VOX MILITIS: FORESHOWING WHAT PERILS ARE PROCURED WHERE THE people of this, or any other kingdom live without regard of Marshal discipline, especially when they stand and behold their friends in apparent danger, and almost subverted by there enemies unjust persecution, and yet with hold their helping hand and assistance.  
Divided into two parts, the first manifesting for 〈◊〉 causes Princes may enter into war, and how necessary and usual it is, drawn from the actions of the Prince of Orange. The second discourseth of war, soldiers, and the time when it is convenient: collected out of the heroical examples of Count MANSFIELD.  
Where, as in a mirror, meet to be perused by Kings, Princes, Nobles, Knights, Gentlemen, and men of all degrees throughout the whole kingdom, to behold with what consideration they should first enter into the war, with what courage they should prosecute them, and how to deal with a common Enemy.  
Dedicated to Count Mansfield, and the honourable Council of War.  
Printed at London by B. A. for THOMAS ARCHER, and are to be sold at his shop in Pope's head Alley, over against the sign of the Horse-shoe. 1625.   

ILLUSTRISSIMO HONORATISSIMO NOBILISSIMOQVE DOMINO ERNESTO Mansfieldiae, Comiti, Marchioni Castelli novi & maximi exercitus Duci, etc.  
ILLUSTRISSIME Princeps (vere non blande sic te appellem) quitam virtutum quam rerum polles claritate, acre militari tum Marte ut aiunt, tum Mercurio longe superas, quem natura non tanquam dura Noverca, quin potius Charamater, non solum bello Strenuum at consilio sapientem constituit, ut prius timorem posterius temeritatem abs te ferret, ac certe utrum mens an manus sit fortior dictu difficillimum videtur: Neque quid miri dignitati tuae sit, qua causa ductus hoc opus aut potius opusculum bellicosum tibi potissimum dedicarem? quandoquidem tu dignissimus Miles (pene dixissem militum Atlas) merito habearis: qui sicut alter Hercules usurpantes ac in alienas possessiones ruentes Tyrannos pia ment & potenti manu penitus evertere conaris. Quis igitur melior de bello tractatus Patronus? quam qui in bello tractat, quis maior amicus erit libro cuius subiectum bellum quam ipse vir qui est subiectum belli? Preterea sicut armis, sic etiam artibus semper non parum benevolentiae ostendisti, & musarum seruis non solum amicus amictus victus, sed etiam ipsa vita, ab in eunte fuisti aetate, deinde quam gratus plerisque Britaniae accessus tuus est ex corum oculis & vultibus qui sunt indices animi facillime colligas, inter quos ego mediocre non concipiens gaudium ac nihil habens, quo adventum tuum gratuler nisi hos ingenij mei & laboris fructus quos honori tuo consecro: parum dubitans immo confidenter sperans quod sicut ex amore more & officio sunt supra Altare, plusquam humanae bonitatis tuae impositi. Sic erunt tanquam gratum sacrificium accepti, & sereno accipies & aspicies fronte, in quibus legitimum immo necessarium belli usum militum varios iniquos tum equos mores, similiter tempusad bellum gerendum opportunum, & militaris disciplinae exercitium cernas.  
Quae si perleges parum pertimesco, (si modo sine Philautia dieam) quin ex hoc officioso opere a me tibi oblato, non minus utilitatis quam voluptatis capies: exoptans itaque dignitati tuae summam (aut si quae summa sit superior) foelicitatem in conscientia pacem in bello victoriam, utcunque internam, externam, & aeternam valetudinem in omne aewm maneo.  
Tuarum virtutum obseruantissimus, G. M.   

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE and noble favourer of all Virtue and Learning, OLIVER, Viscount Grandison, One of the Council of War in Great BRITAIN.  
RIGHT Honourable, and truly Noble, as well famous for all virtues in general, as valour in particular: There is no work can be so worthy, but in this mimike and Spleensike age, it is ready every moment to be racked upon the rack of a harsh censure, but most especially such as write any thing in the defence of those so much persecuted professions, as the Scholar and the Soldier, the which though none pity them for their poverty, yet most men envy for their worth the one, because they can not attain unto it: The other, because they dare not be of it, it is not then to be hoped for: But this my Treatise will meet with many calumnies, and the voice of the Soldier will have many soggy misty vapour, which breath proceeding from malicious mouths, will seek to prevent the passage of it: the covetous Carl, who makes his gold his gold, cries out against it, and cannot endure so much as the Echo of it, he says it is so chargeable, and he had rather endanger his person, then endamage his purse: Another is so loath to leave his Mistress to find out honour, that the very voice seems to him as thunder, and he cannot suffer it; another hath bathed himself so long in the sunshine of peace, as this storm goes to the heart of him, in so much as these my labours are like to encounter with many adversaries, and this Treatise of War, to have a multitude of warriors against it, it is forced therefore to seek to shelter itself under the wings of your protection, whereby it may be preserved from the sury of all the foes, and envious darts of all the despisers of it. The reason why I commend it to your Honour's tuition, and become an earnest and humble suitor to your Honour for your patronage: especially, is in regard I hope you will somewhat respect it for the names sake you are chief elected of the King, as the most experienced soldiers of this Kingdom to be of his Counsel of war, and this is the voice of a Soldier which doth concord with your Counsel, being as an Alarm, to awake all men out of the slumber of Security, to persuade them never so much to desire peace as to detest war, seeing it is an action not only lawful but necessary to assume arms, either for the defence of ourselves, or the relief of others, whose Dominions are unjustly detained, or tyrannically usurped. Fare be it from me to be too saucy, as to offer to advice you that were a sin of horrid presumption, and as great a folly as for the feet to guide the head, or the Ass to Counsel the Lion, but my intent is to instruct the ignorant, to awake the secure, to commend the valiant, to condemn the cowardly, to raise the reputation of Soldiers, who are now looked upon with a contemptful eye, whose souls are captivated with want & misery, who fight faintly because they are not rewarded bravely, to show how in former times they which had behaved themselves valiantly were recompensed honourably, whereas now a days, the meed of their deserts for the most part is a bag and a wallet, and there gain the gallows to deplore the decay of Marshal discipline, the neglect of warlike affairs, the which for a long time lay bleeding and were giving up the Ghost, until your Honourable Counsel recovered them and gave unto them life and action. Vouchsafe therefore most worthy Peers to Patronise this work, and to deign to accept of this mite cast into your treasury, respecting not the greatness of the gift, but the might of the giver, who though he can not present unto you a work according to his will, yet to the uttermost of his power, whose only hope is built upon your acceptance? Oh then do you respect this present, as God doth our petitions of whom it is said, 
Non vox sed votum, non musica cordula sed cor,  
Non clamans sed amans, sonat in are Dei.  
'tis not the voice, but vow, the heart, not music's string,  
The love, and not the cry, that in God's ears do ring.   
Respect therefore in this work, not the stateliness of the style, but the uprightness of the heart, not the well placing of the words, but the goodness of the intent, for it is the intention that crownes the action, & what better drift can there be of a man's designs then the weal public, the presernation of his Country, the honour of his Countrymen, the provision of an Antidote against forrainefoes & forces, the Sentinel hath not an idle or unnecessary office, the watchman in the City is not in vain, he that forewarns his friends forearmes them, and surely I think then, this can not distaste any honest, though it may be some curious Palates howsoever: Howsoever let me entreat you, nay more obtain so much of your Honours, that as you are a Counsellor of War, so you would be Countenancers of this soldier's voice: that so by your furtherance a more happy success may crown my indeavoures, my labours be more fruitful, causing all men to awake out of Security, and to be in a readiness to make resistance against him that is always aiming to give an assault. So shall you show yourselves to be worthy Counsellors of War, Comsorters of Warriors, Causers of the welfare of this Kingdom, and make the Author of this work eternally obliged unto you, who intreateth you to accept his labours as graciously as he offers it officiously, And rests  
As ready in his person as his pen to do his Sovereign service, his Country good, and your Honour's duty. G. M.   

VOX MILITIS: OR, An Enemy to Security.  

Remembering how the antic Poets feigned,  
The Gods did punish those which them disdained:  
How woeful Troy in flaming fires did mourn,  
Cause Paris did the suit of juno scorn;  
How fair Narciss into a flower was turned,  
'Cause he at Venus' dainty darlings spurned:  
I deemed that angry Mars could do no less,  
Then his fell sury upon those express;  
Which do all Marshal Discipline neglect,  
And none of his brave Paramours respect,  
Who let there weapons hang secure and rust,  
Surely it should not seem in him unjust,  
If he should make them heavy pains endure,  
Which do contemn his honour, live secure:  
And so he doth as neighbouring Kingdoms show,  
Who by their peace nursed up their overthrow:  
The milk white Swan that in Meander swims,  
And in that Christ all flood doth bathe his limbs,  
Did from the Crow receive no mickell hate,  
Who envied at her happy fair estate,  
And laboured by all means her beauty fair  
To soil, and so her whiteness to impair:  
But all in vain, whiles as the careful Swan,  
With watchful eye observed him, but when  
She did not watch, but when as silent sleep,  
Possession of the Swanues fair lights did keep;  
Then at that hour she sat upon her skirt,  
And all her white array besmeared with dirt:  
Oh let not then this our fair Swanlike Isle.  
All fear of future harms from it exile,  
Promising peace, when an unhappy fate,  
Is eminent unto her envied state:  
Neither let those, whose faces black as hell,  
In whose black hearts, all black designs do dwell;  
Injure her blessed condition, neither Spain  
Hinder her peace, give life unto her pain;  
I doubt not if she wake, they cannot hurt her,  
Yet if she slumber, they may chance bedurt her,  
Which to prevent, here is the Soldier's voice  
Awakes for fear her foes, should her deboyce:  
And let her Neighbour's harms, her arms be made,  
Let her sole bliss be on their ruin laid,  
So is't not fit in our House should befeare,  
When in our Neighbours fierr flames appear,  
Will not the Soldier fence his proper head,  
When he his fellow seethe strucken dead;  
Will not the Scholar to himself take heed,  
When as the rod doth make the others bleed  
Consider then how these thy enemies,  
Did forr aigne lands in state secure surprise,  
Let Antwerp's fall like thunder in thy ears,  
Rouse thee from slumber, summon thee to fears,  
Which Town could ne'er have liberty forsook,  
If that her foes had not her napping took:  
So did the Greeks' unto the Town of Troy,  
Which being dead in sleep and drink, they did destroy.  
And as for late times, the Palatinate  
Through former ease, brought to unhappy fate:  
Hear but what France of haughty Spain can speak,  
And it will slumber from your soul's eye, break,  
Examine a●y Land each place on earth,  
Says danger from security hath birth;  
It easy seems to strike a standing Buck,  
When as a tripping do hath better luck.  
The stauding Pool with speed doth putrify,  
When we no filth in running streams descry:  
All which doth manifest no other,  
Then that ease is of sorrows all the mother:  
Whiles Samson slept in his fair minion's lap,  
He was yeatched in his strumpet's trap;  
Whiles Holofernes slept on downy bed,  
He lost the sought for conquest, and his head:  
And 'tis a maxim that excess of rest,  
Hath bad success, and sild, or vevers blest.  
Mars can t'indure Bacchus' and Venus' shout,  
Have all the honour from terrestrial mould;  
'tis meet he should have some, 'tis against right,  
That in his worship man should ne'er delight:  
Then stay no longer from God Mars his broil,  
Learn to defend yourselves, your foes to foil:  
You which so much adored the pipe and pot,  
Ascribe now worship to the pike and shot,  
Make Mars his Altar's smoke, his Angels fly,  
Leave lust, and follow matchless Chivalry,  
That so you may immortalize your name,  
And purchase to yourselves eternal fame;  
Blunt the edge of their fury, which do spite  
This our fair Albion, the World's delight:  
There is no honour, like to that in which  
One suffers death, to make his Country rich:  
Then on my Lads, do not lie slugging here,  
To smoke tobacco pipes, and suck the beer;  
But rather arm, and for your Country stand,  
Remember Honour's harvest is at hand,  
In which you reap renown, if vile disgrace,  
And cowardice produce not shame of face:  
Then for your arms prepare with all the speed,  
To make Religions foes from heart to bleed,  
Think how the praise of an heroic spirit,  
With his Country's foes in field to fight.  
For this your Worthies had their Temples crowned,  
And were of all this Universe renowned;  
In that they laboured for their Country's good,  
And all her foreign Foes with force withstood:  
Were, be such now, here in a chimney corner,  
One fellow quakes and shakes like Thomas Horner;  
When once he hears the rumours of the Wars,  
He is a man of peace, and love's not jars:  
Yet want and poverty doth haunt him so,  
He knows not where to fly, nor what to do;  
Another fellow seemeth to applaud,  
Bellona's coming, and her person laud:  
But if to follow her one should him try,  
Like Thraso then heed in infidiis lie,  
As some in office other men do press  
Unto the wars, when they love nothing less:  
And a third sort perhaps the wars do curse,  
Because they do suppose they'll charge his purse:  
Another that can scarce endure a scratch,  
Made with his Mistress pin, when he doth catch  
Her by some part forbidden, if be hairs  
That Mars within this Hemysphere appears,  
A palsy takes him, he says he's undone,  
He fears he shall be killed with a gun:  
And he another fault in them doth see,  
He fears his lodging too too hard will be.  
But up base mind, and learn to soar a loft,  
Honour lies not upon a bed that's soft,  
Nor worthy knowledge, to the war make haste,  
And strine to get aname that ere may last.  
Now lest thou shouldst be dull, and loath to stir,  
Peruse this work of mine here as a spur,  
To prick thee forward, where as thou mayst read  
The worth of wars, and how they all exceed,  
Where thou mayst understand a Soldier true,  
His labours meed that honour is his due:  
And that like Atlas on his shoulders he,  
Vpreares the Commonwealth from dangers free.  
The time when we these our arms up should take  
The which observed the wars doth prosperous make.  
And fourthly, this to thee doth show the way,  
By which doth Marshal discipline decay.  
Then let these flowers which I with pain collected,  
Not be with scornful Eye of thee rejected.  
The Toil was mine, the Pleasure thine; the Pain  
Mine own, do thou but deign to reap the Gain.  
I like the Bee, the Honey home have brought,  
Vouchsafe thee but to taste that I have sought:  
Which if thou doested will so encourage then,  
Thou shalt reap riper fruits from this my pen.   
FINIS.   

VOX MILITIS, FORESHOWING WHAT PERILS ARE PROCURED WHERE THE PEOPLE OF THIS OR any other kingdom, live without regard of Marshal Discipline: especially, when they stand and behold their Neighbours and Friends in apparent danger, & almost destroyed by their enemies unjust persecution, and not to assist them.  
IT is free from all doubt or suspicion that multitudes may conjecture me to have suffered more than sufficient travail in this enterprise: To wit, This description of Wars & Martial affairs, primarily in regard that they have ever had the estimation of plagues and punishments, and to the Palates of some persons apprehension are so distasteful, that it is the most pernicious, superlative, and malignant of all mischiefs, being aswell accounted an affliction to the harmless as to the hurtful, to the innocent as to the injurious: for by it wholesome laws and salutiferous Precepts are violated, Humanity defaced, justice perverted and suppressed, Pious places are profaned, Horryd murders committed, undefiled Virgins desloured, chaste modest Matrons defiled, spacious Kingdoms subverted, great Cities subdued and ruinated. As Numace admired for the valour, Corinth famous for the magnificence, Thebes unparallelled for the stateliness of the building and edifices. delicate Tyre accomplished, Athens, holy jerusalem, Contentious Carthage, Antwerp, and in this our modern and miserable age, Prague the Palatinate, and Breda now languishing in the like misery, the which with diverse of her companions by the means of wars have been sacked and spoilt, rob and ruinated, & oftentimes laid waist and desolate, and therefore it is but merely a punishment inflicted by God, upon some place for some notable sin and heavy affliction, being used of him as a corasive to eat out the dead flesh of security, the only means to humble us for our own sins, and to reduce us from the following of our own corruptions to the favouring of Christian religion.  
A Secondary cause which induceth me to suspect, that this my work is likely to be racked with many a rash censure, is this, viz. That as it is obvious in itself: so it is odious in respect of the instruments which are used in it, as the professors and followers of it are in such mean respect and estimation, as they are rather deemed sit for Ruffians, Roy sters, and people of a vile abject condition, rather than an exercise for honest holy men of conscionable conversation: who neither bear any zeal to God's glory, nor any affection to their brother's good: in so much as it is Cornelius Agrippa's assertion, that if you desire to see a true Tyrant, a Profaner, or a Murderer, a Robber, a Ravisher, a Desiourer, if you would have all these several conditions in one singular person, and if you desire to include all this matter in one word, it is comprehended in this one name Soldier.  
But to the end we may address our Treaty to our intended Subject, viz. WARR, because I know many be so scrupulous and tender consciences, as they deem them absolutely unlawful. I held it not fruitless and of no small import and consequence to produce some proof, aswell out of Scripture as other writers, to show the lawfulness and good approbation of Military proceed even by God himself.  
I could here produce whole clouds of testimonies out of Scripture for the confirmation of the trneth of this position: to prove that wars have been acceptable before the Majesty of God, and sometimes of more prevailence than peace, as it appeareth more clearly, than the Meridian light, in the second Chapter of the Book of the judges, where the children of Israel were reproved, for concluding a peace with the Canaanites, neither hath only approbation by the Scriptures, but is also received as a lawful proceeding by diverse other famous Authors, and that it is not only convenient, but necessary for Princes to make a breach of amity, that they might better make a confirmation of inviolable friendship, that their love might be like a limb which being broken and well set, becomes more strong and stable; and it is a War most worthily initiated, whereby the security and safety of the States effected, and on the contrary that peace is not well permitted, but most pernicious, which is the mother and causer of the people's peril, and the Country's hazard: And that true mirror of eloquence, Cicero, tells us; Ad hunc finem bella suscipimus ut cum pace & sine iniuria vivimus, To this end we undertake wars, that we may enjoy peace without injury: and in another place of the same Book, writing to the same purpose; We must in matters of advice not so deny war, as to neglect our own welfare: And one saith no less pithily then prettily, Bellum bello susceptum bellum est; Wars well undertaken, are good and lawful, for as we must be cautelous not upon every light occasion to undertake it, so we must not be cowards upon just cause to refuse it, for both of them are the extremes of fortitude, as well a rash attempt, as a base refusal: From hence Demosthenes that King of Orators, in a invective Oration against King Philip, for his insatiable ambitious desire of gonernement, as he already had besieged the Olinthians, upon the conquest of whom he had a free passage into Athens, which to prevent, Demosthenes exhorts them not only to aid the Olinthians, but also to raise an Army to send into Macedonia, that so being wounded at home, he might have the less liberty to hurt abroad, alleging that aid to their Neighbours is very requisite, since as their safety was founded upon their good success, for whosoever withdraweth his helping hand, when as his neighbour's house is on fire, may want assistance to quench his own, according to that old and usual verse, I am mea res agitur paries cum proximus audet; It is my case: so when the next walls burned, either for the subversion of any tyrant, which doth wrongfully usurp more by might then right any others dominions: in so much that in former times, it was held a thing convenient in former times, that if any Prince did tyrannically abuse any of his Subjects, either with cruelty, murder, rape, ravine, or such like oppressions, wherein he might offer his subjects opprobrious injury, the which (in regard they cannot redress themselves, for what subject dares lift up his hand against Gods Anointed, or to stand up in Arms against his Sovereign) it was requisite that the next adjoining Prince, who was a borderer upon the confines of his Dominions, should assume arms against him, to chastise, correct, and reform so great enormities, to the end that the name of a King might not seem odious, and be hateful unto the people, as was Nero, Heligabulus. Dionysius, and too many others of that barbarous disposition and horrid cruelty.  
From whence he purchased unto himself such an immortal name, and never dying memory, as they did diefie him for vilefying such monsters, and exercising his prowess upon such tyrants.  
But for the better satisfaction of those, whose precise consciences, will not allow any Wars or dissensions, to keep any harmonical consent either with goodness or godliness, give but an attentive and patiented ear unto the words of Hieronymus Osorius, as they be recorded and written in his Book entitled True Christian Nobility.  
Neither hath this allowance of Warts only approbation from him, but is received as a lawful practice by the common consent of the most, or at least the best part of Doctors; Divine Plato extolleth this art of Arms, and commandeth that children should be instructed in it, so soon as they came to ability of body, or any aptitude to discharge the Offices of Soldiers, and it was Cyrus his opinion, that it was as necessary as agriculture or husbrandy, neither is it denied by Augustine and Bernard's those two famous Fathers.  
The Romans also who were of matchless worth in marshal affairs, being no less to be admitted for their carriage abroad, then for their counsel at home, appointed for their chief Commanders two Consuls, the one to determine City affairs, the other to be occupied in marshal discipline, being assured that they could never have peace within their walls, except they had warts abroad; to omit the judgement of Hipodam us Milesius, a man so expert in all learning, who thought it convenient for that City or Country which coveted quietness, and sought for safety, to divide their people into three parts, the one of which were to be appointed to be Artificers, the other for Husbandry, and the third sort set apart to be employed in martial exercises.  
Indeed peace is a precious pearl, and is chief to be desired, but oftentimes Wars must be performed, that peace may be maintained: even like a ship which being in her quiet Harbour, is constrained to lose Anchor, and to seek for safety in the  and raging Sea: if a man cannot attain his right without violence, he may lawfully take up Arms, and get it by force, for some men are like a nettle, the more kindly they use them, the worse they will sting them, the fairer they entreat them, the fouler they entertain them.  
Solomon likewise prescribeth a time for peace, and a time for War, a day of mirth, and a day of mourning, and therefore to use time when oceasion serveth, is a main pont of principal wisdom, and to assume Arms upon due premeditation, not incensiderately to enter into conslict and skirmish, for that faucurs of savage beastliness, and not of sage humanity: but when time permitteth, and necessity requireth, then on with your Armour, fight manfully, preferring an happy and honourable death, before a disgraceful and miserable death.  
There is a double kind of Injustice, the one in offering, the other in suffering Injustice: the one is actively, the other passively unjust, wittingly to offend against a neighbour, is a sin against our brother, and wilfully to bear an injury, is an offence against ones self, and therefore I will not be a foe to my Neighbour, in wronging of him, neither will I be an enemy to myself, in permitting him to offend me, when I am of ability to defend myself: But me thinks I hear some object against the former resolution, saying, that Truth itself hath prohibited the rendering of evil for evil to any man, and hath enjoined, that if one hath received a blow of one ear, he ought to turn the other: It is true that he hath said; I believe that vengeance is the Lords, and he will repay it, yet notwithstanding a Christian doth not go about to revenge it, as it is an injury done to himself, but as an offence committed against God, who hath forbidden all injustice, and commanded to give unto Caesar that which belongeth unto Caesar, and I trust that no man will be so foolishly opinionated, that when he is oppressed by any Tyrant, should willingly surrender into his hands his possessions, his Crown, and Signiory, or that it should not be a legal honest course, and not dissentane either from reason or religion, for a Prince to defend and maintain his right, or that it should not be lawful for him to war upon him either for it, in the defence of true Religion, or the maintenance of their freedom and liberty, as the Athenians against King Philip.  
And howsoever in this our Pilgrimage, fortitudes estimation is in the wain, yet in ancient times prowess was of such price and valour, of so great account, as no glory was counted so great, no renown so honourable, as that which hath been won in the field by the force of martial prowess, and to make men more greedy of such gain, and more thirsty of such achievements, great medes and rich rewards were conferred upon such as had deserved worthily, and behaved themselves bravely in the wars.  
The noble Caleb, who by a constant courage and courageous constancy of mind, had reperswaded the children of Israel, that had a determinate inclination to make a return into the Land of Egypt, to continue still in their courage, their former manhood and virtue: and therefore the Lord promised to be his rewarder, who having a Daughter of incomparable matchless beauty, whose name Achsat, would espouse or give her in marriage upon none but he that by his valour could take the City Cariath, which in the end was taken by Othniel his brother's son.  
And did not David receive great riches with the Daughter of King Saul, for overthrowing Goliath? who also promised a great reward to those which would work the destruction of the lebusites: The Carthaginians rewarded the Soldiers with so many rings as they had been in battles: The Scythians permitted none to drink in a great cup of gold, that was carried about, except they had wrought the overthrow, or brought an Enemy to destruction.  
The Romans the more to accend men's minds, and to set their breasts on fire with the desire of honour, and to prick them on to prowess, invented stately triumphs, whereby his name might mount on the wings of Fame, which had deserved worthily, but on the contrary, such as had been of cowardly carriage, or had any affinity with our carpet Knights, were in a most shameful manner disgraced.  
The Macedonians did constitute a Law, that whosoever had not got the conquest of some one in fight or battle, because he had not striven like a man for victory, he should be hanged like a dog in a halter.  
The Women of Cimbria beyond the valour of their See, slew all such that being so followed with fear, forsook the Field, although they were of their never so near alliance, and were conjoined never so unto them in the bond of consanguinity,  
The Women of Sparta would go into the Field, the battle being ended, to see in what places their Husbands had received their wounds, the which if they found them to be before, (from whence they might conjecture he had fought manfully) they would with great solemnity perform his; but if behind, they left him as being ashamed of such a coward, and would not afford his carcase so much as burial.  
Tierias' a certain woman of Lacedemonia, having intelligence that her son had received a fatal wound in the wars, and had shaken hands and taken his farewell of this world, replied, was it not necessary that my son, going unto the wars, should be the death of others, then wherefore should I lament if others have been the death of him, surely with less sorrow and more solace I remember him, supposing him no whit unworthy of me or his predecessors in that he lived not in shame and idleness, but died with honour: let cowardly hearts lament such a loss, as for my part, I will entomb my son and never weep upon his urn.  
Another woman of Lacedemonia bereft her son of his vital breath, to whom her womb had given life, because he had basely fled from the wars, in whose reproach this epitaph was written.  
Here doth the dastard knight Damation lie,  
Who like a coward from the wars did sly:  
And for that fact was by his mother slain,  
Because he her and Spartan blood did stain.  
Solon that wise and worthy Philosopher, whom we all admire, but scarce imitate for his wisdom; being demanded of Crasus the King, of who in his conceit was most fortunate, replied, Tellus an Athenian from whose loins was sprung (in a country flowing with milk and honey, and abounding with all good commodities) a great many of children, both for the endowments of the mind, and beauty of the body, absolutely accomplished, who defended his country manfully, lived with honour, died with glory.  
Here than you may perceive the great estimation that valour was in former times when as it was so worthily reputed the exercisers of it so much encouraged, and the neglecters of it so much contemned, now what incommodity hath ensued upon them, who have placed there sole and whole selicity in peace that they have not only despised war, but have utterly refused to learn all Marshal discipline, hereafter I will demonstrate unto you.  
But still me thinks there remains a ribble rabble of secming religious people, whose queasy consciences strain at a Gnat, but swallow a Camel, whose wary minds stumble at a straw, but leap over a block, which still do oppose and make assault against our position, in regard that murder spoils, and sundry other inconveniences are the effects of them: but it is not enough to reprove an opinion as erroneous, except they prove it false, neither doth this there mere assertion sufficient to infringe the verity of this position. Suppose War to be the mother of Murder, yet it is oftentimes such as is by God allowed, nay more commanded: Did not josuah, fearing the day would have imposed too speedy and present a period to his slaughter, command the Sun to stay in Gideon, and the Moon in the Aialon, and the Lord did countenance his commandment, for there succecded an immediate Solstyne, and the Moon continued not her course, nay oftentimes the too much favouring of ours and God's enemies, hath been the only means to root us out of God's favour: For what was the original of saul's destruction? but the not destroying of the Amalekites, neither do I produce these examples, to prove wars always necessary: but sometimes lawful, and I can not choose but admire the foolish frenzy of some fantastic Coxcombs, who do so much misconceive of wars as they hold them directly displeasing to God, because murder, and diverse other misdemeanours are committed in them.  
But by these arguments they kill themselves with their own weapons, and seeking to maintain the prerogative of peace, do quite cuert it, for by that argument it is the most to be evited enormity that can be imagined: for is it not the nurse of vices, the root of ruin, the prop of pride, to be short, the mother of all mischief: for in the time of peace we fix our fancy only upon uncertain riches, for the satisfying of which sacred hunger of gold, what offence will we not perpetrate, what sin will we leave unacted, who will not become an Usurer, or an Extortioner, nay, that which is something better, a hangman, or an Executioner, a parasite, nay, a parricide, to purchase them? And when they have attained them, they are but the irratamenta malorum, the engines of iniquity, the instruments of vanity, the stirrers up of strife and contention, making the possessor of them proud, presumptuous, vainglorious, and like leaven souring the whole lump. This Augustine perceiving, writeth in a Book of his entitled De Civitate Dei, The City of Carthage was more hurtful to the City of Rome after her destruction, then in the time of the wars which the Romans had with her, for whilst they had enemies in Affticke, they knew not what vices meant at Rome.  
Yet is it not my drift to prefer Wars before Peace, but to intimate, that as Peace is the great blessing of God, so Wars undertaken upon due consideration, do nothing offend him: and although in the time of peace there is plenty of vice, yet notwithstanding it is not absolutely to be condemned, so though in the Wars there be many outrages committed, yet it is not wholly therefore to be neglected: the Sun shining upon some pleasant Garden, makes the flowers have a more fragrant and delightful smell, but displaying his most radiant beams upon a dunghill, maketh the stink greater, and the sent more noy some: The sick man's stomach turneth all his meat into bad humours, Peace may be prosperous, and War lawful, yet both of them may be abused.  
Moreover, if I should speak of the particular commodities that several countries have reaped by wars, I could be infinite, and to the intent I may not range fare abroad for example, let thy consideration make but a step into our neighbouring nations, and let us look into the Low Countries, these you shall see the Prince of Orange, that treasury of all virtue and goodness, though with mean forces, withstanding a mighty nation, that his liberty might not be infringed, of his country injured; neither hath he maintained his own case only valiantly, but hath afforded his neighbouring friends aid and assistance. Let Spain speak how often she hath received a repulse and a non visitavit from him? how often in vain she hath attempted his overthrow, but be like a well built fort hath valiantly withstood all their assaults? and though he hath happily been moved, yet could not be removed by their attempts: whereby as all men sufficiently understand, he is now grown potent and powerful, rich and renowned: whereas on the contrary, if Asslike he would have borne the king of Spain's heavy burden, submitted to the yoke of his obedience, he had lost his liberty, nover attained the honour with which his name is now crowned, for he remaineth as a mirror and terror to all nations, for as his Excellency did justly, and with due consideration undertake, so he hath nobly and with true valour maintained his quarrel against the King of Spain. Surely an act well beseeming so worthy and noble a Prince, who as he should not be like a raw wound over-apprehensive of injuries, so he should be unlike dead flesh, not too senseless of wrongs done unto: the one shows folly the other fear. Neither would it ill befeeme any Potentate to tread in the steps of so excellent a Prince, and not so much to respect peace as to neglect a just occasion of war, for doth it stand with reason or religion that a Prince having sufficient power to make resistance to an open enemy, should expose his open breast to his threatening sword, nay when he sees he hath already cut off some of his limbs to trust him with his whole body. Hath he any great good meaning to the tree that hacks and hues down the branches: doth he bear any good affection to the father that striveth to injure the child? or doth not he that oppresseth the child, express his hatred to the father? can one which loathes the effect love the cause? will not he which cannot tolerate the heat, labour to quench the fire? yes surely, and it was formerly lawful for Kings to seek to depose a Tyrant though he had no interest in those which were injured. Then how much more forcible a motive hath he if his posterity be abused, and he be wounded in his own bowels: Surely his sword ought not to rest in his sheath when he hath such just cause to draw it, but his angry canons to thunder in the ears of his enemies, and tell them they have injured him. And is not this the cause of our Sovereign, if ever Prince had just cause of war, it is he, for they have exiled out of his inheritance the Palsgrave, a Prince so hopeful; they have laid waste his country which was the Paradise of the world, a land so fruitful, they do unjustly usurp his Diadem, they have falsely promised the restoring of it, when as the pulses of their promises did not beat according to the motion of their hearts. Certes it did not beseem Princely piety in them to offer, neither doth it consent with kingly courage in him to suffer, that me thinks this voice of the Soldier is but as an echo to the voice of heaven, which says the cause is just, and counselleth all Christian Protestant Princes jointly to assume arms to drive this Boar out of the Vineyard, and to reseate this royal Prince in his Throne and dignity.  
Hear oh you brave English Spirits which once were admired, I had almost said adored for your valour when you had employment; how can you any longer desist from the pursuit of honour in so just a cause? do you not long to fight for the safety of a limb, nay the half part of your Sovereign. But why should I use these needless persuasions, or spur a free horse, I dare say you are easily entreated, nay hardly persuaded from it, and you are as restless being staved from the combat, as the Stone violently detained from the Centre.  
Never was Bear rob of her whelps more angry of revenge than you of this enterprise; it may be indeed there be some Spanish English (as they term them) who are neither true to God, their King, or country, which have not the least drop of loyal blood lodged in their hearts, that would be somewhat unwilling to act a part in this matter: perhaps likewise there be others who be guilty of so little valour, that they had rather live like drones in this hive of our commonwealth, and be loitring lubbers at home, than any ways to offer there service for their Sovereign's welfare, or spend a dram, nay a drop of blood in the defence of the truth, who are very well content to enjoy the warmth they have under the wings of their Sovereign, but will not do any service in the requital of this benefit being not much unlike to ungrateful curs which will fawn upon their master so long as he feeds them, but when he hath any futther employments for them, they bid him adieu, and hasten to their kennels: So these men, or rather beasts indeed, that are borne, bred, fostered, said, in their country, and yet can suffer an indignity done to their Prince, and when their country standeth in need of their aid or assistance, to slip their collar & come to combat in the defence of it as willingly as Bears to the stake: that argueth an ungrateful mind, free from all virtue as well as valour, and indeed are no more worthy to enjoy the commodities and benefits of their country then a Swine deserves a pearl.  
But as Plutarque maketh mention of an Island in Greece called Cobde, in which there was a lineage descended from that noble valiant captaives called Agis the good, amongst which Agitas this law especially was most strictly observed, that none durst presume to style himself naturally borne in the I'll, unless he had performed some memorable valiant act: or at the least, shown himself forward and willing in the defence of his King and Country, and I dare truly say, though he dare style himself one of the Country naturally borne, yet he is not so, for a true English man hath a heart more full of Celestial fire, and a bosom better furnished with noble thoughts, then to be a Porter of injuries done to his Sovereign, or any of those which belong unto him: And I do speak, ex animo, there never went a hungry man with a greater or better appetite to a feast, than they would to this fray. They know the Prince so worchy, the cause so just, the success so certain: I doubt not, but it hath been so sufficiently proved, that wars are lawful, that a blind man may apparently see it: but still there are some, who though they can not disallow of the action, yet they seem to dislike of the Agents, and perhaps they will say, a Soldier can not be an honest man, because in wars they be ministers of so much mischief: this is their reason. But in this place I will but reason of soldiers, as I have already done or wars: that is, but to show what manner of people soldiers have been: As for such as do but usurp the name of soldiers, I leave them till another occasion.  
We find in the 14 Chapter of the book of Genesis, 
Genesis. 14.  that Abraham was a captain and leader of men, unto whom Melchizedech the King of Salem brought forth bread and wine: albeit he wore a Priest of the most high God. And S. Paul in his Epistle to the Hebrues the 6. Chapter, speaking of our Saviour Christ, saith, That he was made a high Friest for ever after the order of Melch zedech: and all the Divine & ancient Doctors by general consent do agree, that the first true figure of Christ, was here offered to soldiers, that were returned from the slaughter and spoil of their enemies.  
A special cause wherein soldiers may worthily triumph, & a choke pear sufficient, to stop their mouths, that would so absolutely condemn them.  
Moses, 
Exod. 18.21. Deut. 1.13.15.  though he were otherwise a Prophet, yet he was likewife a captain, to whom Jethro his father in law, by the motion of God's spirit, gave counsel to provide such to be judges over the rest, which should be found to be men of courage, to fear God, to be lovers of truth, and hating covetousness, etc. and that of them he should make some Mil●enaries to rule over thousands; and that he should created others C●nteniers, to rule over hundreds: other Conquest ●…iers to bear authority over fifties: and Disniers to command our ten.  
josua, at whose commandment the son was obedient, 
judges. 7.  was a soldier and a leader of an army.  
When the whole host of the children of Israel was utterly dismayed for the multitude of their enemies, whose number was like the sands of the sea, the Lord commanded Gedeon to make his choice of such to serve for soldiers to encounter them, as were most faithful, that doubted not of his promises made unto them, which were in number but 300. and were chosen by lapping of water.  
Who ever stood more in the good grace and favour of God, than that noble King and captain David, whom the Lord termed to be a man after his own hartiss desire?  
What should I here speak of J●ph●heth, of Jehu, of Judas Macchabaeus, and of many other, which were notable soldiers? shall they be condemned to be wicked and evil, because they were warriors? or shall we think of them, that in that vocation they offended God?  
When the soldiers demanded of John Baptist, 
Luke. 3.  what they ought to do, he willed them to hurt no man wrongfully, but to live by their wages: he said not unto them, Forsake your vile profession, you can not be the children of God, to follow any such manner of e●…cys●: the which questionless he would have done, if he had so thought.  
And when the Captain, who had sent unto lesus for the healing of his servant that lay sick, as jesus was going towards his house: 
Luke. 7.  (Nay Lord quoth the Captain) I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter into my roofe, do but speak the word only, and my servant shall be safe: for I also am a man set under power, and have under me soldiers: and I say unto one go●, and he goeth: and to another come, and he cometh: and to myseruant do this, and he doth it. jesus marvelling at his words, turning him about to those that followed, said: I have not found so great faith, no not in Jsrael.  
And what godlyer commendation may be given to any man than we find in the 10. Chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, 
Acts. 10.  where it is written as followeth.  
There was a certain man in Caesarea, whose name was Cornelius, a captain of the soldiers of Italy, a devout man, and one that feared God with all his household, etc. To this Cornelius the Angel of the Lord appeared, and willed him to send into Joppa, and to inquire for one Simon Peter, who should instruct him and baptise him in the name of jesus, and when the Angel was departed, thus saith the text: He called to him two of his household servants, and a devout soldier, that waited on him, & told them all the matter, and sent them to joppa, etc. This may seem sufficient to prove, that not only Captains, but also private soldiers, have been found to be both zealous and fervent in the love and fear of God, and that he hath likewise accepted them into his special grace and favour.  
But what should I stand here to manifest the virtues, wherewith a number of noble captains have been most plenteously endued: as the bounty and liberality of Alexander, the continency of Scipio; the justice and equity of jultus Caesar, the patience and humility of Agathocles, the mercy and pity of Agesilaus, the faith and fidelity of Regulus to his very enemies. Here might (I say) even of this only matter a huge volume be written, only of the virtuous dispositions of noble soldiers: in so much that this oath, By the faith of a Soldier, hath been so inviolably kept, that a soldier hath been better to have been credited by that oath, than some merchants now by their obligations.  
But here if any will conjecture, that in time past soldiers have so exceeded in virtues, that at the time present they have none at all lest for them to boast on: although in England our multitude be not many, yet amongst those few there be both honourable and worshipful, whose magnanimity in the time of wars hath made them famous in foreign countries, and whose nobleness and virtues now in the time of peace, do shine coequal with the best.  
But here peradventure some curious caveller will reply, that these may be better called sage and wise counsellors, then bloody or cruel Captains: and rather may be termed sober, and discreet lustices, then rash and harbrayned soldiers: and thus by denying them to be soldiers, will think I am never the nearer my proof. But here if there were no other shift, or that the matter were so needful to be reasoned on: it were very easy to prove, that the best and noblest soldiers be ever found to be the wisest and meetest Counsellors: and for that cause the Poets have feigned Minerva to be armed, signifying that Captains and soldiers should be (as it is reported of jugerth) not only wise in counselling, but courageous in conquering: as politic in keeping, as valiant in getting.  
And Tully in his first book of Offices speaketh of a double commodity that these men do yield to their country, 
Tull. de os●…, lib. 1.  who armed, do make wars: & roabed, do govern the common wealth.  
What though there be some that in the time of service, will intrude themselves, and become soldiers, of purpose rather to spoil, rob, and filch, then to do any good service, shall the honest Soldier therefore be condemned? so every profession, how necessary so ever it seem, would be misliked, and men of every faculty would be despised.  
As first for example, the Merchants, whose trade, as Pliny saith, was invented for the necessity of man's life, transporting from one region to another, that which lacketh in the one and aboundeth in the other: yet there be many that under this cloak and good pretence, continually do practise, to transport out of their own native countries, such commodities as may not well be spared: whereby many times great scarcity and dearth doth happen, wherein the people are piteous oppressed.  
In England once a year we find the extremity, either for want of corn, leather, hides, tallow, butter, cheese, bacon, beef, beer, and many other such like, which by his Majesty are prohibited: but no restraint may serve against those thiefs, unnatural robbers and spoilers of these own country.  
And yet these are commonly the greatest find-faults that will inveigh against soldiers, whose spoils are much more tolerable, because they spoil but their enemies: these rob and spoil their friends, and make wrack of their own countries, by conveying away their commodities, and by returning of incommodities, vain trifles, which are not necessary for humane life, but only to maintain women and children in pride, pomp and vainglory, such things as do procure delights, wannesse and delicacy: the very vanities and vices of every nation by these men are brought home. And then what p●●u●●e, what fraud what deceit by themselves, their brokers, and retailers is used to utter them, my wits be too weak, nor I think there is no other that is able to express, unless it be a Merchant himself that hath used the trade.  
Furthermore, under this trade and traffic, they have conference with strange Princes, and utter unto them the secrets of countries, lend them money, and in the end will not stick to betray their own country and commonwealth.  
There is another kind of Merchants, that deck their shops with other men's goods, borrowing here of one, and there of another: and when they have gotten into their hands some great mass or value, than they become bankrupts, and live in a corner with other men's goods.  
Thus you may see, that although this trade or traffic of merchandise is very beneficial to every state and commonwealth, and that there have been many wise and notable men thet have used it, as Thalust, Solon, Hypocrates, and others, yet it is by some abused: but shall we therefore condemn the trade, or other good and honest merchants that use it? not so, for the exercise of it may not be forborn, and the honest trading Merchant is to be had in reverence and estimation.  
In like manner amongst the Lawyers, are there not found many that creep in to the Inns of Court, that seek by law to over throw law, such as be termed by the name of Peti foggers, brethels, that practise nothing but to breed dissensions, strifes suits, quarrels, and debates between neighbour and neighbour brother and brother, yea sometimes between the father and the son?  
First they animate them to commence actions, persuading them that their quarrels be just, and will very well stand with law: but when they have once gotten them in, than they feed them with delays, procrastinating their suits from day to day, from term to term, yea from year to year: in the end, when the matter is like to fall out against them, than they blame their clients, that in the beginning they did not throughly instruct them.  
These be people that of all other are most to be detested: for in the time of peace, these procure continual wars, and civil dissensions, not amongst enemy, but amongst friends, not amongst foreign foes, but amongst their natural country men, rejoicing when any brawl or brabble doth fall out amongst their neighbours.  
And yet they would be accounted the authors of peace, & will not let to exclaim against the soldier, and condemn him, because they do think him to be like unto themselves, that is, to be desirous of wars and troubles.  
There is no Parliament or convocation that is called, but if there be any good motion had in question, for the quietness or quick dispatch of matters in controversy, but that lawyers be the only lets that it shall not come forth: because that if it were not for delays and shifts, the one half, nay not a quarter of them might be able to thrive by their occupation, there are such a shameful company.  
Yea, many times there are found great coriuptions even amongst the judges themselves: that for fear to offend a Prince or some Noble man, will not stick with Pilate to condemn Christ. Sometime with Gold and Silver or other gifts, they be so corrupted, that they regard more the presents that are given them, than either justice or equity: they are diligent in rich men's causes, put the poor they deserre: the complaint of the widow or fatherless cannot be heard amongst them.  
But shall we therefore reprove the law, which is the only prop and stay to every commonwealth, without the which we could not live in any good order, otherwise then as brute beasts neither could those that be good and harmless, enjoy either goods or possessions from cruel Firants and oppressors? neither were any one man assared of his life or living, were there not law to punish murderers, and to maintain right: or shall the abuses of some, condemn all honest and true dealing lawyers, who in their profession of all men are worthy to be honoured? As there is no reason in the one, so they be too much to blame, that for the lewdness of some losses, that do but usurp the name names of soldiers, will therefore so absolutely condemn all soldiers, thinking there can be no good, because some are ill. But what profession may there be, wherein wicked men will not seek to cloak and cover themselves? Be there not that enter even into the Ministry of the holy sacraments, proud prelate's, blind guides, and lazy lubbers: some that during the space of twenty years, have received the fruits of benefices, that have not three times visited their flocke, but commits them to Sir john lack latin and his fellow, poor ignorant Chaplains: such as they hire best cheap: while they themselves live in pleasure, pomp and pride: not like S. Peter nor S. John, that had not one penny to give to the poor lame man, that sat begging at the temple gate: and yet they would be called their successors? These be they of whom the Prophet Ezechiel so exclaimeth, saying, They serve for nothing, but to serve themselves, and in steed of feeding their flock, they take the fleece, draw the milk, kill the fattest, eat the flesh, break the bones: they are dumb dogs, that know nothing, they dare not bark, but are very curious to have horsekeepers for their Palfreys, Falkconers for their Hawks, Cooks for their Paunches, but the poor sheep perish through their default. I know likewise that there be a number of a learned Pastors, godly ministers, diligent Preachers, and faithful followers: they which (God defend) should bear the abuses of the others. Then if the holy temple of God, cannot be cleansed from such Ministers of mischiefs: they be something too nice, that would have soldiers to be all Saints, and much more to blame that would make them all devils: because some do amiss. And here withal I must think them to be very partial, that with such blunts terms will entitle Soldiers in the time of War: and in the time of peace, can so cleanly cloak the very same Actors, with names and titles of credit and estimation. For in the time of Wars, he that is found to be bloodily minded, killing without compassion all that lightteth in his wrath, they term him by the name of a Tyrant and a murderer, where in the time of peace, they sometime shadow him under the title of my Lord judge, but many times by the name of Master justice of Peace and Quorum. In the time of War, whom they term a seditious mutineer, a perverter of good Laws, a maintainer of  quarrels: In the time of Peace they call him Master Sergeant of the Coif, a wise Councillor in the Law, or an honest viligent Attorney. In the time of War, whom they term a thief, a robber, a spoiler. In the time of peace they call him an honest trading Merchant. In the time of Warrie whom they call a violator of Women, a ravisher, and deflowrer: In the time of peace they call him a friendly and loving gentleman: yea, and some foolish soother, that will speak they know not what, will say he is a right Courtier, and a Courtlike gentleman. In the time of War, he that can tell a filled tale, and that can creep into men's bosoms to serve his own turn, they call him a Parasite, a flatterer, and a dissembler: In the time of peace they call him an excellent learned man, and a very good Preacher.  
Such partiality (I say) is amongst them, that no faults are espied, but such as be committed amongst Soldiers: Neither do I here go about to excuse all Soldiers, as though there were none ill: but those that be, are commonly found in these new levied bands, & not a 'mongst old soldiers, as hereafter I will show.  
But here (peradventure) some will think, that although many of them may be excused from a number of vices, wherewith they have been charged: yet that they of force must be all murderers, may not be denied: for they go into the Field as well weaponed to kill, as armed to defend. This objection I have many times heard, but those people are in too scrupulous an opinion, considering how many examples we may find in the holy Bible: where God hath not been offended, with those that have killed their enemies: but that is sometimes lawful in the presence of God to shake off the yoke of bondage by the death of Tyrants, as Judith by Holofernes, and many other like. But as justice without temperance is reputed injury: so magnanimity without mercy is accounted Tyranny: and as it cannot be counted a noble victory which bringeth not with it some clemency, so to use pity out of time and season is as great folly, as to use mercy in any conflict till victory attained.  
And sometimes policy excludeth pity, as the Greeks, who after the destruction of Troy, slew Astinax the son of Hector, to the end that there might remain no occasion of quarrel, fearing if he had lived, he would have sought some revenge.  
Indeed they may say soldiers are most merciless, but there are sundry most miserable. First, in the time of wars, they spare not in their country's behalf, to forsake their wife, children, father, mother, brother, sister, to leave their friends, and only betake them against their enemies, contented to yield themselves to continual watch, ward, fasting, hunger, thirst, cold, heat, travel, toil, over hills, woods, deserts, wading through rivers, where many sometimes lose their lives by the way, lying in the field in rain, wind, frost and snow, adventuring against the enemy, the lack of limbs, the loss of life, making their bodies a fence and bulwark against the shot of the canon.  
But the wars being once finished, and that there is no need of them, how be they rewarded, how be they cherished, what account is there made of them, what other thing gain they then slander, misreport, false impositions, hatred and despite.  
How small is the number that be in England of sufficient men, such I mean as be able in deed, in the time of service, to stand their country in stead, to any purpose, and yet how many of this small number have ever been brought to credit, or been any thing preferred, for the service they have done?  
And O England, would to God so many precedents of others mishaps might make thee take heed, & call thyself to remembrance: consider thy enemies be not so secret, but they be as malicious, and have stayed all this while neither for want of quarrel, neither for want of will, if they themselves were once at quiet: nor flatter not thyself because thou hast enjoyed a peaceable time, that it shall still endure, but remember the longer it hath been calm, the sooner the storm is looked for, and the greater the rage when it falleth.  
If thou dost well look into thyself, and ponder thine own case, thou shalt finde, that if any sudden alarm should happen, thy greatest want shallbe only of those men that now thou holdest in so small estimation, and dost esteem of so little account.  
If thou thinkest thy great numbers of untrayned men, are sufficient to defend thee, do but remember what happened to Antwerp, where they wanted neither men, nor any other provision for the wars. But they wanted soldiers to direct them, and men of understanding to encourage them: For the want of knowledge breedeth the want of courage, as Solomon saith, A wise man is ever strong: 
Prou. 14.  yea a man of understanding increaseth with strength: for with wisdom must war be taken in hand, and where there are many that can give counsel, there is the victory, etc.  
And Xerxes, who with a great army, was put to the worst but with 300 Lacedæmonians, confessed that he forced not so much for the multitude, as for their knowledge and experience. I could here rehearse many other examples of like effect, but I leave them till other occasion, & will conclude with what care and provision sundry noble Princes have provided for their souldiouts, not only in the time of war when they have had need of them: but aswell in the time of peace for their service already done, that they should not want, according to the mind of Alexander Severus, who saith, The soldier is worthy his keeping in the time of peace, that hath honestly served his country in the time of war, although for age he can not travel, yet his counsel may none be spared. And jesus the son of Sirach saith, There be two things that grieve my heart, and in the third is a displeasure come upon me, when an expert man of war suffreth scarceness and poverty, when men of understanding and wisdom are not set by, and when one departs from righteousness to sin, etc.  
Octavian Augustus honoured soldiers with this law: Whatsoever thou be that shalt serve with us in wars ten years space, so that thou shalt be forty years old, whether thou hast served on foot or on horseback, hereafter be thou free from wars, be thou Heros, an old soldier: let no man forbidden thee the city, the street, the temple, nor his house: let no man lay any blame to thy charge, put any burden upon thee, or ask thee any money: if thou shalt offend in any thing, look to be chastised by Caesar and by no man else. In all dishonefty that men shall commit, I will that thou be the judge, and discloser, whether they be private or officers: that which thou shalt say and affirm for truth, no man shall reprove for false. I will that all ways and places be open for thee, thou shalt have authority to eat and drink at princes tables: thou shalt yearly have wages of the common treasury to find thee and thy household: let her be preferred before other women, whom thou shalt take to be thy lawful wife: and he that thou shalt call infamous, let him be wicked and infamous: thou being Heros, shalt have authority to bear arms, badges, names, and ornaments, which be decent for a king: do what thou list in every place and country where thou comest, if any do thee wrong let his head be cut off. etc.  
Charles the great, when he had translated the name of the Empire to the Gormanes, after the Saxons and Lombard's were vanquished, gave this honour to his soldiers, saying: You shall be called Heroes, the companions of Kings, and judges of offences: live ye hereafter void of labour, counsel Kings in the public authority, reprove dishonest things, favour women, help Orphans, let not Princes lack your counsel, and ask of them meat, drink and money, if any shall deny it, let him be unrenowmed & infamous: if any do you injury, let him know he hath offended the Emperor's Majesty: but ye shall foresee, that ye distain not so great an honour, and so great a privilege, gotten by the great labour of war, with drunkenness, railing, or any other vice: to the end, that that which we have given you for glory, redound not to punishment, which we will for ever reserve to be given you by us and our successors, Emperors of Rome, as often as you shall transgress.  
And Polycrates of Samos, appointed living for the wives and children of the dead soldiers, straight commanding, that no man should offend them, or do them any wrong.  
Solon made this law, that those children, whose fathers had spent their lives in fight in the defence of the common wealth, should be brought up at the charges of the common treasure.  
But what do I stand reciting of strange histories, forepast so many years sithence: Why do I not remember the Frenchmen and Spaniards, amongst whom at this instant men of service be not a little honoured, and had in estimation: And go to the drunken countries of Denmark and Swethen, and those other parts of the East, and how be soldiers cherished, & men of service provided for.  
Here might be many other things said in the behalf of soldiers, the which I omit, and leaving them to the benefit of better fortune, will come to speak of the abuse of the time.   

THE SECOND PART SHOWING THE time, when wars ought to be put in execution.  
Howsoever I know some will condemn my discourse as frivolous and fruitless: For howsoever in other nations there hath been a greater effusion of the blood of men, then of Beasts, yet we have securely slept upon our Couches of ease, and forfeited of ease and plenty, yet though it be the part of a fool at the sea, to wish for a storm, when the weather is calm: so I know likewise in the time of calm, to provide for a storm, is the point of a wise mariner: for who considereth not, to whatdisposition Kings and Princes be commonly inclined unto, in these latter days: which is, to have greater felicity, with Tyranny to offend others, then with justice and equity to keep their own: it ought therefore with great diligence to be provided for, that like as in the time of war, circumspect care of peace may not be omitted: so in the time of peace, such things may be foreseen, appertaining to the war, that the want of warlike provisions, be not prejudicial to the maintenance of this sweet and quiet peace.  
And the very occasion that urgeth me to write, is to wish that in England we were expert warriors, though not war lovers: and that we had many that were wise, rather than willing soldiers. But where peace is so immediately desired, that in preferring thereof they forget all Martial exercises, which is the very preserver, & maintainer of peace, (according to the mind of Valerius Maximus, who saith, That the custody of blessed peace consisteth in the knowledge of war) it can not be chosen therefore, but those people be ever nearest their own harm, that will so carelessly spend the time of peace, as though they should never more have occasion to enter into war,  
And generally it is seen, where pleasure is preferred so excessively, and the people follow it so inordinately, that they lie and wallow in it so carelessly, they commonly end with it most miserably.  
For how many Cities, how many Countries, which sometime most of all flourished, only by reason of their fare stretched Empire, glory and renown, purchased by famous and noble acts, are now beaten flat to the ground, covered with mould, and almost out of remembrance.  
Where are now become the dominions of the Assyrians and Persians? What is become of the glory of the rich city Athens: which had been so often forewarned by that excellent Orator Demosthenes? Or where is now the pomp and power of the Macedonia●s? Or what hath wasted the fame and renown of the city of Rome, that it had not been perpetnall.  
What other thing then this inordinate delicacy, riot and idleness: For when they over neglected the seats of war, laid aside their weapons, sought more for their own private advancement, then for the liberties of their Country: then came their kingdoms to calamity, & began headlong to fall to the ground: and then in the stead of frugality sprung up outrageous riot: in stead of hardiness and courage in the wars, exceeding tenderness, and niceness, both of body and mind: and thus when the knowledge of soldierfare was extinguished: then unsatiable desire of riches made entry amongst them, and nothing so much practised, as to have experience in buying and selling, that in the end, the Imperial Crown was bought and sold for money amongst them: and the Roman Empire which so mightily had flourished: was now made subject to common thraldom.  
But for that there are some, that are nothing moved with reading of histories, monuments, or the examples of ancient writers, unless they have known the like in their age, or seen with their eyes, or as it were touched with their singer, I will therefore put such in remembrance of the state and condition of Holland, Zealand, Flanders, Brabant, and other parts of the low countries: How many years continued they in peace & quietness: in drunkenness, in lechery, in riot, in excess, in gluttony, in wantonness? (I will not say in the like predicament that we now remain in England) the which to continue, they were contented to submit themselves to any manner of thraldom, and to every kind of slavery, to receive the Spaniards into their cities and towns, which were naturally seated so strong, that no foreign Prince could forceably have made entry into them.  
How the Spaniards governed them, with what rigour they ruled them, and how tyrannously they reigned over them, is so well known, as I will not spend the time to relate: in the end, to disburden themselves from that which before they had yielded unto, by necessity they were enforced to go to Mars his school, and to practise the art of war, which had ever been most loathsome unto them, not without great ruin and wrack, of many noble cities and towns, and with no less spoil and havoc of infinite goods and riches.  
For like as the desire to have dominion over many kingdoms, and to have Soveraingty over fare stretched Empires, is a common infirmity amongst Kings & Princes: so there is nothing may sooner provoke them to give attempt, then where they see such forgetfulness amongst the people, that sloth and idleness beareth the whole sway among them: As Plutarch in his Apothegmaes, maketh report of a famous captain, to whom a certain reader of the Athemen made his complaint, that the men of arms in his camp reproached them of Athens, to whom the captain made answer, that as the thing that is well kept, is hardly lost, and that nothing provokes the thief sooner than negligence: So, if the Athenians had tied care and circumspection to their words and deeds, they had never fall'n into the hands of the Lacedæmonians.  
And Cambyses the father of Cyrus' King of Persia, being asked by what means Cities might best be kept in safety, answered, If they that kept the same Cities, do think they can never be wary enough of their enemies: the which in the Massilians was charily performed, who kept both ward and watch in their Cities in the time of peace, as if they had been continually vexed and troubled with war, and to that purpose, instituted sundry good ordinances, upon the holy days to see their Soldiers standing upon the walls, and exercising themselves in the feats of arms. And that notable Captain Epaminondas, while the Citizens of Thebes gave themselves to feasting, banqueting and belly cheer, ran hastily to arm himself, and marched towards the city walls, to the end the rest might be the safelier drunk, and aswell to signify, that the safety of their City should at no time be forgotten.  
And although King Solomon. who in the holy Scriptures is called Rex pacificas, and was promised by the mouth of God a peaceable reign, and was still busied, and turmoiled with the building of the holy Temple: yet notwithstanding, he was not forgetful to furnish his garrisons with innumerable men of war, horses and chariots. To be short, there is, neither hath been any well governed Commonwealth, but the laws of Arms be as carefully provided for, as any other city causes: but where delicacy once prevaileth and getteth the upper hand, there adieu Martial minds, and farewell magnanimity, where slothfulness hath once made entry: for the nobleness that is to be looked for in a princely and haughty courage, though it be chief wrought by the force of the mind: so the body must be exercised, and brought in such plight, as it may be made able to follow pain and travel.  
Were not the old soldiers of Hannibal, in lying but one winter in Capua, spending the time in wantonness amongst the delicate Dames, so effeminated and enfeebled, both in body and mind, that they never did any thing afterward, that was worthy of report.  
And Xerxes being offended with the Babylonians, because they traitorously had shrunk from him: when he had again brought them under, he forbade them to bear any more weapons, & further commanded them, that they should sing to the Lute, and other Instruments, learn to keep harlots, and haunt Taverns, which policy he of purpose prepared, to weaken their courages, whereby he might the better keep them under awe.  
The knowledge of war therefore, and the exercise of arms are especially to be sought, neither can I tell whether any thing be more noble, by the which so great dominions and noble Empires have been purchased, Kingdoms enlarged, Princes preserved, justice maintained, good laws protected, and the common wealth defended.  
Great is the glory in the knowledge of war therefore: neither hath the city of Athens achieved so great renown and glory, although it merited to be called the mother of all arts and sciences, as Rome hath done, only by magnanimity, and force of Martial might: which brought such reputation to their Common wealth, that fare and strange regions sought their alliance and friendship, and thought themselves assured against their enemies, if they had confederation with them, that in the end, they grew to such admiration, that for their lenity and surmounting courtesy, they were of all men beloved, and for their valiant magnanimity, they were of all men feared. Neither was this magnificence upholden by doing wrong and injury: for they never attempted wars but for things in claim, or in defence of league friends. 
Tull. officiis lib. 1.  Then (as Cicero saith) The Senate might rather have been termed, the protection, haven, and refuge of kings, people, and nations, more truly than the Empire of the world. Neither were they found rash to enter into wars headily, although they had occasion, as did appear at the city of Sagunto, where the people of Carthage broke the league, and defied peace: yet the Senate sent thither Ambassador Fabius Maximus, with two tables, the one contalning peace, the other wars, putting the election to their own choice, as it is liked themselves to choose, although the Romans themselves, could best defend their cause. But did the Romans game this glory by enuring themselves to live in delicate idleness, in dicing, in carding, in dancing, in whoring, in banqueting, in revelling, and in roisting: no, but ordained most sharpand bitter punishments to expel them, and with disgrace to daunt those that were the practisers and followers of them.  
Where contrarily, to provoke and prick forward Martial minds and manly wights, to the study of chivalry and Martial affairs, they ordained glorious triumphs, liberal rewards and honourable titles: which was the very cause that the city grew to be so great, and large in Empire: for where valiance and prowess was so honourably rewarded, not only Noble men, but also inferior persons were so inflamed with desire of renown, that no danger was left undealt withal, nor no peril left unproved, where there was glory to be gained, or the safety of their country might be preserved.  
The two Decit, by race and birth were no gentlemen borne yet by their valiance and fortitude, they aspired to the highest type of dignity in their commonwealth, and in their country's defence, consecrated themselves, as valiant and vowed vessels, to glory and immortality.  
Neither was Lucius Martius, borne but of a mean parentage, yet for his puissance showed in S●aine, he received of his country great honour and principality.  
By these means, the liberty of their countries were most strongly defended, and the indifferency of their laws were chief maintained, where well doing is so liberally rewarded For what greater dishonour may there be in a commonwealth then where worthy acts & high attempts receive but cold reward? Or what reward, may that country think to much to bestow on him that hath not spared his own life to fight in the defence.  
There be sundry examples in the holy Scripture, tending to the same effect, for when the children of Israel were pursued by Pharaoh, and th●● they began to stagger in the promises of God: the tribe of Inda did manifestly show forth, fare greater courage and valiance than the rest, who lingered not nor drew back, but with a marvelous constancy, by the example of Moses adventured first the sea, by whose stout stomaches the rest were encouraged to follow: For which fact, the people of Juda were ever afterwards more honoured than the rest, and such had the principality amongst the twelve tribes, as were descended of the tribe of juda.  
In like manner, Solomon made the Hethites, the Amorites, the Pheresites, the Hevites and the jebusites, to become tributaries, and to labour in the building: but of the children of Israel, he made men of war, captains, great Lords, and rulers.  
And Socrates in a certain fable useth these words: All you that live in one city, are brethren, being straight linked and united together: but when God created you, he gave not every one a like property, for they that were most meet to rule, he tempered with gold: and those that in defence of their country would valiantly assist Kings and Princes, he mingled them with silver: and to such as should apply themselves to tillage and other mean occupations, he bestowed brass and iron: now it falleth out generally that they engender children like to themselves: but sometimes it happeneth a golden father to have a silver son. He willeth therefore, that they should take in no one thing, more special regard, then diligently to search, with what mettle their children's minds be tempered with, so that if there be found any brass or iron in their children's senses, they should assign them such a trade convenient, and agreeing with their gross and rude nature: but if they find in them any gold or silver, they should bestow on them honourable rooms, and that they should be trained up in the knowledge of Martial affairs.  
The Romans ordained for that purpose, a long spacious seld, which they called, Campus Martius, wherein the youth of the city was exercised in Martial feats, and to enure their bodies, both for their own health, and also that they might be made the more profitable members for their common wealth in the time of wars.  
The Lacedæmonians used their children to go barefooted, exercising them in running, in leaping, and in casting the dart, in which exercises they were continually practised: from whence Diogenes on a time returning, and going to Athens, was asked from whence he came, and whither he would: I come (said he) from amongst men, and am going among women.  
I wonder if Diogenes were now living, and going into England, whither he would say he were going, if he were demanded: where we be wholly nuzzled in wantonness, and only nourished in daintiness, both in mind, manners, and diet: where we be altogether made strangers to Martial actions, and utterly alienated from Laws and deeds of Arms, where no consideration is had of Martial minds, where provision for defence is never called in question.  
Here peradventure some will say unto me, Good sir, if you would but put on your spectacles, and look into the Tower of London, you might see that neither Ordnance, shot, powder, pike, caliver, armour, nor any other furnitures convenient for the Wars were any whit lacking: from thence, if it pleased you but to sail down in Gravesend Barge, you have but five miles to Rochester, where you might likewise take the view of so worthy a Fleet of royal ships, as no Prince in Europe may make comparison with the like. Call you not these provisions of defence, where no munitions fit for the wars are any whit wanting?  
Very true indeed, which doth argue the special care his Majesty hath ever had, not only in making of such provision, but also at sundry times, he hath likewise instituted diverse good ordinances for the training of men, the which hath been still discontinued by his subjects, such as will pine at the spending of one pound of powder, towards the practising of those that should fight for their safety.  
Wherefore I need use no other answer, than King Philip used to that noble Captain Antipater, which was this.  
What searest thou man, any Captain of Athens? Their Galleys and their Peers are but trifles and toys unto me: For what account is to be made of those fellows that give themselves to dancing, hoyting, banqueting, and to belly cheer? that if Demosthenes only were not amongst them, I would sooner get Athens then Thebes or Thessaly, etc. So, to what effect serve all these warlike furnitures, where there are not men experienced to use them; and where men be trained only in pleasure, how apt be they to endure the perplexities of war: and how hardly are they fashioned to the use of weapons, that never have had any exercise in them, and with what difficulty are they prepared to the field, when they have never been accustomed to march.  
But I have heard many say, that soldiers may well be trained in one month, and made fit for the wars, and indeed I I am of this opinion, that he that in one month will not learn the use of his weapon, whereto he shall be sorted, and to learn to march in order of array, being throughly instructed by a diligent and painful Captain, I am fully resolved, that that man will never make good soldier. But as our soldiers in England are accustomably levied, a Captain shall have much to do to make a great part of them for ever being soldiers at all.  
But admit, that Soldiers may be trained and made ready in a month, yet during that space, our enemies would commit greater spoils upon us, than we should be able to recover again in six weeks after.  
Moreover in the day service, I had rather have one thousand such as have already seen & skirmished with the enemy, than four thousand of such hasty mad soldiers, that are but trained up, as it were at a Midsummer sight, or at the fetching home of a Maypole. For proof hereof, I could show many examples, but it were but in vain, considering there is no man of reason but will conceive it to be true: and such as have experience will confess I am nothing deceived in my opinion.  
And to say the truth, if in England we should have need to use any reasonable number, there would hardly be found conductors, such as be sufficient in deed for the training of them.  
For Gentlemen that are descended of honourable families in these days, give themselves rather to become Battalus knights then Martial wights, and have greater desire to be practised in Carpet trade, then in that kind of virtue, which extendeth itself to the common profit, and preservation of the Country.  
And I cannot but matuel, what moveth so many men to make such great account of their gentility, that they think themselves worthy of such honour and estimation: and yet have no regard to the renown or prceminence, that is annexed unto it: for (as Cicero saith) Truly, the best inheritance that Father's leque to their Children, and more worthy than all alive, is the glory of virtue, and worthy deeds, whereunto to be a stain, it is to be accounted both vice and shame.  
But what reputation bring they to their Houses, that licentiously in riot room to and fto, not knowing in what fashion to disguise themselves, what countenance they should bear in the streets nor with what curiosity they should give entertainment, furnished with three or four French, Italian, or Spanish words, thinking that the whole glory consisted in being new-fangled in their apparel, strange in their conceits, and as dainty in their diets, as Dame Folly herself, when she is going of her first child. To be short, in England Gentlemen have rob our Women of their minds, and our Women have bereft us of half our apparel.  
Where Gentlemen ought rather to endeavour themselves to such exercises of virtuous acts, whereby they might give such clear light, and purchase true fame to their posterity, according as their predecestors have left unto them, of which they themselves do so mightily boast of: and especially, to give themselves to such exercises, wherein labour prepareth the body to hardiness, and the mind to courageousness, neither suffering the one to be marred with tenderness, nor the other to be hurt with idleness.  
As we read of Sardanapalus, who was scorned as an effeminate King, who choose rather to sit and spin amongst Women, then to learn to wield weapons: against whom, when Belochas and Arbase made insurrection, he fled, and durst not show himself in the field.  
Xenophon maketh mention how Hercules being but a young man, musing whereunto he might apply his noble mind, there appeared unto him two goodly young women, the one very gorgeous and brave: with rings on her fingers, a chain about her neck, her hair set and frizeled, with pearls and diamonds in her ears: the other sober in her cheer, comely in her apparel, modest in her behaviour, shamefast in her countenance. The first said: Hercules, if thou wilt serve me, thou shalt have gold and silver enough, thou shalt feed daintily, thou shalt live Princely, thou shalt enjoy pleasures, embrace delights, possess mirth. In fine, thou shalt have all things to thine own contentation, that appertain to ease, rest and quietness. Then spoke the other with demure countenance: if thou wilt serve me, Hercules, thou shalt be a Victor of conquerors, thou shalt subdue kingdoms, and overthrew Kings, thou shalt be advanced unto fame, renowned in the world, & shalt deserve praise both of man and woman. Hercules perceiving the idle service of the first, and the fame and renown that was to be gained by the second, chose her for his mistress: & I think sent the other into England, where at this present she is dutifully served. But I think the very occasion why many do not endeavour themselves to practise to be soldiers now in England, is because they see those few that be there already to thrive foe ill-favouredly by their occupation, that they rather seek to endeavour themselves where there is either pleasure or profit to be gained, which is not in Soldier fare, and therefore makes them to become Courtiers, Lawyers, or Lovers. The Court, I confess, is a place requisite for Gentlemen to know, so their minds might not be seduced with the vanities thereof, whereby they should be enticed, not to follow other exercises, tending more to their honour & estimation: and forsake those places, where greater glory is to be gained then any doth ordinarily attain unto, that consumes their days wholly in the Court: for he that fully frames himself to become a courtier, must likewise fraught his head so full of courting toys, that there will be no room left, to consider of matters appertaining more to his credit. For the most in number of our young courtly. Gentlemen think that the greatest grace of courting, consisteth in proud and haughty countevances to such as know them not, to be very fair spoken, bountiful and liberal in words to all men, to be curious in cavilling, propounding captious questions, thereby to show a singularity of their wisdoms: for the helping whereof, they diligently study books for the purpose, as Cornelius Agrippa de vanitate sciuntiarum, & other like: to seem to talk of fare & strange countries, of the manners of the people, of the fertility of soils, & by the way of communication, able to dispute of all things, but in deed to know nothing, to apply their pleasant wits to scofting, quipping, gibing, and taunting, whereby they may be accounted merry conceited gentlemen, and withal, they must learn to play the parasites, or else I can tell them, they will never learn to thrive. And in their apparel, they must be very nice & neat, with their ruffs finely set, a great bundle of feathers thrust into a cap, which must like wise be of such a bigness, that it shall be able to hold more wit than three of them have in their heads.  
They must be rash in their judgements, curious in their conceits, they must be bold, saucy, and malapert, which they themselves term to be good audacity. They must be ready to espy every man's faults, but not to see their own folly. But what should I stand to deciphre the vanities of our courtiers, which are already so painted forth in their colours, and that by so many men, as I do but waste the time in vain about them: I do likewise acknowledge, that the law is especially to be practised by Gentlemen. For as the law itself is most honourable amongst men: so those that should be practisers, professors, and ministers of the laws, ought likewise to be of credit and estimation.  
But our Inns of court in these days are so furnished with Shomakess sons, Tailor's sons, Inholders sons, Farmer's sons, and almost there is not so mean a man, but his son must go to the Inns of court: and they, when they have gotten a little law, because they will not mend shoes, and do as their fathers have done before them, there is no ho in their getting, no measure in their taking, no mean in their bribing, nor no reason n their extorting.  
These be they, that by Law will pervert Law, and what one Law doth make, they will bring another Law shall mar. These be they that laugh, when other men mourn and that make themselves rich, by other men's follies: and these be the only men that bring Law and Lawyers into such Exclamations.  
But of all other people that do most surmount in vanities, are those that in such contagious passions, consume their time in love, that as Marcus Aurelius doth affirm, he that doth once fall in love with another, doth even then begin to hate himself.  
It hath many times been had in question, from whence the fury of this malady should spring: but the greatest part do conclude, that the original thereof doth proceed of idleness.  
Love where it once taketh hold, it tormenteth the patient with such strange and bitter passions, that it reduceth reason into rage, pleasure into pain, quietness into carefulness, mirth into madness, neither maketh it any exceptions of persons, either old or young, rich or poor, weak or strong, foolish or discreet, that as Peter Bovaystuan, a notable French Author doth write, that if all the Lovers that are in the World, were made in one whole Army, there is neither Emperor, nor Monarch, but would be amazed to see such a company of Bedlam fools in a cluster.  
But he that should take the view of their countenances, gests, manners, furies, and all their frantic toys, might confess that he never saw a more strange Metamorphosis, or a spectacle more ridiculous to laugh at. If at any time they have received a merry countenance of their beloved, good God, how gay shall you see them in their apparel, how cheerful in their countenance, how pleasantin their conceits, how merry in their moods: then they bathe in brooks of bliss, they swim in seas of joy, they flow in floods of felicity, they hover all in happiness, they fly in sweet delights, they banish all annoy.  
Contrarily, if they receive a lowering look, than you shall see them drowned in dumps, they plead with piteous plaints, they cry with continual clamours, they forge, they fain, they flatter, they lie, they forswear, other while falling into desperate moods, that they spare not to blaspheme the Gods, to curse the Heavens, to blame the Planets, to rail on the destinies, to cry out upon the furies, to forge hell, to counterfeit Sisyphus, to play Tantalus, to fain Titius, to groan with Prometheus, to burn the Winter, to freeze the Summer, to loathe the night, to hate the day, with a thousand other such superstitious follies, too long for me to rehearse.  
Now if he be learned, and that he be able to write a verse, than his Pen must ply to paint his Mistress praise, she must then be a Pallas for her wit, a Diana for her chastity, a Venus for her face, than she shall be praised by proportion: first her Hairs are wires of gold, her Cheeks are made of Lilies, and red Roses, her Brows be Arches, her Eyes Saphires, her looks lightnings, her mouth Coral, her teeth Pearls, her paps Alabaster balls, her body straight, her belly soft, from thence down ward to her knees, I think is made of Sugar Candy, her arms, her hands, her fingers, her legs, her feet, and all the rest of her body shall be so perfect, and so pure, that of my conscience, the worst part they will leave in her, shall be her soul.  
But what need I heap up so many words in this matter? My Pen hath not the power to paint their doting devices: neither do I mind otherwise then to wish, that Gentlemen should set aside all such trifling affairs, and vain follies, and to shake off those delightful desires, and rather to endeavour themselves to such exercises, which have gained Hercules, Achilles, Theseus, Caius, Marius, Epaminondas, Themistocles, Alexander, Pyrrhus, Hannibal, Scipio, Pompey, Caesar, with diverse others, such immortal glory, as neither the envious rage of cruel death may blemish, neither the furious force of Fortune's fickle wheel may diminish, neither the tract of devouring time shall ever be able to remove from memory. And I would to God, that while time doth yet serve us in England, that such care might be had for the training and practising of men, that we should not be found altogether so careless, that to satisfy all our voluptuous pleasures, we never consider the preservation of our Country and Common wealth. So likewise, if it be not altogether too late, as I fear me it is, I would wish that another thing were looked unto, and that very narrowly, wherein we have made such a rod for out own tails, as there is no question, but in the end it must of force fall out to be our own scourge. And this it is: We had in England so great a benefit, as it might have been used, as no other Country environing about us, is possessed with the like, which is the casting of iron Ordnance: but as the proverb is, that every commodity bringeth his discommodity, so this commodity bringeth us double discommodity. First in the casting, it consumeth us our woods and timber, in such sort, that one of the first things that England shall want, will be of timber for ships, which is all made havoc on, only about those iron mills. In the end comes M. Merchant, who cares not (for his own private gain) what mischief he worketh to his Country: or sometimes some old bruised soldier, that hath served the Queen in her wars, about London, Lambeth Marshes, or the out sles of Islington, all the days of his life, and in respect of his good service, must get a commission to sell two or three hundred pieces of this iron Ordnance out of the Realm, that between M. Merchant and him, I dare undertake, there is thrice as much Ordinance sold out of the Realm, as is within the Realm, and that some of our Merchants have felt. For John the Frenchman hath been at Host with some of their ships, and Davy Drunkard of Flushing, and his fellows, have not been behind: and these with other more, were not able to go so strongly to the Sea, were it not that they were furnished with our English Ordnance. The Spaniards and Portugals have some pretty store of it. In France there is Rochel, Rosco, S. Mallous, and Deep, their ships be generally as well furnished with our Ordnance, as any Merchant's ships in the Thames. The mighty Hound of D●nkerke, and the rest of the Beagles that were of her consorts, God knows, had been able to have made but a slender cry, when they had come to chase, had it not been for our English barkers. The other parts of Flanders, Zealand, and Holland, both upon the walls of their Towns, and also in their shipping, are furnished with the like. I have seen every street in Flushing, lie as full of English Ordnance, as if it had been the Tower Wharfe of London. To be short, there are diverse Towns in East Freesland, with Emden, Hambrough, Denmark, Dansk, Lubeck, Rye, Revel, Swethen, with diverse other Cities and Towns of those East parts, that she is but a very mean Hulk, appertaining to any of these places, which hath less than a dozen or sixteen pieces of our English Ordnance in her.  
Such hath been the carelessness of this our peaceable time, that it hath not only made us weak, by our own neglecting the feats of arms: but also with our own artillery, and our warlike munitions, we have made such strong as be our enemies, as I fear we shall find, if they were at quietness amongst themselves.  
And thus once again I can wish, that such consideration might be had of the time that is present, as in the time that is to come, we should not have cause to rue it.  
And here although I know my skill will not serve me, nor my occasion at this time may well permit me, to speak of Martall discipline, how fare it is decayed from the first ordinace and institution, yet gentle Reader, not doubting but thou wilt bear with me, as well for the want of the one, as for the necessity of the other, I will adventure to speak some thing thereo.  
We do find in holy Scriptures, and that in several places, both in the books of Moses, in the book of Josua and others where they have used no little regard as well in choosing of their captains, leaders, and conductors, as also in their prescribing laws, and disciplines of war, which were many times appointed by the almighty God himself.  
But let us peruse the examples of the Romans, which of all other people did most exceed, as well for the greatness of their glory, as in all their other martial actions, and we shall find that they had not only consideration to the equity of their cause for the which they would enter into wars (as by these words of Tully, in his 1. book of Offices may better appear: And the justice of war is most sincerely described in the Phesiall Law of the people of Rome, whereby for things in claim, is moved, or else proclaimea before, and bidden by desiance, etc.) But also they had as great regard to maintain their quarrels, with like equity and justice, not suffering their captains to enter into actions of treason or treachery where their wars were all together arreared upon causes of honesty, as by examples they did plainly show.  
When king Pyrrhus, vnprouoked had moved wars against the Romans, and Timochares whose son was yeoman for the mouth to the king, promised to Fabrieius then being Consul, to slay king Pyrrhus, which thing being reported to the Senate, they presently warned king Pyrrhus to beware of such treasons, saying, The Romans maintained their wars with arms and not by treason or treachery.  
Likewise, when Lucius Pius in a banquet that he made, had filled the people of Samaria full of wine, and made them so drunk, that yielded themselves subject to Rome, for which exploit Lucius Pius at his return required triumph. But the Senators understanding the manner of his fact, caused him openly to be beheaded, and a slanderous Epitaph set upon his grave. Neither would they suffer that soldier, which amongst other being taken by Hannibal, and licenced upon his oath to deprrt, conditionally that he should either make return, or else send his ransom, the soldier with others of his companions, being departed the camp of Hannibal, and licenced upon his oath to departed, conditionally that he should either make return, or else send his ransom; the soldier with others of his companions, being departed the camp of Hannibal, feigned an errand back again for something that he had forgotten, and thus coming to Rome, did think himself discharged of his oath: but the Senate allowing of no such deceit to deused, made a decree that the same Sovidier should be carried pinioned to Hannibal. And ten other, that in like manner were dismissed by Hannibal, upon their oath were sessed at a yearly fine, as long as any of them did live for being forsworn. So nobly were the Romans disposed, and so honourably minded, that no act was allowed of amongst them, seemed it never so profitable, wherein was found either fraud or deceit. And this magnificence, gate them condign commendations of their very enemies, and between whom there had been mortal hostility, and many times was of greater effect to subdue them, then huge or mighty armies. And as they did excel in the excellency of these virtues, justice and equity, to such as were able to stand in arms against them: so likewise they did surmount in humanity and courtesy, and in ministering of comfort, to such as they had already vanquished and subdued, as by no example may be better expressed, then, by a letter written by Marcus Aurelius Emperor of Rome, to Popilio, captain of the Parthies', a notable discourse for captains to peruse, and followeth in this manner. 
I cannot deny the glory I have gained by this battle, neither may I hide the perplexity I feel for thy present misfortune: for noble minds are bound to show no less compassion, to such as are subdued, then to express toy and gladness with those that are victors. Thou being the chief of the Parthies', didst show great courage to resist, and in me the leader of the Romans, was found no want of force to fight: notwithstanding, though thou lost the battle, and I remain possessed of the victory, yet as I know, that thou wilt not acknowledge this chance to happen for any want of stomach in thee, so it belongs to my gravity not to attribute it altogether to the greatness of my virtue, sithence God doth always minister victories, not to such as do their duties best, but to those that he lovest most: for the effect of all things the pending upon God, man can have no power to command the destiny of a battle, seeing he is not able to stay the course of the least planet in Heaven. Darius against Alexander, Pompeius Caesar, Hannibal against Scipio, had above all equality fare greater Armies than their enemies, by which thou hast reason to conclude with me, that against the anger of the sovereign God, cannot prevail most huge and mighty Hosts. I marvel Popilio, that being great in birth, valiant of stomach, wealthy in goods, and mighty in estate and dignity, why thou bearest with such sorrow, the loss of this battle, seeing that in no worldly things Fortune is more uncertain and variable, then in the action of War. It is told me, thou drawest to solitary corners, and seekest out shaded places, thou eschewest the conversation of men, and complainest of the gods, which extreme perplexities since thou wert not wont to suffer in others, much less oughtest thou to give place in thyself: For that the valiant man loseth no reputation, for that Fortune faileth him, but is the less esteemed of, if he want discretion to bear her mutability.  
To assemble great Armies, is the office of Princes, to levy huge treasures, belongs to sovereign Magistrates, to strike the enemy is the part of a courageous Captain: but to suffer infirmities, and to dissemble mishaps, is a property duly annexed to noble and resolute minds so that one of the greatest virtues that worldly men can express, in the common behaviour of this life, is neither to rise proud by prosperity, nor to fall into despair by adversity. For Fortune having a free will, to come and go when she list: the wise man ought not to be sorry to lose her, nor rejoice to hold her. Such as in their misery show heavy countenance, do well prove, that they made account to be always in prosperity, which is a great folly to think, and no less simplicity to hope for: Seeing the gists and graces of Fortune have no better thing more certain in them, then to be for the most part, in all things most uncertain, according to the success of the day, wherein thou gavest me battle: for there thou orderedst thy Camp according to a wise Captain, madest choice of the place, in great policy, tookest advantage of the Sun, as a leader of long experience, in consideration of which things thou hast cause to complain against thy Fortune, which favoured not thy virtue, and not blame thy discretion, wherein could be found no error.  
Consider that in wise and grave men, it is an Office, that if they cannot do what they will, at the least they yield to time, and are content with what they may. And as the virtuous and valiant mind ought not to grieve for not obtaining that which he would, but because he desired that which he ought not: so Popilio, I wish thee take heed, that the honour which so many times thou hast won, with the hazard of thy valiant person, in enterprises of war, be not lost at this present, for want of bearing well thy Fortune: assuring thee, that he bears his misery best, that hides it most. And as of all valuble things, there is nothing more light than renown: so in cases of war and hazard, it is not enough for the valiant man to do what he may, but also he is bound to attempt nothing but what he ought: For as well the consideration as the execution of a fact, belongs duly to a discreet mind.  
I hear thou wanderest here and there in great uncertainty of mind, fearing that if thou be taken of my Soldiers, thou shalt be evil entreated of me, which if no man have told thee, it is against reason thou believe it of thyself, because to us Princes of Rome, it is familiar to show our liberality to such as yield to us, and with others that are our prisoners to communicate in great clemency. We raise armies against Camps proudly furnished, and Cities strongly walled, but to captives in thy condition, we hold it more honourable to minister comfort, then to add increase of affliction. For as it sufficeth the valiant Captain to fight against the enemy that resisteth him, and dissemble with him that flieth: so the wise man ought to require no more of his enemy, then that he acknowledge that he stands in fear of him, because to a daunted and timorous heart, is seldom left courage to renew a enterprise. And therefore a man takes greater revenge, when he putteth his enemy to flight, then if he take his life from him. For the sword dispatcheth a man in a day, but fear and remorse torments the mind continually. And better it were to suffer without fear that which we expect in grief and sorrow, then by fear to be always in martyrdom. It is right terrible to flesh and blood to die of a sword, but to be in perpetual sorrow and disquiet of mind, is the very fury and torment of Hell.  
If thou eschewest my presence, in fear that I will not use pity to thee, thou art abused in the opinion of my disposition, and dost wrong to the reputation and experience of my actions past. For I never refused to show merey to him that asked it, and much less deceiuéd him that put his trust in me. The doubt and fear that thus do travel thy mind, ought not to be so much of my person, as of the custom of Fortune, who useth not to unlose her sharp Arrows with better will against any then such, as think they be in best security of her: her nature being such, as not to meddle with those that she finds prepared, the better to assure them, but followeth the fearful and negligent, to the end to deceive them: yea, she prevails turn over the counsels and actions of men, and being exempt to make reckoning to any, her prerogative is to require account of all men. I assure thee Popilio, that more do I fear the revolution of fortune at this hour, than I doubted her before the battle. For she delights not so much to keep under the vanquished, as to bridle and check the victors. And worse doth she mean, when shoe smiles the fairest, then when she frowns most. But to speak on thy behalf, I tell thee that without danger thou mayst resort to my presence, since in thy state is no cause of suspicion, and in my heart no malice to thy person: for indeed, that cannot be called true victory, which bringeth not with it some clemency. And therefore he cannot be called victorious, in whom resteth intent of rigour and cruelty. For Alexander, julius, Augustus, Titus, and Traianus, won more renown by the clemency they used to their enemies, then by all the victories they obtained in strange regions. To obtain a victory is a thing natural and humane, but to give pardon and life, is the gift and blessing of God. By which it comes to pass, that men fear not so much the greatness of the immortal God, for the punishments he doth, as for the mercy he useth. Notwithstanding as I cannot deny, but that great is the value and estimation, which we Roman Princes make of a victory won by battle: so also I assure thee, we hold it more honourable, to pardon such as do offend us, then to chastise those that do resist our power.  
Therefore if thou fly from my presence, as fearing the justice which I have executed upon the Romans, thou oughtest to take security and courage even in that which makes thee jealous and doubtful: for so much greater ought to be clemency, by how much the offender is in fault. And therefore as there is no offence which cannot be either forgiven or favoured, so right worthily may that pardon be called honourable and famous, which is given to an injury malicious and manifest, since all other common and light wrongs with greater reason we may say we dissemble them, then that we pardon them.  
The thing that most draws me to enter friendship with thee, is for that in our first capitulations and truce, thou performedst all things that were concluded for the peace, and yet in the battle thou didst express the parts of a valiant Captain, the same giving me cause to believe, that as in war I found thee a just enemy, so in the time of peace, thou wouldst prove an assured friend. Alexander never repent the pardon he gave to Diomedes the tyrant, nor Marcus Antonius the favour he shown to the great Orator Cicero. Neither shall I have cause (I hope) to forethink the respite I give to thy liife. For the noble mind, albeit he may have occasion to be sorry for the unthankfulness of his friend: yet hath he no licence to repent him of his good turns done for him: and therefore in the case of liberality or clemency, by how much the person is unworthy that receiveth the benefit, by so much more he is to be commended that bestoweth it: for that only may be said is given, when he that giveth, giveth without respect.  
So that he that giveth in hope of recompense, deserveth not to be called liberal, but to pretend usury.  
Thou knowest well that in the time of the battle, and when the encounter was most hot, I offered thee nothing worthy of reproach: even so, thou hast now to judge, that if in the fury of the war, thou foundest me faithful, and merciful, I have now no reason to exercise rigour, holding thee within the precinct of my house: so that if thou saw mercy in me at that instant, when thy hands were busy to spill my blood, think not that my clemency shall fail, calling thee to the fellowship of my Table.  
The prisoners of thy Camp can assure thee of my dealing, amongst whom the hurt are cured at my charges, and the dead are buried according to the place of soldiers: wherein if I extend this care upon such as sought to spoil me, think there is fare greater plenty of grace, to thee that comest to serve me. And so leaving thee in the hands of thine own counsel, I wish thee those felicities, which thy hovourable heart desireth.   
Lochere a mirror, meet to be perused by Kings and Princes, wherein they may learn, with what consideration they should first enter into Wars, with what valiance and courage they should prosecute them, and with what justice, temperance and mercy they should use their enemies.  
Captain's may likewise learn how to use fortune, either when she favours, either when she frowns,  
But leaving a great number of necessary lessons worthy to be noted, how is it possible in so few lines, more amply to describe the glory of the Romones: neither are their virtues here so lively painted forth in words, as they themselves did nobly show it in their deeds.  
But all other examples of humanity, amongst a great number used to their enemies, this in my opinion deserveth not the least commendation, that having taken Syphax King of Numantia, who being kept prisoner in the house of Tiberius, died of sickness before he was ransomed, notwithstanding now when there was no manner of hope of requital, his funerals were yet performed, with such solemnity, such pomp, and such honour, such large gifts were given, and such liberality used, being but a Roman prisoner, as might have wanted at Numantia, where he was Lord and King over all. I have thus fare briefly, and in this short manner shown some part of the magnificence of the Romans, in their Martial actions, whereby may be perceived, how fare we be digressed, and how clean we be degenerate at this present from their honourable institutions. For if we consider in these days the impiety that is found amongst Princes, which for the most part are so led by the fury of ambition, where they think they may oppress, that without any other respect of cause they are ready to accompany themselves, with a sorr of bloody captains, that should have the leading of a company of as lewd & ungracious soldiers, and even according to their quarrels and to the quality of their own dispositions, they prosecute their wars, and perform all their enterprises, the which for the most part are executed with such treason and treachery, as no Prince almost may be so surely guarded, but his life shallbe finished with some deadly blow with a weapon, with some sudden shot of a pistol, or at the least practised with some secret poison neither is there any town, that may be so surely walled, so strongly rampered, or so throughly fortified which shall not be betrayed.  
For in our wars we be now come to this pass, that fraud and deceit is reputed for policy, and treason and treachery are called gravity and wisdom, and he is holden the noblest champion, that by any of these means can best deceive: where, in the opinion of all men, which exactly do honour justice, it hath ever been condemned, and accounted most horrible. And no doubt it can not be acceptable in the sight and judgement of God, who in the Scripture is called the God of truth and verity: but rather proceedeth from the devil, who is (indeed) the father of fraud, and the forger of all deceit.  
And these enormities have ever been especially practised amongst those that have arreared wars, rather to oppress and, ravish the goods of others, then amongst such as have but defended their own right, or entered into wars only upon causes of justice and equity, for that it hath been ever holden a matter most inconvenient, rather by subtlety to undermine, then by force to conquer.  
Now for the incitements to valour, there is no motive more mighty to incite men to valour and courage, then when they shall call to mind the rightness of theirs: the which doth animate and set an edge on their hearts, according to the opinion of Cicero, who affirmeth that manliness is well defended of the Stoics, which is a virtue that is a Champion of equity, wherefore no man hath ever attained to the honour of fortitude, or get praise by policy. For nothing is deemed honest that is devoid of Fustice: he likewise maketh a further proceeding in the same place, reciting the saying of Plato to the same effect, that science not accompanied with conscience & knowledge disjoined from justice, is rather subtlety then solid wisdom, & those enterprised which are undertaken for our own profit, and not the weal public is more truly termed foolish hardiness then famous valour.  
Aristotle would by no means that Diomedes should be reputed either wise or valiant, for that when fear had made wings for the Grecians heels, and they were discomfited in fight, he still continued fight in the field, and adventured himself to encounter with Hector, with more audacity and courage; then understanding and consideration, more respecting the babble of fame and vain praise of men, the which though for a time it may seem delightful, yet is but of short continuance, when the safety of his soil and commodity of his Country, the which is the scope of all virtuous actions, and an immortal glory.  
In such sort he censured Hector, who many times casting up his eyes to his wife, and other Women standing upon the walls of Troy, would with greater courage and audacity adventure and hazard his life, only to gain favour and reputation in the women's opinions, and fearing least any rumour should beraised which might wound his credit, when otherwise he would have had a more respect●…e care of his life: They are therefore fare remote from the renown of true valour, which will so rashly run upon their own ruins without any due considerate premeditation, for what availed the audacity of Varro and Flaminius, two renowned Roman Captains, who rejecting the prowess, and contemning the craft of Hannibal, and undervaluing the counsel of Fabius, firing the anchor of their hope in their own hardiness, endangered and ruined two noble armies, whereby the power of the Romans lay a bleeding, and was almost utterly perished: It is a common received opinion, that a man cannot attain to the exact perfection of the meanest occupation under seven years practice, and doth it stand with likelihood? nay, hath it almost any possibility, that the art of War should be so suddenly won, wherein there is always a Plus ultra, and a furthermore. For they which have all the course of their life been followers of that course, and have continued the faithful men of Mars, they have not proceeded so fare, but still they might go one degree further, and have been to seek in something: this was the matter which moved Philip to marvel, that the Athenians did yearly choose new Generals and Captains of their wars, when he in the whole course of his life had found one worthy of his approbation, which was Parmenio; Plato would not allow any man authority in Mars his employments, till he was thirty years of age: and Alexander would admit none to the place of a commander under sixty: finally by the general consent and confirmation of all men, there ought not to be a slight or small respect used in the choice of Captains. Cicero mentioneth four things requisite in a ruler of the wars, to wit justice, Fortitude, Policy and Temperance: First, justice to revenge, Fortitude to put his intention in execution, Policy to prepare the way to lead him to his ends, and temperance to stay him in his fury, when he hath sufficiently discharged it upon his enemies; and it is free from doubt, and certain without suspicion, that a Captain thus endowed with these virtues, shall be of no small prevailance in all his projects, but they have very little respect of any of these in the election of our English Soldiers, who are appointed according to master Constables command, and who if he hath taken a distaste, and conceived a displeasure against any in his circuit, cannot excogitate a better means to vent his revenge, or think of a speedier course to oppress him then to press him forth to be a Soldier: but if he chance to be in charity with his neighbours, then doth he select some silly odd fellow that doth least good in the parish, as who should say, he cannot be too bad to be a Soldier, and for the most part they scour their prisons of thiefs, and their streets of rogues and vagabonds when they are to set any Soldiers forth, so that they seek such men for such employments as were better lost then found. I hese are the authors and fountains from whence such abuses flow, and the causers of a Soldier's name to be so odious to the vulgar and common people: and another discommodity hath birth from the pressing of such a ribble rabble, for in the wars they become mutineers, who ought to be punished with no small severity for infringing the institutions, and violating the orders of the general Captain, the which how distasteful it is to God, the punishments which God hath inflicted upon such persons may sufficiently testify in the book of Numbers it is recorded, that the earth opened and swallowed up Corath, Dathan and Abyram, for mutining against Moses, an evident and apparent proof, how displeasing to the Almighty these kind of insertions be, and that they are rebels to God that resist their Captain.  
Manlius Torquatus showing more severity than affection, caused his own natural son's head to be moved from his body, because he removed out of the place whereto he was appointed; notwithstanding he went out of it to fight with an enemy, who had formerly challenged him. And Sallust doth report that there were more soldiers suffered for assaulting there enemies before they had command from the Captain, then for running out of the field before the combat, who were very severe in inflicting heavy punishments on such like offenders, and to the end that they might the better subject Soldiers to their discipline, adjoined to their own Laws the authority of God, and were accustomed with great ceremonies solemnly to swear them to observe their ordinances. Cicero recordeth how Pompilius when he was general of the Romans in the Persian wars, had discharged one legion in which Cato's son had served for a Soldier, who although he was discharged, yet still continued there, being desirous to see the wars, which Cato understanding, did write to Pompilius that he should not permit or suffer his son to remain or abide in the army, unless he did swear him Soldier again, because otherwise it was unlawful for him to fight with the enemy, for being freed from his former oath, he was likewise discharged from being a Soldier: it was a general custom amongst the Grecian to swear there Soldiers being armed and brought to Church in this manner. I will not do any thing unworthy the sacred holy wars, neither will I relinquish or forsake my Captain to whom I am appointed; I will not be the causer of my country's illfare, but I will to the uttermost bounds of my ability and limits of my power endeavour that it may reap all possible benefits by my service, and I will continually frame and fashion myself to the obedience and observance of such orders, as are now or shall be hereafter determined by the state. Moreover as I will neglect them myself so fare as I am able force others to keep them. I will perpetually maintain and retain the religion of my country, the which my promises I call the Gods to record and witness: the which custom if it were now observed and put in execution amongst soldiers in our times, it could not but be a means to secure their General and governor, incite them to the undertaking of all worthy enterprises, be an Antidote and preservation against such treacheries as are daily practised, and would in like manner gain credit and reputation to their profession.  
All which things are manifested in that true mirror of true worth Count Mansfield: who as he hath kept their service free from mutiny severely, so he hath rewarded his soldiers bountifully, which hath so animated them, and given them life in all their proceed, that they have with matchless courage performed all their enterprises: And Mansfield the general of there army, hath had no less than general applause: who to his eternal memory and never dying fame, hath enlarged his own renown, made an addition, especially to his reputation by being constant to the King of Bohemia, and a most worthy maintainer of the Gospel of Christ: of whose worthy actions if I should endeavour to make a particular discourse, it would fare exceed the power of my pen: and I am afraid, I should wrong him in the relation: and I sear, in this more lascivious than laborious age, he wi● scarce attain to the happiness of Achilles to have a second Homer, to trumpet forth the truth of his worth, who hath all the virtues lodged in his breast, that can be imagined to be resident in a Prince or soldier's bosom: For as he htah courageous valour, denying to permit him to carry coals or suffer excess of injury, so he hath a measure of honest policy to perform what he proiecteth, and lest there might be any defect in him undeserving the name of a Captain, or a Commander, like a second Demosthenes, he is so well furnished with persuasive oratory, that the souls of his soldiers in time of his exhortation to him, seem only to be placed in their ears, and his very breath is a wound to blow, (as I may so say) the coals of their courage and to accend their fury: For at what time as he obtained the famous victory against Leopoldus before Hguenae, he moved his soldiers in a well composed speech, to behave themselves boldly and with courage, and to make a full expression of their valour, since that they were to have such a noble companion in combat as the King of Bohemia, who was royally resolved to pursue his foes in person.  
I need not therefore seek fare for a Commander, whose example may serve for every captain's instruction, who as he should look for duty from them in his service, so should afford them means whereby they may live (as they are to be truly considered) professors of a worthy calling: he should likewise encourage them with moving speeches, incite them to valour and noble actions. To conclude, a true substantial soldier, and a gainful general, aught to be powerful in men and means, politic in plotting means aswell for the defence of himself as the offence of his enemy, royal in rewarding in the well-deserving, eloquent in persuading his men to prowess: So shall the wars be more prosperous, the soldiers more respected, and a happy success shall crown all Martialists earnest endeavours.  
FINIS.