❧ A COMPENDIous Treatise entitled, De re militari, containing principal orders to be observed in Martial affairs.  
Written in the Spanish tongue, by that worthy and famous Captain, Luis Gutierres de la vega, Citizen of Medina del Campo.  
AND NEWLY TRANSlated into English, by Nicholas Lichefild.  
januarij primus. 158●.  
¶ Imprinted at London by Thomas East.   

¶ To the right Worshipful Master Philip Sidney, Esquire.  
THIS little Treatise (Right Worshipful) entitled, De re militari: being lately found in the Fort in Ireland, where the Italians and Spaniards had fortified thesemlues, by fortune came unto why hands by a soldier of good experience, who lately served there: which after I had perused (& taken the devise of some of better understanding than myself in those affairs, which very much liked and allowed the work) I was greatly boldened & encouraged to enterprise the Translation of the same, partly because these principal orders are always to be observed in warlike government, and chiefly because in our English tongue, I find not the like extant, for the necessary instruction and general commodity of our common Soldiers: which brief introduction (being common in our language) may be an inducement to betrer knowledge, and further understanding, whereby in time our servitors by good observance and imitation, may attain the like perfection, that all other foreign Nations do generally embrace. And finding not any more forward than your Worship, to further and favour this Martial knowledge (being of yourself most ready & adventurous in all exercises of feats of war and chivalry) I have therefore presumed (as unknown) to dedicate this brief work unto you, which as a simple token of my good will, I do humbly pray you to accept in good part, not doubting but that under your protection the same shall be sufficiently defended and well liked, and those imperfections in me the Translator, the better borne withal, wherein I have rather observed the true and literal sense, than any ways varied from the order of the matter, as the Author setteth it forth. And even so referring myself and slender travel unto your courteous acceptation, wishing you that increase of worship and prosperity, as every ways your noble mind deserveth, do even so take my leave. From London the .9. of December. 1581.  
Your Worships humbly to command, Nicholas Lichfild.   

¶ The prologue of the Author to the Readers.  
MY old and feeble age which now hath fully attained the number of lx years, with the sundry requests of many noble men my very friends, which many times have given me occasion to yield hereunto, moveth me now (my fatal, uncertain end approaching) to satisfy & accomplish their reasonable desire, and therefore I have now enterprised to show them in a small treatise, by noting, that which many times they have entreated me by word of mouth, a matter that hath been thought by them I could better perform (than in truth I am able) by reason of the long continuance that in the art De re militari, my troubles and travel hath brought me unto. And although that some have written of this matter heretofore very excellently (with great perfection,) yet for that those times and service the which they did write of, doth differ much from that which is at this present. It cannot be, but this my travel (at leastwise if it deserve to be called travel) will somewhat profit them, which truly I have taken in hand but only for pleasure and recreation. And forasmuch as that which is already written of this matter, is but of a few authors, which were well known, & if there were many more, yet it cannot be ordered by their rules & precepts without great inconvenience, for truly in this matter there would be great want within our time, if there were no order by art for to place in proportion, whatsoever number be it great or small, the which ought to be esteemed & more chief observed, than those rules which bindeth & compelleth with prescription of number by limitation, and mark appointed them as though that there they should end, which is to be amplified and increased unto such a greatness as the number doth require, and this may be spoken of many, that I do it of a new invention, if there were not many others that read this little treatise, which will affirm themselves to know the same, the which giveth me occasion not to offer this my rude work unto such, but unto those unskilful soldiers as are not instructed in the art of ordering, or have any light or knowledge what they ought to do. Therefore unto such as are most excellent Masters and Captains, there is no order but that they have perfect, no device but they have seen, no wars but that they have been in, nor no other science but that they do understand. Unto such therefore the whole judgement ought to be left, forasmuch as Fortune and Nature hath endued them with so great value, whereby they deserve to be more advanced than those hoary heads of lx. years of experience, unto whom hath all things been contrary, for not allowing or having any regard unto strange things, but esteeming more their own proper doings, whose knowledge cannot be less than this that I set forth.  
I do not mean to publish this to such like persons of understanding, but rather I do request them to advertise me of my ignorance, for that the same may be amended & corrected that is amiss. And also I shall desire them if there be any thing in this which before was unknown unto them, that they would in good part friendly accept the same at their discretion's, for my intent is only to write unto those that are affectioned unto matters of the war, and to the art of ordering, not desirous to stay upon a long experience to see the same done, without there be an order to help them, or art to make them perfect, to such I do pray, desire, and earnestly request, that they do not desist from so worthy an intent, since that order that we do principally set forth and declare, is so marvelous and wonderful.  
For by the same we do see the day and night is governed, by this the bodily health of man is preserved, all Cities and Towns well ordered and maintained, and by the same, Kingdoms are sustained, upholden, and kept in peace, and the people in quietness and tranquillity, the which order in matters of war, they ought to have in like regard as in that of a City, that is well governed, yea, far better, for in one only City, the hurt or loss of ill government is therein enclosed, but the lack of order in a Camp or Army of men in time of necessity and approach of enemies, oftentimes hath been the only loss of sundry kingdoms. The which being known unto the Majesty of Princes, and to those that doth govern in their high councils of war, hath bestowed such offices upon such excellent grave persons of understanding, to whom they may most assuredly commit and give all care & charge thereof, leaving the same to their most prudent knowledge.  
I do leave to speak of those excellent generals, the which are at this present, whose praise I dare not with my pen to touch, but rather refer that to others, who can better set forth their worthy commendation, and it is sufficient for me to be thankful that GOD hath given us them from above, for the government of the earth.  
And thus thou godly Reader which art affectioned unto this art of a Soldier, do not give over, nor cease not to proceed in this manly enterprise and pretence, for by the same thou shalt reap most sweet and delectable pleasure and reward, that is ●●ayed for thee, and beside shalt live in an exercise, that is greatly esteemed, from whence thou shalt obtain honour, which is thy last desire. And now first you must understand, that it is necessary to abandonne all such faults, as are accustomed to be, at the Marching of a Company, of whose disorder commonly chanceth great dangers and inconveniences, because the Captains have not commonly that great respect and care to the charge that doth appertain unto them. And therefore I will declare how they shall march and be governed, & of their obedience to the order, the which is given them by their Officers, the which shall be divided into three parts, beginning after the order following.   


¶ THE FIRST PART, De re militari.  

¶ Of the order which ought to be observed, in the marching forward of a company of soldiers, from the place where they are lodged. Cap. 1.  
AS for marching from the alodgment, from whence a Captain with his company are in a readiness to depart, this order must be observed. First, the Captain must cause to proclaim, that all such Soldiers which are entertained to serve under the Ensign and government of such a Captain, prepare themselves to be in readiness, with their armour and furniture the next day following in the morning, which usually is at the dawning of the day▪ because the company may march forward a reasonable journey.   

¶ How such a company of soldiers, should be provided with furniture necessary. Cap. 2.  
THe night before their departure, the Sergeant of the Band, by commandment from his Captain or Lieutenant hath to deal with the Rulers of the City, Town or Village where they are lodged, that they prepare such necessary Baggage as the company shall want. In the provision of which furniture, the Corporal of every Squadron, shall make inquiry among his company of their present want, and then to keep an account or reckoning, what is delivered over and beside the necessaries, delivered to the Captain or his lieutenant.  
The which provision shall be brought to a place or house in the Town, and there particular repetition to be made, in such sort, that no Officer take without order, more than justly doth appertain unto them, and that equally to be divided unto every Squadron. A Squadron properly is the number of xxv. men, of which number each Corporal hath charge, and every under corporal shall have the like charge of such numbers, as shall be committed unto them.   

¶ How the Soldiers shall join or come together, and in what order. Cap. 3.  
IN the morning after repertition of their Baggage, whilst the Soldiers prepare themselves for their departure, the drum player ought to repair to their Ensigns, to the house of the Ancient Bearer, which is the place of meeting. And then the Sergeant of the Band, as his Soldiers repair and come together, shall march in a round or Muster to see if any want, and daily to accustom themselves to attend upon their Ensign or Aunntient.   

¶ Of the order and manner how they shall departed from the place where they were lodged. Cap. 4.  
AFter the greatest part of the company are joined, the Ensign shall march out of the Town or lodgement with the soldiers in good order, and when they are passed a reasonable space from the Town, they shall there stay. And the Sergeant of the Band shall return back again to the Town, to see if any of his company remain behind, and finding any, to compel them to follow and repair to their Ensign, and to rebuke or reprehend them for their delay and slackness: in such wise that they may understand, that they ought to be in subjection to their Prince's Officers.   

¶ How the Baggage must pass, when the company is commanded to march forward. Cap. 5.  
THe Officers hath to command the Baggage to be placed in the Vanguard, before the Ensign. This is to be understood, where there are no enemies. But where the enemy is expected, there shall the baggage be placed either in the vanguard or Reregard at the discretion of the Officers. But if it happen to be appointed in the Vanguard it shall go about the length of a crossbow shot, before the company, so that always they keep in their sight for the safeguard of the carriage. Provided always, that one Squadron, of Hargubusiers, or Pike men shall go jointly in defence of the baggage, as by daily lot ought to be appointed for that purpose, & the officer that hath the charge of the Squadron, which commonly is called Cabo de Squadra, shall have respect when the Ensign doth stay which is meant only to tarry for such Soldiers as come dragging behind with weariness in the Rearguard. The like must be done with them that hath the charge of the baggage. And then seeing the main company begin to march they then ought to march also, until they come to their alodgment. But before the company overtake them, they shall stay & abide with their baggage about the length of .2. or .3. shot of a Crossbow, before they come to the appointed place of lodging, to be advertised in what part of the Town, City, or Village, they shall enter, following their Ensign.   

¶ How, and in what order they shall enter to the alodgement. Cap. 6.  
AS soon as the main company are come to the place where the baggage abideth their coming, all such Soldiers that have Horses, shall alight from their horses, and accompany their Ensign, entering into the Town in good order. The Captain ought to have special care that none of his company presume to take up lodging without a brief or billet from the Harbinger: for otherwise should appear small duty or regard of the Officers, and among the principallest and chiefest soldiers, this rule ought first to be observed, for an apparent example to all the rest, to the intent, utterly to banish disorder.   

¶ How and in what order a company of Hargubusiers ought to enter into the Town. Cap. 7.  
IF the company be Hargubusiers, they shall enter in this sort. First, the corselets shall be placed in the Vanguard, with a Drum player. And if the order be that they shall go three in a Rank, the Drum player shall go after the third Rank. But if the order be by five and five, the Drum shall then go after the fifth rank, and then shall follow the Ensign with another Drum player and a Flute. But there must be a pretty space between the corselets and the Hargubusiers, by reason of the Ensign, Drum player, and Flute, because they must be placed between the corselets and hargubuseirs, and the corselets must each carry an ha●berde.   

¶ If the company be Pikemen, then must they observe this order in their entry. Cap. 8.  
IN a company of Pikemen, the hargubuseiers shall march in their vanguard with their drum player in the rank that he shall be appointed, in the rank of three or five, and then shall march the Ensign with the drum player and Fluite: before the Pikemen shall march the corslettes of the company, and in the rearguard the Cabos de squadra of Pikemen which should be corselets. And now must the company of Pikemen go in the rearguard or else the hargubuseirs, the baggage of each shall go near unto the camp.   

¶ The order to be observed in going to the alongement. Cap. 9  
BEfore the company depart from the place where they are lodged, the Harbinger shall departed three or four hours, or a whole day before the army, and have made provision of lodging before their coming. And then he shall yield or give unto the Sergeant, a brief note according to the number that he hath in his memorial to divide them to their lodging.   

¶ How a company ought to be lodged. Cap. 10.  
THe best Inn or lodging is to be provided for the Captain, and the second is likewise to be given to the Ancient bearer, and Sergeant of the band, next unto them must be lodged the Drumme-plaiers and Fluite, & then the Squadron of the Captain, and after they are placed, must likewise be placed the squadron that is appointed for the guard or watch, and then those that hath already served in that guard, and last of all the residue of the company.  
The Harbinger ought always to take up lodging for a greater number than is in his memorial, not to the intent to benefit himself, but rather that thereby may remain, and so be lodging for other poor travailers.   

How the watch ought to be set. Cap. 11.  
THe company being come to the lodging of the Auntient-bearer in good order before they depart toward their lodging, the guard or watch must be warned to make them ready to attend that night on the Captain, which watch must be of the captains Squadron, and the next night following another Squadron of Hargubuseires, and so consequently all the other Squadrons.  
And then must follow the Pikemen in the same order, and when every Squadron hath observed his course, then must they begin again as at the first, so that they may always keep a good order in their marching forward, and to be experimented in their dutiful service of their Prince.   

¶ How their lodging shall be appointed for avoiding of bribery. Cap. 12.  
A Vigilant care must be had that no soldier have appointed for him, more than his needful lodging, and therewith to content themselves, be it either for a special or a particular number. And because that occasion should be avoided of chopping and changing of lodging for interest or money, and also oppressing the Cities, Towns, or Villages where they lie. The officers ' must have of this point a special care, but principally the Captain, his lieutenant, or ensign-baerer, on whom the charge particularly lieth.   

How the baggage shall return. Cap. 13.  
THE baggage shall not be transported from one place to another without great necessity, because one town may not be more overcharged than another. And when they shall return to the place where they were appointed, they shall yield account of their receiving, to the intent that no Soldier loiter behind from one day to another, as many times they use to do, which is a great disorder, and the only fault lieth in the officers that ought to have care thereof.   

¶ How poor husbandmen ought not to be oppressed. Cap. 14.  
AFter the whole company are lodged, the officers appointed aught in the night season to go from house to house to know and understand of the behaviour of the Soldiers, to this effect, that the inhabitants be not molested or disquieted by their company, requiring impertinent, unlawful, or more than is needful at their host's hands. This charge doth only appertain to the Ensign bearer and Sergeant of the band. And the Captain ought to have regard to admonish those Officers to look to their charge, and see that it be observed.   

¶ How the watch must be set, and the manner how to remove the Scout. Cap. 15.  
EVery night watch must be kept as the company proceed on their journey, because when they happen to come among enemies, they shallbe better willing through their former experience and practise, and also how they may know to appoint their scout, & the same to change at their hours, in such sort that those which are of the first watch, may call the second at his time, and the second the third, unto the fourth, one giving advise to another with the watch word, that the Sergeant shall give them, keeping the same in great secrecy, but the watch word the Sergeant must have at the mouth of the Captain, or his lieutenant in his absence. In the Summer season they use to divide the watch into three parts of the night, and in the winter into four. But this order is reserved unto him that hath the whole charge.   

¶ How the watch must be chosen. Cap. 16.  
ONe Watch must call another, as hath been already declared, so that the Sergeant may not be over troubled with that charge, at the least not being in place of danger of enemies. Yet nevertheless, he is not to be excused from often visiting of the Watch, by mean whereof, he may have better understanding to know such Soldiers, as he may best trust in time of necessity. In the morning the body of the Guard or Watch shall come abroad with sound of Drum, by order accustomed, if there be no cause to the contrary.   

¶ How the Watch must be charged or set, and where they meet or repair together. Cap. 17.  
THe Watch must be charged at the Ensign, & join together at the door, where the Cabo de Squadra lieth, that hath the charge or lot to watch that night. And if it happen to be the captains Squadron, then shall the Watch meet at the sergeant lodging. Sometimes the Ensign bearer entereth into his lot of watching: But it is no ordinary thing, because it is the office of the Sergeant.   

¶ How lodging ought to be demanded. Cap. 18.  
THe Harbinger in providing of the alodgment for the company, aught to join with the Ruler & other Officers of the City or Town, where the Army should be lodged, & to demand of them the books of Subsidy or other tasks paid by the Commonalty of that place, to the intent, that every inhabitant or husbandman may supply according to their ability, and not to burden the poor, and let the rich escape free.   

¶ How the Fruits, Vines, and Orchards, aught to be kept from the spoiling of the soldiers. Cap. 19  
WHen it should happen a company to march, near unto any place, where are Vines, Orchards, or any kind of fruits, wherein Soldiers might do any hurt: The Captain or Ensign bearer ought to be advertised of such place or places, before their departure from their alodgment: because before the company come to that place they stay all together, & then to march jointly together, and that a Cabo de Squadra with certain Soldiers be sent before, to guard the place where hurt might be. For if this order were not, great spoil would be made by unruly persons in poor men's ground.   

How every Soldier ought to content himself, with the lodging that is allotted for him. Cap. 20.  
WHen the company is lodged in any place where they pass, proclamation must be made, how the Captain commandeth on great penalty, that no Soldier presume to abuse by any means his Host, Hostess or Family, and that they content themselves with such things, as shall be given them, without constraining or compelling them to any more. And that it is the Captains will, that if any man can justly complain of any Soldier of that company, he may safely come to the Captain to complain, & they shall be heard, & the offender punished.  
This order must be observed, when one company or many marcheth by themselves.   

¶ How a discord should be pacified, if any happen between a company of soldiers, and the towns men. Cap. 21.  
WHen any Town chance to fall at strife, with a company of Soldiers that are lodged in their Town, and the discord chance to grow about or for want of lodging, which oftentimes doth happen, the Captain ought to proclaim, that all his Soldiers forthwith repair to his Ensign, whether they be armed or unarmed, upon good consideration there to attend and do the thing that shall be necessary and convenient, to the service of their Prince, and in this sort to pacify their contention with great foresight, considering that all such alterations are against the Prince's service, and being gathered and come together, they shall retire by the captains commandment to the place that unto him shall seem convenient, for their greater quietness and pacification. For otherwise the broil would not be ended, without great hurt of both parties.   

¶ Of the order that ought to be observed, to such effect that the companies may be always prepared in a readiness to make a squadron, and where both Pike men and Hargubusiers ought to be placed. cap. 22.  
ARmour and weapon being delivered to each soldier of a company, whether it be at going on shipboard, or otherwise where they shallbe received. To every company shallbe appointed one part of Hargubusiers, and two of Pike men, and if there be any want, it shall appear by the general muster and copy of the number of them, and being found not equal in order, the Hargubusiers that were more than need, must be taken and placed where the want is, and the like among the Pike men. This account ought every Captain to observe among his company, so that in this wise they shall be to most purpose in service. And even so the General ought to give commandment to the Camp masters in their steed, to whom the charge doth appertain in thirds.    

THE SECOND PART, De re militari.  

¶ Of the companies of Hargubusires which shall be needful in every third. Cap. 23.  
IN an host or army that is to be ordained, the companies ought to be divided into thirds, because they may understand to what party they may repair, and in every tierce or third, there should be two companies of hargubusires, besides those which are recited for a third, of the companies of Pikemen, the which shall serve in diverse sorts, as sometimes ●o run the field, and other while to take victuals from the enemy, also to defend or keep passages, as bridges, or rivers, keeping them to their use and safety: also to Skirmish, give Camisada, lie in Ambush, to keep watch in the day season, at the Gates of Cities, or other places that ought to be guarded, and for all manner of service needful, which is not conveniet to the companies of Pikemen, nor yet may not be served of them, as well for mountains, strait passages, and other difficult places, because Piks are troublesome and cannot be in such places so manuable, as speed and agility requireth, as Hargubusiers, who may enter into Squadron alwaias, not having other service wherein to be employed.   

Of the ways and manner that some hath writ to ordain a Squadron. Cap. 24.  
SOme Captains and men experimented in the wars have written sundry ways differing one from another in ordaining a Squadron. And after the ordaining thereof, they have not liked the style, or found the same profitable. As for example, some use Triangle wise, some Cross wise, and some in a round or ring, the which most men cannot bring to pass except the number were few, likewise they cannot march or avail themselves, but only being firm, for if they would otherwise march, of force they must go out of order, according as they have written, and I myself have seen by the authors of them.   

How they may be ordered touching their weapons. Cap. 25.  
THere is some ways to ordain a Squadron in square, which is, when it doth concern one sort of weaponne, which then must march in row, when the Ensigns cometh to the Artillery, or to the place which should be assigned to them in order, according to the number of the row, and the disposition of the place or ground, where they should join with the Soldiers, being few or many that each Ensign hath, or each Captain had gathered together, without any delay of the Ensign bearer. They ought to have such soldiers in their company that should be diligent at all times to attend and repair to the Ensign, for to go unto such place as they shall be commanded to repair unto. And as the soldiers come gathering together to their Ensigns, then shall they proceed on row, so many on a row, as their account or reckoning doth specify. The chief sergeant according to his number of soldiers which he hath, at which instant it is not to have regard to whom the vanguard doth appertain, neither main battle, or rearguard of every term nor company. For at the time of necessity they cannot be ordained to assign, or give that which unto every third or company doth count the same day. In this form or manner none shallbe aggrieved, because the thing may not otherwise be done by reason of the damage or disorder that might ensue, in the delay, so that in the same manner as they go joining together, even in the same form, they shall go ordaining the rows, and having time, there shall be given to each tierce or company, that which pertaineth unto them, either of vanguard, main battle, or rearguard. The enemies not being so nigh, that the order may be kept as is declared.   

The manner how the Tudescos ordained their Quadrant. Cap. 26.  
THe nation or people called Tudescos used to ordain their manner of Quadrant as followeth. As they went gathering togetheir Ensigns according to the number which should be set in order, understanding how many pertained to a rank, but whilst the rank was not equal according to the number, they abide in form of a bow, which doth signify that the ranks are not furnished. And this foresight or account had the first men that came to the Ensign, & when the ranks were  or full, they staid: & even in the same manner, the residue or others that came afterward to furnish their Quadrant, until they were fully replete.  
But this seemeth not unto me a good style or use, because the trust was reposed in the order of the first that joined together, without consideration whether they were men expert, or no: notwithstanding the ordaining of a Quadrant ought to be done by the officers, which for that purpose should be appointed, for otherwise it should be a disorder.   

Of the difficulty that is in the foresaid manner of order. Cap. 27.  
THere is another manner of ordaining in the number of five or, seven, more or less, which is, that they must go doubling the ranks in this wise. That is to say, to place the second row in the first of the vanguard, and the fourth in the second place, and the sixth in the third, and in this sort to ordain all the rest, till the number be finished. And doubling once, must redouble again, until the number be equal, to make a Quadrant according to the account of number that is kept of the infantry or footmen.  
The Ensigns and Drum players shall go at or in the rank, that the number requireth, which hereafter shall more plainly be declared according, and of the manner, as need shall require, where the same shall be ordained.  
But when occasion shall serve to double and redouble the ranks, as often as the number is convenient, there is found two inconveniences.  
The one is, for to double a rank, they go dividing, leaving a great and void place or spaces between the one rank and the other, so that they should run with speed to reach unto the rank that marcheth, into the which they should enter.  
And in this wise if at that instant they should be encountered, they go in great danger to be lost, because they go wandering out of order. Besides this, there is another inconvenience in the manner of ordaining in doubling and redoubling, which bringeth the number unto order. And forsomuch, that this thing may be understood, it is on this sort. That if a number of Soldiers amount to 400. being ordained by five and five, doubling the ranks once, from the second to the first,, & from the fourth to the third, till the number be finished, remaining 10. in a rank, so that in this little number of 400. men, is to be understood the like in a greater number. But redoubling again which is the second order, and shall remain by 20. and 20. for front side and rearguard, which for the number of 400. is well ordained, because there doth remain by 20. and 20. for Front side and Reregarde. But if the Soldiers were 300. in number, this should not be a good way of ordinance, for if they deal but only once in rank it shall remain evil ordained, because the Front shall be too little, and the sides over large, and even so being redoubled, it shall be greater in front then large in quantity, and so shall remain evil ordered.  
And if the Soldiers were 600. it should be the like, but to ordain of this sort, the number ought to be equal to come unto reason. And not being equal, should be to ordain of an evil style, beside the spaces which should be made, as hath been declared.   

¶ Of the account or care, that the chief Sergeant ought to have, that the thing may be well ordained. Cap. 28.  
of the Battle, the Pikes of the Companies of the Vanguard, and after the bare Pikes of the companies of the Vanguard, the Pikes of the Companies of the Battle, And after the Pikes of the companies of the battle, must follow the Pikes of the Companies of the Rearguard, and after the Pikes of the Rearguard must follow the Corselets of the Companies of the Rearguard. And in this sort shall be given to every Company, or companies the vanguard, battle or Reregard, when their turn falleth.   

¶ Of the order that doth appertain to the company or companies of vanguard, battle, or Reregard. Cap. 32.  
Unto the Tierces or Companies of Vanguard, Battle or Reregard, doth appertain to have consideration, that to those that were one day of the Vanguard doth belong the next day the Rearguard, and unto them that were of the Reregarde this day, to morrow doth appertain the Battle, and in this sort shall they march from day to day, or in making Squadron, so that in this wise no tierce shall be agraviated. And the self same order that the Sergeant Maior shall keep in all the Tierces, which by him shall be ordained, the other Sergeants shall keep among their Company particularly. For when they shall ordain, they may know the place, that unto each Company doth appertain, either of Vanguard or Battle.   

¶ How it is not a thing unmeet, for the footmen to march in Tierces'. Cap. 33.  
SOme will say that it is a great inconvenience to march in tierces, of whom squadrons are to be made in place where the enemy is at hand: because it should appear that they go out of order, forsomuch that every Squadron, that should be, goeth in tierce and not full, wherefore if in case the contraries should come and find them out of order. Certainly by this mean could not come any prejudice or hurt, but rather profit. For if the contrary cometh in Squadron, they cannot so soon overtake the infanterye called Footmen, which go in tierces, because they have no place to ordain them. And if he would overtake & make haste, yet shall they stray out of order, & coming in such sort, any of the tierces may resist them and put them to the disorder, although the Squadron be not form. And he that were in such sort set upon, might think himself happy.   

Of the manner and order, and in what place the Ensign shall go. Cap. 34.  
But now returning to the purpose, to make an end to ordain our Squadron after the last manner. The Ensign should be placed in the first tierce of the Pikes on this wise, if they be .45. on a rank, the Ensigns go in the 15. rank, and the same order shall be kept both in the great and small number.  
Before the tierces join, every Sergeant shall place his Ensign, according to the account particular, so that they may all fall in rank after the Squadron is ordained.   

Of the manner how every Tierce should be ordained by itself. Cap. 35.  
IF every tierce should be made a Squadron, and also being disposed to make of foot men two or three Squadrons. Then each should be ordained by himself by the same order that they may go according to the reckoning afore said to make a Squadron dividing them before they join in tierces.  
And if of the whole number a Squadron should be made, alone ought every tierce to come in order, on this wise, waiting three parts of the foot men side wise, & ●o●e part of the third, forefront, taking out the Hargubus●●ers of every tierce, for to place them again at their due time, so that this order ought to be kept as well in great number as in small, so that the joining of the tierces may be equal both by sides and rearguard, and in this s●ete although they go marching, or abide firm or still in a place, if they should be disposed to form the Quadrant. Then shall the tierce of the vanguard stay, and the tierce of the battle shall march on the one side, and the tierce of the rearguard on the other side, and in this wise shall remain ordenied. And the Ensigns shall be placed in one of the ranks, according to the reckoning as hath been declared, in much or little quantity of Soldiers. But it shall be necessary that when the tierce of the Vanguard stayeth, and the tierce of the battle marcheth on the one side, and the rearguard on the other side with the Sergeant mayor, and minors unto whom that day the order doth belong. That then the Captains which shall be found in the vanguard as the tearces doth approach, they shall go ordaining the first ranks as they come & join them with this of the vanguard which are already in order. And the Sergeant or Sergeant majors shall stand near to the rank where the Ensigns are placed, to have special care that there pass no more ranks of the tierces then those which were appointed in the tierce of the vanguard. And likewise they shall cause to stay the residue that cometh, as unto the acceant doth appertain.  
In the first rank which standeth behind the Ensigns they shall march each in order without exceeding the one, nor wanting the other, for if any rank should sober or want of those which ought to pass of the Ensigns until the vanguard, the error should be evil to mend, because those of that tierce should return back again, retiring to seek the rank in the which each should reform. And likewise should remain particularly some officers in the rearguard, and should put in order the last ranks of that tierce, causing every one to abide in the place which to him or them belongeth.   

Of the order which ought to be observed if any Soldiers sober at the joining of the ranks. Cap. 36.  
IF at the joining of the cohorts commonly called companies of foot men, there sober some Soldiers of the tierces, so that they may not march equal, considering that it is ordinary to sooner in one rank or other. Then the Sergeant mayor with diligence, if among such be a rank, with speed shall put them in order and they amount to more than one rank he shall do the like, and if there be not enough to make a rank, he shall place, one, two, or m● soldiers in the ranks that unto him shall seem convenient, where most need shall require, until they be all placed, and so shall they be well ordained. But this must be done before the Squadron be garnished of Hargubusiers.   

¶ The order how the Hargubusiers shall issue out from among the Pikemen, before they begin to ordain. Cap. 37.  
BEfore the tierce of Pike men begin to be set in order, the Sergeant mayor of every Tierce shall command each tierce that should be ordained by itself. That all the Hargubuseirs issue out from among the Pikemen round about them, by that part where most space shall be found, after the Captain or Captains of Hargubuseirs, which unto each appertaineth. The which Captains with the Hargubuseirs of their company, and with the rest that were of the companies of Pikemen that should be ordained into squadron. They shall march following their Captains in order by thrêe or five in rank, according to the number that is among them. And in the mean while that the Hargubuseirs doth march and give a turn, the Sergeant shall ordain by their Tierce the Pikemen, by the account in each rank that the Sergeant mayor hath appointed. And having joined the Tierces as is declared, the Hargubuseirs shall enter Front unto Front of the Squadron by the least side, and so shall give a turn by the rearguard, following always after their Captain or Captains, and so shall proceed and march on unto the Vanguard of the right side. So that in this sort the Squadron shall remain garnished by both sides and rearguard in good order.   

¶ How the Hargubusiers shall be divided if they be not needful in the rearguard. Cap. 35.  
Having no need of Hargubusiers for the Rearguard, the number may be employed in this wise: If the company be ordained by five in Rank, unto them and each rank may be added two, so that the Rank be seven. and if they be disposed that all the Hargubusiers remain overplus, which did belong to the Rearguard, than the Hargubusiers shall go in the first order, and the overplus may have the benefit by dividing into the place, where best occasion serveth, and also in placing them where they deem or think the Enemy to come, or at the least to discover with them the want of Horsemen, or to discover an ambush.   

¶ How the Ensigns of the Camp Masters, shall march. Cap. 39  
THe Ensigns of the Camp Masters, which were in the tierce or Tierces, shall march in this order: If there be but one alone, in one only Tierce, he shall go at the point of the right hand, & if there were two Tierces of two Camp Masters, the one shall go on the right hand, and the other on the left hand, because they are places of most honour, and most danger. And if the Squadron were great, the half of the Ensigns shall go on the right side, and the other on the left side, changing every day by the order that hath been declared, in the many or few that were, & so doing, there shall be no division at the time of ordaining, and none shall be aggravated.   

¶ How the baggage or carriage shall march in time of enemies, and how they shall march when there is no danger. Cap. 40.  
MArching, the Squadron or Squadrons ordained, the baggage shall go by the Tierces on this wise. If the Enemy chance to come on the vanguard, the Baggage shall go in the Reregarde of every Tierce, unto whom it doth appertain, and a company of Harquebusiers, shall attend for their guard, or two companies, if the baggage belong to two tierces, the which shall march in sight of the tierces of Reregard.  
And if the Enemy happen to come on the Rearguard, the baggage shall pass to the Vanguard with their guard or company of Hargubusiers, in such order that they may secure when need requireth, not departing or severing from the Vanguard or Rearguard, whereas they were appointed to go. And having no enemies, they shall go between the tierce or tierces of the battle and the rearguard. This order shall be in marching, and shall be done according to the disposition of the Country whereas they march, and the manner thereof.   

¶ How a Squadron should be enlarged or shortened after the ordaining thereof. Cap. 41.  
IF a Squadron should be made greater being of a greater number than here is ordained, having more footmen, and also to be made of greater side than front through the disposition of the place, the Ranks of each tierce shall diminish in less number, that they may come just to the account that hath been declared to be ordained in the first perfection.  
And if there should come as many me footmen, and to join all in one, the Hargubusiers should be taken out of the one part, & the footmen put in order, that shall enter into the third part of soldiers that the Squadron hath in Rank, making thereof two companies, the one shall join to the one side, and the other company shall enter into the Rearguard, crossing from the one point to the other. The which shall have more ranks than the first conformity that the number hath in as many as were in rank ordained, and doing so they shall remain in the same perfection, and according to the reckoning that was first appointed.  
If the half of those which were ordained come to secure, then shall they put in Rank the first part of such as are in Squadron, and so shall they come well ordained, and in the same form, as they were at the first. And the Cohorts being put with the Pikemen as hath been declared, the Hargubusiers that come to succour shall be gathered with those that were first put in order, and shall then return to round the Squadron, increasing or decreasing in the order that they should enter, by the account and number that the one have of the other.   

¶ How the Squadron being so ordained on all parts may make both Vanguard and Rearguard. Cap. 42.  
NOw the squadron being ordained, by the form and account already specified, of the sides may be made vanguard, & of the vanguard & rearguard, right side, and left side, and on what side so ever that they should be set on, they may make Front of Vanguard, they may also march, set on, break, or retire, only it shall be needful to change the Ensigns on that side where the vanguard is planted for to be committed to the account of the Ranks which were first. And this is, because it may not be understood, if a Squadron should come to assault on any side, that they should go round about for to turn to the Vanguard, considering there is no necessity of other thing, but for the footmen to turn their face to the part where they should be encountered, or set upon, or would encounter, and shall remain ordained with the same force as it was at the beginning, sithence the order abideth on the same manner. But to go round about should be a great disorder.   

¶ How few in number should be set in order against many. Cap. 43.  
IF the Enemies were more than the Squadron which should break with them, so many soldiers should be ordained in Rank as they may get, so that they may not girdle them in front on the part of the sides, for the vantage should be much, and the danger greater, considering, that the fortune or weight of the matter dependeth in the first five or six Ranks, & if it happen the Enemy seeing so great a Front in the Squadron which he held for so small, they would imagine that some succour or aid were come, which should be an occasion somewhat to discourage them having judged them for many less, than those that the order did manifest.   

¶ How vigilant care is to be had, in giving the onset, whether the Soldiers are willing or unwilling. Cap. 44.  
IT is necessary, that a battle having order to be given, the Soldiers showing themselves either willing or timorous, and without hope to obtain victory, the which in their countenance or appearance may appear, after that they are set in order. This foresight or knowledge doth appertain to the general of the Host, and camp masters, which were known to be most expert, and to give great charge unto the Sergeant's majors, that they may see and consider what they ought to do, according to their knowledge.  
And the weight of the matter being found not inconvenient term for the purpose. The giving of battle ought to be excused, being in his hand at that instant which was appointed. And doing so it shall be well done, either to give them present pay, or else to promise it them, and to content and please them in all their desire.  
But if of force the battle must be given. Then it shall be needful to encourage them, and to give them to understand, that the victory is certain and sure on their side, trusting under God in their strength and valour, representing unto them the like things and successes that hath happened in like sort, and this must be declared unto them according to the wisdom and courage of him that hath the charge to govern them.   

Of the manner that the Hargubusiers should issue out of the Squadron to skirmish. Cap. 45.  
IF the Hargubusiers should come to skirmish being in the Squadron, it shall be on this wise. The one sleeve or wing of the one side, on that part where they shall give the onset, or else be set upon shall begin to discharge the shot, having ear the one to the other, keeping time in the discharge as shall appear most needful, and before the shot make an end the Captain or Sergeant which was appointed for that purpose shall regather his company. And then shall issue out the sleeve or wing on the other side, to receive those that retireth without hurt, to have them prepared in readiness for the skirmish, and when those that issued out first have retired, then shall the second go out to do the like, and then the third in order, staying one for the other. So that whilst the one shot, the other should retire, & in this order they shall be able to maintain themselves with continual shot until they be commanded otherwise all in good order.   

Of the order how to put a sunder or undo a Squadron that should be lodged. Cap. 46.  
A Squadron having no need to remain in form, & being in term to be lodged, according as time giveth place, they shall come out in this wise. The Captains of the Hargubusiers shall march by the same order as they entered in, or their lieutenant in their steed, following them all the Hargubusiers, and then every tierce by himself, their Ensigns join together, as in the same tierce was ordained, accounting them their Soldiers which appertain unto them. And then shall every Ensign stand aside in his due place, and the soldiers of every company to follow their Ensign, and even in the same order shall the Hargubusiers follow their Ensigns, after that they are out of the Squadron, and then to take their lodging, according to the appointment of the order of the Officers.   
The end of the second part.   

❧ THE THIRD PART, De re militari.  

How it is needful to have account among the pikemen & Hargubusiers to make a Squadron. Cap. 47.  
Here before hath been declared the order how to plant a Squadron to march well ordained, and the difficulty to ordain. Now it is needful according to the number of Hargubusiers or pikemen that in every of the Squadrons should be ordained, to have account of the number that were, of how many cometh in rank, from the number of 500 footmen with Pikes, unto the number of 3000. and the harqebusiers that were needful for that number to be girded to the sides and rearguard as before hath been declared, having one tierce of Hargubusiers and two of pikemen, some more or less according to the order as is declared, who shall not let to enter into the number of the reckoning that goeth before, considering that they may reach to the more, and to the less, and may not want many, nor yet sober by the third part specified. The companies being referred unto them.  
Pi. IF the Squadron were of five hundred twenty and nine Pike men, there appertaineth to a Rank. 23. 23 Har. 3 If there were two hundred and seven Hargubusiers, to girdle the Pikemen both by sides and rearguard, they shall march by 3. and .3. 207 Har. If they were three hundred forty and five, they shall march five on a Rank. 345  
In this order the Sergeant Maior shall set them in order, and the Captain command the same order to be observed, or his Lieutenant, and so shall they come well ordained according to the Squadron.  
Pi. If the Squadron were of six hundred twenty and five Pike men, they shall be twenty and five on a Rank. 25 Har. 3 And if the Hargubusiers were two hundred twenty and five, they shall march by 3. and 3. 225 Har. 5 And if they were three hundred twenty & five, then shall they march by five and five on Rank. 325 Pi. If the Squadron were of seven hundred thirty and nine Pike men, then doth belong 27. to a Rank. 27 Har. 3 And if the Hargubusiers which should enter into Squadron, were two hundred forty and three, then shall they march by 3. and .3. 243 Har. 5 And if they were four hundred twenty and five, then shall they march by five on a Rank. 425 Pi. If the Squadron were of eight hundred forty and one Pike men, then belongeth 29. to a Rank. 29 Har. 3 And if the Hargubusiers were two hundred sixty and one, then shall they march by 3. and 3. 261 Har. 5 And if they were four hundred thirty & five, they shall then march by five and five. 435 Pi. If the Squadron were of nine hundred sixty and one Pike men, then belongeth thirty one to a Rank. 31 Har. 3 And if the Hargubusiers were two hundred seventy nine, they shall march in order by 3. and .3. 279 Har. 5 And if they were four hundred lxx.u. they shall march by five on rank. 475 Pi. If the Squadron were of one thousand eight hundred and nine Pike men, then belongeth to a Rank .33. 33 Har. 3 And if the Hargubusiers were two hundred ninety and five, there appertaineth 3. to a Rank. 295 Har. 5 And if they were four hundred ninety and five, then shall they march by five on a Rank. 495 Pi. If the Squadron were of one thousand two hundred twenty and five, then belongeth 35. to a Rank. 35 Har. 3 And if the Hargubusiers were 325. they shall march by 3. on a Rank. 325 Har. 5 And if they were five hundred twenty and five, then shall they march by five on Rank, and keep good order. 525 Pi. If the Squadron were of one thousand three hundred sixty and nine, then belongeth 37. to a Rank. 37 Har. 3 And if the Hargubusiers were three hundred thirty three, they shall enter by three into a rank. 333 Har. 5 And if they were five hundred fifty and five, they shall march by five and five. 555 Pi. If the Squadron were a thousand five hundred twenty and one Pike men, then belongeth 39 to a Rank. 39 Har. 3 And if the Hargubusiers were three hundred fifty and one, they must march by 3. on rank. 351 Har. 5 And if they were five hundred eighty and five, then shall they go by five in order. 585 Pi. If a Squadron of Pikemen were in number one thousand six hundred eighty one, then belongeth 41. to a Rank. 41 Har. 3 And if the Hargubusiers were 369. they shall be 3. on rank. 369 Har. 5 And if they were 615. than shall the order be five on Rank. 615 Pi. If the Pike men were one thousand eight hundred forty nine, then belongeth 43. to a Rank. 43 Har. 3 And if the Hargubusiers were 387. they shall march by 3. and 3. 387 Har. 5 And if they were six hundred forty and five, then shall they march by five on Rank. 645 Pi. If the Pike men were in number two thousand twenty five, then belongeth 45. to a Rank. 45 Har. 3 And if the Hargubusiers were four hundred and five in number, then shall they march by .3. 405 Har. 5 And if they were six hundred lxxv. they must march by five on a rank. 675. Pi. If the Squadron of Pike men in number two thousand, two hundred and nine, then appertaineth 47. to a rank. 47. Har. 3 And if the Hargubusiers were four hundred twenty and three, they must march by 3. 423 Har. 5 And if they were in number seven hundred and five, they shall march five on a rank. 705. Pi. If the squadron were in number two thousand four hundred and one, then belongeth 49. to a rank. 49 Har. 3 And if the Hargubusiers were four hundred xli. then shall march three on a rank. 441 Har. 5 And if they were seven hundred thirty and five, then belongeth five to a rank. 735. Pi. If the Pike men were two thousand six hundred, and one, then belongeth 51. to a rank. 51. Har. 3 And if the Hargubusiers were four hundred lix. they shall march by three on a rank. 459 Har. 5 And if they were in number seven hundred lxv. then shall enter five in a rank. 765 Pi. If the were Pike men in number two thousand, viii. hundred and nine, then liii. belongeth to a rank. 53 Har. 3 And if the Hargubusiers were four hundred lxxvii. they shall march by three on rank. 477 Har. 5 And if they were seven hundred lxxxx. & five in number, then shall enter five into a rank. 795 Pi. If the Pike men were in number 3. thousand twenty and five, then must 55. enter into rank. 55 Har. 3 And if the Hargubusiers were four hundred lxxxxv. then shall three enter inot rank. 495 Har. 5 And if they were eight hundred twenty five in number, then must they march by five on rank. 825  
And the like as well in the former number as in the rest must be observed, and by the same order the Squadron may be room both by sides and rearguard.  
In this number of Pike men & Hargubusiers which in the reason & account hath been declared, and coming just therewith the thing should be perfect, & the squadron well ordained. But although there were found more or less in small quantity, they disturb not the order, nor yet therefore shall it let to be of purpose for to serve. And because by these rules it may be the better understood, & the Sergeant maior thereof avail himself, joining the number to the nighest.   

How the victuals should be distributed. Cap. 50.  
IN an host or army although they be of sundry nations, being in camp & in necessity to be provided with victuals of the Prince's puruaiour general, or of such person or persons as for that purpose were appointed, this order ought to be observed, proclamation general must be made, to the intent that all the officers unto whom doth appertain the charge to provide for each nation, repair to the place of distribution. And every nation having received his due part, proclamation must likewise be made among each nation, that the same provision may be equally distributed to the tierce of every camp master, and to all other tierces by their companies, and of the companies by the Cabos de squadras, the number being known that every of them hath, and from them to each particular company called a mess or Camasada.  
The like order must be observed in all kind of provision that should be divided being necessary for the wars, as well of Biskuit, salt meats, Cheese, Wine, & fish, as also of all other kind of victuals that were appointed to be distributed, and in the same manner, Gunpowder, Led, Pellets, Baskets, shovels, Pikes, Pikeaxes, and other necessaries for the service of the Prince, that doth appertain meet and convenient to such a journey: provided always, that the first distribution ought to be among the foreign Nations, by the Tierces of every Nation, and of the Tierces for the Companies, and from the Companies by the Squadronnes, and by the Squadronnes to the Messes, and by them to every soldier, giving always the advantages to the Captains, Ensign bearers, and other officers and soldiers to whom it were due.  
I do well understand that if it were not to such as were affectioned to the exercise of arms, this small treatise would give but small delight, but rather will reject it as a thing unprofitable, having no respect but only to their pastime. But I for my part cannot give unto them any other advise, but only such as I have learned in this art. And if the style of proceeding shall seem rude unto them, yet I pray them to dissemble it. For our office is more to give order how to work with weapon, and to ordain infantry or footmen, then eloquently to write with pen: yet there are wits I do know which want not eloquence in speaking like Orators, and excellent courage in fight like soldiers. The works of the which as well past as present are manifest for their perpetual memory, without necessity of other phrase more than their public fame hath proclaimed.  
And if any error have escaped in this treatise touching the Art herein specified, I heartily pray unto him that understandeth it to advertise me thereof, and I shall be always ready to amend the same, considering that we see man's wit and judgement how often and sundry times it doth err, & also how there is nothing in this life so perfect and pure, but that some defect may be put thereto.    
FINIS.   

❧ Imprinted at London by Thomas East. 1582.