The precepts of war, setforth by James the earl of Purlilia, and translated into english by Peter Betham.  
1544.  

Though peace be a virtue, that virtues do the excel.  
yet mayst thou boldly fight, in a just quarrel.    

The Epistle. To the right honourable sir Thomas Audeleye knight, lord Audeley of Walden, and lord chancellor of England, Peter Betham wisheth health and continuance of honour  
SOme men peradventure (right honourable lord) will think me blame worthy, because I have presented this translation to the hands of your lordship rather than to some active and valiant capitayne, whose prowess is witnessed by his martial affairs, and bold enterprises, which also is thought in some man's opinion by duty to have the patronage of all those things that appertain to knighthood and chivalry. Even as Law wyghtes and Philosophers, which take to theyr selues the perfect knowledge of things, are judged among all other men (although there be some men, whose judgement is no less allowable) most worthy, of whom in matters doubtful, we aught to ask counsel, and those men been esteemed unwise which debate such causes with other, then with them, sith they have professed that knowledge: Yet to those which weigh things by the outward face, briefly I will make this answer. Like as there be many men which although they have not their beerdes long, their locks lying on their shoulders, ne be clothed with the robes of a philosopher yet for their high knowledge, they are not unworthy that name. Even so there be among noble men, that be worthy to have the praysefull name of a capitain, not for their broad shoulders, out set breasts, and knyghtlye feats: But for their wisdom, conveyance, and watchful foreseinge of all such things, which by any means may anoie or overwhelm the state of the common wealth. For the strength of the body is not to be matched with wytfulnesse and fine understanding. And that city is not best defenced which is invyronned with strong walls, and warded with fortresses of bulwark, trenches, and such other like, but that which with wise counsellors is proptup and strengthened.  
Also right honourable lord, like as Cicero which was choose Consul in the civil and inward ruffeling, by the free consent of good men, was worthily called the father of their country, defender of their city, and mayntayner of their liberties, not for his valyauntnesse in warrely deeds, and that he was the grand capitain to lead the Roman power against Catilyne, and his most wicked fellows, but that through his endeavour and carefulle diligence, he saved the city of Rome from fire, the virgins and wives from ravyshing, and the temples from spoiling, the Senators from slaughter, and thoughtless for his own life, vanquished the cursed conspiracy of Catiline, with the whole rout of so many brainsyke hopelostes, which were allied unto him. This was not done by his stout fighting, but by his dilygente carefulness & sweet orations: by which he brought to pass all his attemptates and affayers. Even so right honourable lord, you being choose to this high offyce, which by you is setteforth and honested, have both in inward commotions, and outward wars, showed your endeavour to defend this royalme, as well from the bloodshedding and slaughter of itself, as from the entries of foreign enemies, not that you did bear harness on your back, lodge in the camp, and lead an army, but that by your advise and counsel, such things have been decreed: such enterprises finished, and weighty matters concluded, that this royalme hath flourysshed, all things have luckily chanced and our enemies on every part subdued. This your lordships wisdom under our most gracious, noble, and sovereign prince King Henrye the tyght, by your sweet and pleasant orations, have opened and brought to pass such things among other the honourable senators, ancient fathers and worthy counsellors of this royalme, which have advanced the common profit, enlarged the marches of this land, and brought under to this day all our enemies. Wherefore the famous and worthy name of a capitain in such one as you be, rather than in any other is prayseable, in whom so many virtues be linked: which you have got by paynefulnesse, paynefulnesse hath purchased you great renown, renown hath advanced you to honour, honour hath made many to follow you, which followers with most praise, do tread thee, footsteps of so ancient and wytfull a capitain.  
Furthermore if we call to remembrance the Greeks and Troyans', and search which of them deserved greatest praise in that long battle (among whom the feats of chivalry were most used) we shall soon see that wisdom had ever the highest praise. For Ulysses both of Homer and other writers, was moche more praised then either was Achilles or Ajax, which both in strength passed all other. For how many things were conveyed by Ulysses wisdom, which the puissance of Achilles, the strength of Ajax, the fersenesse of Diomedes could never bring to pass, ne once attouche Who was ambassadoure to Achilles? Ulysses. Who plucked the Greeks from flight? Ulysses. Who caused the death of Rhesus? Ulysses. Who was the destruction of Troy? Ulysses: which all were done by wisdom, and not by strength of the body. For strength striketh, wisdom refraineth, strength fears no perils, wisdom stayeth, strength is rasshe and foolehardye, wisdom is bold and puissant, which alone doth shape and work all things past man's judgement, for which cause in the frame of man's body she is set in the highest place wisdom also is likened to the goddess Pallas, which as well among the will les of the gods as man's doings doth decise all things. This lady was of the greeks party, which ever was at hand with Ulysses in all weighty and dowbtefulle matters by whose help he waded through owte all ieoperdyes, which might have been noyous to the whole army of the grecians.  
This one lady doth guide all magistrates as well in time of war, as of peace. This lady in all common weals doth lift up one, to been as a shining star, & a pure bright glass, that in one she may show forth her high gifts, as appeareth by one Annibal, which by wisdom did almost cast down the romayne empire, break their force, & darken the renown of the noble Senators which being lords over all the world in strength could never be matched with any foreign prince, but with this one Hannibal whom wisdom did guide. Which also did welknowe that wisdom would master strength.  
Now right honourable lord, none upright reader can blame me, that wisdom is so set aloft, & enhanced, which so moche surmounteth strength, when greater renown, is due to the polytike counsaylour, then to the strong man of arms. Which thing is daily seen in our wars, & in the noble capytayns of this realm, whose strange sleights and feats of war, if any man will go about to bring together, and make a book thereof: he should plainly show that the youth of England doth so florysshe in warlye knoweleage that they pass all other both Greeks & Romans to this day. Thus when the laud of chyvaldrye, doth so clerelye shine in a wise counsaylour: I shall desire your lordeshyppe to take in good worth this my simple doing, in which I have done my diligence to content your lord ship and satisfy the nobility and gentry of England, as well in the terms as in the sentences, whom I do most heartily wish, that this translation may please, the which to read they shall be the rather drawn, when that thing shallbe taught here in lessons, the which is showed to be done in deed, in the book of julius Frontinus, which is translated by the well learned Morison a man of sweet and eloquent speaking, so that the feats of war there done and told by histories, do prove these precepts of chyvaldrye, for the most part in every place. That book is worthy to be read of all them that be chyvaldrous, and covet to win renown in warfare, which is with feat terms adorned, to the everlyving praise of the translator. I see it time to make an end, jest my epistle wax overmoch, yet I willbe bold under your lordeshyppes licence, something to wander from my first mattyer, and to speak a little of the translators of this age, which after my poor judgement do mar and misframe our englysshe tongue, through their terms unnedefullye borrowed of other languages. For like as the carpenter that goth about his work, doth occupy for the most part his own instruments, and hath little need to borrow of any other craftsman: So I think that all translators aught to use the usual terms of our englysshe tongue, which of itself is rich and plentiful and not to break without all judgement in to the bounds of the latyn tongue, to steal terms of it, as if our englyshe tongue had not in himself suffysaunce of words, to set fourth all our speakynges. But such men as do unadvisedly desire other tongue terms, would be taken (to my judgement) as authors of our words, thereby to enlarge our language (which rather they do make poor and barren) so that many good mattyers be dusked and defaced, with their new borrowed ynkehorne terms, and the common people of England, do not understand the writings ne yet the speech of them, fortheyr trick terms of their own brain shaped.  
These men think all their own doings worthy greatest praise when that but some of them be well done.  
Yet let no man think, that I do damn all usual terms borrowed of other tongues, when I do well know that one tongue is interlaced with an other. But now to be short, I take them best englyshe men, which follow Chauter, and other old writers, in which study the nobles and gentle men of England, are worthy to be praised, when they endeavour to bring again to his own cleanness our englysshe tongue, & plainly to speak with our own terms, as our others did before us, which men I could rehearse by name, but that I should be thought to flatter. The dead I may well praise.  
Wyate was a worthy flower of our tongue, as appeareth by the mornefulle ballet made of his death in Englysshe, which is most wyttye fine and eloquent.  
Now once again right honourable lord, I must beg a little pardon to make an answer to some evylle speakers, which of nature enforced to dispraise other man's doings, will berke & rage against this mine enterprise, which am thus bold to take martyrs of war in hand, when that I am no warrior But let them bluster & spit owte their poison words: learned and witful men do know, that physicians and astronymers do come to their knowleage, more by great study and reading of books with themself, than by the teaching of other men: so I right honourable lord, chyfelye holp by moche reading of books and marking of the same, & partly by the help of them, that have been in wars, have (as I trust) not go far amiss, as shall appear to the gentle reader, whom I desire to report as he shall see. This said, I pray god shield your lordship from all mischance and continue your health and honour to the comfort of poor suitors, and preferment of them that be honest and virtuous.  
In the month of Decembre, 1543.   

Thomas Phayes.  

Chyefest is peace, but if by extremity,  
Thou be enforced to fight for thine own,  
Learn here the science and acts of chyvaldrye  
Policies, & privities, to many men unknown:  
Whereby thine enemies may be overthrown.  
In such a necessity shalt thou never find  
Such an other treasure: keep it well in mind.   

* REX INETERNUM VIVE.    

¶ Faults escaped in the printing through overmuch haste.  

In the prologue, the first page, line. 15. rede law wryghtes for law wyghtes.  
The. 2. page, the. 19 line, for that be worthy, read many that be worthy.  
The. 3. page, the last line, leave out (and)  
The. 11. padge, the. 13. line, read mothers for others.  
The. 12. page, the. 3. line read matters for martyrs.  
In the first Chapter. 2. padge, 4. line, leave out (not) The. 3. padge, the, 5. line, read trustynesse for trusty men. In the same padge. 21. line leave out (high).  
Chapter. 2. the. 7. line read this for his.  
Chap. 5. line. 10. read lighter for higher  
Chap. 7. line. 8. read abode for abide.  
Chapter. 9 line. 10. read behavyour.  
Cham 19 line. 5. read aggrieved for agreed  
Cham 21. line. 7. read do not stray for not stray.  
Chap. 24. line. 7. leave out to.  
Cham 27. line. 2. read not to be, for to be.  
Cham 30. line. 4. rede recount for to recount  
Cham 36. line. 4. rede argument for agreement.  
Cham 40. line. 1. read this law for law, the. 17. line of the same chapter, real by manly for manly, leaving out and in the same line.  
Cham 45. line. 10. read ever for never.  
Cham 50. line. 6. read do with spedynesse, for put in execution.  
Chap. 58. line. 10. read their voyage for voyage.  
Chap. 59 line. 1. read will give none, for will none.  
Cham 61. line. 1. read unwyllynglye for willingly.  
Chap. 65. line. 4. read those for these, the seventh line read see for set.  
Cham 67. for successed read surcessed.  
Cham 72. line. 8. read braggeth for bringeth.  
Cham 74. line. 4. read cunning for coming.  
Chap. 75. line. 21. read province for proving.  
Cham 77. line. 14. read slain for shame.  
Chap. 105. line. 6. read to constrain, for constrain.  
Cham 109. line. 11. read name for men.  
Cham 117. the last line rede badge for lodge.  
Ch. 124. line 13 rede bind them for bind  
Cham 142. line. 8. read for the most part, ¶ staautes escaped in the printing through overmuch haste. lie. 9 rede they be brought, for be brought  
Chap. 143. line. 5. rede whom for when.  
Cham 144. line. 19 for fynges redr fingers  
Cham 149. line. 15. rede singular for siguler  
Cham 154. line. 6. read should for do.  
Cham 157. line. 8. for coming rede cunning.  
Chap. 158. line. 8. read lay for lie.  
Cham 170. line. 4. read demeanour for demeanours.  
Cham 194. line. 5. read won for join.  
Cham 196. line. 5. rede discover for to disco.  
Ch. 1003. line. 14 for coming, rede cunning   

¶ Faults escaped in the second book.  
In the. 36. Chapter, line. 5. rede taking of demeans, for take demeans.  
Cham 38. line. 3. read woad for wood.  
Cham 40. the last line save one, rede continuance for countynaunce.  
Cham 41. line. 10. read search for seche.  
Cham 46. line. 4. read foes for force.  
Cham 47. line. 7. for one rede upon.  
Cham 51. line. 4. rede unmmanued for unmaymed. In the title of. 58. chap. for relyve rede help, line. 3. the same cha. rede weak for wean.  
In the last chapter added of the translator, line. 17. rede of nature, for of our nature, line. 35. botye for both.    

BEfore that thou begin to make battle, it is needful to take advisement once and again, whether the cause and beginning of thy warmaking be honest. But yet that is not a sufficient cause to give battle, except for this purpose thou do it, to live afterward peaceable, and in quiet, not willing to sow and steer up battle after battle, the which thing is both foolish and cruel.  
But if thine enemy can satisfy and content the by sorowfulnes, or else otherwise it were wicked, cruel, and rather beastly than manly, to make battle against him, either for the vain desire to bear rule, or for the covetousness of richesse. And so to destroy him by the sword, whom gentle words would have vanquished. When I speak of this sorowfulnesse, I mean that which is unfeigned and without any doubt or jeopardy, that such wrongs unpunished, should entice thine enemy, to offer semblable trouble, and occasions of displeasure. For then quycly and sharply punishment is to be done. And if thou abide any hurt through his wrongfulnesse, by and by redress it, and the people shall thereby well judge and esteem the. But if thou be not afraid that some prince either stronger or equal in power, will make battle against thee (my counsel is) first to raise and stir up war against him: because the greater boldness is thought to be in him that beginneth, then in him which defendeth the assaults of his enemies. As to lead out thy soldiers first after winter, than to set them in array, and so to set upon thine enemies, is very profitable. By which means, thou shalt bring thine enemies to quiet, and repentance, and eftsoons shalt purchase peace, which thou hast desired. And so thy fear and dread is a just occasion, first to give battle, and the same to put away and end.  
But one thing do not forget, although thou have a just occasion, to begin the fray, diligently to foresee what shallbe the end. For every man may begin war, but to cease and have an end standeth in the conqueror his hand Wherefore dyligentlye know thine own power, and therewith the strength of thine enemies before thou begin battle. Know also thy friends, and learn who be thy foes, and how great their puisaunce is. Also attempt and prove their trusty men in other things, least when thou art troubled in thy wars, sodeynlye with all their force and violence, they come upon thee, and so do unto the moche hindrance. And brefelye think that all men may be thy friends, and that the same may be thine enemies, and what is to be done if this or that do chance. Remember also all things in thy mind which may happen in so doubtful battle and daungerfull wars.  
Moreover pmpare & make ready all things necessary for battle (so that thine enemies be not privy to the same) before y● bid battle. For long pmparaunce bringeth ready victory, & so high charges and all other things necessary are to be considered For if thou be like to have the upperhand, then to want money & treasure, to be without instruments of war, & to lack provision is the ready way to purchase shame & slander, after so hasty & unadvised enterprise Wherefore truly it followeth, and even so chanceth, that he which rashly beginneth battle, soon shall repent: and after with all humbleness, shall desire peace, not without his great danger, and notable reproach.  

2 ¶ Too chose the capitayne.  
Choose such one to be captane of thine Army which is born of a noble and valyaunte stock, and fearing nothing more than shame and reproach, and is with out all evil doings. For he that shall rule other, convenient it is that he know to master himself. For where affection surmounteth, reason is undertroden and giveth place, without which men be men apparent, and not in deed. And therewith comely it is, the captain not to be defamed with lechery and coveytousnesse, which be vices chefelye to be eschewed & abandoned. For these two detestable vices bring forth divers effecteis. Lechery forsooth doth shame the good fame of the captains, to run in disdain of friend and foe, and therewith causeth the whole Army, (which is moche worse) to follow his fleshly uncleanness, through which the whole Army with the capttayne is unapt to battle, and faint strengthened. And when they do apply such wanton pleasures, and give them to Venus' dalliance, than they forsake the feats of Arms, and despyce the manly wrestlynges of Mars. For his goddas doth destroy the courage of the mind and wastes the strength of the body, & briefly where luxury reigneth, no virtue will appear. Such enmity, such hateful spite is betwixt virtue and unclean lechery, that no loveday, no hope of peace is at any time among them.  
But that captain which is covetous causeth his soldiers, which been of themselves bold and ready, against all dangers, to give back, loath & strange, to put them in jeopardy, or go upon any perils, either for the praise of their capitayne, (which is hateful for his nygardnesse) or else to get the victory when they perceive their labour to be spent in vain, trusting no reward for their pains and daungerfull attempts.  
But what shall it need to speak of all, when these two vices be the spryngwel and heed of all mischief. Moreover chose the such a capitayne which is lucky. For some be so unhappy through unkind fortune, that their chance is to be vanquysshed, although they have a great number of soldiers, and power of men. Therefore luckynesse is to be wished in a good capitayne, which from his youth hath been in warfare, under a good capitayne, and praised for keeping his array, always highly taken and regarded of the whole Army. The which also hath showed many tokens of wyttynesse and in the feats of Arms priest and ready to try mastryes, felowlyke in apparel, whose affairs have always been guided by reason, which hath not also assayed any things rashly. I was purposed to have written more of thoffice of a capitayne, but at large in the other two books I am minded to write thereof. And in many Chapters ensuing, I will note and show the manners and conditions of captains.   

3. ¶ Of sufferance in war.  
Many things are to be suffered in war, which were to be looked on, in the pleasant time of peace. For it is not expedient out of hand to revenge all injuries and displeasures. But to differ the punishment to the end of the battle, dissembling such injurious deeds, left at that time we purchase so many our enemies, that we be not able to bear their malice and force. For it is a light thing to stir up battle, but to leave of with glory and renown, is an hard thing. And little sparks (which nothing we regard) sometime kendle a great fire.   

4. ¶ Of the stout and valiant mind of the captain.  
A provident capitayne and expert in the knowledge of war, will never rest neither in his victory ne yet subdued, but in all states, will bear himself most stoutly, by which means his enemies shall dread him, whether he have the upper hand, or vanquished, and shall think him both there and away, to work and imagine their discomfiture. Whereby it shall chance, such a valiant captain either to purchase honest covenants, of peace, or else prayseable victories of his enemies.   

5. ¶ Of the siege and assault of a city.  
All cities and towns for the most part be more wynable on the one side, then on the other. Wherefore cause all the trumpets to blow up on that side which is better defenced, whereby thine enemies called up, and feared by the noise of the trumpets, may run thither, leaving the other side of the city which is undefenced, and so the assault shall be the higher. For undoubtedly with little slaughter we may scale and climb upon the walls, where few be left to defend, and least heed is taken. Also a little number, is despised of many, & shortly overcomen. But thine enemies gladly will leave the part defenced, if that they see the weaker and undefenced part to be assaulted. Wherefore my counsel is to take the strongest part of thine at mye and assault the side of the city defenced, and so least doubted, although the captain may use his own advise according to the situation of the place, and number of his enemies.   

6. ¶ Of a great army of our enemies  
When the number of thine enemies is great, than my advise is, to increase thine Army, with mariners and shypmen: if thy navy be near at hand, or else shortly to pike some new band and garrison of men, to match thine enemies both in power & number of soldyours. For many been a great fear to few, and the multitude of enemies, will dismay a little army. But when suddenly they shall see thine Army renewed, and well furnysshed, their bragging courage shall fall, and they will not match ne advance forward, with such gladness, as they would have done, if thy number had continued the same: Wherefore an expert capitayne will remember, (sparing for no costs) sodeynlye and at a tryse, to renew his Army. Whereby he may be either equal, or exceade his enemies in strength and number of soldiers.   

7 ¶ Of the reproach of the capitayne that houseth his Army in the somertyme.  
That capitain is worthy great blame and sclaundre, which lodgeth his Army in houses in summer time, when the feats of Arms and martial affayers, are chiefly to be put in ure. And what other thing is it (I swear by Hercules) when your soldyours take up their lodging and abide in winter time, then to make them unmeet to battle, and unsufferable of all labour. Therefore let the capitayne diligently provide, that his Army do not sloudge in slothful idleness, but wont themselves to daily labour, whereby they shall take all the time of warfare, to be a game and sport. For what is more than custom, which causeth all intolerable and hard pains, to seem light, easy and gentle.   

8. ¶ To spy and search a place to fight in  
The capitayne, before that he join in battle, or fall in handegrypes with his enemies, aught to view with his eyes (which be sure and faithful judges) the place where the fight shallbe, & thereby shortly he shall perceive, what is profitable for him, and what no, & how to set his men in array, and order his battle, and how to work by policy and craft, & whether his enemies can work any wiles or crafty sleights against him. But a wise captain will remember, that he do not carry his host to the field, before that his spies and scoutewatches have surely known, that his enemies do not lie in wait, but that all things be sure and faulfe.   

9 ¶ Of the apparel of the capitayne.  
The capitayne aught to be felowlyke in his garments, whereby he shall purchase the favour of the commons. And declare his humbleness, avoiding the name of arrogancy. But in his virtues let him surmount all other. For it becometh him that coveteth to bear rule, even as he is higher in dignity and honour, so to blemysshe all other with his virtues & gentle behavyou. Otherwise he is unworthy to be called a capitayne which is more blameworthy than his soldiers, and whose doings be much worse.   

10. ¶ To know the manner and conditions of thine enemies before thou make battle  
To fight hand to hand with thine enemies, except thou surely know their manners before is very daungerfull: & great damage thereby may chance to thy army. For a captain expert in the knowledge of war will never make battle, before he know the manners of his enemies. For how many diverse countries there be, so many diverse sorts of fighting there be. And against everichone dyversely we must set our array, and bestow our strokes. And so a prudent capitayne will advise and heed with himself, the harneys, horsemen, and footmen of his enemies, and beside that will reckon with himself what is to be done, and what things been expedient.   

11. ¶ Of the Germaynes and Frenchemen.  
When thou hast battle with the Germaynes and Frenchemen, prolong the time, before thou come to handestrypes. For their bodies be nesshe, and unpaynefull, & by hungre and thirst much weakened, that for weariness, they can neither strike other men, ne yet defend themselves. And thus whom by strength thou canst not overcome, by policy and craft, thou shalt subdue. And by this sleygth, the soldyours of the East part shall vanquyshe and destroy, the Italious men, both strong and better harnessed than they be.   

12. ¶ Of sedition to be appeased among an Army.  
When any trouble or sedition is in thine Army, the captain aught with gentle and fair words to mitigate and assuage the fierce hearts of the soldiers And when the contention is once appeated, to punish the authors of that factious sedition, or else to send them on some business, that the correction of a few, may be an example to many, whereby (other thereby feared) will not be bold to stir up and nourysh such tumultuous sedition, jest they have like punishment.   

13. ¶ How to view the Army of thine enemies.  
A capitayne which would view the camp of his enemies, must feign and desire peace. And under that pretence, send some of his soldiers expert in wars, to search and advise the camp of his enemies, the ways to their pavylyons, and in what part every capitayne doth lodge, and how great their power is. Then by night he may set upon them, and easily give a noble victory. For it is a light thing to put to flight and slay men unwares, and half deed in wine and sleep.   

14 ¶ Of peace to be prefered before battle  
A wise captain will not forsake any covenants and conditions of peace which may turn to his honour and profit, although the mastrye be in his hands. Jest fortune which now appeareth gentle and favourable, hereafter show herself unkind and strange, & he that even now rejoiceth as victor, shortly after vanquished, may wail & sorrow   

15. ¶ Of trumpets and other clamours in an host.  
When the host of thine enemies is near, good it is, to command all the fuellers to build their fires, the trumpets blow up alarm, all the host to make an outcry, and brefelye to fill heaven and earth with the noise and sound of trumpets, and make all on a roar, wherewith thine enemies may be afraid; & thy friends gladdened, taking example of Pompeiꝰ, that through ignorance, warned all his soldiers pryvily to go without any brute or noise making: which thing was the destruction of all his host.   

16. ¶ Of the rerewarde.  
Let the capitayne set in the last ward good & strong men. For if that part be kept hole and saulfe, the rest of the Army may be defended: yea oftentimes the victory by that ward, is atcheved & gotten because when other wards do faint & wax feeble in fighting, this fresh & desirous to grapple with their enemies, fierselye will fight, and as soldiers piked out of the whole host, will renew the battle more greedily, than the other before them, & be like to overcome their enemies wearied with long travail & continuance of fight.   

17. ¶ Of great cities.  
Great, rich and wealthy cities can not stand long among themselves in peace except they have some outward enemies. Wherefore such cities which be enriched with great lordships, and have yearly new magistrates, do ꝓuyde to have some outward enemies, lest in long rest and idleness, they grow to great, richesse and huge possessions: whereof all things that been ill issue and spring. When Carthage did with stand the people of Rome, than th'empire did florysshe. But when that Carthage was onerthrowen, Rome withered, and fallen to all kind of noughtye living. Wherefore what profit is in outward fear, the thing doth show himself.   

18. ¶ In camping thine Army what is to be done.  
When the camp is measured, the capitayne aught to keep the stronger part of his men in harneys, until all the fortresses and fences be finyshed. For it happeneth oftentimes, when thine Army disordrely doth wandre, in measuring of the camp, than to be overcome of their enemies, and utterly destroyed. For what great mastrye is it for an host harnessed and prepared to fight, to encountre with thy men which been unharnessed, and bend to the measuring of the camp, and to chase them away, with most bloodssaughter. The which thing evidently doth appear by the slaughter of the Trentes done by the Venetians   

19 ¶ To keep thy friends.  
When the capitain neadye and poor can not be beneficial, and give rewards to his friends, yet at the least let him take punishment of their adversaries, with whom they been agreed, for that shall be a great example and pattern, that other will abide faithful and friendly, and therewith will gladly withstand the wrongs of his enemies.   

20 ¶ Of quycknesse in battle.  
Castles and cities, with fortresses well defenced, been oftentimes cast down to the ground by speedy quyknesse. Wherefore after ripe and quick counsel taking, it is profitable to use all spedynesse. For what goodness doth ensue of forwardness, experience doth show, and men may playnlyse.   

21. ¶ Of the array to be kept.  
The nearest way to achieve the victory is to keep the soldiers in array: wherefore the capitayne must warn his soldiers, under great penalties, not to break their array, chiefly when we make battle against the east country soldiers. Who diligently keep their array, & not stray out of order, if they be guided by some expert warryour, and others that be practised in such warly feats. For such men will be no less careful to look on all thiges, than the grand captains, & will recover of fresh the battle again, bringing into array the whole host, sparpled and dissevered abroad.   

22 ¶ Of a little multitude in a city.  
Where a little band and company of men is in the city, my counsel is, to con pass and invirone them about garlandwyse, and hold them in fight both day and night, incessauntly besieging them, that through weariness, they shall be enforced to give up. For who is so lusty & strong, that long can live without quiet and rest, yea that is able to stand in fight. Wherefore the captains in the assiege of cities, must advysedlye search, what company of men be within the city, and whether they been able to defend the city, day and night, if he purpose to vanquysh them.   

23 ¶ Of the hope and trust of sedition.  
When there is any semblance or hope of any sedition to be in that city, which we purpose to besiege, my counsel is, to leave of and differ thassault for a time. For in such sedition the city is like to be taken, with little labour, and great praise. Therefore let the capitayne be watchful, to foresee every occasion, lest by his unwarynesse, some mischance & damage do ensue, ever observing this, not at any time to give battle, if any hope or likelihood be, that wrathful sedition is risen among the cytizins.   

24 What is to be done in time of peace.  
When the wars do surcease, suffer not thy soldiers, to dispend their life in idleness, but occupy them in husbandry, that by the profit and fructe thereof, thou mayest both nourysh thine army with wages and vytayles, and by such exercise, to keep their bodies strong and durable. Also it shall not be unprofitable at such time to overcome and fence the cities with trenches and bulwark.   

25. ¶ Of feigned rumours.  
Feigned rumours in time of battle, been both profitable and likewise hurtful. For which cause a capitayne, which forecasteth many things, will 'cause false tales and vain rumours to be spat pled abroad, in the stead and place of true tidings: aswell among his enemies, as in his Army. For experience doth teach, feigned rumours sometime to do moche profit.   

26. ¶ Of the offyce of the capitayne.  
Let never the capitayne command any greater thing, than he himself first will take in hand. But let him at this time show himself afraid, & at other times dissemble, to give back and fly. Through which sleygth the victory doth chance.   

27 ¶ To know whether a city is thy friend or no.  
When the capitayne doth suspect any city to be his friend (me counsel is) to desire and ask some great request, which would not be granted, but of a friendly city. And by this mean he shall plainly know they're mind and heart toward him. And this counsel shall so turn to his advantage and great profit.   

28 ¶ Of confidence and assured hope in battle.  
Although the wars be very great, yet must not the capitayne despair. For the chance of battle is doubtful and uncertain, whose end doth not answer to the beginning. And in that time lady fortune, now doth show herself gentle and bonaire, now cruel and churlish, sometime favouring this part, eft that part, after her own pleasure.   

29 ¶ Of the situation of the city to be searched and known by the capitayne himself.  
A capitayne aught to behold with his own eyes the situation of the place, before he come with his host to besiege it, or make any assault thereto. For more ease it is to assault the city on one part, then on an other. Wherefore a witty capitayne will view and mark the situation in every part, and thereby know which part of the city may most easily be besieged.   

30. ¶ Of liberty to be kept and increased of all men.  
A wise capitayne will not change the liberty of towns which he hath subdued, but rather increase and keep them saulfe. For nothing there is, that sooner shall entice and allure the captives, to love thee, and forget their old lord, then to see their liberties and privyleges untouched, in which men set all their felicity, and for which no reasonable man would forsake to suffer most cruel and fearful death.   

31. ¶ Of the doubtful coming of thine enemies.  
When we be in doubt, on what party our enemies will set upon us, and so we know not how to order our army, and set our array, best it is to set our array foursquare. For in that sleight is most sauftye and syckernesse, and so no part shallbe undefenced, whereby our enemies shallbe deceived, which thought to have comen upon us on the back side. By which policy either our enemies shallbe put to flight, or at the least thine army shallbe saulfe and harmless.   

32. ¶ When the array of thine enemies is troubled and out of order.  
When the array of thine enemies is broken, and they in great fear, the capitain must pursue with his most valiant warryours, before they recover theyr selues, and be delivered from that fear. For if they take heart again, hard it shallbe without a great number and puisaunce of men to vanquysh them.   

33. ¶ How to make thine army strong and lusty.  
Keep thine army in rough and mountain places, to make their bodies stiff and strong. For pleasant places, do cause weakness: wherefore soldiers whether they be springalles, or ancient warryours, that long have sludged in idleness, needs must be exercised in rough places, that their bodies may be strong & more durable, through their exercise in such rough and hyllye places. For according to their exercise, so shall they be in strength and valyauntnesse. And this is the only mean to make our army strong and lusty. The capitayne may sometime for their exercise, divide his soldiers and order them in form and likeness of a battle. But he must beware of bloodshedding, jest some discord and quarrelling, thereof do rise, which is the destruction of an hole host.   

34. ¶ A policy to be used when thy men do forsake the.  
If any company of thy soldiers, of any evil mind and wicked purpose, do forsake thee, and go to thine enemies, in time of battle, to the intent that other of thy host be not amazed with their sudden departure: The capitayne must publysh and noise, that thing to be done by his advise and counsel. Thereby to deliver his company out of fear, and make them more ready to fight, trusting the departure of their fellows advysedly to be done.   

35. ¶ To search and bolt out the counsel of thine enemies.  
Send those that be wyttye, and there with expert warryours, which under colour that they have forsaken their company may spy and search all the doings, endeavours, and counsel of thine enemies, and the same to recount to the capitayne, which after that all thing is delated, and discussed, with the wyttyer sort of his soldiers with hasty and quick expedition will follow the same.   

36. ¶ Of them that be besieged.  
They that be besieged, and set about with their enemies, that they can not issue out of the place where they be, must show some token and agreement, that they have plenty of vytayles, and other things necessary, to continue thassault.  
Whereby their enemies having no hope to win the city, may leave of and retire homeward. For by this policy and sleight many have been deceived.   

37. ¶ What is to be done when two hosts do vex and pursue the.  
If thine enemy have two Armies of men, and thou also other two, to with stand his force (my counsel is) to pike the chiefest men that thou hast of the one party of thine army, and then with all speed to set upon the one host of thine enemies, before they both come & join together. By this policy Hasdrubal of Carthage was lost with all his hole host yea then Carthage was destroyed for ever. And the Romans empire did florysh and stand.   

38. ¶ A craft and policy to take a city.  
If thou be not able to take the city by strength, and the siege seemeth long (my counsel is) to depart for a time, & stray this way and that way, sometime nigh, and sometime aloof. And then suddenly come upon them. For by such oft stytting and removing of thine army, thou shalt dismay them, and so to take the city   

39 ¶ A place to increase thine army without great charges.  
If when thou art far from thy country, thou must set forth more men, my counsel is to call together all the most worshipful and richest citizens, there about dwelling, and command them both well horsed and harnessed, to be ready at a certain day. And when all shallbe assembled, will them to prepare themselves ready, or else to appoint some in their stead, which are strong and lusty. This policy Scipio Africanus used, when he made most cruel battle against Carthage.   

40. ¶ Of an wholesome law to be made in the city.  
Establysh and ordain law in the city, that the capitayne shallbe beheeded, and loose his polle, if his army be over comen. So either shall he win the victory, or else valyauntly fighting shall die, deserving immortal praise. Also he will be more careful to foresee all things, then if no such law had been decreed, ne yet will he suffer his army idly to sludge, but he will keep them occupied in daily exercise, oftentimes admonyshing them to remember their country law, which is either to kill, or to be killed: to slay or to be slain, therewith warning them, nothing to be more praiseworthy, in a good warryour, then manly fighting and for to obtaynethe victory fearing not to die.   

41. ¶ Of excess to be eschewed.  
Excess in apparel, meat and drink doth make feeble the virtue of thy mind and causeth the strength of the body to decay. Wherefore wise men have purposed, to fly mistemperaunce, as a pestiterous and deadly disease.   

42. ¶ Of wantonness, to be cast of in wealth.  
Let not the capitayne be wanton and proud in good chance and luckynesse, but rather beware and remember, that in such luckynesse men fall to riot, to their great reproach, and the utter damage of the whole host. Therefore let not the capitain swell and wax proud in happiness, ne yet yield and be discouraged in adversity but for the time in both fortunes keep one gall & uniform state of mind.   

43 ¶ Too throw down villages and castles undefenced.  
In countries be many villages and castles, which be not defenced at all. Wherefore my counsel is, to throw them down, and set them on fire, that thine enemies may have there no vytayles, neother things necessary, to secure themselves and their horses. first, if we do leave them standing, we give to our enemies a great occasion to trouble us, by war. Also it is expedient to waste all the fodder, and corrupt the fountains of waters (if there be many) so that their coming toward us, shall be to their great charges and annoyance to the whole army. For a garrison of men, can not long sojourn and tarry in one country without vytayles, and other things necessary for their living.   

44. ¶ How to purchase friends, and to keep the same.  
Every wyttye capitayne aught earnestly to travail, to labour, first to get friends, and long to retain the same. For by friends realms be maintained and preserved, and great succour standeth in them, if they be true. Such virtue & force is in friendship, which is the only nourysher of mankind, and relieve of sorrow. Wherefore worse it is for a capitain, to be without friends, then to lack treasure.   

45. ¶ To abydesiege.  
All things (yea, be they never so grievous) are to be suffered in a sore siege before we yield ourselves to our enemies. For nothing is so praise worthy in men, as unfeigned faith, the which once being defiled, what is in those men prayseable? Wherefore honest it is, for them that are besieged, to keep their foretresses, to the end and extremity of their lives, & never to put their bodies to most hard pains. For fortune many times doth life up men unwares. Therefore do they abide in one mind and faith, that be besieged, and give their bodies for the saulfetie of their lord. For a valyaunte man can do nothing more worthy everlasting renoum: then to fynishe his life by keeping his faith, and bound duty.   

46 ¶ when it is meet to fight by eruption.  
It happeneth oftentimes for the great assault of our enemies, to appoint ourselves suddenly to burst out. In which case, let every valiant capitayne know that it is not good to fight by eruption, but in extreme need. For that kind of fight is to be refused, but in great jeopardy & at low downfall, and when no hope is left to defend our tents: or when our soldiers be whole wearied in battle. The same thing is to be marked in thassault of cities.   

47 ¶ Too enterclude the passage of our enemies by fire.  
Fire is a great succour and aid to an host. For when our enemies been at hand that without great danger we can not leave the tents (my counsel is) to convey wood between both the hosts, and to set it on fire, and then with all haste to depart into some other places, better defenced. For the flame and smoke will let the prospecte and foreseinge of our enemies, that they can not sykerlye pursue and follow us: wherefore before that the fire be utterly quenched, the capitayne may have space to go far of, with his Army.   

48. ¶ A policy to stop the flying of thine enemies.  
When thine enemies do faster fly, than thou canst well follow with thine Army, then send forth thy horsemen, to let their flight, which may snatch up and trouble the last ward, until the footmen shall approach. For then the battle more sickerly and egallye, shall be fought and tried on both sides, and the victory more easily shall be got, without great loss and slaughter of men.   

49 ¶ How siege is to be laid to cities and castles, and of them that be besieged.  
My counsel is, when thou dost be liege any city or castle, to cast first a trench, than bulwark, and above that build many turrettes, that no man can come out of the city, ne yet any man may have free passage into the city.  
Other ways you shall never take any city or castle which is well fortified. For else they may call unto them outward aid and succour, and therewith may certify and admonysh their lords and princes, in what estate they be, what vytayles be in the city, and how long they may abide and continue thassault.  
And if thine enemies obstynatlye do defend the city, my counsel is, when the city is once taken either by sleygth or rendreup, cut of the hands of them that kept the city, so toughly that their grievous punishment, may be an example to other, not so frowardly to stand in their own conceit, and continue their assaults.   

50. ¶ To avoid and escape trains.  
Trains and wiles may be eschewed aswell by changing of the place, as by appointing of captains. For in time of rest men have opportunity, to invent wicked counsel, and the same immediately to put in execution.   

51. ¶ Of hostages and pledges rather to be taken, then to fight in open battle.  
Better it is, and more for thy saulfegarde, to take hostages of noble men, and so to have thine enemies to yield, and render up all their lands, then in cruel fight to prove the doubtful chance of battle: which oftentimes is variable and wavering, and causeth them to have the upper hand, whom you would have judged, to have been subdued. And then time it is, to take heed, when that fortune doth flatter us. For she is false and deceitful. Wherefore let us follow this common saying. Assured peace is worthy to be preferred, before doubtful and hoped victory.   

52. ¶ To stop our haven.  
If thou wilt stop an haven (my cost sail is) to fill a ship full of great stones, and then to drown the same ship, overthwart in the haven: whereby other ships can not well arrive at any strounde, ne yet go out of the haven.   

53. ¶ To make hid and false dytches to betray thine enemies.  
They that ccueyte to convey & lead their enemies into covert and hid dytches, my counsel is, to set a band of men nigh unto them in harneys, which softly and privily may convey them selves into dytches.   

54. ¶ To pass over a water with an Army.  
If thou wilt pass over a water, that can not be waded, my counsel is, to drive an huge number of cattle into the upper part of the stream, by which mean, the stream beneath will run more gently and still, and thine army may have the more free passage.   

55. ¶ To know if thine enemies be afraid.  
If we perceive the stomachs of our enemies to quail and wax faint, it is good, gredelye to pursue them, that we may either put them to flight, or else utterly slay them before they recover their strength. It is the offyce of an expert warryour to know when his enemies been afraid. But the better to learn the same, take this one lesson of me. If thine enemies oft change and pitch their tents, it is a sign and token of fear.  
Wherefore a wise captains part, is to assail them with bikerynges and roads to know if they dissemble, or else would train us in their traps.   

56. ¶ To constrain thine enemies to fight in open battle, and come to hand stripes.  
If thou wilt constrain thine enemies, to stand in fight against thee, although the place be unegal and inconuenyent, my counsel is, to convey thine army to some of their cities or towns And so either will they suffer to take their city, or else they will fight with thee, and deal stripes.   

57 ¶ A policy to sty.  
Best it is for an host, that purposeth to sty, to kindle and build many fires, to fasten many helmettes, on stakes in the top of their tents. And thus thine enemies being scorned, and brought into a double, thou mayest convey thine army far of, before that it be known whether thou be in thy tents, or fled away.   

58. ¶ When thine enemies snatch up and destroy the last ward.  
When thy men be snatched and discomfyted in the last ward, my counsel is, to set there the strongest men and best warryours. Otherwise thine army shall have moche harm, through the destruction of that ward. Also that ward is not able to withstand the force of thine enemies, except it be sometime renewed with good warryours. And by this mean thy host may freely pass on voyage.   

59 ¶ Of the notable falsehood of the barbarous people.  
A circumspect capitayne will none of fiance or trust to the cruel barbarous aliauntes. For many due profess of antiquity, do plainly show, not without experience of the same, that no faith ne loyalty is in them. Which examples I will overskyppe, desiring to be short. They be men in shape, but brutal beasts in fearcenesse and cruelty, subtle, and crafty, desirous and thirsting man's blood in that one thing, passing all kind of wild and savage beasts. Wherefore a wise capitayne will beware of their disloyalty, and villainy, and will think himself never in saulfegarde, from their falsehood and engynnes. I speak of them that be not Christians.   

60. ¶ When few must make battle with many.  
Best it is for a little host, which by necessity must fight and make battle with a stronger Army, to set upon the chief capitayne, and with all violence to seek means to kill him: which being once slain, thine Army either shall achieve the victory, or else departed with equal praise of that bickering. For the heed being cut of, what strength is in the other membres.   

61. ¶ Thoffyce of the capitayne.  
The capitayne willingly must hear the complaints of the soldiers, and their guides. But yfhe be driven and enforced thereunto, let him show himself to take the thing in hand against his will. And by that means he shall purchase their favours, and be taken as a father, rather than a capitayne, whom the soldiers will have in great reverence without any fear or dread.   

62 ¶ To forbear holy things.  
The capitayne aught to command his men, to refrain and forbear from holy things, under a great penalty. Jest other his affairs (the more unluckly for such things) do chance, & God be enuyfull to us aswell as man.   

63 ¶ Of the captains liberality when the battle. is won.  
The capitayne aught bountifully and with a pleasant countenance, to reward his whole host, after that the victory is atchyved. That his soldiers by such rewards enlarged to them, may henceforth be more ready and glad, to enterprise most perilous dangers. For a faithful army will swallow up all parylles, before that so liberal a capitain, should have any shame or reproach. Therefore that captains must in such case show themselves large in rewards, with which not only men, tut gods also be wonderfully reconciled. Also let the capitayrs remember to setforth the doings of his soldiers with highest praise, using some oration, eftsoons giving them immortal thanks for their manful valiantness in that battle: declaring all things to be done according to their loyal duty and allegiance.   

64 ¶ Of reproach to be eschewed.  
A wise capitayne aught to warn his soldiers, to regard and weigh nothing so much as their good fame. For who would desire the fruition of this life, but rather miserable death, to have his name stained with cowardyse. Therefore the capitayne aught to inform his whole army that they regard their name, before all other things. By this mean he shall have his company fearig nothig more than shame very desirous of praise, and ready in all perils, so that he shall take none enterprise, ne high affair in hand, which shall not chance to his mind and will.   

65. ¶ Of the captains offyce in joining of the battle.  
The duty and offyce of a good capitain, is to come into the forward and front of the battle, in the joining of the hosts, to secure these companies that begin to stagger and faint, and furnysh them again that be discomfyted. It is fearful to his enemies to set the capitayne in the foreward at the first joining, and to his own men an harting and boldness. But let not him long tarry there, but return to the other wards, and know what things they lack, and what may be profitable to them, & what noisome, ever bringing fresh and new men, for them that be wounded, therewith strengthening the forward, with piked champyons, which be most valyaunte and best practised in travails and feats of war.   

66. ¶ How to entreat thine enemies, the vyctorie obtained.  
The duty and offyce of a politic capitayne is, after that the battle is wone and the vyctorie one's atchyved, to save their lives that have not been very cruel, and over stubborn. For what can be thought more ungentle, yea more like to the cruel and fierce brutal beasts, then without any mercy and meekness, to handle thine enemies. A capitayne undoubtedly of such conditions, shall kendle the minds of all men against him, that they had leaver to suffer all things then to be under his rule and governance and prove the chance of battle, then to yield themselves to such a cruel monster. Wherefore let every capitayne be gentle to his soldiers, using all means to keep them bound to him, partly by praising their valiant deeds, sometime rewarding them liberally, remembering this, where least jeopardy is, there to use his power with like discretion, jest he be mocked, that in such a little business, he doth use his mayneforce and puisaunce. For that capitayne is judged rather to be foolysshe, then wise, that useth more fierceness, then is needful. Therefore a wise capitayne will considre the time and cause, and not follow his anger, the companion and marrow of cruelness.   

67 ¶ Too keep league and promise of peace with our enemies.  
Whatsoever league of peace the capitain shall make with any city, king or prince, honest it is that he keep the same steadfastly, and that he do not slip from it, or show himself disloyal, for any displeasure done to him of his enemies. For how moche is that capitayne worthy to be regarded, whose faith is attainted, and whose falsehood, is disdainful to every man? wherefore not only to our friends, but also to our enemies, faith is to be kept, and promises are surely to be performed All wise captains have done this. Yea Scipio Africanus, in the time of truce, with the cytizins of Carthage, moved diverse ways, and suffering many rebukes, successed to revenge his wrongs, both for the dignity of the Roman people, and also for his own honour, willing to keep his faith of peace, otherwise then the citizens of Carthage, men notable for their falsehood, did perform toward him, knowing trains and deceipts to come rather of a servile nature, then of honest mind and noble heart.   

68 ¶ Of the captains offyce in acomplishing all things.  
The offyce of a careful capitayne, is to watch, to be spedye, to go about all things: not plucked away for any sleep, pains, or other pleasures, therewith ready day and night, to seek all occasions to noye his enemies, and to relief his friends, which must spare for no money to know the endeavours of his enemies daily, yea if he can every hour. By faith full spies, shortly he shall know that, if he will freely reward them, at the beginning, and then after load them with greater promysses. This is the nearest mean to avoid hindrance, and discomfiture of our men, and the best policy to get the mastrye.   

66. ¶ When thine enemies army prepareth passage over any water.  
If thou have pytched thy tents nigh to any rivers side, and thine enemies would have passage that way, suffer them freely to pass by, dissembling fear and flight, and when part of their army is passed over, then set upon them, with all thy puisaunce. For at such times, the victory is most easily got, when thou dost fight against part, and not with the whole Army. But spare not to dyscomfyte them that be passed over, and also to stop and keep back those that be on the other side.   

70. ¶ When thy soldiers been astonyshed and fearful.  
A capitayne that is ready to fight, & perceiveth his Army fearful and astonyshed, aught to refrain for that time, feigning one cause or other, that his purpose is so shortly changed. For fear is the ready way to loose the victory, when on the other part boldness and sure trust to over throw all, do cause worth you vyctories. Fear also causeth moche staughter, of thy men. Therefore a wise capitain will not issue, with his Army toward his enemies, for fear of discomfyture, when his men be so hertelesse & cowardlike, but will forbear for that time, & use all means to pluck that fear out of their minds, finishing his orations with this conclusion: That the victory is in their hands, if without fear they will bolden themselves to match and encountre with their enemies.   

71. ¶ When scarcetie of vytayles is among our enemies.  
When our enemies lack vytayles, & suffer great scarcity of all things, best it is, to withdraw ourselves, and utterly refrain from battle, that by famyn our enemies may starve: And then we shall get a noble victory, without blood shedding of our soldiers. For an Army besieged will attempt all things, rather than to be famyshed. But a painful capitayne, in all things consydring the commodity of his host, in such case will not give open battle, neither for injuries of his enemies, ne yet for the lavash words of his own company. Not consydring and weyinge before, the end of the matter, as it becometh a wise man.   

72 ¶ Battle is not to be begun but of necessity and constraynte.  
Battle is never good to be begun, but either of urgent necessity, or else of great opportunity. Although some princes shortly been enticed to make battle, when any light occasion shall serve, and yet they be not travailed in knowledge of war, ne do perceive the slyppernesse of fortune, which for this time bringeth herself very favourable. To thintent she may overthrow and cast into myseryr all her adherentes: whyich thing Marius the Roman emperor did well know which after he had twice driven king Bocchus to flight, and done much slaughter, upon his men, yet he denied not to strike truce with him, although many of his petycapitaynes earnestly bralled and grudged against that deed of Marius which did remember the bryckelnesse of fortune, that at her pleasure, lifteth up the oppressed, and treadeth under the victors   

73. ¶ To refrain from battle before that we have devised and laid our trains.  
A watchful capitayne will beware to make battle, before that he have laid & covertly conveyed his trains, which be the chiefest cause of the victory: without which (for the most part) Annibal never got any famous victory. For when the Romans and the Carthaginenses did join together in battle, in open & plain field, the Romans ever prevailed, and got the upperhande, wherefore a wily capitayne will choose a place, to in trap and betray his enemies. For by such trains he shall conquer them easily, and otherways perchance he shall be shamefully discomfited and oppressed.   

74 ¶ What is to be done, that our enemies may be persuaded, their capitayne to be slain.  
When the hosts be joined together, and god Mars guideth all, then use this policy, to cast thine enemies in fear. Send some soldier, coming in their language, which may sown and cry with a loud voice, that they do fight in vain for their chief capitayne is slain. This must be done in that part, where the capitain is not. For there the soldiers will be more light of credence, and sooner in fear. Yea, and for this cause chefelye, that battle bringeth this ill with him, that noman is there born, or waxeth to any stature, but many be slain, yea the strongest and most deliver men of all. By this mean therefore soon they do believe the rumour, and be put in fear, which if it abide, causeth the puisaunce both of the mind, & the body, to fall and faint. And they be ready to retrace, offering themselves to be slain, like beasts.   

75 ¶ Too keep whole and saulfe territories and towns.  
A foreseeing capitayne aught (yea provoked to many injuries) to refrain, and not to waste such towns and territories as he purposeth to have under his dominyon and rule. For by that mean he shall purchase the favour of the countrymen and by such gentleness, he shall escape the name of cruelty. For certes the men of that province, will think that that chief capitayne doth favour them: when he doth forbear to dispeople and waste their towns and fields, and doth not appear, to strive for their goods and richesse, but for the empire and lordships. For no man doth doubt that realms be maintained and nourished by the only love and obeisance of the subjects, and not by any Arms of men, or rich treasures. Therefore let the capitayne command all his soldiers to use no fierceness in that proving, which intendeth to subdue, but to dismiss the noble men and citizens that be taken captives freely, and with great gifts, using all means to creep into their favour.   

76 ¶ That thine Army is to be lodged and kept in the marches of thine enemies.  
Keep thy host in the borders or pale of thine enemies, for any thing, & there purvey vytayles for them with all diligence, sparing thy friends. For when thou dost lodge thine army, in their countries, or nigh to their camp, thou dost break their heart, and much discourage them: eftsoons avauncing and encouraging the stomachs of thy friends. In example whereof, Annibal the chief capitain of the Carthaginenses, doth teach what profit it is to lodge our host in the camp of our enemies, which conducted and conveyed his army from Hispayne by many ieopersome travails, into Italye, which wholly almost he did waste, by fire and sword, & conquered a great part thereof. Scipio also knowing the same policy, brought forth his Army into Afryke, and got Carthage by render and upgyving.   

77. ¶ What is to be done, when in winter we must fight.  
Best it is in cold winter, to take meet before we go to fight. For good meat & drink, be the nearest remedies, to refresh us, and put away cold. The proof of which thing, by the slaughter of the Romans at the stoude called Trebea, is playuly showed where the romain power was almost lost and destroyed, the cause where of was, that the capitayne brought forth his soldiers which were willing to fight, fasting and undyned: whereby the most part of them clunged for cold, was rather by starknesse of meat, than by the violence of their enemy's shame. Therefore the capitayne must warily foresee, that in winter time he do not issue forth with his men before they be refreshed with hot meats and drinks. By this mean he shall overgo and subdue his enemies, which by long fighting shall faut and fall down for hungre, when men refreshed with hot meats, been able to sustain battle an whole day.   

79 ¶ Of pleasures to be eschewed of the capitayne, and the host.  
The invincible Army of Annibal, doth planly setforth before our eyes, that the pleasures of the body be hurtful to an host of men, to bereft them of their wit, fierce and fell courage, which win tering in Capua, lost their strengths.  
For Capua is the mother city of wanton pleasures, so that Hannibal did often embrayde his men, saying: that that host was not his, which he had before. The cause whereof was the pleasure of Capua whereby the lusty minds of the soldiers were nesshed and made womanlike Therefore the captains aught to be careful, that their men be not vanquysshed sooner of pleasures, then of their enemies Which thing were shameful and reproachable. The city called Spartana did turn the eyes of their cytizins from Asia, because from thence did come all things pleasant, which be the deedlye poison of the mind, and of the body. They also did well know, and were assured that men sooner do fall to wantonness from virtue, than they do forsake pleasures, and embrace virtue.   

79. ¶ To choose a place to fight in, when the sun and the dust may be noisome to thine enemies and in their eyes.  
The capitayne aught to choose a place, meet and commodious to fight in, provyding that the sun may be in the face of his enemies. And if the place be sandy or dry, for the heat of summer, let him tarry the time, that the wind blow in the face of his enemies, and on his soldiers backs. For the coursing of horses will raise up a great dust, which the wind will carry into the faces of thine enemies, and blind their eye sight.  
And this was the chief cause of the Roman slaughter at the town called can   

80. ¶ Of time not to be lost, or vainly spent.  
Nothing aught to be more regarded, of a pollityk capitayne, than time, which intendeth to enterprise great things, worthy everlyu ing renown. For sluggeshnesse causeth both loss and shame. Wherefore he must endeavour, to fynysh all things with care and spedynesse, after the example of Annibal of Carthage which by great rewards, purchased passage into Ytaly, that thesoner he might finysh his journey, and end his voyage. The same thing also was done by the romayne capitayne, which embraided and rebuked of his friends, that he bought his passage derelye, made this answer. I regard not my costly journey, when I have redeemed the time, most dear to them that travail and employ their wit about things weighty, and of great importance.   

81. ¶ Of good and evil doings semblable to be rewarded as punished.  
Yfthy men do any fault in thine Army, be slow in their punishments. But bountyfull in giving rewards, if thou have knowledge, that they have done any thing galauntly and well, that other may be provoked and stirred up, at that example to be ready at hand. For valiant and lusty warryours be more slow when their welldoinge die without rewards, or thanks. Therefore let the capitayne advance and setforth himself, by largesse the only virtue laudable, to knit and lime his men in sure love, & the causer of all good chances, without which all other things decay, as appeareth peareth by the rich king Perses, which nygardly gaping after treasures, was bereft by the Romans, both of his kingdom, and richesses, with most shame and sclaundre.   

82. ¶ What is to be done when thy men be light and spedye.  
He that hath a light Army must pursue, and with speed trace after his enemies, which be laden with harneys, & trouble them day and night, with continual assaults, not suffering them quietly to take their meat and drink, but bring them into extreme despair. The which thing was well known of Sertorius, an expert warryour and wise capitayne, which did so disquyet Pompey, with his light harnessed men, that he brought him into uttermoost distrust & discomfort. Wherefore it is a great policy to have light harnessed men in thine Army. For so thou mayeste discomfyte thine enemies, and they not like wise the. If therefore an Army laden with harneys pursue thee, thou dost not need greatly to care, that thy men shall be oppressed by them, when on the other party, thou mayest now and then assault, and kill them, when they be wearied, & yet quycklye thou mayest retrace back, and scape. It is therefore profitable for the Italyons to fetch many horses out of the east party, which be to them a great help to destroy their enemies.   

83. ¶ That examples do help to encourage soldiers.  
How moche examples do move and encourage soldiers, Sertorius comen of the stock of Senators, & a valiant capitayne doth witness, which when he was not able to bridle and rule the fierce violence of the barbarous aliens (whom then he did lead in battle) after that many of them were slain of the Romans, and more wounded, endeavouring to comfort their sorrowful and heavy hearts, and restore their old strength, caused two horses to be brought into the open field of the whole army, of which the one was lean and the other was fat & lusty, commanding also a strong man to pluck of the tail of the lean horse, & a weak man to pluck of the tail of the fat horse. But the strong man went about to pluck the whole tail away at one pluck, and it nothing availed. And the weak man that laboured to pluck away here by here, made all bore to the stompe. Then the army which did not know, what that example did mean, had the thing declared to them of their capitayne. And so by that wyttye example he had them ever after buxom, and obedient at his commandment.   

84. ¶ That nothing be done against the captains commandment.  
In the Army, neither meat ne drink aught to be taken, without the consent of the capitayne. But all things must be done by his advertysement. By this way their business shall more happily come to pass.   

85. ¶ To refrain thy soldiers sometime.  
It is a point of wisdom, sometime to hold back thy soldiers from battle, which policy is not unprofitable. For afterward they would be more glad to fight, and more fiercely will go upon their enemies.   

86. ¶ It is not time to fight when thine enemies do despair, and be careless of their lives.  
When we perceive our enemies, nothing to regard the pleasure of their lives, but like brute beasts headling, to come upon us. It shallbe profitable somewhat to give place to their woodness. Yea although we be able to overmatche them in number and force of men. Also if they were closed and environed on every side, best it were to open way, and make a glade for them. For nothing is more foolish and vain, then to fight with them that willingly would die.   

87. ¶ What is to be done when we mistrust our soldiers to be afraid of the sown of guns and noise of them that wail.  
If any likeness be, or mistrust that thy soldiers been afraid of the gunshot and otherwise, whereby their hearts be like to fail, it is a good policy, to stop their ears with some thing, and so with out fear they shall fight, neither hearing the woeful waylynges of them that be wounded, ne yet the noise of guns. Which policy will serve at these days against the Almains that use a great number of guns in their armies.   

88 ¶ What is to be done when thine enemies be most part archers.  
When our enemies be for the most part archers, then set aganyst them, men fenced with tergates, which sort of soldiers be sometime in the hosts of the East party. And by this policy thine army shallbe out of their danger.   

89. ¶ What is to be done before the siege of a city.  
Before we begin to lay siege to any city (my counsel is) first gently to fall into some entreaty with them, and therewith to provoke and entice them, to render up their city by large gifts, & fair promysses, chiefly if that people be naturally desirous of riches. For the renown of that capitayne which without bloodsnedding doth achieve the victory is unmatche able, beside that his men with fierce stomachs will adventure their lives for his sake.   

09. ¶ Of rashness to be eschewed of a capitayne.  
It is a thing unsitting to see a capitain or an army travailed in wars, to use any violence, or unaduysed heedynesse. Such a braynsyke and hopeloste capitayne, is worthy to be forsaken, jest that by his folly the whole host be destroyed of their enemies like sheep.   

91. ¶ A policy to take the footmen.  
If thou purpose to bring forth the footmen of thine enemies, then 'cause thy horsemen to retreat and give back, by little and little, dissembling fear & flight that thereby the footmen may be enticed to range and run abroad, which keep themselves in straight, hyllye, and rough covertes, where the horsemen can have no easy entry to them. By which mean the footmen shall be taken and slain.   

92 ¶ A policy to diffeate and dispoynt the gunner's, that they stand in no stead and use.  
The Frenchemen and Almains, at these days have in thenyr armies a great number of gunner's, which sore trouble & hyndre their enemies. Wherefore my coum sail is, that army (which hath no such soldiers) to set upon them in most raynye wether. For at those times they be unseruyable, and can do no good.   

93. ¶ Of the offyce of the capitayne in ordering the affayers of his army.  
The grand capitayne aught discrete lie to divide and point in good order, the business of his army among his peticapi taynes. Whereby he may be dispatched & depeched of all other business, but only to search the counsel and attemptates of his enemies, and therewith he may overse, that every man attentyvelye perform his work and task.   

94. ¶ To refrain aswell from the empire as from the treasures after the victory.  
Our ancestors noble men, of godly living, thought it enough to overthrow their enemies, and only content with the conquest, did earnestly refrain from the empire, jest they should be judged rather to fight for vain richesse, which be the very cause of deathful battle, then for everlyving renown.  
These were men, whose doings are worthy to be fresh and flouryshing in the memory of man, whose names are worthy to be spread immortal, in every age, whose fame should not be shut up, or hid in any posterity. These may be a patent and precedent, to all other, and the shining image of virtue, whom all men may behold and look for the enforcement of their prowess, in such like affayers. But alas the Christian princes and kings, of this age, be of an other sort and condition (the with thing uneath I can rehearse without tears) which aught to cast down their eyes, with blushing countenance, when they read or hear the Ethnic princes so far to pass them, in their doings, and in all other kinds of virtue.   

95. ¶ To constrain thy soldiers to fight.  
When thou dost mistrust that thy soldyours will give back and fly, my counsel is, to set at their back a strong garryson of men, which may receive & take them at their retreat, and without mercy kill them, in the sight of the other And therefore make this cry and proclamation among thy men, that they fight manfully, putting no trust in running away. Which opinion of desperation is the only remedy for such towards.   

96 ¶ Too tame fierce people.  
If there be any sort of people, that be fierce and noisome to thy men: Best it is to take from them their horses, harneyes and weapons. For what can their halt froward, and churlysfhe stomachs prevail, without their weapons. And this policy the machomete bishop, which is called the Soldan, doth use. Or else he could never keep under and tame, so many people with so few guides, and vile soldiers, except he had forbidden them the use of their horses, harness and other things.   

97 ¶ Too dissemble retreat.  
Profitable it is sometime, to leave to thine enemies, thy pavilions furnished and replenished with good wines, and dainty meats, and to dissemble to fly, with thy host. And after at midnight unlooked for, to assail them, when they be filled and engorged excessively with wine and meats. For certes then thou shalt find them drunken, and as deed, with such intemperaunce, that it shallbe easy, without manslaughter to subdue them. And this policy is worthy to be remembered.   

98 ¶ Too pike out for soldiers those which be painful.  
When thou dost master thy men, than best it is to choose for soldiers, those that be hardy, strong and painful. For dastards and nesh fellows been unfytte for wars, when painful and bourlye fellows will become good warryours.   

99 ¶ Of exercise.  
The Roman people (lords over all the world) have taught us by their doings, to know what profit doth come of exercise, which as well in time of peace, as in war, did occupy their chyvalerous men, in the feats of war.  
They of right were called lords. For what science is that which can be kept flourishing without exercise, when exercise doth pass and overcome nature, & also causeth women unmanly, to be warlike and bold? As appeareth by the women called Amazones: which practising theyr selues in martial labours, become princesses and empresses.  
Therefore a skylfulle capitain aught to drive his men to some kind of exercise, jest they be astonyshed, when time is that they must fight. For this word (exercitus) an host, hath his name of exercise.   

100 ¶ What is to be done, when our enemies be conquered.  
If it shall be thy chance to overcome thine enemies, it shall be not unprofitable, to put on their armature and apparel, and then with all speed, to go and assail their cities. For peradventure they being deceived through the fashion of the armatour, and apparel, sooner may be taken, and also dismayed with the sudden chance, and being bore of all counsel, will yield up their city, and theyr selues.   

101. ¶ When few must fight against many.  
Oftentimes it chanceth, that a little number shallbe enforced to fight against a great power. Wherefore this is my counsel, in such a case, that thou set upon thine enemies by night, which contemning so small and weak a number, will negligently keep watch and ward, at which time by fortune being lady of wars, which fortune is gentle to them that beseech and ensue her help, and favoureth them, that do loose their own demayns, and after raven other man's possession, thou mayeste dyscomfyte, and overthrow them. By this policy, the fierce Carthaginenses, having three main hosts, rejoicing at the death of the Scipions, and at the discomfiture of the most part of the Roman host, were in one night in Spain scattered, driven to flight, and slain with the Romans, that remained alive, which were a very few. Which destruction of the citizyns of Carthage, was the chief cause that the Romans kept still Hyspayne, after the unluckye death of the Scipions. Therefore this policy may be used in great need and perilous danger.   

102. ¶ when the soldiers must sleep.  
Accustom thy soldiers to sleep with out straw, that by usage they may do that willingly, to the which necessity shall sometime compel them. And what doth more in all things, than custom, which is the ladymastresse to put all things in ure. For nothig can be thought sharp or painful, to them that wont theyr selues to hardiness. Therefore let men use sufferance, in new and strange enterprises, which doth bring all things to a perfection.   

103. ¶ To bring suspicion of treason among thine enemies.  
If any of thine enemies which hath good skill in warlye business, do disappoynte the of those things that thou dost attempt: It shall be profitable for thee, to bring him in suspicion of treason, with his prince, or his citizyns, by some crafty deceit. As in these two examples I shall teach the. The one is, when thou dost waste other man's fields, that then thou forbear purposely, from his, whom thou dost covet to bring into suspicion of treason. Which policy Annibal of Carthage used against Quintus fabius maximus the Emperor of Rome, yea rather the conservator.  
The other policy is, to send some of thy servants that be trusty & subtle to him whom thou wouldest bring in a ielousye of treason, to common and talk with him as with his friends, which thing shall bring him both in hatred and suspicion of treatorie, against his king, and cityzins. The which feat the Romans used against Annibal. Or else the capitain may invent, beside these ways, some other craft consydring the time and place as to feign letters, in which some matter of treason, is contained and entreated of between them, and provide that those letters may be conveyed to the hands of the Emperor. But this stratagem neither I approve, ne yet greatly praise except it were agreed of the hole destruxtion of th'empire.   

104. ¶ Of outward help that he suspicious warily to be received.  
They that make battle, are wont to require aid from their confederates, & from their tributaries, or else to hire strange soldiers, which thing often times is the fall and destruction, of an whole Army. For when they have any affiance, in their hired men, sharply beginning to fight, and rejoice as vyctours, either shortly the hired soldiers, do stagger, and stand at a stay, to turn their face, or else the capitayne is driven to fight against them with his men. Wherefore do thou not require much outward help, but of such whose faith thou dost not suspect. These hired and strange soldiers were the destruction of the Scipions in Hispayne. For when they trusted and affyed the Spaynyardes, the two brethren divided their Army, which being kepet together, could not have been subdued. And shortly after through their false helpers, both were slain, and all their men for the most part maimed or killed.   

105. ¶ Of dissension to be suaged and appeased.  
If any heinous dissension be stirred among thy soldiers, which oftentimes may happen, for divisions rising among them, my counsel is, to set all things in quiet stay, and bring them again to concord, constrain them by oaths making, to forget such wrongs, and become good friends, and fellows again commanding also that from thenceforth, they do not show any token or remembrance of that variance, in deed ne word.   

106. ¶ what time towns and cities may be despoiled and taken.  
That capitayne is worthy to be highly praised of his own men, and greatly feared of his enemies, that by his wit and conveyance goth about to take and despoil towns, without bloodsheddig of his army, and endeavoureth by policy to conquer countries. That capitain shall ever have his soldiers ready and at hand, to jeopardy on things hard & dangerous: wherefore it becometh a provident capitayne, to prove and assay all things, rather by conveyance and pollici, then by force of arms. For greater victories be won and got by policy, than strength. Therefore by night, & when rain falls, cities and towns are to be taken and despoiled.   

107 ¶ How moche the presence of the grand capitayne doth profit.  
How necessary the presence of the grand capitain is in the battle, all men (whose wits be not on batfouling) may clerelye perceive and see. For the soldiers, yea and their captains, aswell for fear of shame, as specially for the presence of the grand capitayne, will bestyrre themselves most valyauntly. Many also for trust of reward, and chiefly to purchase the emperors favour attentively will exploit and furnysh all things. Oftentimes also the battle slowly and cowardly fought, is renewed and restored, manfully by the presence of the grand capityne, which doth not leave any feat or train unprovyded, encouraging his men now with me nacies, and now with gentle and comfortable words. By which mean the soldiers will contend one to pass an other in prowess, so that in the emperors sight, they may do some thing notable and praise worthy. Therefore nothing worthy perpetual memory can be done, if the Emperor or grand capitayne be not at hand.   

108. ¶ Of the multitude of enemies.  
If it chance, any great prince to be beset on every part with many enemies, so that he is not able to bear their force and violence, mine advise is, that with some he do make a league of friendship, and with other he do entreat of peace, And so he shall escape and avoid the daungerfull destruction of his country. For when so many go about to get thy kingdom, it is a light thing, to put of some of them, either with great promises, or with money, & chiefly in this time, when men do not strive so much for renown, as they do for riches, and all the world doth gape for gold and silver.   

109. ¶ Of enemies that be humble and treatable.  
Sometime for a light cause, great battles be begun among men: wherefore if they against whom we make our preparaunce, show themselves gentle and tractable, it were not honest on the other party to show ourselves unmercyful. For what can chance more shame full to any man in his life, then to be noted and attached with tyranny. What can make us more worthy to be likened to the wild beasts, and also more doth hurt the advancement of our renown the increase of our honour, and the weal public of our realms, then horrible tyranny. Wherefore such cruelty aught to be eschewed, no less than the wild beasts.   

109 ¶ Of daungerfull and perilous battles.  
grievous and daungerfull battles, do chance oftentimes among men.  
For which cause a sage capitayne aught to provide for all things, with earnest labours, and chiefly that he have old and beaten soldiers. For they knowing the use of battle, do not fear naked sword, ne yet for stripes, not although they take many deep wounds, they stiffly will abide and stand to all jeopardies for the keeping of their old men. Also they being practised in warly knowledge, can discern what is profitable and what is not, ever decreing this with themselves, either to conquer and overcome their enemies, or else manfully to die, which is the trne token and argument of a noble heart and lusty blood.   

111 ¶ It is meet for young men in their youth to practise martial feats.  
They which will become good and expert warriors, aught in their youth diligently to apply and follow the same. For if a yongeman wont himself quyely to bestryde and mount upon his horse, and likewise to light down, to takeup his horse with the spurs, that he may praunse, traverse, and fling with the heel's, than surely he shall become a good warryour. Let him also practise to shoot in hand guns, and crossbows, to cast darts, and chargegunnes, to carry sword and tergate, and sometime with his marrows to range like a man of arms, to resemble a battle: ✚ that when he cometh 
¶ The youth of England doth use in they're playinge a warlike sport and reseble of bat tail, which is called England and Scotlans  to man's stature, great experience shall shine and appear in him. To such one all labours, which be to other men intolerable, be light & easy, as to lodge on the earth, to suffer famine, and abide all other most sour and travaylous pains. Wherefore it is great profit to bring up youth in such exercise, to harden them in greater things.   

112 ¶ Too increase the number of thine enemies by a rumour.  
When a rumour is sparpled, that a mighty host of men cometh against thee, augment the same rumour among thy soldiers, affirming the same to be true, by the report and acknowledgig of thine outryders. Thereby thou mayest be assured with what stomach and heart they will buckle and bend themselves, to withstand and receive such an huge number of enemies, if the number were so great in deed. When they shall come to fight, and see the show to be abated, and diminisshed, forthwith they will gather their hearts, with moche more force and violence, which before doubting of the victory, now as victors will boldly fight, stepping forward, with cheerful courage, to whom nothing is ieoperdsome, against their conceit and opinion of the victory.   

113 ¶ Too prevent the wylies and trains of a nobler prince.  
When thou dost fear (and not without a cause) the traps and deceipts, of some noble man, lest that he will come upon the suddenly, and bereft the of thy kingdom, despoil thy cities and towns, and thrust thy live: It is not the worst, in preventing him, to waste his kingdom spoil his cities, and ymagyn his death. And so such trains which were provided for thee, thou shalt use to overthrow and deceive him, and shalt catch him in the same nets and snares, that were laid and set for the. For God his laws, the law of man and nature, suffer well this, that a man may turn that to the undoinge of other men, which they laid for him.   

114. ¶ Of them that have long here and long beerdes.  
Men in some countries use long beards and long here, which in battle be troublesome and unprofitable. For they be good stays, to hold a man hard and fast. Wherefore it shallbe good to clap them short. For little things sometimes do moche hurt. And in such case all things which be hurtful to us, and profitable to our faes, are to be put away and not used.   

115. ¶ Before we say siege to cities, good it is to possess the uplande fields.  
It is not best to say siege to any cities before that we have brought the whole demeans of the city, into our hands. For if the citizens keep part of their fields in their possession, hard it shallbe to get them without the great loss of time. When other cities in that time might have been subdued. Which policy the women called Amazones, being of a manly spirit and bold stomach, did put in ure: which would never assault any city, before that the y had taken the uplande villages.   

116. ¶ Of men wounded and killed to be conveyed privily out of the way.  
Men wounded and killed, do moche bolden thine enemies, and therewith cast down the hearts of thine own men. Wherefore the capitayne must diligently provide, that he convey away, and sent his slain men, with those that be wounded to some out place (aswell unwares to his enemies, as also to his own host) For Philip of Macedon was much hindered thereby, when he left the slain men in the sight of his own army, and then with plainly to be viewed of the outryders of the Romans, whereby the host conceived such a fear, when they saw the wide dens and deyntes of the wounds of their fellows, that they had rather suffer any distress, than to have any mother bickering with the Romans. In this thing the king was blamed for his ignorance, which after he did acknowledge. The Turks that been in these days, men most expert in war, know this policy which do burn their slain men, jest their own men should have any discomfort, or their enemies any courage thereof.   

117 ¶ Of the requests of low and humble peronages to be herd.  
A merciful capitayne aught not to dis deign the prayers and petitions of humble personages, but gentlely to harken their behests and desires. For what is somoch praise worthy in a capitayne, as lowliness and humanity: whereby he shall purchase both the favour of his own men, and also of his enemies. Scipio Africanus warring in Spain against the Carthaginenses, subdued more by his unspeakable humbleness, then by the sword Also the unprocheable humanity of Cesar did moche more left up and advance his renown, than all his noble acts, & did make him wonderful, and marveled at, of all the world. Embrace therefore and follow gentleness, which is the lodge of manhood.   

118 ¶ Too use cruelness in the beginning of the wars.  
It is not unhonest in the beginning of thy wars, to use cruelty, which is the very cause that cities and towns well defenced, many times be yielded up: which if they had not feared such cruelty, would have tarried & tried the doubt full chance of war, whereby moche hindrance might have chanced and ensued to the capitayne and his Army. This policy the wise Roman capytayn Metellus used against jugurth, in Numidia. But why speak I of Metellus when all wise captains used this policy, and will use it so long, as they be in deadly wars.   

119. ¶ How to keep thy kingdom by boldness and couragyousnesse.  
Brefelye we have told in our book of the government of an empire, how kingdoms aught to be guided. But now I will recite one reason, not unprofitable, because it happeneth oftentimes kingdom to be ruled by lineal descent of heirs, and because yongemen which be tender of age, sometime do possess the royal authority, and thimperial estate which for their youth sake been assaulted of their neighbours, nigh joining and bordering on them. Therefore my counsel is, at the beginning of their governance, to show themselves stern and stout of mind, thereby to encourage the hearts of their subjects, and put their enemies in fear. That thing was well perceived of Alexandre of Macedon conqueror of all the world, which being young and tender of age, taking the empire of Philip, kept it against them that rebelled, by his lusty courage, bragging port and greatness of mind, although he was otherways informed of his counsellors.   

120. ¶ Of chastity in war.  
Chastity of all wisemen is highly praised, without which no man is worthy to be called, or to have the name of a capitayne. For how can he well guide other men, that is ruled and led by pleasures and lusts, which be to man most enuyfull foes. Therefore let such captains follow Alexander the most dread king of Macedon, which not only abstained from the steshlye pleasure of the beautiful daughters of the king of Persia, but also from the sight of them. Also Scipio Africanus the lucky Emperor of the Romans, for his most passing chastity deserved everlyving name. And also this word (Castra) which we call an army, hath his signification, because men there should live chaste. I will not speak of the sclaundre which thereby captains do get, but do you look on the profits. Doth not lechery make feeble and weaken the strength, murder the wit, hurt the memory, dasel & blind the sight, and perish the hearing? which all how necessary they be in battle, and else where judge you.   

121 ¶ Of cavillations to be experiensed in ieopardyes by captains.  
wise captains are wont in great ieopardyes to use cavillations, to deliver their soldiers out of care. For in so doing, they appear little to regard that thing, which their men chefelye fear. Wherefore the soldiers in such case, cast away all fear, through the brag and confidence of the capitayne, & pluck up their heart and courage. Hannibal of Carthage, what time he rose in battle, against the Romans in Italy used cavellations. Alexandre of Macedon used also such tryfelynges, in the great battles, with the king of Persia. For when his friend asked of him why in so jeopard some a battle, he went to sleep, he gave him this answer merely. Dost thou not know that we have ouercommen our enemies, which saying was blown throughout all the host, whereby they conceived sure trust of the victory.   

123. ¶ Of soldiers that do say ill by their capitayne.  
It chanceth oftentimes, the soldiers, yea those that be valyaunte warryours, to speak ill and backbyte their capitain, when they be not taken and rewarded as they deserve by their doings But yet the capitayne must take no displeasure therewith, but rather show himself liberal and gentle, that afterward they may the more willingly, follow him at need, than any other. Yea & gladly to run through fire and water, with him, if the cause shall require. Therefore a forecasting capitain will not cast of his strong soldiers for light causes and tryffelles, but rather by all means he would entertain and entreat them gentlely.   

123. ¶ With what things thy soldiers are to be encouraged.  
Marius the happy capitayne of the Roman people, doth show himself a pattern and example, that soldiers are to be encouraged by the doings of the capitayne, and not by violence. Which Marius did sweet in all sort of labours and took great pains, travayling thereby, rather than by violence, to call up, and quicken the courage of his men. For when they saw their capitayne, to take on him such intolerable pains, they were ashamed, that they did not abide such like labours, yea and much more unsufferable. Which doing of Marius, was worthy to be praised. For how can a capitayne that giveth himself to gluttonye and sleep, kendle agd stir up the dullness of his men, to any bold enterprise to watching or such like things. The soldiers will also scorn such a capitayne, that rebuketh other men of such faults as chefelye appear in him worthy to be blamed. That capitayne therefore that will guide & govern other men, must learn to master his own affections, which if he do, no doubt there is, but that the hole army with glad mind will follow his instructions, and obey his decrees.   

124. ¶ To purchase the favour of a strange country.  
The capitayne that weareth the apparel, and useth the manners of the country, where he is, wonderfully shall come in their favour, when he shall appear as a countryeman there born and of the same people. Which policy Alexandre of Macedon used after he had subdued the king of Persia, and obtained the empire. For he did enure and accustom himself to their manners and fashions. And so he by wearing their kind of raiment, and by keeping their usual customs, did bind as true liege men, whom before he had conquered in battle.   

125. ¶ A capitayne must be liberal, and therewith praising the stoutness of his men.  
A capitayne aught to be liberal to his men according to their deserts, & therewith to give them high thanks, for their famous enterprises. And when they setheyr acts well rewarded and taken, than all labours seem to them easy and light, and that they may please their capitayne they will not fear to shed and spend their blood. Therefore nothing doth sooner purchase the favour and true hearts, of thy soldiers, then liberality & thankesgyving, which two be nouryshers of valyauntnesse. For which purpose a bountyfull capitayne will not spare for any cost, to join the hearts of his soldiers that thereby he may have them ready, and forward in all ieopardyes.   

126. ¶ what is to be done when eruption is feared.  
When we be afraid of eruption, either of our enemies, or out of any city, best it is to cast bulwark, with turrettes of wood, that our army may be defenced and kept in saufetye on every side. For sudden outbrastes do moche discom fyte and trouble our army, when our enemies unlooked for do set upon us.  
Such is the violence of sudden eruption which maketh the downeman to become vyctour, and giveth the victory to him that is unlike and nigh subdued.   

127. ¶ what is to be done of the capitayne, when his arm is in extreme peril and danger.  
A venturous capitayne in thextreme distress & jeopardy of his men, must neglect his own safety, casting himself in jeopardy, and put his life in hazard. For the soldiers sing the great and dangerous peril of their capitayne, will be emboldened to pluck up their force afresh contemning their private life. For what comfort can they have, when their capitayne is lost and slain. Wherefore they then past hope, will fight in hope, and destitute of all hope, will most desperatlye, and like hopelostes, run on their enemies: which is sometime the recovery of an whole host.   

128 ¶ With what thing the mind of the commonalty is got.  
The hearts and good will of the rude people is chefelye got by banqueting and rewards, wherewith they be much pleased, judging theyr selues, not to be regarded ne yet sethy, except they be called to deyntye feasts and banquets. For the commeners do not seek, what is honest, but what is profitable, and if no profit do ensue, their friendship and good will decayeth. Which thing was not followed of Sallust, that did bestow and employ his labour, rather to write the histories of the Romans, then to seek and hunt for their favour by feastmaking and ban ketting.   

129. ¶ Of the fashion to send letters.  
Letters may be conveyed to thy friends in cities, camps, or else where, by binding them to arrows.   

130. ¶ To allure thine enemies to slip away, and fail their captains.  
A wytfull capitayne will send some of his soldiers that be subtile & wyttye, to prove and tempt the mind of his enemies, and by all means to allure some of the captains, or expert warryours, to forsake and fail their master in time of need, promising to them great rewards, making large proffers, and therewith settyngforth and practising thaffability and lowliness of their capitayne, cessing not to grant any demand, and also to promise what thing soever shallbe pleasant or acceptable to them.   

131. ¶ Of the badgies of the soldiers.  
All the soldiers aught to be known by some badge, that the better they may be discerned from thine enemies, jest indifferently they beat down and strike their friends as foes. Which may chance where there is no difference of armature and where thy men can not be distinctly known from their enemies, by their apparel and cognisance.   

132. ¶ Of kings and other princes that keep not their faith.  
Kings and other princes, do sometimes abuse the conditions of the laws of war and peace, to their own commodity. Yea rather to their private lust and pleasure, and have not their eyes upon justice, which only they aught to have in reverence, and also worship. For what king or prince is there now on days, so just and uncorrupted, which would not seven times in the day, break the league of peace (which aught to be undefiled) surely trusting thereby to occupy and enjoy the demesnes of his enemies, or at the jest the best part of his lordships, wherefore ever have thy friends as well as thy foes suspected, & chiefly when thy kingdom is in strife. For no man is sooner deceived than he which hath affiance in all men. Wherefore that prince, which is wise, will not commit his secrets to an other prince, but only for his safeguard The privities in the heart can not be searched. Also he will not suffer any other prince, to enter into his castles and holds, which he hath fenced, that they may view and mark them.   

133 ¶ Of the condition of the common people.  
The conditions of the common people be very hateful, which covet alway to resort to them, where they trust to have mooste advantage, which do not set by ne regard any man for his excellent and high virtues, if there be no hope of profit, to rise by him. Which thing is shameful to be spoken of, but chefelye to be done. But therefore we must apply us to the inconstaunt nature of such people alluring and hailing them, to follow us, by feasting and banquets. As the fish is taken with the bait. Wherefore a wise capitayne will use no less wisdom, to maintain the state of his kingdom, than he did in getting it. By this way he shall keep upright and establysshe all things. Otherwise, he shall bring all to naught, and a wiser prince shall possess, and enjoy his kingdom.   

135 ¶ Of a certain kind of defence.  
Charrettes set in the earth, before the camp, with the wheels digged deep, & cheyned fast together, be a great defence. And this was chiefly used among many of the ancient soldiers for their spedynesse, which were wont to carry with them a great number of charettes.   

135 ¶ Of the sweetness of advantage.  
Advantage maketh those that be cowards, for the most party ready to battle. Wherefore a wise capitayne aught much to crack of the spoil and pillage, which wylbe great after the victory, with such riches, that poverty shall never pinch them after, if they bestow themself valiantly, in this one battle, and bear them like men, this one day, the last day of all their misery and labour. Wherefore it is the captains duty, with such like orations to comfort and encourage his men to be forward, fiercely to fight, and boldly to stand to it.   

136. ¶ Of a troublesome and unruly multitude.  
A great multitude of soldiers which be barbarous and rude, must be carried to long wars, for fear that some sedition do grow among them, which many times doth overthrow whole countries. Wherefore the capitain hedely must foresee, that all causes of sedition be taken away and plucked up by the rotes. For if sedition be one's kendled the city is like to be burned, and all the citizens utterly confounded.   

137 ¶ Of the duty of a good capitain.  
A valyaunte capitayne will be ashamed to be seen alive, and all his men slain For with what countenance, dare he be bold to show his face, or to press into the company of valiant captains, when he doth survive his men being slain. if the battle was ill fought, who shall be blamed but the capitayne? which either in an unegal and inconvenient place did pitch his field, or else with a little power, rashly gave battle against his enemies, which were both more in number and more expert in wars, which thing is not to be done, but in a great straight, & urgent necessity.   

138. ¶ In a new render.  
When any province or city have newly yielded themselves to the capitayne, he shall do well to pardon all burdens, and charges of the city, as to open prisons for them that be in durance, and burn books of condennations, and briefly no kind of humanity, ne yet of bountyfulnesse is to be forgotten. Whereby the capitains gentleness and good will, may be known, and appear.   

139. ¶ Of the punishment of the capitayne which forsaketh his men.  
The capitayne that forsaketh his host, and flieth away, is worthy to be beheeded, in example of all other. For more praise worthy, it is to die in battle valyauntly fighting with great glory and renown, then after for his cowardice with shame, and reproach to loose his life.   

140. ¶ To abstain from robbing of temples.  
Command your soldiers, that they shun to spoil and rob temples, jest God be offended therewith. For great hurt and damage chanceth to an army by such unreverent spoil of churches, which for such mischievous doings never scape unpunished, neither in our days, ne yet in any time out of our mind Therefore command your men to abstain from the robbing of temples. For no battle is so hard to be scape from as the battle of God.   

141. ¶ To pursue thine enemies in the chase.  
When thine enemies do turn their face and sty, then pursue and chase them gredelye, if there be no suspicion of trains. Do thou not defer ne yet be slack, jest they recover themselves, and ashamed of their cowardlye flight turn again and 'cause the to recule, recovering the battle, which now before was lost. For experience doth show how unprofitable it is, not to take time, when time doth serve.   

142. ¶ To dissemble retreat and fear.  
If the capitayne shall perceive any place convenient and meet for the discomfiture of his enemies, it shallbe not unpro fytable, to dissemble retreat and fear, until he have trained and led his enemies thither. And then let him set upon them, on the forepart, on the back, and on both wings. Therefore the most part be brought into such trains that tarry in holds, and abide th'assaults of their enemies, and at the last been enforced for famine, to pight field in open champion ground.   

143. ¶ what is to be done when great ieopardyes are to be undertaken.  
When great jeopardies been at hand, which we must by some mean avoid, them meet it is, to chose soldiers, which been unfearful and courageous to encountre with their enemies, when we must embolden with rewards, and fair promysses, that gladly they will march forward, and not to step back for any ieopardyes. Also they are to be admonished, what praise and richesse they shall get of that vyctorie. Besides that we must earnestly affirm, that the only trust and hope of the victory standeth in them. Wherefore they debating all these things with themselves, and mindful of their former doings, will purpose with themselves, to achieve the victory, and win their spurs.   

144 ¶ Too abstain from treason.  
You captains and soldiers which look and climb for honour, and will not endamage and impair your name, beware of treason: which is most cursed & hateful. For first you shall have them, whom you do betray your deadly foes, and extreme enemies, and they for whom you work that treason, shall fear and suspect you. Yea and at the last hate and abhor the deed, and ever doubting, jest you practise such traytorus wylyes against them, which you have used for them Wherefore yfsuche men will rebel, and depart from their capitayne, let them yet beware, to commit so heinous a fault, which in all ages is most abominable for great hatred is gathered of treason, which fault is abhorred of all men. The traitor also is hated, boked at with fynges, and defamed both alive and deed. Therefore you may see the fruits of treason.   

120. ¶ Of the sageness and eloquence of the capitayne in his orations.  
The oration of the capitayne, setforth and spoken, with weighty sentences, & apt words, is moche commendable, and very requisyte. For weighty and feet words shall make him praised of all men and taken as the very image of virtue, & wisdom. Therefore the captains must not in the face of all men, follow their merry conceits, and unaduysedlye speak, but among their familyers and nigh friends: Yea and then not wanton and foolyshlye. But their words ought to be seasoved with sageness and gravity, and esteemed as the oracles of the gods.   

146. ¶ To refrain from spoil and pillage before thine enemies be whole subdued.  
Do thou give to thine host a general commandment, that they refrain from spoil and robbery, until thine enemies be conquered, and wholly brought under, and a great penalty must be set to the contrary. For when thy men fall to spoil, and be given to vantage, thine enemies may recover and restore their strength, and even now subdued, and lost men right again, become vyctours. Wherefore so long as one liveth, and any part of their strength remaineth, for bid thy men to gape after pray, lest the mirth of the vyctorie be turned to an heavy and sudden sorrow.   

147 ¶ Too refrain from burning.  
After that the cities be taken, and thine enemies vanquished and slain, it were unprofitable to burn and waste all. For thou mayest leave those cities to be inhabited and kept of thy friends, and hereafter they will be a great refuge and succour to the. Although the capitayne considering the time and place, may follow the advertisement and rede of his friends.   

148 ¶ Of aid and secure to be sent to thy neighbours abbordering on the.  
If thy neighbours be vexed and tourmoyled on every side with wars, it is convenient and honest to send them aid that the sorrowful war may rather be bewailed of them, then of the. For to quench the fire of thy neighbours house, is the safeguard of thine own. Therefore meet it is neighbours to be friends, when outward wars do noie them, jest thy neighbour's hurt and damage light also upon the.   

149 ¶ what it is to do some valiant act in the sight and face of thine enemies.  
To show some token of puisauncie, and do some valiant act in the eyes of thine enemies, is a great help, and much vayleable, to the getting of the victory, whether it be done by the capitayne or any other soldiers, and also the envy of him shall inflame & provoke other of thy men to enterprise like things, & the courage of thine enemies thereby shallbe shaked and abated. And so a few valiant men, oftentimes have been the cause of all victories. Therefore let the captain be sure to have some man vaileable in feats and strength. Which in siguler strife, and man to man is bold, valiant, and courageous.   

150. ¶ Of little power not to be contemned.  
A wise capitayne will not be careless, and despise a little army, although it be but weak, and a small power, when of a little spark (which he would not think) a great fire doth kendle. Wherefore the fire must be quenched before the flame flash out, and all be set on fire. And likewise we must quench and overcome, that little strength and puisaunce of our enemies with all our endeavour, jest it wax and grow bigger, and then without more jeopardy, it can not be withstand. Wherefore it is great folly to neglect such things, and not in time to meet with little powers, and utterly to discomfyte them.   

151. ¶ Of slothfulness to be eschewed of the capitayne and all other.  
All captains, soldiers, and other ought to fly from idleness, even as from the pestilence: yea and rather more. For idleness doth destroy the body and the mind, which is most highest of all things, and drowneth the renown of men, when the pestilence destroyeth only the body: wherefore all captains and soldiers, do you cast of that sluggyshnesse both in time of peace and war, and sty from it, as from a wild beast, when she setteth on you in time of prosperity, giving most deedlye battle. For cities which never could have been overthrown in time of war, have been destroyed, by slougthfulnesse in time of peace, which bringeth with her this mischief, that not only fools, but also wise men be choked up with the stinking canells of that vice   

152. ¶ To view and know the countries, before thou carry thine Army thither.  
A good capitayne will be sure diligently to view with his own eyes, the countries round about, before that he carry his army thither, and he will surely know what way his men may journey most saufelye, and where that his enemies may lie in wait for him, or else he for them, and what cities and towns to destroy by the way, it shallbe profitable and expedient for him, jest he be deceived sometime by espies, sometime by ignorance, sometime trapped in their trains and snares.   

153 ¶ Of the increase of thine empire.  
The duty of a sovereign emperor is, in time of blysfull peace, to augment and fence his empire, with the procurement of new friends. Asdrebal the wise king of the people of Carthage, was not unknown of this. For after the first battle that he had in Africa, he enlarged and increased, the power of Carthage, when he hooked in those that did bordre on him, and purchased their favour. Which thing all wise Emperors before this time, and in this time also, have done and do.   

154 ¶ The conditions of the capitayne.  
The capitayne aught to be bold in adventures, and therewith wyttye, and of moche counsel. For what commodity is it to have a capitayne bold, and the same foolish and without counsel, when they both do join and jump so near together And also the one needeth so the help of the other, that for the default of the one, no man is worthy to be called a capitayne, but a very lout and a lobre, and unworthy that honourable name, which also is lyker to have a master, then to be a master.   

155 ¶ What is to be done in the besiege of cities.  
It is very profitable in the assiege and beating down of cities, to make this proclamation among the main host, by the commandment of the grand capitayne, that all the pillage and prays shallbe due to the soldiers. Then they alured and inflamed with the sweet desire of vantage, and strengthened with the hope of riches, will not be put back for any violence, though it be never so great, but they will surely take and beat down the city. Such desire and unsatiable coveytosnes of vantage reigneth among men.   

156. ¶ A policy to know if thy soldyours be faithful.  
If thy souldyous gently follow thee, from place to place, it is a greattoken and argument of their faithfulness.   

157. ¶ Of the great and huge covetousness of the barbarous people.  
As the fishes be taken with sweet baits, so the barbarous aliens be plucked and hailed with gold, yea & much sooner. For they esteem gold and silver, moche more than any praise or renown, so that the Italions have great hope to overcome them for their greedy desire of treasure, although the coming of warfare and praise thereof, hath ever flourished and yet doth among the same Italions.   

158 ¶ How to carry an army over a water thine enemies resting.  
It happeneth oftentimes, that algates thou must carry thine army over some river, where thine enemies do resist and withstand thy passage, in which case thou must get boots, if matter and time want to make a bridge. But before that time far from the camp of thine enemies, above or beneath thou must lie in embushment, a band of good warryours, covertly, which must come on thine enemies privily at their backs, and looking for no such thing, when they go about to stop and let thy passage. And this is the best policy to carry thine army over any water.   

159. ¶ The comfortable words of the capitayne, when his soldiers be in despair.  
when thy souldyonrs do despair, either of the victory, or of their journey: A stout capitayne will not cease diligently to comfort them, whereby that heaviness and fear may be plucked out of their minds, and they more priest and ready, either to fight or to go on their journey.   

160 ¶ Of thy soldiers, worshypfully to be buried.  
If it happen thy soldiers, to be slain, thou shalt suage and appease the angry hearts of the rest, if the deed bodies, be brought worshipfully to burying whereby they shall see by the funerals, that thou purpossed not their death, and destruction, but the praise of that battle and victory, whereby they can not but love and honour so gentle and merciful a capitayne that is of such pity, than which nothing is more praise worthy, ne yet draweth sooner the minds of men, most marvelously and enterelye to love him.   

161 ¶ When the power of thine enemies is much stronger, what thing is to be done.  
If thine enemies prevail both in none bred and puisaunce of men, by no means do thou come to hand gripes, ne yet appoint the to fight hand to hand, ne yet do thou give battle in pight field.  
Nevertheless do thou not suffer them to lie quiet, but night and day assail them busyly, with some piked soldiers, making roods and assaults, unto their pale, continually renewing skyrmyshies with them, ever shonning joined battle. Mine advise also is, when thine enemies be very many on the land, then to take the see, where thou shalt either get the better, or else loose nothing.   

162. ¶ Of hostages.  
receive hostages and pledges of great men from any country or city, which either be sent freely, or by constraynte, and chefelye where there is any fear of false dealing and untrustynesse, which be the surest and most fast band of their loyalty and faith. For the great love, which they have to the pledges, will make them to stand to their promise.   

163. ¶ To stynt the weapynges and skrykes of women.  
The sorrowful weapynges of women within the city, with diligence are to be stopped and stylled. For such owtecryes and waylefull lamentation of women, let the soldiers that they cannot take any counsel of things to be done in such uproar and weepings.   

164. ¶ To hide and cover the slaughter.  
A skylful capitain will bear in mind to keep close and lain (to his power) from the rest of his Army, the slaughter of his men, and turn all to the best, with gentle words, burning them in the night privyly and unwares to his army therewith sending those that be wounded and maimed, to the cities thereby which be frendfull to him, sparing nothing, that they may be healed, and may have their strength restored. And those men which be now hardened, he shall have in other battles forward, and ready to jeopard themselves most boldly, at the request of so gentle a capitayne.   

165. ¶ To pacify a strong and valiant warryour which is displeased.  
If it chance any of thy valiant soldiers to be wrongfully used, or suffer any rebukefull reproach, and therewith to be displeased, it is expedient with fair words, to assuage his anger, jest as he hath been valiant and witty on thy part so stirred by displeasure and unkindness work moche hurt and harm against the.   

166. ¶ Wagies are not to be craved when the treasures be spent and wasted.  
The duty of a faithful capitayne is, and also of the soldiers, when they shall perceive the treasure to be wasted, to surcesse, and not to desire their wages For so doing they go about and endeavour themselves to betray their lord. wherefore they must leave for a time to call for their money, if they covet and hunt to have the favour of their prince.   

167. ¶ To pass by little things that be hard.  
little things, even as great things which be hard, are to be passed by. For the charges be like, the pray unlike wherefore good it is, to pass by such places, where great labours with expenses must of necessity be taken, and the profit thereof is little or none.   

168. ¶ what is to be done of the chief captains.  
Many things there be, which are not to be taken in hand, but after that the enterprise is begun, and the assiege attempted, by no means they must be left of. The proof of which thing is plain by the wise Roman Emperors, which besieged the city Capua, and overcame it, tarrying there so toughly, that they left the defence of their own country, to destroy and vanquish it. Also the huge host of Annibal could not pluck them away although they were brought to uttermost despair, yet nothing doubting ne wearied with any labours, would not give over thassault, but constantly continuing, did bring home a famous victory with immortal renown.   

169. ¶ To keep the possession of the thing once got.  
If thou have got cities or countries, by any means do not leave, ne give them over, but keep them with all diligence. For greater reproach it is, to loose little things, then at all not tohave won them. Also hard it is, to win and destroy countries. Wherefore it were no point of wyttynesse unaduysedly to redeliver up, that which with so great labours and charges was got.   

170. ¶ Of the nature and condition of the common people.  
The condition of the base and rude people, is pivysh and mutable, either wily and boundely to serve, or else after a proud and halt demeanours, to be are rule. Wherefore the multitude never justly ne equally can bear rule and offyce through their arrogaunte, stubborn, and stately conditions, which use all kind of cruelty, tempering and measuring all things by their fancy, and not by reason. Therefore no kingdom long can stand, guided and governed by the commeners and unskylfull people.   

171 ¶ Of a multitude of gunner's and crossebowe shoters.  
When for the multitude of gunner's, and other shoters in crossbows, the soul dyours can not stand saulfely on the walls, mine advise is, to make holes, and so disturb thine enemies with arrows and darts.   

172 ¶ What is to be done when the walls be beaten down.  
It happeneth oftentimes, the walls of cities, to be shaken and beaten down with guns (that devilysh instrument) than bulwark with all speed, to keep back our enemies must be made, with turrettes of wood, and overthwarde trenches filled up with sharp piles, whereby thassiege on that part may be more hard through the strong munimentes, than it was before.   

173. ¶ What is to be done in the slacking of cities.  
When the city beginneth to slack, it must be vanquished with the sword.   

174. ¶ To set upon the camp of thine enemies not warily kept.  
Best it is, thine enemies negligently keeping watch and ward, not by day time but by night to set upon and invade them. For then without question the fight shall not be hard, when thine enemies overthrown and half deed with sleep and wine, whither to go or what to do, suddenly wakened, shall not know, ne yet shall perceive the cause of that brute and disturbance, before they be strycken down, taken, and slain.   

175 ¶ what is to be done in slow and slack siege.  
When thy soldiers cowardly and with hollow hearts, nothing freshly fight, pluck the standard from the standard bearer, and fling it among thine enemies, then after exhort and desire them, not to suffer such a shame and reproach, that their enemies shall keep their standard. Then take thou a weapon, and command the best warryours to follow the to win again their standarte, making a lane with moche violence.   

176 ¶ Of little things not to be despised.  
Nothing is of so little value, which in war will not do some service. Therefore an expert capitayne will contemn nothing, although it be little worth.   

177. ¶ Of war on the see.  
In war on the see, the full wind is the great part of the victory.   

178 ¶ Of great perils scaped and avoided by rashness and foolehardynesse.  
It sometome chanceth, thine army to be in great jeopardy, and so enclosed and set about, that unpossible it is to scape away. Then the capitayne must use some sudden and unaduysed mean, that by rashness the victory may be jeoparded, when wittiness can not help, whichthing hath luckily chanced to many capitayns discomfited with uttermost perils. Such force is in rashness.   

179. ¶ Of a certain kind of defence.  
When thy camp can not be well defended for the open bareness of the place, mine advise is, to make the fortresses of farthels which kind of defence, although it be not good, yet it maketh a face and show. whereby thine enemies for a time feared with the novelty of the thing, will recule, and not hastelye march forward.   

180 ¶ where thine enemies preva isle in horsemen.  
If thine enemies be well horsed, and thou wouldest gladly make a fray with them moved either by some profit, or else constrained by need, this is my best counsel, that each of the horsemen, have with them swift and nimble foot men, which quycklye, can mount upon an horse, and so lyverly light down, so that which to other men appeareth hard, is to them through custom; light and but a tryffle. This kind of fight was begun at the siege of Capua.   

181. ¶ To raise the siege of any city.  
If thou purpose to raise and move the siege from thine own cities, then fierselye say siege to some city of thine enemy. For when they endeavour to succour and rescue their own city, they will soon depart from thine. And so they then that be not able to keep & aid their own cities, by strength, do save them well, by siege made to the cities, of their enemies.   

182 ¶ Of cities yielding themselves.  
Those cities which willingly yield, and give up themselves unto us, although we be not able to defend them, it is not convenient to spoil and pylle them, or to vex them with any wrongs, but rather with bountyfulnesse and humanity, to entreat and use them, that although that great gentleness shall not move and tender their stomach, yet that deed worthy the memory of men, shall be further known. By which other cities moved hereafter, will yield the sooner.   

183. ¶ How necessary warly cunning is to soldiers.  
The knowledge of martial feats doth moche embolden and encourage both soldiers and their captains. For such men do know to help theyrselues, and can take time to strycke their enemies, without hurt. And except their enemies be skilful and expert, as they be (the battle not joined) they be assured of the victory, in whose bold hearts, strength so moche increaseth, and they stiffly stand in fight to obtain the victory. But this science as it is got and assured by exercise, so is it lost by negligence.   

184 ¶ Great victories been eschewed with few and expert soldiers.  
If thou endeavour thyself to do famous and valiant acts, take to the a few, and those piked soldiers, well exercised in war, and hardened in labour with whom thou mayest discomfyte, at thy pleasure, the unskylfull multitude of thine enemies. But if thou trust to do the same thing with an huge garrison, which be rude, and having no skill, thou shalt be trapped of thy purpose, and shamefully destroyed, and therewith taken in thine own train.   

185 ¶ Of young men to be choose.  
Young men aught to be choose for soldyours which be tall and strong, which can suffer hungre, thirst, and lie on the ground, which also have a pleasure, to handle weapons, to fight, taking it for a sport and game. Such fellows lusty and strong, be like to become valiant and expert warryours, whose help thou mayest be assured to use in great ieopardyes, and all things shall chance to thy desire and mind. Therefore diligent care and wisdom is required in choosing & taking up soldiers.   

186. ¶ What men they should be to whom the keeping of countries and cities is committed.  
We must warily foresee to what men we commit the keeping of provinces, and cities, and whom we make our lieufetenauntes, and that they be rich and ancient cytizins, of our own city, having children thryfty and disposed to virtues For such men undoubtedly would be faith full and loyal, in whom no suspicion of treason is to be feared, which would be reproachable and shameful to them, and their posterity, ne yet any falsehood is to be deemed or mistrust in them.   

187. ¶ Of the manner of fighting.  
'Cause thy soldiers to foin continually, and not lay on downryght, which force of fighting is moche dreaded of thine enemies, cheifelye if the foins be cast at the face. These wounds been uncurable, and the wounded have more need of a priest then of a surgyon. But if thy men have bastard sword, or twohanded sword, used in the hast parties, let them give downryght strokes. For those sword be so deedlye, that lightly they will strike of the heed, cleave the body, and dismember all parts.   

188. ¶ In what place best it is to lodge thine army.  
Camp thy soldiers so near as thou canst, in places where fodder, water, and fuel is abundant, that thy soldiers may have plenty, without any stop or intercourse of their enemies. Beware all so to pitch thy pavilyons and tents under an hill, jest thine enemies (unwares to thee) take and occupy the hill, to thy great discomfyture. Do thou also foresee that thine army, be not lodged in places which with rains and brooks will be shortly overflowed, or where the banks may be cutout to drown thine army, or at the least thy catall and other victuals. provide therewith not to tarry, and keep the host, there where is all plains, and champion ground, for the danger of guns. But to be brieve I can give no sure rule where to lodge thine army. For the place and time must change thy purpose, in which case the wittynesse of the capitain, & knowledge, is much required   

189. ¶ How to make strong the camp with fortresses, thine enemies assaulting the.  
If thine enemies been at hand, and needs the camp must be fortified, set abroad a few horsemen, and a greater garryson of footmen ready to withstand & drive away thine enemies, until thy fences & fortresses be wholly done, and then convey them by little and little into thy camp By which mean thine enemies shall be mocked, and thy men shall afterward more sickerly range forth, and thine enemies which even now rejoiced as victors, shallbe driven away with shame.   

190 ¶ To take our subjects rather than strangers for soldiers.  
Meet it is rather to raise and assemble an army of thine own men than of strangers, whom thou shalt have faithful and ready in all perils, which having their country, parents, children, kinsmen & friends, in remembrance, will not give back ten times in the day to danger their lives. In which mind all kings & princes be (except the wise and rich Venetians) that they would rather take their own men, than outpeople and aliens.   

191. ¶ What is to be done in thassemble and taking up of soldiers.  
When we purpose to make battle, expedyeut it is to foresee and surely know in what places the thing is to be done.  
For if we must travail in hyllye and rough places, our army must be garnished, moche more with footmen, than horse men. And the horsemen also must be light harnessed, that with more ease they may climb up, and likewise come down the hills, if need be to fight on foot. But if we must war in plain and champion countries, than horsemen be most necessary. For footmen will stand in little stead and use. These things be spoken, not without some consideration, when in the assembly of an army kings and princes been at great charges, & somyme in vain.   

192 ¶ Too keep thine army healthful.  
The health of thine Army is maintained by exercise, by healthsome country and sweet airs: but chefelye where is plenty and abundance of vytayles.  
For of famine the plague sometime doth come, when men for want and default of vytayles, be driven to eat unhealthsome and corrupted meats.   

193. ¶ what is to be done when waters can not be waded over.  
Where the water is so deep, that neither footmen ne yet horsemen dare venture over: best it is to turn the water into dyches out of the wont course, & great stream, by which mean the water being fallen, thine army may wade and pass over.   

194 ¶ Too chastise and agrieve thine enemies host.  
It is a good policy by hungre, rather than by weapon and incurtions, to vanquysshe thine enemies. For nothing is more profitable, ne yet more praise worthy, then by unbloody battle to join the mastrye. But take heed jest thine enemies, thus starved, and tamed, with hunger: do provoke them by some dyspleasures to battle. But then lie still, with thine army, and refrain from any assaults, or bykerynges, until their victuals be wholly spent.   

195. ¶ To know if any spies lurk among thy soldiers.  
Although it be very hard in a great army, to know the lurking spies, yet I will show some ways, not unprofitable, of which this shallbe one. Oftentimes to search and view thy registre, & if there be any not registered, and written, it is a great token, those to be spies. And also if any of them that be registered, do carry ty dynges & thy endeavours to tother part, then nedefulle it is, to stop and beset ways, passages, and woods, by night and day, to take and to carry them to the capitayne there to be racked, yea and if any do wander owte of the camp, the capitayne not commaundyuge, they shall be taken guilty of petitreason. It shall be therefore, the offyce of a capitayne daily to behold about his army, both by himself and other trusty and believable soldiers, and mark men by they're face, by which policy he shall know the time if any of his soldiers abode.  
The capitayne also must command all men to take they're lodging by day light, and to be in they're tents, and if any shall be suspect, than take and imprison them, by torment also constraining them to tell their intentes, commands, and charges.   

196. ¶ To keep close their counsels.  
Let the capitayne debate and discuss, with the witty and expert warryours, now and again, what is to be done. But what he will do, let him disclose, & to discover that to few, depelye wayeng the thing, with himself, by which policy he shall never attempt, ne enterprise, any matter voydelye, when his endeavours, and affairs be unknown, and conceled: but by all ways he shall have his own desire.   

197. ¶ The oration of the capitain to his host when they be marchingforthe to fight.  
The host vauncing toward battle, the capitayne aught to speak these words: that willingly he will seek his own death, except he bring with him the victory, which words wonderfully will move and arrayse their hearts, and chiefly if they love and have him in any reverence, so that for his wont gentleness and largesse, they will put their lives in danger to get him the glory & renown coveting their death with his death. Wherefore let the capitayne show and persuade to his company, that his life, death, and renown, do stand in their manlynesse and hands.   

198. ¶ To take thine enemies by wiles.  
Mine advise is, to send forth thine unable soldiers, sorry fellows & most unprofitable, to be as a bait, pray, and untysement to thine enemies, which provoked and alured to take them prisoners or else utterly to slay them, right way may be catched and trained in snares. For they then gladsome of the little mastery disordrelye will (as victors) follow the pursuit and chase farreof, keeping none array. By which covyne and train, many have been deceived: which policy was not unknown of the east soldiers, which did let loose their horses to stray among their enemies, and they coveyting to steal the horses, were taken and slain.   

199. ¶ What is to be done with captives and prisoners.  
It is not good to kill the captives, and prisoners, but to keep them to tillage and those chefelye that be burly, carterlyke, and fit thereto. For what profit can come of their death, when if they be kept on live, we may use them in husbandry: and of their labours get great increase and advantage. Which thing hath been done of many kings and princes. And the Turk doth at this time in drugerye and most vile occupations, keep as slaves and bondmen, a great number of chrysten men (Alas to the reproach and shame of Chrysten princes) knowing his army can not be nourished, without the fruits of the ground which being sold, his soldiers thereby have and receive their wagies, knowing also famine to be noyous, and worse than a plague, to his host: which desstroyeth cities, countries, and towns.   

1000 ¶ To find sweet water and fresh.  
about the sea banks, fresh water is found, also in the mid land, and places far from the sea, where shrubs do grow. Meet it is, the capitain to have knowledge of these things.   

1001. ¶ Of night battle.  
If thou fight, in the night time: profitable it is to have the moon, on thy back. For so thine enemies, shall not well ward, ne escape the strokes, of thy men. For the light, and also for the false umbrage, which the Moon doth show fourth.   

1002. ¶ Of the dewetye of the capitayne in excersysing his soldiers.  
Nedefulle it is, for a capitain to know, before he come to battle, that both his horsemen, and also his foot men, rude in the cunning of war, must be daily exercised. For their unskylfulnesse is the great destruction, of the whole host, when they know not how for to keep their array, nae yet what to do, but like men astonysshed, void of all warlye knowledge, and now to learn the feats of war, in whose hand the chyfe part of the battle doth stand, begin to stay and proffer their backs.   

1003. ¶ Of the duty of the grand capitains in battle.  
Kings and princes, (the counsel lours of the weal public, for the time dismissed) must call unto them, actyfe, and expert warryoures, and use their counsels, in warlye affairs, not doing any thing, rashly, against their advertisement, of which thing Pompeyus may be an example, that for his knowledge of war, deserved to be called (magnus) great or noble, which when he warred against Cesar, was costrayned by the Senate, to change his purpose and to use an other way, than he with himself had decreed, or else the coming of war required: whereby it chanced that he was vanquysshed with his friends most shamefully.   

1004. ¶ Of the footmen, and sign of battle.  
The tents red, beforetokens of battle to come, and signs of the victory, with the bloodshedding of thine enemies.   
FINIS libri primi.   

The second book.  

¶ The Proheme of the second book, unto the laws of war.  
IT now remaineth, that in few words we plainly show and open what laws, the grand captains and also the peticapitaynes aught to use against the defaults of their soldiers, not only in time of war, but also of peace. For without man's justice and equity, not armies only, kingdoms and lordships, but also little countries can not long continue, and keep their equal estate, such strength and virtue is in justice and equity. Therefore it shall not be moche unprofitable, here shortly to show, what I have found in the Roman laws, and also what things been observed and used now in these days, in the punishment of soldiers, which may be taken for a law, so that there shallbe none in the whole army, that can say the capitayne to have wronged and injured him.   

2. ¶ Of them that yield theyr selues to their enemies.  
If any yield theyr selues to thine enemies, having no just and urgent cause, the higher he is in his degree, the sorer let him be punished. And for this cause that the other soldiers and their captains take none example of him (the chance of the battle not tried) to yield themselves to their enemies.   

3. ¶ Of an outstrayer.  
He that leaveth and strayeth from his own company, must be punished by the purse, or else loose his place, or be send forth abroad like a slave, that he may be an example to other, not to stray out of order.   

4. ¶ Of a spy or outryder.  
A spy which will be enticed, at the request of his enemies, and so leave his capitayne, is worthy to be beheeded, and that justly. For the saulfetye and destruction of the whole host doth lie in him. Wherefore his punishment must be the greater.   

5. ¶ Of ronneawayes and landeleapers.  
They that run to their enemies, & then after return, must be hanged. He also that is purposed to fly, and in the mean time intertaken, is worthy to be beheeded. Which law among our soldiers now on days is put in ure, but not afore.   

6. ¶ Of them that loose their harneys.  
He that loseth his harneys in battle or shall alienate them, must change his place, but he that stealeth others, must be put out of his souldyourshyppe.   

7. ¶ Of them that do things prohybited, and keep not the laws and decrees proclaimed.  
He that shall do any thing forbidden of the capitayne, and therewith doth not keep his commandments, must be be heeded: although the thing be not well done. Also if he steal into the camp, by walls or ditches, driven by no great fear he is worthy the same punishment.   

8. ¶ Of them that rayseup sedition.  
They that stir up any sedition, are most worthy to be beheeded, but if the sedition shall come of some light complaint than put them out of their place of souldyourshyppe, which first did move that business.   

9 ¶ Of a legion reculing.  
If any legion give back, let them loose the name of chivalry for ever.   

10 ¶ Of banished parsonage.  
Banished personnes intromytting theyr selues to be taken up as soldiers must be beheaded for the dignity of chivalry.   

11. ¶ Of him that is sentforth like a slave.  
He that is sent away like a drudge, for the glory of chivalry, must not be received as a souldyour again, that the renown of chivalry thereby be not impaired.   

12. ¶ Of them that be judged to die.  
They that be judged to die, for the slander that runneth on them, must not be taken in and received.   

13. Of them that steal the youth of chivalry  
He that shall steal young scholars in the feats of war, in time of war, must be exiled, and loose part of his goods in time of peace, he must be beaten with stanes or kytgels.   

14. ¶ Of him that maymeth a young souldyour.  
He that maymeth a young souldyour of chivalry, is worthy banyshment.   

15. ¶ Of him that leaveth his compagnie.  
An horseman that leaveth his company in time of war, deserveth heeding and in time of peace to loose his room.   

16. ¶ Of them that rebel.  
He that doth offer violent hands to any of the captains, is worthy heeding and that fault is augmented by the state and honour of the capitayne.   

17. ¶ Of disobedience and sturdynesse.  
Disobedience against the grand capitayne, or peticapitayne, is worthy heeding.   

18. ¶ Of him that flieth.  
He that first turneth his face in the battle to the example of other, deserveth heeding. For by such cowardly and holloweherted fellows, thine enemies be comforted and encouraged, and thine own men discouraged and afraid.  
Whereby it happeneth oftentimes, thine army retreating to be driven down & slain: wherefore this penalty is justly ordained for such heavy hearts.   

19 ¶ Of spies and scoutwatches.  
Spials which reveal and open thy secrets to thine enemies, be rank & high traitors. Wherefore to have their heed chopped of, is their meet punishment. Also those which dissemble syknesse, for any fear, be worthy the same punishment.   

20. ¶ Of him that woundeth his fellow.  
Chop of his heed that woundeth his fellow with a sword, and thrust him out of his room, that hurleth a stone at his fellow: jest of such brawling some sedition do rise.   

21. ¶ Of runneawayes and traitors.  
'Cause ronneawayes and traitors to be racked, before they suffer heeding, to know if they have not other fellows, privy and allied to the same conspiracy.   

22. ¶ In what places thy soldiers shallbe forbidden to buy thy bytayles.  
forbid and restrain, thy soldiers to buy their victuals, in those places where they keep war, jest the country men be constrained rather for fear, then for a just price, to sell their wares, and jest that by dainty fare, thy sold yours be flacke in their feats of chivalry.   

23. ¶ Of them that leave nyghtwatche.  
Beheede them that leave the nyghtwatche, which punishment is needful, when not only the capitayne, but also the whole army deeply and sound sleep, in the eyes of the watch, and the diligence of the watch, is the foretresse and defence of thine army. What thing therefore is more shameful and cruel then to betray and slay the whole army sleeping, and taking their rest after their weary travails and business.   

24. ¶ Of them that scape out of prison.  
He that scapeth out of prison, is not likened to ronneawayes. For that was done to save his life, which thing nature hath granted to all beasts.   

25. ¶ Of a ronneagate or strydlande.  
A ronnegate brought again, by his father, is to be punished more gently, than by the heed.   

26. ¶ Of the time appointed by the capitayne.  
He that doth not repair to his company by the time appointed, without a lawful excuse, is to be taken and accounted a ronnegate.   

27. ¶ Of a disturber of the peace.  
punish by heeding that souldyour, which bringeth thine army in an uproar   

28. ¶ When thy soldiers be in their journey.  
Soldiers which be taken unware and suddenly (their former life well known) are worthy pardon.   

29. ¶ Of them that scatre out of the company.  
They that wandre from their company are worthy to be kidgelled or loose their place.   

30. ¶ Of a captive.  
If any of thy men that is taken prisoner would not return when he might, decken him for a ronneawaye, but if he return, receive him: if it be sure that he was taken against his will, and ran not thither.   

31. ¶ Of them that forsake the capitain.  
He that doth not help and defend his capitain, when he may, or leaveth him when he is environed & set about with enemies, is worthy to be hanged on a pair of gallows.   

32. ¶ Of gonners on horseback.  
It shall not be unprofitable to acquaynten and wont your horses, as the duchmen do, to suffer the sytter which is a gunner and not to be afraid thereof. For no sort of soldiers, is more profitable than they nor yet doth more myschife and hurt. For no man is so well harnaysed, that can be saulfe from them: such a violence is in that warlye instrument.   

33. Of guns called serpentines with other.  
It shall be very profitable to have many wagons & charettes laden with gons For there is none army so strong, whom they will not destroy, so that horses & men far of be slain, with them. Also the great sound shall so fear men, that their strength and courage shall fall and decay.   

34. ¶ Of a profitable defence of the camp.  
A great defeuce for thy camp, shallbe to have many wagons and cars, shod with iron, and above those turrettes of wood filled with serpentines and other kinds of gonnes, which is the surest defence for thy camp.   

35. ¶ To give thanks and praise to god after the victory.  
Because we be pourpossed to leave nothing in this book unto wched, which is to be required, in warlye knowledge, & eke in the cunning of chyvaldrie. Therefore comely it is the head leader of the army, (the victory once atchyved and got) humbly to render and give praise, everlasting, with his whole host, to the living lord, that he of his unspeke able and omnisufficient mercy, in other battles, would be merciful, and good unto them, for without the help succour and strength of the Lord, man's power is unable and nothing. And if the living god, shallbe with us, & fight on our side, what can the sword of our enemies hurt or harm us. Therefore the chyefetayne or grand capitain, (no time let pass, ne no tarriance made) & his whole army, with a pure sincere and unfeigned heart aught to give thanks to the Lord offering up with a faythefulle mind, wherewith god is pleased.   

36. ¶ Whether it be lawful for christian men to make and stir up battle.  
least that some men, reading this my book, should doubt whether it be lawful for christian men to styrup battle when that man slaughter, captivity, ravin, deflowering of maidens, and take demesnes, do follow thereof. To pluck this fancy out of their mind, let them know in few words that warfare is no sin, but he that keepeth batayle, highly pleaseth the Lord, which thing doth plainly apere by holy George, and David the elect prophet of god, and by the battle & tournament of Centurio. I leave of the testimonies of saint Gregory, & other saints, which do say & affirm, that god is not displeased with war. But what shall I say of the undoubted, & unfallible saying of Chryste, which commandeth tribute to be paid to Cesar, that he may have to bestow on his soldiers, and so to keep the world in peace and quiet, the which peace, god the rewarder of all faithful hath left here behind him, the only pawn, and pledge of his merciful goodness. Shall we therefore dysprove chrysten warfare, of which we have such a commodity? The soldiers also aught to be content, with their wages, and not to crave more than their duty is. But that such men, may with great praise and glory, keep battle, meet it is these qualities and virtues, to appear and shine in them.  
¶ first that he be a temporal man, active and valiant. For the defence of his country, and justice, casting no perils, expert and cunning in warlye feats, so by'r and temperate in living, prompt to do all things, reasonable, sowthefast and faithful, wyttye, merciful: and of good hope. If these things shallbe in the captains, and rulers, what can be blamed in them? be they not then acceptable unto god.   

37. They that go on warfare, do leave their jewels behind at home.  
When we go forth to battle, good it is to carry nothyuge with us, that is of any value, except our horses, and harnays, not ne yet to leave any thing in the camp, and tents, lest our enemies be thereby strengthened and encouraged to fight for the hope & desire of that pray. For all men be endued with this of nature, that for riches and vantage sake, they think all perils light and easy, all labours a play and sport. Therefore do we leave our riches at home, lest unwylling we give mattyer and occasion to our enemies to fight, and so of dasterdes, make them bold: of cowards, coragyouse.   

38. ¶ To make the water noisome and unhealthsome to thine enemies.  
If we covet to make the water poison full to our enemies, it shall not be unprofitable, to cast a great quantity of wood, broken and bruised asunder, in the upper part of the stream, whereby the water shall be bitter to the taste, that neither men horses may drink of it.   

39 ¶ In what place the battle is to be fought.  
The chyeftayne must foresee and provide, that his men may have a water behind their backs, to refresh and water their horses, and his enemies none, by which mean forsooth, he shall carry away the mastery, when his enemies, & their horses wearied by long travail, and fight, can have no refreshment.   

40. ¶ To keep the city besyeged in faith and constancy.  
Oftentimes it chanceth, cities to be be syeged, and therewith to suffer great famine and hunger (thonly tamer of men) over their huge & painful watchings in the same siege, which all do cause the cities rather and right way to give up, and yield, except the capitayne by his policy, with fair words and exhortations, do keep the citizens in sure faith and constancy dissembling & feigning many things. In example and proof whereof I will note some things hereafter that captains instructed with my lessons, may search more ways, to keep the city, to their king or prince, obeysaunt & faith full. Wherefore first the capitayne, aught to feign letters, sent from his lord where in he is promised, in short space to have more aid and succour. And if he shall perceive them waveryuge, and bent to yield up, he must go about at some times, to persuade them, by orations decked & garnished with art, and piked reasons to pluck them from such a myschyfe, promising them all liberty. Than after let him also labour, that letters fastened to shafts, may be conveyed by night, to the bateling of towers in which some citizen is admonished by some good friend of his, in the army of their enemies, not to yield and give up the city. For their capitayne is disceyptefull, and worketh all by covyne and craft which (although his promises be fair) is minded with fiere and sword, to destroy the whole city. And such other things are to be feigned, which appear trouthlyke, that the countenance of the siege, may not be grenous to the citizens.   

41. ¶ To scape out of a narrow place.  
It chanceth of tentymes, thine army wandering in hyllye countries, to enter into some narrow and straight place, beset covertlye, with thine enemies. Where, what to do, or whither to turn, thy men do not well know: wherefore a skylful capitain, must thus provide, that if he be not of power to drive his enemies, from thence by strength, let him day and night seche, when they be without watch, and then suddenly, and unlooked for, rush upon them. At other times, let him fain despair, and retrace back in many skyrmysshes, laying some piked and active warryours, in covert embusshement.   

42. ¶ Of bows.  
footmen with bows, which english men use: do great service in an host. For there is no breast plate, which is able to withstand, and hold owte the stroke of the arrows, such force and violence is in bows.   

43. ¶ Of the owtragyouse assault of thine enemies.  
If thine enemies that be horsemen, be within a mile, and do come toward the outrageously (the reins of their horses being let slack) stay there. And if they be footmen and be within half a mile, stand still, and gredelye receive them, panting for weariness, herting thy men boldly to fight, and to give many a sore stroke, which thing may be done, when thine enemies be wearied.   

44. ¶ To foresee the place round about, where the battle shall be.  
Beware to give battle, except thou have before diligently viewed, by thyself and thine espyals, if there be any jeopardy of trains and gyles, jest thou overthrow thyself. When thine enemies at what time thou art most earnestly set to fight, shall oppress the suddenly, either on thy back, or else on thy side: where thou shalt yield thyself vanquished and taken, because the default can not be escaped ne helped, and all through thine unwarenesse.   

45. ¶ To set upon thine enemies in their journey.  
If we can know what way out enemies will take their voyage and journey, it shall not be unprofitable, spedelye to prevent them, and getting a place convenient to lie in wait, and set upon them unwares, looking for no such thing For then undoubtedly, easy it is to overmatche and conquer thine enemies.   

46. ¶ What is to be done when our enemies overmatche us in force.  
It chanceth to have such men, our enemies whose force and strength uneath or not at all we been able to sustain: wherefore mine advise is to entreat the force of our enemies, and beseech aid & secure at their hands, or to seek for help of them that bordre on us, and been our neighbours, warning them divers ways of the jeopardy that is at hand of their lordships, and if the sooner they do not aid and relieve them, they can not but yield and submit theyr selues, which thing shallbe also great damage to them For the downfall and burning of this house, is the fyrematche of the next.   

47. ¶ what is to be done when we do fight in straits.  
If both the hosts meet and join in straight places, and neythet will recule, one foot, but stiffly endure the fight, than mine advise is, the cheftayne (taking a certain of his strong and weighty soldiers) to assail his enemies coming on their back, or one the one wing although the passage be dangerous and long: whereby certes he shall attain a prayseworthye victory, with little loss or none, of his men.   

48. ¶ Of overmuch confidence.  
If we have got thupper hand, of part of our enemies, it is not good to ton tinue the battle, trusting in our puissance, and so hope on a greater victory, jest we put in hazard what we have got, encountering with the whole host, which were fondly and rashly done.   

49. ¶ Of the captains commandment that no man take any prisoner.  
If we purpose and travail to get a notable conquest of our enemies, the capitain ought to command, under a great penalty, to his men, that they take no prisoner, ne captive, until he shall give some token of the same, which policy is not the worst. For the soldiers shall then loose no time, about captives, but shall with all their force put to flight beat down, and kill their enemies. Which done, hereafter the capitain may give the sign of praycatching.   

50. ¶ Not to depart from the place appointed.  
Peticapitaynes be wont oftentimes, because they would be judged valyaunte and skilful, to depart from the place appointed, in hope of some pray, and pyllage: which thing hath been the cause of great slaughter, in many battles, and the loss of victory: wherefore the peticapi taynes must learn to be obeysaunt to the commandment of their captains, & not to seem more wytfull than they be.   

51. ¶ That the tents be not left undefenced.  
When the capitayne shall display and advance his banners to battle, let him beware that he leave not his camp undefenced, and unmaymed jest when he is most enforced to fight, his vytayles be despoiled, his camp set on fire, (as it is like to be) and after he shall have no such place so defenced, unto his great damage and hindrance.   

52. ¶ Of thine enemies falling in variance and strife.  
If the captains of thine enemies do not well agreed, it is then expedient, before they fall to an onement and concord intermytting no time to assault them. For the maystrye than will be lightly won, when not one, of a stubborn stomach will consent and agreed to thothers advertisement. But had leaver to be subdued of his enemies, then conquer by the policy of his fooe.   

53. ¶ Let thy men be ready in harneys, thine enemies lying at hand.  
If the camp of thine enemies be pytched nigh unto thee, suffer by no means, not for any fair words of thine enemies, nor promise of truce and alience, that thy men been out of harneys (chiefly the best part ne yet that thy souldours, neglect watch and ward. For not seldom times, it chanceth in league of peace, thy men to be beaten down, slain and conquered, by trains and wiles, whom ꝓwesse and manlynesse could never have subdued.   

54. ¶ Of the besieging of cities.  
Let not thine army doubt to setupon cytis warded with all kinds of defences if they shall perceive dastards, and unscylfull fellows to keep the defence. For high towers, strong double walls, can not defend those that be cowards, caytyfes, and rude of all warlye knowledge. Fear doth stop their ears, and dasyll their sight. Wherefore without tarriance when thou shalt come to such cities, set upon them round about, thundering as heaven, with noise and outeryes, whom it shall be easy to vanqnysshe, without moche blooudshedding. But beware, thou slack not and abate thine assault, until thou have won the city, lest their courages and force by sufferance, increase, and so the siege shall be daily more painful and hard.   

55. ¶ To make bridges with ropes.  
Ancient captains were wont to caryover their army (because boots and queres were scant & dangerous) with joined bridges made of wood. But because stuff doth sometime want to make such bridges, and long it is year they can be done, mind advise is to make bridges with strong ropes, cast over the water, knit fast to piles and stakes of wood and in the mids of the stream, underset with props and beams to make them stiff. For the easy passage of thy men. And such ropes the army may always carry with them, that they be not stopped at any water.   

56. ¶ To revenge our enemies with like annoyance.  
It chanceth often times, either for valiant prowess of our enemies, or the multitude of them that thy men do sultayne great loss and damage: which is to be revenged most fiersely, with such an other like, and not to be forgotten and unpaid. For by such displeasures or violence should been inflamed to vengeance, whereby we shall keep our dygnytye, and purchase the good opinion of our soldiers, and also of the commonalty, which shallbe a stay to keep the same faith full and sothfast.   

57 ¶ How to convey the battle from one place to an other.  
If it be more dangerous and noyous unto thee, to give battle in this place, than in that, use this remeadye. Carry thine army unto the other countries of thine enemies, besyeging their cities, burning the villages, spoiling and wasting the fields, and so 'cause them rather to follow thee, than thou to follow them. But for all that, do not leave thine own countries undefensed, desiring to waste and destroy others.   

58. ¶ To relyeve the scarceness of water.  
If cities and towns besyeged, have scarcity of water, this remeadye is next first to send out the base people, we●n and unprofitable, and then to kill all the cattle, and say them in salt for their sustenance, that the water which was so wasted by them, may be kept, by which mean, they shall be able to continue longer assault.   

59 ¶ To recover cities and towns lost.  
If we have lost in summer time (oppressed with the multitude of enemies, deceived by the default of our men, or undermyned with some treachery) our cities or towns, let us endeavour to restaure in winter time the same cities, that the things lost by the slowthefulnes, of our soldiers, in summer time, may be recovered with spedynes, and diligens in winter, and that we win again & restore the fame of chivaldrye, by the again getting of our losses. For good fortune, sometimes doth ensue, by the change of time.   

60. ¶ What is to be done when thou art overmatched.  
If thine enemies greedily pursue thee, ne yet then thou art not able to defend and withstand their violence: best it is to carry thine army, to some cities nigh unto the sea, both for the plenty and abundance of victual, and also to refresh their broken strength, and wangled bodies, and chyefty to furnysshe thy numbered, that thou mayst match thine ennenyes, aswell in noumbre of men, as also in valyantnes.   

91. ¶ To set fyere on thine enemies pavylions  
If thine enemies pavilions be rered up, and made of dry stuff, travail with all, haste, to set them on fire, and chief lie the wind blowing hard. By which policy they shall be despoiled, both of their cat-tail, and other necessary implements. For the fire taken with the wind suddenly will overburne all the pavilions. And than also thou mayst have a good time, to set upon them. For when they be doubtful, what is to be done whether to resist thy force, or to save their riches, (which they set more by than their life) they may easily be put to flight, and be slain, and so then shall achieve the victory without much bloodsheding   

62. ¶ What is to be done when we can not achieve out of a place with our army.  
¶ We come sometimes by chance, with our army, into such places, where neither long we can abide, ne yet safely depart, or yet retreat without great danger, than what is to be done in such trouble and uttermost discumfyture, with all speed we must take counsel, when that one way of our sauftye doth remain, that we take truce with them for a time and promise sure covenants of peace by wytfull ambassadors. Whereby it shall be sure, that thine enemies more neglygentlye, will keep watch and ward. And thy time spied, it shallbe light to pass by and escape either by night, or else by day, out of that dangerous place. But sometime perforce thou must open a lane, and make a way, by hard strokes and manful fighting.   

63. ¶ To make an assemble and show of horsemen in the face of thine enemies.  
¶ Mine advise is, that the numbered of our soldiers may appear great and huge, to harneys the lacqueis of our horsemen, and apoynte them, to stand far of like a garrison of men, with the points of their spears upright. For so thine enemies will judge a band of horsemen there to appear, which shall moche affray them, that we have yet so great a number of soldiers at hand, to secure and aid us if need require.   

64. ¶ To refrain from the besiege of such cities which have daily new succour.  
Best it is to withdraw and leave of the siege of such cities, which fetch unto them (maugrye our teeth and in spite of our hearts) daily new succour. For the assault through their new aid, is hard yea almost unpossible, when lusty and strong men, occupy the rooms of them that be wounded, and their vytayles be so plenty, that they feel no lack nor skarsitye. Wherefore we must all ways fight with fresh men, new strengths, and plenty of vytayles. But yet suddenly to break owte, and besyege such cities I do not much dysalowe.   

65. ¶ What is most expedient for the chyfe capitayne to do at the first entry in to countries.  
If we make entries in to any country with an army, mine advise is, because it were painful, & hard, to lay siege to every town, and assault every city, to send sage and honest personages, to promiss, for a long time, the release of their rents, and affirm the same with faith and many oaths. If willingly they will yield and become his lieges, and true subjects.   

66. ¶ What is to be done in the siege of big cities.  
In the siege of great cities, taking a big compass round about, we must with all labour: make and intercut not far of the citte, broad and deep trenches defensed with turrettes of wood, for fear of sudden eruption, owte of the city, which is the cause of many incommodities, than broad ways must be cast that th'one part of the host, may have course and recourse to help the other if need be.   

67. ¶ What is to be done when our enemies spies are taken.  
If the spies of our enemies chance into our hands, mine advisement is, to grant them life, and give to them great sums of money, thereby to know the counsel of our enemies, and their purpose, and semblable to tell to them what things be most profitable, for us to know. For nothing is more necessary, than to know the endeavours, of our enemies, when little or nothing they can hinder what we do purpose. But if we shall send them away liberally, rewarded, demanding nothing of th'affairs, of our enemies, it shallbe a great argument of confidence & assured boldness in us, to the great feae of orur enemies, But the capitayne may take counsel of things, & perform what he shall think necessary.   

68 ¶ Not to have one espy always.  
Do we remember this, that it is not convenient ne yet necessary to use one espy still. For they alured and enuegled, with the hope of great rewards, do bring our conveyances and affairs, to the ears of our enemies, and recount to us such things, as be false and nothing necessary, with many false lies, wherefore we must diligently foresee, that neither of the scout watches, the one know the other, for fear of craft and treachery which thing once known, to hung them is next remedy.   

69. ¶ To know the fear and cowardice of thine enemies.  
When the hosts been at joining, if we perceive the spears of our enemies, to move and beat to gyther, that is a great sign of their wavering, and hollow hearts. And it is good sometime to know such tokens of cowardness.   

70. Of the duty of bold and stout fellows.  
It becometh not those that be balyaunt, to fear any jeopardy, or to be broken with the doubtful change of fortune, when nothing is so unweldable, that by manly prows, and sufferance, may not be conquered and undertroden.   

71. ¶ To recover the health of thy soldiers.  
If thine army be troubled with any disease, & thou dost covet to recover they're wounte health, it shall be the best, to carry them to open and hyllye places.   

72. ¶ A policy to deceive and defraud our enemies.  
Easy it is to trifle with our enemies, and make them believe that we be unharneysed if we cover our harueys, with some kind of raiment, under which colour and gyle, they will come headlong to fight, and with few rashly, will set upon us.   

73. ¶ To get the favour of our soldiers.  
If the capitain be dyligente to heal them that be wounded, and also cherysshe the sick folk, shortleye he shall win the favour of his soldiers, so that for the increase of his renown, they will not shrink: to bestow and spend their life.   

74. ¶ To have fyere to burn in water.  
It shallbe very profitable in wars on the sea, to have an artificial fire, which with water can not be queanched, by which policy, the navy of Sarracena, was destroyed at Constantinople, and the king thereby paid yerelye a hundred pounds of gold for tribute.   

75. ¶ What is to be done when capitains do not agree in one sentence.  
It chanceth often times that minds of that captains to be diverse & variable, about the besiege of cities, where best it is first to begin, and there chiefly where the army is furnished with like power of divers captains. But what is to be done in such a change of minds, shortly shall you know. Write the names of the city and cast them into a pot, and the city which shall first by chance be taken out set upon that whole together, with one force and power, which advertisement is not the worst. For through such discord, the death of an whole army may rise and come.   

76. ¶ Of falsehood to be revenged.  
Although other injuries may be suffered, and to forget them is a token of a noble mind, yet dissoyaltye by all means is to be revenged and acquyted.   

77. ¶ A way to say siege to cities on the see side.  
When we may arrive and cast anchor by the walls of the city, mine advise is, to drive thine enemies of the walls is this. first hard & fast, to bind the masts of the ships together with the gable ropes nigh some shore, and so to make a bridge, that the guns may stand to beat thine enemies from the walls, which once driven away, it shall be easy on that side to set ladders, and scale the walls to the winning of the city.   

78 ¶ Where we have only well water.  
If for the great scarcity of water, we been enforced to occupy well water, great heed is it to be taken, that such wells be not poisoned, by some craft: to the utter destruction of their whole host, which soon may chance, if we take not most diligent care and heed.   

79. ¶ To choose a place to fight in.  
When our enemies do prevail in force and number of men, and we can not avoid but give battle, best it is to choose a narrow and straight place, jest our enemies enclose and compass us round about, whereby we shallbe soon vanquished and overcomen.   

78. ¶ To mock our enemies.  
If we be driven to flight on the high see, for that we be not able to match our enemies, and they make sail after us very swiftly, and been even in our tail, it shallbe good to mock them thus. first to 'cause our navy to strike sail, and make a brag as we would fight, that done, will the mariners (at a sign given) to hoist up the sails, to be ready to fly again, the which thing when thine enemies shall perceive, shortly will they ship their oars, and take them to their harneys, covering their heeds with their sallettes, and briefly provyding all things which shall be thought necessary for battle. Then when we shall see our enemies harnessed, and ready to fight, (the sign given) our navy may make away with all haste, and fly. And they laden with harneys, shall not recover to overtake us.   

81. ¶ When thine host is in great jeopardy.  
When thine army is in great jeopardy, my counsel is that chief capitayne, yea & all that captains, to light down from their horses, thereby to encourage the hearts of their soldiers by their bold adventure & like danger, and that more stoutly and greedily they may fight, sing their captains being in like peril, and fierselye encountering with their enemies, and so the soldiers casting of all hope to fly, may cousydre this with themselves either to vanquysh their enemies, or else to die with glory and praise.   

82 ¶ what is to be done when thine enemies been at hand.  
When the hosts been in joining, and both parts ready to fight, it is the part of a politic and wyttie capitayne, to pmesse great rewards unto his men, if they beatdowne and subdue his enemies with which hope they greatly gladdened, will be more priest to set upon their enemies and purpose with themself never to give over, ne turn their faces, until they have atchyeved the victory, which assured opinion hath been the cause of many victories.   

83. ¶ To provide that thine army may have suffysaunce of victual.  
The duty of a careful capitayne is to foresee that his army have sufficient vytayles. For if they be starved for hungre, unpossible it is that they should do any thing vyliauntly, when not only men, but also horses famysshed, do loose their strength and lustynesse, whereby they be not able to strike their enemy, ne yet to defend theyr selues.   

85. ¶ To provoke thine enemies to fight in joined battle.  
If thou desire to join in battle with thine enemies, and to come to handstrokes, either for the great commodity of thine army, or for some great need, mine advise is to dispeople the countries, waist and destroy the fields round about, to 'cause thine outryders to range, hard to the pale of thine enemies, or use some other kind of displeasure, wherhy they provoked, rashly will give battle, and so according to thy desire, thine enemies shall come forth. But yet remember never to join in battle, except thou have before used some policy, or laid thy trains, to entrap thine enemies, or do prevail in an exceeding number of men, and force of soldiers which be both act yve and puissant. Then undoubtedly without any sleights in plain field safely thou mayest encountre and join in battle with them.   
¶ Thus endeth the book of James the Earl of Purlilie, dedicated to king Ferdinandus, in the pear of our Lord. M. D. xxvii.   

I Will be bold most gentle readers to put to this one precept of war. In which I will somewhat to my poor judgement, show the nature of English men, that the captains of England may know and be warned (which thing without my warnyuge they do well follow and keep) although I shall do no great hurt to leave that in writing, which they to their high praise foresee in their wars, that Engysh men be not able to continued war, neither at home ne yet in foreign royalmes, without vytayles.  
Wherefore all captains aught to provide, that their soldiers may have meat and drink enough to fill their belly, or else they can not so fiersely and gredelye continue war as they did begin. For Englyshmen of our nature, be not content with so little meat and scarce food, as other men born in the high countries be: For which cause, their strength is weakened, when that they lack feeding, according to the saying of Polidore, which saith that none army, never so great, is able to withstand a garrison of Englyshe men at the first brounte and begyuning of their wars. Which saying may thus way be true, if they have not such plenty of vytayles to suffice their appetite and hungre as they had at the beginning. For by hungre their force and fierceness, doth slake. Also all you captains remember to praise & set forth with most gentle words, the doings of your sold yours, and sometime to reward them freely, when with praise they been encouraged and hearted to take in hand any great enterprise, and for hope of richesse at the devysion of the pyllage, and both they will not fear to jeopardy their lives.  
Wherefore they must be commanded at the winning of all towns and cities, first manly to fight and deliver themselves out of all fear of their enemies, and then freely every man to get what they can, and gather all prays to their own use and profit. With which hope they will be so encouraged, that the power of any prince, is not able to be are their force and violence. For by nature men of the east country, be sharpened to fight, and encouraged by hope and advantage.  
FINIS.   


¶ A table containing the chapters of the first book,  
To choose the capitayne. Cap. 2.  
Of sufferance in war. ca 3.  
Of the stout and valiant mind of a capitain. 4.  
Of the assyege and assault of a city. 5.  
Of a great army of our enemies. 6.  
Of the reproach of that capitain which howeseth his army in the summer time. 7.  
To spy and search a place to fight in 8.  
Of the apparel of the capitayne. 9  
To know the manners and conditions of thine enemies, before thowe make Battle. 10.  
Of the Germaynes & Frenchmen. 11.  
Of sedition to be appeysed amongs an army. 12.  
How to view the army of thine enemies. 13.  
Of peace to be prefered before batayle. 14.  
Of tempests and other clamours, in an host. 15.  
Of the rerewarde. 16.  
Of great cities. 17.  
In camping thine army what is to be done. 18.  
To keep thy friends. 19  
Of quycknesse in battle. 20.  
Of the array to be kept. 21.  
Of a little multitude in a city. 22.  
Of the hope and trust of sedition. 23.  
What is to be done in time of peace. 24.  
Of feigned rumours. 25.  
Of the offyce of the capitayne. 26.  
To know whether a city is thy friend, or no. 27.  
Of confidence & assured hope in battle. 28  
Of the situation of the city to be searched and known by the capitayne himself. 29.  
Of liberty to be kept and increased of all men. 30.  
Of the doubtful coming of thine enemies. 31.  
When the array of thine enemies is troubled and out of order. 32.  
How to make thine Army strong and lusty. 33.  
A policy to be used when thy men do for sake the. 34.  
To search and bolt out the counsel of thine enemies. 35.  
Of them that be besyeged. 36.  
What is to be done when two hosts do vex and pursue the. 37.  
A craft & policy to take a city. 38.  
A policy to increase thine army without great charges. 39  
Of an healthsome law to be made in the city. 40  
Of excess to been eschewed. 41.  
Of wantonness to be cast of in wealth. 42.  
To throw down villages and castles undefensed. 43.  
How to pourchace friends and to keep the same. 44.  
To abydesyege. 45  
When it is meet to fight by eruption. 46.  
To interclude the passage of our enemies, by fire. 47.  
A policy to stop the flying of our enemies. 48  
How siege is to be laid to cities and castles and of them that be besyeged. 49.  
To avoid and escape trains. 50.  
Of hostages and pledges rather to be taken than to fight in open battle. 51.  
To stop an haven. 52.  
To make hid and false, dyches to betray thine enemies. 53.  
To pass over a water with an army. 54.  
To know whether thine enemies been afraid. 55.  
To constrain thine enemies to fight in open battle, and to come to handy strokes. 56.  
A policy to fly. 57  
When thine enemies snatch up and destroy the last ward. 58.  
Of the notable falsehood of the barbarous. people. 59  
When few must make battle with many. 60  
The offyce of the capitayne. 61.  
To forbear holy things. 62.  
Of the capitains liberality when the battle is won. 63.  
Of reproach to been eschewed. 64.  
Of the capitayns offyce in joining of the battle. 65.  
How to entreat thine enemies, the victory obtained. 66.  
To keep league & promise of peace with our enemies. 67.  
Of the captains office in accomplysshing all things. 68  
When thine enemies army prepareth passage over any water. 69.  
When thy soldiers be astonysshed & fearful. 70.  
When scarcity of vytayles is among our enemies. 71.  
Battle is not to be begun but of necessity and constraynte. 72.  
To refrain from battle before we have devised and laid our trains. 73.  
What is to be done that our enemies may be persuaded their capitayne to be slain. 74.  
To keep whole and safe territories and towns. 75.  
That thine army is to be lodged & kept in the marches of thine enemies. 76.  
What is to be done when in winter we must fight. 77  
Of pleasures to been eschewed of the capitayne and the host. 78  
To choose a place to fight in when the son and the dust may be noisome to thine enemies and in their eyes. 79  
Of time not to be looste, and vainly. spent. 80. ●  
Of good and evil doings semblable to be rewarded as punished. 81.  
What is to be done when thy men be light and spedye. 82.  
That examples do help to encowerage soldiers. 83.  
That nothing be done against the capitayns commandment. 84.  
To restrain thy soldiers sometime. 85  
It is not time to fight when thine enemies do despair, and be careless of their life. 86.  
What is to be done when we mistrust our soldiers to been afraid of the sown of gonnes and noise of them that wail. 87.  
What is to be done when thine enemies are most part archers. 88  
What is to be done before the siege of a city. 89.  
Of rasshenes to been eschewed of a capitayne. 90.  
A policy to take the footmen. 91.  
A policy to defeat and disapoynte the gunner's that they stand in no stead and use. 92.  
Of the offyce of the capitain in ordering the affairs of his army. 93.  
To refrain aswell from the empire as from the treasures after the victory. 95.  
To constrain thy soldiers to fight, 96  
To tame fierce people. 97.  
To dissemble retreat. 98.  
Of exercise. 99  
What is to be done when our enemies be conquered. 100  
When few must fight against many. 101  
When thy soldiers must sleep. 102.  
To bring suspicion of treason among thine enemies. 103.  
Of outward help that be suspicious warily to be received. 104.  
Of dissension to be assuaged and appeased. 105.  
What time towns and cities may be despoiled and taken. 106  
How much the presence of the grand capitayne doth profit. 107.  
Of the multitude of enemies. 108.  
Of our enemies that be humble and tractable. 109.  
¶ Of daungerfulle and peryllouse battle. 110.  
It is meet for young men in their youth to practise martial feats. 111.  
To increase the number of thine enemies by a rumour. 112  
To prevent the wiles and trains of a noble prince. 113.  
Of them that have long hear and long beards. 114.  
Before we say siege to cities, good it is to possess the uplande fields. 115.  
Of men wounded and killed to be conveyed privily out of the way. 116.  
Of the requests of low and humble per sonages to be herd. 117  
To use cruelness in the beginning of the wars. 118.  
How to keep thy kyndome by boldness and couragyousnes. 119  
Of chastity in war. 120  
Of cavillations to been experiensed in ieo perdies by captains. 121.  
Of soldiers that do say evil by their capitayne. 122.  
With what things thy soldiers are to be encouraged. 223.  
To pourchace the favour of a strange country. 124.  
A capitain must be liberal, and therewith praising the stoutness of his men. 125.  
What is to be done when eruption is feared. 126.  
What is to be done of the capitain when his army is in extreme peril and danger. 127  
With what thing the mind of the commynaltye mynaltye is got. 128.  
Of the fashion to send letters. 129.  
How to allure thine enemies to slip away and fail their captains. 130.  
Of the badgeys of the soldiers 131.  
Of kings and other princes, that keep not their faith. 132.  
Of the vile condition of the common people. 133.  
Of a certain kind of defence. 134.  
Of the sweetness of advantage. 135.  
Of a troublesome & unruly multitude. 136  
Of the duty of a good capitain. 137.  
In a new render. 138.  
Of the punysshement of the capitain, which forsaketh his men. 139  
To abstayn from robbing of temples. 140  
To pursue thine enemies in the chase. 141.  
To dissemble retreat & fear. 142.  
What is to be done when great jeopardies are to been undertaken. 143.  
To abstain from treason. 144.  
Of the sageness and eloquence of the capitayne in his orations. 145.  
To refrain from spoil and pyllage before thy enemies be wholly subdued 146  
To refrain from burning. 147.  
Of aid and succour to be send to thy neighbours abbordring on the. 148.  
What it is to do some valiant act in the sight and face of thine enemies. 149.  
Of a little power not to be contemned. 150.  
Of slouthfulness to be eschewed of the capitayne and all other. 151.  
To view and know the countries before thou carry thine army there. 152.  
Of the increase of thine empire. 153  
The conditions of the capitayne. 154.  
what is to be done in the besiege of cities. 155  
A policy to know if thy soldiers be faithful. 156.  
Of the great and huge coveytousnesse of the barbarous people. 157.  
How to carry an army over a water, thine enemies resysting. 158.  
The comfortable words of the capitayne, when his soldiers be in despair. 159.  
Of thy soldiers worshypfully to be buried. 160.  
When the power of thine enemies is much stronger, what is then to be done. 161.  
Of hostages. 162.  
To stint the wepiges & scrikes of women 163  
To hide and cover the slaughter. 164.  
To pacify a strong and valiant warryour which is displeased. 165.  
Wages are not to be eraved, when the treasures be spent and wasted. 166.  
To pass by little things that be hard. 167.  
what is to be done of the chefecapitains. 168  
To keep the possession of the thing once got. 169.  
Of the nature and condition of the common people. 170.  
Of a muititude of gunners and crossbow shoters. 171.  
what is to be done when the walls be beaten down. 172.  
what is to be done in the slackig of cities 173  
To set upon the camp of thine enemies not warily kept. 174.  
what is to be done in slow & slak siege 175  
Of title things not to be despised. 176.  
Of war on the see. 177.  
Of great perils scaped and avoided by rashness and foolehardynesse. 178.  
Of a certain kind of defence 179.  
where thine enemy's puayl in horsemen. 180  
To raise the siege of any city. 181.  
Of cities yielding themselves. 182  
How necessary warly cunning is to soldiers. 183.  
Great victories been achieved with few and expert soldiers. 184.  
Of young men to be choose. 185.  
what men they should be to whom the keeping of countries & cities is committed. 186.  
Of the manner of fighting. 187.  
In what places best it is to lodge thine army. 188.  
How to make strong thy camp with fortresses, thine enemies assaulting the. 189.  
To take our subjects rather than strangers for soldiers. 190.  
What is to be done in the assemble and taking of soldiers. 191.  
To keep thine army healthful. 192.  
what is to be done when waters can not be avoided. 193.  
To chastise and agrieve thine enemies host. 194.  
To know if any spies lurk among thy soldiers. 195.  
To keep close thy counsels. 196.  
The oration of the capitayne to his host when they be marchyngforth to fight 197  
To take thine enemies by wiles. 198.  
what is to be done with captives and prisoners. 199.  
To find sweet water and fresh. 1000  
Of night battle. 1001.  
Of the duty of the capitayne in exercysing his soldiers. 1002.  
Of the duty of the grand captains in battle. 1003.  
Of the foretoken and figne of battle. 1004.   

¶ The chapters of the second book.  
The poem of the second book unto the laws of war. 1.  
Of them that yield theyr selues to their enemies. 2.  
Of an outstrayer. 3.  
Of a spy or outryder. 4.  
Of ronneawayes and landleapers. 5.  
Of them that loose their harneys. 6.  
Of them that do things prohybyted, & keep not the laws and decrees proclaimed. 7.  
Of them that raise up sedition. 8.  
Of a legion reculing. 9  
Of banished personages. 10.  
Of him that is sendforth like a slave. 11.  
Of them that be judged to die. 12  
Of them that steal the youth of chyvaldry. 13.  
Of him that maymeth a young soldier. 14.  
Of him that leaveth his company. 15.  
Of them that rebel. 16.  
Of disobedience and sturdines. 17  
Of him that fleeth. 18.  
Of spies and scowtewatches. 19  
Of him that woundeth his fellow. 20.  
Of runaways and traitors. 21.  
In what places the soldiers shall be forbidden to buy vytayles. 22.  
Of them that leave night watch. 23.  
Of them that scape out of prison. 24.  
Of a ronneagate and strydelande. 25.  
Of the time appointed by the capitayne. 26.  
Of a disturber of the peace. 27.  
When thy soldiers be in their journey. 28.  
Of them that skater out of the company. 29.  
Of a captyne, 30.  
Of them that forsake the capitayne. 31.  
Of gonners on horseback. 32.  
Of gonnes called serpentines with other. 33  
Of a profitable defence of the camp. 34.  
To give thanks and praise to god after the victory. 35.  
Whether it be lawful for christian men to make and styrup battle. 36.  
They that go on warfare do leave they● jewels at home. 37.  
To make the water noisome & unhealthsome to thine enemies. 38,  
In what place the battle is be to fought. 39  
To keep the city besyeged, in faith and constancy. 40.  
To scape out of a narrow place. 41.  
Of bows. 42.  
Of the outrageous assault of thine enemies. 43.  
To foresee the place round about, where battle shall be. 44  
To setupon thine enemies in their journey. 45.  
What is to be done when our enemies overmatche us in force. 46.  
What is to be done when we do fight in straits. 47.  
Of over much confidence. 48.  
Of the captains' commandment that no man take any prisoner. 48.  
Not to departed from the place appointed. 50,  
That the tents be not left undefensed. 51.  
Of thine enemies falling in variance and strife. 52  
Let thy men be ready in harneys, thine enemies lyenge at hand. 53.  
Of the besyege of cities. 54.  
To make bridges with ropes. 55.  
To revenge our damages with like annoyance. 56.  
How to convey the battle from one place to an other. 57  
To relyve the scarsenes of water. 58.  
To recover cities and towns lost. 59  
What is to be done when thou art over matched. 60.  
To set fire on thine enemies pavilyous. 61.  
what is to be done when we can not scape out of a place with our army. 62.  
To make an assemble and show of horsemen in the face of thine enemies. 63.  
To refrain from the besyege of such cities which have daily new succour. 64.  
What is most expedient for the chief capitain to do at the first entry into countries. 65.  
what is to be done in the siege of big cities. 66  
what is to be done when our enemies spies be taken. 67.  
Not to have one espy always. 68  
To know the fear and cowardyse of thine enemies. 69.  
Of the duty of bold & stout fellows. 70  
To recover the heath of thy soldiers. 71.  
A policy to deceive and defraud our enemies. 72  
To get the favour of our soldiers. 73.  
To have fire to burn in water. 74.  
what is to be done when the capitains do not agreed in one sentence. 75  
Of falsehood to be revenged. 76.  
A way to say siege to cities on the sea side. 77.  
where we have only well water. 78.  
To choose a place to fight in. 79  
To mock our enemies. 80.  
when thine host is in great jeopardy. 81.  
what is to be done, when thine enemies be at hand. 82.  
To provide that thine army may have suffisance of victual. 83.  
To provoke thine enemies to fight in joined battle. 84.   
Finis.   

¶ Imprinted at London in the old jewery by Edward Whytchurche. Cum privilegio ad imprimendum solum.  
¶ These books are to be sold at the west door of Paul's, by William Telotson.