrawn his good will from him, because that he had scant to sustain his. three daughters, and was nothing relieved of the king, certain men warned the king, to take heed and beware of him. What quoth the king, if I had a part of my body diseased, should I rather cut it of, than heal it. afterward he privily called Bithias unto him, and perceiving, how poor and hard a life he lad, gave him money largely, and so ever after he found him more trusty, faithful, and better than ever he did before.  
T. Nuintus Crispinus, after the great misauenture in the battle, ageyust the Carthaginens, wherein his fellow Marcellus was slain, ꝑceiung, that Annibal had gotten the signet of his said friend Marcellus, he sent letters through out all Italy, that they should give no credence, if any pistle came unto them sealed with Marcellus signet. through the which monition, Annibal his deceits, whereby he attempted to get Salapia and other cities, were all in vain.  
After the great loss and dyscomfiture at Cannas, the hearts of the Romans were so dismayed and discomfited, that a great part of them, which were left alive, took counsel with the nobles, and determined to forsake italy, Publius Scipio being yet a very young man, broke violently into the same company, where as these things were reasoned, and plainly protested, that he would slay him with his own hand, which so ever of them would not take an oath, to stand and abide by the common wealth, and when he had first bound himself with an oath, he drew his sword, threatening to slay him, that was next him, if he made not the same oath. thus by fear he compelled him and the other by his example, to swear the same oath.  
¶ When Milciades had scattered and overthrown a great number of the Persians at Marathon, he compelled the Athenians, which prolonged the time in thanks giving, to make speed toward the aid of a city, which the Persians navy intended to invade. And when he had prevented them, & replenished the walls with harneyssed men, the Persians thinking the number of the Athenians to be great, and that the battle at Marathon was fought with one army, and the walls kept with an other, made about straight way with their navy, & took their passage again into Asia.  
¶ what time Pisistratus had taken the Megarenciens navy, wherein they came to Elewsis by night, to have ravished the women of Athens, being as than occupied in the sacrifice of Ceres, and had well revenged their griefs, in slaying a great number of the said Megarenses, he manned the same ships, that he had taken of theirs, with soldiers of Athens, settyage out in sight above the hatches, certain women ordered like prisoners: at the which sight the Megarensians being deceived, and scattering out to meet them, as though they had been their own company, which after their enterprise luckily achieved, had returned home, and so being unarmed were again discomfited.  
¶ When Conon captain of the Athenians, had overcome the Persians navy, at the Ilonde Cyprus, he put their harness upon his own soldiers, and than sailed into Pamphilia, where his enemies, were in the same ships, which he had taken of theirs. The Persians because they knew the ships and the apparel of them, which stood above the hatches, took no heed to themself, and so they being suddenly oppressed, were in one self day, vanquished in battle both by see and on the land.   
The end of the fourth book.   

¶ Because the pages should not be vacant, we have added these general rules of war, taken out of Vegetius.  
IN all battles of expedition this is a sure rule, That what so ever is profitable to thee, is hurtful to thine adversary, and that, that helpeth him, hindereth the. Therefore after our enemies mind and intent we should nothing do, or dissemble, but do that only, which we judge profitable for us. For than thou beginnest to do against thyself: when thou followest that that he would feignest thou didst. again, what so ever thou enterprisest for thy profit, shall be against him, if he will follow it.  
He that in war most laboureth and exerciseth his soldiers in travails, that long to the wars, shall always sustain least peril and danger.  
Never range out in the front of the battle, a soldier, of whom before thou haste had none open proof.  
It is better to vanquish thine enemy with need, with sudden invasions, or with terror, than with fighting in plain battle: in the which Fortune is wont to bear a greater stroke than virtue.  
Those counsels are best, which thine adversary knoweth nothing of, till they be done in deed.  
Occasion or sudden hap in battle helpeth more than virtue or strength.  
In solyciting and receiving of enemies, which faithfully flee unto thee, is great trust: for the fleers from thine enemy to thee, are to him more harmful, than they that thou sleest.  
It is better to keep many strong wards behind the forefront, than to spread to wide thy warriors.  
It is hard to overcome him, that can truly judge his own strength, and what power his adversary hath.  
More availeth virtue and strength than multitude.  
The well chosen place, doth often times more avail than virtue or strength.  
Nature bringeth forth few strong men, but well devised ordinance maketh many.  
The army with labour profiteth, with idleness, waxeth dull.  
Never bring out thy soldiers to fight a battle, except thou see them hope to have the victory.  
Sudden deeds of war affrayeth the enemies, the usual featis are not regarded.  
He that with his people dispurpled, pursueth his enemies unwisely, may hap to give to his enemy the victory, that he before had gotten.  
He that prepareth not before, wheat and victual necessary for his host, is vanquished without weapon.  
He that hath more people, and is stronger than his enemy, let him make his forward four square: which is the fyrsie manner of assaylinge.  
He that is feebler than his foo, let him set his right wing against his enemies left wing, which is the second manner.  
He that feeleth himself strongest in the life wing, let him assail his enemies right wing, which is the third manner.  
He that hath in both wings strong soldiers, and well exercised, let him set on both wings at ones, which is the fourth manner.  
He that can best rule his light harneised, let him invade either wing of his enemies, setting the archers in the forefront, which is the fift manner.  
He that trusteth neither in the number nor in the strength of his soldiers, and must needs fight, let him with his right wing assail his enemies left wing, stretching out the rest of his army like a spit or brooch. which is the. vi. manner.  
He that hath fewer and weaker soldiers, let him so pitch his field, that he have on his one side a mountain, a city, a see, a river, or some other thing, and this is the seventh manner.  
He that trusteth in his horsemen, let him ordain his field in a plain, and let the burden of the battle rest most on the horsemen.  
He that trusteth in his footmen, let him pitch his field on a knap or high ground, and let the burden of the battle rest most on the foot men.  
If thou suspect, that a spy of thine enemy lurketh in thine host, command, that every man be in his own lodging by day light, & anon the spy is perceived.  
When thou wottest, that thy counsel is discovered to thine enemies, than it behoveth thee, to change thy purpose.  
Treat thou with many, what ought to be done, but what thou wilt do, disclose that to few, that are most faithful, or else keep it secret to thyself.  
pain and dread chastiseth soldiers when they lie still, in setting forward, hope and meed maketh them better.  
Good captains never fight in a pight field, except they be driven thereto by sudden hap or great need.  
It is a great wise policy, rather to grieve thine enemy with hunger, than with weapon.  
Let not thine enemy know, with what ordinance, in what manner wise, or how thou intendest to assail him, lest he pmpare ordinance to withstand or destroy thine.   

Londini in aedibus Thomae Bertheleti typis impress.  
Cum privilegio ad imprimendum solum.  
ANNO. M. D. XXXIX.