A PATHWAY to Military practice.  
containing Offices, Laws, Disciplines and orders to be observed in an Army, with sun dry Stratagems very beneficial for young Gentlemen, or any other that is desirous to have knowledge in Martial exercises.  
Whereunto is annexed a Calendar of the Imbattelinge of men: Newly written by Barnaby Rich Soldier, servant to the right honourable Sir Christopher Hatton Knight.  
Malui me divitem esse quam vocari.  
Perused and allowed.  
AT LONDON Printed by john Charlewood, for Robert Walley. 1587.   


HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENCE    

To the most High and mighty Princess Elizabeth, by the grace of God Queen of England, France and Ireland, defendress of the Faith, etc.  
YOur Soldier, (most excellent Princess,) having received so many gracious words for other of his writings, the which it hath pleased your Majesty so favourably to vouchsafe, is not thereby only encouraged, now once again to betake him to his Pen, but also he is emboldened to present to your gracious view, this little labour, containing A Pathway to Military Practice. The title best befitting to come from a Soldier, yet the circumstances not unnecessary to be considered of, by such as be in authority.  
And although I know the greatest number (which can not abide to here of wars) are as unwilling to admit of any thing appertaining to Martiality when they have so long continued in Peace, yet as in the time of war, circumspect care of peace may not be omitted, so in the time of peace, such things must be foreseen appertaining to the wrrre, that the want of warlike proviisons, be not prejudicial to this sweet and quiet peace, for as Valerius Maximus faith, the custody of blessed Peace consisteth in the knowledge of War: Plato praising the Art, commandeth that children should learn it so soon as they were of ability, Cirus said it was as necessary as husbandrien, Augustine and barnard, both Catholic doctors of the Church do approve it.  
The Romans appointed a long and spacious field which they called Campus Martius, wherein they exercised their youth in the knowledge of Martial feats: They likewise invented glorious triumphs, which was to no other end but to stir up the minds of their people to magnanimity and martial exercises. Cambyses the father of Cyrus being asked by what means countries might best be kept in safety, answered. If the governors of the same countries, thinks they can never be wary enough of their enemies.  
And although Solomon, (who in the holy scriptures is called Rex Pacificus) being promised by the mouth of God a peaceable reign, and was still busied in the building of the holy temple, forgot not yet to furnish himself more strongly with all manner of warlike provisions, than his father David had done before him, notwithstanding he was still exercised and busied in the wars  
Here I could allege infinite examples, and as many probable reasons might be gathered, all in defence of martial practice, for he that taketh away the knowledge of feats of arms, worketh the overthrow of his own country and common wealth: And as by the knowledge of war and exercise of arms, Empires have been purchased, Kingdoms enlarged, Princes preserved, justice maintained, good Laws protected, and the Common wealth defended, so in neglecting martial exercises and laying aside of their weapons, how many kingdoms hath been brought to calamity, how many countries ruinated, and how many flourishing Cities sacked, beaten flat to the ground, covered over with mould, and almost worn out of memory. But as your majesty, having most providently furnished every part of your Realm, withal manner of warlike provision, in such sort, as none of your predecessors hath ever heretofore come near, so could I wish, that in England we were as well furnished, with practised Soldiers and expert warriors, although I do not mean, that they should be war lovers.  
And as it is most apparent, that the regard your majesty have had (even sith you first became our sovereign) in all manner your princely proceedings, hath so wonderfully blessed your estate, that all Christian Princes do honour and renown you, so we your loving subjects (feeling the benefit of your peaceable government) have no less cause to give God all honour and glory, and daily to pray for the long continuance of so gracious a princess. And as it hath pleased God, so wonderfully to defend your majesty, from such several practices, intended against your royal person by Papists, let their treasons (most humbly I beseech you) be made examples (aswell for your own safety, as also for the benefit of the whole common wealth of England) whom your majesty may hereafter trust.  
These be the men (O most gracious Princess) that he sworn your mortal enemies, these be the men, O noble England that seeks thy wrack & overthrow: Let them have no government within your majesties dominions, let them bear no sway in any part of your territories: Pluck him from the bench though he sit robed in purple, dismiss him the bar, though he be called Sergeant at the Law, put him out of commission, though hebeare the name of justice of Peace: pardon me (most gracious Princess) in discharging my duty, though simply yet truly, Soldiers are but blunt, but sure they love plainness.  
Thus desiring God most earnestly and according to my duty, that as he hath hither to wonderfully preserved you in most magnificent and Princely regality, (in despite of all the enterprises and practices of traiterours Papists) so he would continue your majesty long to reign over us, to the great comfort of all your loving subjects, and for the prosperity and flourishing estate of the common wealth of England.  
Your majesties Soldier most humble and dutiful to be commanded: Barnaby rich.   

❧ To the most noble Captains and renowned Soldiers of England, health to their persons, and happiness to all their honourable attempts.  
ALthough I have undertaken (honourable gentlemen) to set down directions for young Soldiers not yet fully perfected in Military Practice, yet for the better experienced (of whom myself would gladly be instructed) as I have not presumed to offer them prescriptions, so I hope they have no cause to mislike of this mine enterprise. It is now 24. years ago, sith I first undertook Arms & served at New haven, under that most honourable Earl of Warwick (a father to Soldiers at this day) sith which time, what I have either practised by experience, seen by example, or gathered by History concerning Martiality, I have here set them down, to the benefit of my country men, that are not yet practiled in so honourable and exercise, what faults I shall commit through ignorance. I hope you will pardon of curtelie, when they shall proceed rather of the zeal I have to please, then of any desire I have to offend: thus submitting altogether to your discreet corrections, I end.  
Yours as his own, Barnaby Rich.   

To the friendly Readers in general, Barnaby rich Soldier, sendeth greeting.  
IT may be (friendly Reader) that thou wilt think my labour might very well have been spared to write of any thing appertaining to wars where every man is desirous to live in peace, I know will rather purchase dislike then win me love, yet as I am not ignorant, that quiet peace is to be preferred before bloody war, so in the time of peace, warlike disciplines must not be omitted in a well governed common wealth, where so many evil neighbours are so ready to encroach but especially when both Prince, Country, religion, law, justice, subjects and altogether are under the protection of arms.  
Where is become the dominions of the Assyrians, Persians and Grecians, or what is become of the glory of that learned City of Athens, or what hath wasted the renown of the City of Rome that it had not been perpetual, but only when in the time of peace, they fell to inordinate riot and delicacy, neglecting the feats of war, laying aside their arms and weapons: For to doubt and fear nothing was more hurtful to common weals, than their very neighbour enemies, the fear of whom was their safety and assurance. For this cause Scipio though it unnecessary that Carthage should utterly be destroyed, fearing that after the subversion, the Romans leaving of their martial minds should fall to idleness, riot and outrage, and as he looked for so it came to pass, as it was testified after by Saint Augustine, who in a book which he had written entitled, De civitate Dei, hath these words.  
More hurtful was the City of Carthage to Rome after his destruction, then during the whole course & season of the wars which the Romans had with her, for that whilst they had enemies in Africa, they knew not what vices meant in Room. In the time of peace therefore, there must be had special regard to the disciplines of war, and not only provisions of warlike furnitures to be made, but also men of service and practised Soldiers to be had, relieved, and maintained: for what should you do with arms, weapons, munitions and furnitures, when you have not men of experience to use them King philip of Macedon used the like comparison to that noble Captain Antipater in these words.  
What, fearest thou the Cittyzens of Athens, the Galleys and their peer, are but trifles unto me, for what account is to be made of those fellows that give themselves to dancing, loitering, banqueting and to belly cheer, but if Demosthenes only were not amongst them, I would sooner make account to win Athens, then either Thebes, or Thessalia of which I am already possessed.  
By these premises it may be perceived that it is the Soldier, that protecteth the Prince in his seat, it is the Soldier, that defendeth the Divine in his pulpit, it is the Soldier, that upholdeth the judge in his place of justice, it is the Soldier as Varo saith, that resisteth the outward force of enemies, that represseth domestical seditions, and defendeth the liberty of subjects: If his service be then so beneficial to all, O what pity, he is not better considered of by some, that are so bountiful in rewarding pipers, parasites, singers and dancers and other like ministers of their pleasures, and suffer poor Soldiers to beg, and will sooner afford him a payer of stocks, than a single penny for his alms.  
Epaminondas Captain general of the Thebans, understanding of a very rich man that had no care of the poor, sent a needy soldier unto him, commanding him under great penalty to give 600▪ crowns to this poor man, this Citizen receiving this commandment, came to know the cause, it is (quod Epaminondas because this man being honest is poor, and thou which hast lived by the spoil of the common wealth art rich. O that our Usurers in England might sometime have such messengers sent unto them, I think the errand would neither offend God nor man: Neither can I see why there should not be a general contribution given through the realm, for the maintenance of men of war, when their service concerneth such public profit: The Prince is not able to recompense all, and the soldier must fight in defence of all, why should he not be maintained by the help of all.  
But here some will think I speak for myself, & I confess it, soldiers must learn of other men to speak for themselves, for there is no body else that will: What trade or handicraft have you so simple, but if it begin a little to decay, but by and by it pleads poverty, running to the Prince or Parliament for relief, either by repelling some statute, by making some privilege, or by attaining some consideration: And if upon any occasion between Nations traffic be stopped, how clamerous is the Merchant in the ears of his Prince, till he hath his passage again freely set open:  
The Lawyer will permit no edict to come forth that makes against his own profit, though otherwise it be beneficial for the whole common wealth: The Divine finds fault that their spiritual promotiones should so many ways be bereaved them, and (I think) complaineth of it not without some cause: If every profession havelybertie to say for themselves, give soldiers leave to speak, when by the unkindness of their countrymen they are brought to the worst, and yet as profitable members to their common wealth, as they that thinks themselves best: Is it not the Soldier by hasarding his life abroad, that upholdeth the Artificer to sit quietly by his work at home. And what would it avail the Merchant to speak for foreign gain, if the soldier were not to defend him from domestical spoil. The Lawyer makes no plea but for private profit, and burldes' goodly houses, and purchaseth whole countries about him.  
The soldier serves his country for a small stipend, and would be contended with allowance but to buy meat, drink, and clothe: And that very religion which the divine but coats down in his quiet study without any peril, that very religion the soldier maintaineth with the loss of limb and life. How much more might here be alleged in the behalf of soldiers and their service, yet these be they that the politic wise man (him I mean) (that is better practised in Machavils policies, then studied in the new Testament) would have to be kept under. But leaving profane histories, out of the which great volumes might be written, have we not examples out of the holy Scriptures, how valiant minds have been rewarded, and men of service liberally gratified: in the 14. Chapter of the book of Numbers. Caleb was promised reward by Gods own mouth for his own constancy and courageous persuasion to the children of Israel: The same Caleb to gratify Othuiel his brother's son, for taking the City Cariathe, bestowed of him his fair daughter Athsah: David likewise received great riches with the daughter of King Saul, for killing Goliath: David himself promised great rewards to such as should overthrow the Jebusites, 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 suffereth scarceness and poverty, when men of understanding and wisdom are not set by, and when one departs from righteousness to sin.  
But is not that country to much ungrateful which hath no manner of remorse to those men whose blood hath scarleted the ground so much to their glory, and no less to their preservation: If soldiers must be had (as of necessity they must) how would you have them live, will you set down no course: Give me leave then to say my mind I speak but in sport, but that it might come to pass I would wish in good earnest. Leaving many presidents, let us fetch our example from the people of the low Countries, who being generally given to drunkenness, hath such an excise imposed both of Beer and Wine, that it well near sufficeth to pay all their soldiers during the time of the civil wars.  
Now our people of England being as generally given to inordinate lawing, if the like imposition might be raised for every action they should commence, for every writ they should fetch forth, and for every sentence in law that should be pronounced with them both, or against them, no doubt it would maintain a great many of soldiers to grave them, whereby they might the more safely follow their law, and when they had spent all amongst Lawyers (as a number of them already hath done) they might have some colour to crave gratification from the Prince or Country for their good service, as if you will bear with me, I will show you the like precedent. About ten years ago, (upon occasion) being in holland at a town called Gorcum, a good fellow coming to the States, craved of them some recompense, for his endeavours, which (as he said) had been wonderfully beneficial to their state and government.  
The States willing him to make repition of his service, and he should find them ready to consider of good desert, this good fellow then so well encouraged begins his tale.  
It is not unknown (quoth he) that within these seven years, I was worth 4000 Guilders, sith which time until this present (so long as I had one stiver left) I am sure there is no man that ever saw me go sober to bed: Now gentlemen, if you will wisely consider of this, how beneficial my drinking hath been to your common purse of excise, and not only what myself have spent of mine own, but also by my drawing in of many other good drinkers in my company, I doubt not but as you must confess I have been a good member to my comen wealth, so you will not fail to gratify me, according to my desert.  
Now, if the like excise were set of the Law, why might not a fellow that had beggared himself by lawing, crave like consideration, and by as good desert: I speak not against the trial for title of lands, which I know must be decided by the verdict of a Quest, or the discretion of a judge, but I speak against these unkindly Actions of Trespass, commonly commenced for the speaking of a word, for a neighbour's goose that shall but look over a hedge, and for other such like occasions, wherein they will not stick to spend more pounds, then for the relief of a soldier, or defence of their country they are willing to give pence. But as it is necessary such clients should be a little wrong by the purses, so such counsellors should not go scotfree, that are the annimaters to such causes. I remember long sithence, (when I was a little bookish,) I read a History in our English Chronicles, and although I can not set you down the place, yet as I can I will tell you the matter.  
A Prince of this realm (upon what occasion I know not) fined all the Lawyers of this land, for their extortion bribery and deceit, but to one amongst the rest, that was found to be uncorrupted there was given 300 pounds. If it pleased her majesty to follow this example, and to fine every Lawyer but at ten pound, that hath cozoned his countrymen at the least of renscoore, to them that shall be found free from corruption, she might double her benevolence and make the three hundred pound 600. in God's name, and yet save an honest portion for the maintenance of her wars: It was sometime though that one Lawyer, and one Goshawk were enough in a whole shire, and as Plato concludeth, it is a token of a corrupted estate, where there are many Lawyers, and many Physicians, because the multitude of Lawyers are maintained by the contention of people, and such store of Physicians, by their excess in diet, drunkenness and gluttony. But pardon me here I pray you, the telling of a merry tale that comes but now suddenly in my mind, and thus at followeth.  
There was sometime a Lawyer dwelling far in the North that had served a writ of a poor Cumberland man, for his appearance at Westminster in the beginning of the next Term, this poor man for want of a horse coming to London on foot, and by the way as he passed, where he saw a sign he was sure to find meat, drink, and lodging for his money, but coming to London, and by fortune hitting into Holborn, seeing a sign at every man's door, began to make doubt, and calling to a Boy that passed by, asked him where he might find an Inn, the Boy (disposed to play the wag) points him to one of the Inns of Court, the poor fellow going in, and seeing many Tables covered in the Hall (for it was almost dinner time) thought with himself there was good cheer towards, walks up and down, till the gentlemen came in, and sitting down, he fell in amongst them to the Table, the Steward (who to see good orders) perceiving one without a gown and a cap, comes to him and tells him how that was no place for him, and wills him to arise, the poor man answers him, good fellow I ha' siller in my purse ayse pay for what I take, but the Steward seeing his simplicity and how he was deceived, answers him again, my friend this is no place for you to spend your siller in, this is for gentlemen Lawyers, and there comes no other here but such the poor fellow hearing his words arose from the board, and in a great chafe answereth thus.  
Now the foul ill tae them, be all thure lawyers, marry had I kende that, I had rather have eat no bread these two days, then have come among sayke a company; thus as he was hastily going forth of the doors, the gentlemen sporting at his folly, followed him laughing, which when he perceived, calling to the porter he said, ay say, my good fellow slot to the door, by the bread a gad and all thure may once break out, there is near a poor man in England that shall live in wait by them. Now here letting slip the simplicity of a Clown, let us return again to speak of soldiers, who as they are little provided for in the time of peace, so they are as smally cared for in the season of war, and this is not a little to be marveled at, that when any occasion of service doth happen, some be appointed for Captains as knows not how to place 100 men in good order of array, unless it be (peradventure) to march them 3, or 5. in a rank, as they use to fetch home a may pole.  
We do find in the holy scriptures and that in several places, both in the books of Moses, in the book of josua and others, where they have used not little regard aswell in the choosing of their Captains, leaders and conductors, as also in prescribing laws and disciplines of war, which sometimes were appointed by the almighty God himself: Philip King of Macedonia, did marvel why the Athenians did every year choose new generals and Captains of the wars, when he himself had found but one good, namely Permenyo: Alexander admitted none to the room of a Captain under the age of 60.  
But in England, we never number his years, we neither consider his knowledge, we little regard his worthiness, we less esteem his experience, we scarce examine his honesty: Our Captains are appointed, more for favour then for knowledge, more for feendshippe then for experience, more for opinion then for desert: God grant we never come to make trial of the service of such Captains as I have seen some, if we should, there were great fear of unhappy success.  
And this is to be lamented amongst us, that we can be so provident in matters of no importance, and such causes where in our own safeties doth especially consist, we either neglect them altogether, or else perform them with little care and less foresight. If the matter were well examined we should find that the safety both of Prince state, country, subjects, and altogether consisted in the worthiness of the Captain: and to this most fitly agreed the saying of that noble soldier Sir William Drury, who many times would use these words.  
The want of a horse shoe nail, may be the loss of the shoe, the loss of the shoe, the spoil of the horse, the spoil of the horse, the loss of the man: the loss of a man, the overthrow of an army: the overthrow of an army, the loss of a Prince's crown: If small things thus by degrees, may conclude such great prejudice in the winding up, (as it can not be denayed) what success is to be looked for, where captains and leaders are so utterly ignorant, that many of them knows not when it is time to charge, near when it were good to retire: and as Socrates saith, the boldness of the ignorant engendereth many evils, and Agesilaus affirmeth, the lack of experience breedeth the lack of courage: And as histories make mention, more fields have been lost for want of government, then for want of strength.  
To give a brave charge, is a thing proper to every ordinary soldier, but to make a good retreat in time, & in order, therein consisteth the skill of the Captain: The unexpert Captain, and the unlearned physician, do buy their experience at to dear a rate, for it is still purchased, with the price of men's lives: The place of a Captain is honourable, and ought not to be given but to men of experience, of valiance, and of virtue, and yet I have heard tell, where they have been made merchandise of, and bought and sold for money, but I dare not say that I have known it myself, for peradventure I should offend.  
But I hope soldiers shall not be still illegitimate, they shall be esteemed according to desert. The Divine for telling a learned discourse in a Pulpette is rewarded with a Bishopric, and but according as he is worthy, the Lawyer for making a good Plea at the Bar, is brought to the Bench, and it is done with consideration.  
The Soldier that watches, that wards, that traveles, that toils, that makes his body a defence for Cannon shot, and feareth no perrylles for the love of his Country, I trust will be better considered of God hath wonderfully blessed us with sweet and quiet peace but let us not be secure, as though we had it by patten we have enemies abroad if they had opportunity, but take heed of papists here at home, they are more to be feared, than he that was borne in Spain.  
Have they not made sundry proffers to stir up seditious tumults, nay what do they leave unattempted, to disturb this happy government: But would you have some special marks how you may know them, then listen, and by these means you may easily smell them out: You shall have them enquiring of news, spreading of rumours, lying, forging, counterfeiting and dissembling, what action hath there been so honouraly performed, sith that noble Earl of Leicester undertook these low country services, which hath not been defaced (here at home) by our slandering Papists.  
What good news hath there come over which they have not paraphrased, what enterprise so justly attempted, which they have not eclipsed, or what exploit so bravely accomplished, which they have not methamorphised: Such is the devotion of our religious Catholics, that they strain no courtesy to forge lies, to practise treasons, to commit murders, to stir up rebellions, nay what outrage is there so mischievous, which they will not enter into to do their holy father service. These be their works meritorious which so many times they boast of, and by this ladder they think to climb up to heaven gates, where saint Peter stands watching ready to let them in. O how many ungodly practices, have they intended against our most gracious princess, how are they continually busied in conspiring against her: but that almighty God who first planted her to their subversion, hath not failed still to protect her (no doubt) to their confusion. Were not the fury that overruleth them more than extreme, they could not be such enemies to their own discretion, but that they might well discern, it is God's blessing, that so mightily defendeth her against the Pope's cursing, and although his holiness hath taken great pains, in sending forth his jesuits, his Seminaries and other his ministers (from time to time) with so many conspiracies, and such several practices against her majesty, yet at their departure when they come to crave his fatherly benediction, (God be thanked) he blesseth them all to the gallows.  
And although that accidents are many times sufficient to serve their turn, either to confirm, either to confound religion according to the event, I wonder they cannot aswell condemn a Papist in his ill success that is sent over with so many hallowed bulls, as they will do a Protestant, for the least misfortune that may befall him, but if this light were sufficient for men to judge colours by, who more blessed then our gracious Elizabeth who so happily hath reigned over us this 28. years, how mightily hath God preserved her, from the conspiracies of Popish traitors, how many foreign princes have sought to her for succours, that like as ancient Rome (while the government rested in the soldier) was the very refuge for such as were distressed by oppressing Tyrants, so the greatest part of Christendom, hath thought their states the better assured, when they have combined with her Majesty, and shrouded themselves under her gracious protection, with what peaceable government hath she continued her subjects, how hath England flourished sith she became our sovereign, what would you more, of herself she is merciful, her noble counsellors careful, her loving subjects dutiful, that to conclude, if these precedents be testimonies of the love of God (as without all question they are) then O thrice happy England that dost enjoy so excellent a Princess.  
Now contrary wise, let us but consider of the Pope's best beloved the King of Spain, how hath he been shaken in the most parts of his dominions, his Indies (the fairest flower in his Garland) the inhabitants whereof, are so oppressed with the tyranny of the Spanish government, that they let not daily to enter into rebellion, seeking all means to shake of that servitude, by reason whereof, the great sums of treasure he was wont to receive out of those parts, begins to diminish, and is like to decrease every day less than other: For the regiments in Italy, who knows not how discontentedly they endure the Spanish government, but the garrisons so keeps them under, that the poor Italians must be contented for a time to bear the burden, although it be so much against their wills.  
In Spain itself, the Gospel of our saviour jesus Christ hath taken such effect in the hearts of a multitude, that the King is busied in nothing more than in keeping under of his Protestants and questionless, as it hath pleased God to suffer it to take rooting, so in time it will bring forth fruits, let my masters of the holy house look to it as wisely as they can.  
The tyranny the Spaniards used in the low countries, the cause of the people's revolt, is so welknowen to all, as I should but waste the time to make a new repetition, but this I may not omit that the King of Spain (being so mighty a monarch as they would make him) could not by force of honourable war, in so many years subdue the poor prince of Orange, but in the end setting aside all dignity, honour and reputation be fitting a King (in most shameful and infamous manner) practised his death by murder, the matter is so fresh in memory, as I need spend no loger time to repeat it: Be these the examples of Christian humanity, nay undoubted confirmations of turkish tyranny, but (as they say) such Carpenters such chips, such Saints, such relics, such tree such fruit, even so it may be said, such quarrel, such conquest, And hath not the Prince of Perma, made the like conquest in recovering again of Sutphen Scance, and in taking of Deuentre: the one the Earl of Leycester won from him by honourable and brave assault, the Prince being at at hand with his whole force within the herring of the battery, so that it cannot be said it was stolen upon him, Deuentre in like case (hanging but in doubtful Balance) was assured by the Earl, at that very instant whiles he lay before Sutphen: neither practised by deceit nor compassed by treachery, but performed by honourable policy, the Prince being in the field and had continual intelligence of every action that was attempted, so that it may be said, every thing was done before his face: But he taking his time while the Earl was out of the Country, recovered them again by the like stratagem, as he useth to attain the rest of his conquests, which are ever obtained by tyranny, by treason, by corruption, by murder, and by such other devilish practises, both detestable before God, and dishonourable amongst men: but this is best befitting men of their religion, and jump correspondent to their holy father's doctrine.  
I would nor here be mistaken, neither do I mean (by any thing before said) that where a Prince is perturbed by war of otherwise, that such events are for tokens of the displeasure of God towards him, but this I infer, that where the cause of such troubles do proceed through his own tyranny, although, I know the Pope may well bestow his blessing in such a cause, yet God with his own mouth hath cursed the cruelty of such oppressors, and the executors of so notorious outrage.  
There resteth now no more, but that we be provident for our own safeties, our enemies looks about, they watch but opportunity, let us be as vigilant, lest they hap to catch us napping, the enemy is by no means sooner repulsed, then when he shall perceive we be already well provided for him: we have already committed some errors and a little trodden awry, we have let slip opportunities, we have fostered serpents in our own bosoms, and although they have bitten us yet we can not beware, but let us lament follies under more covert terms, for the world is given to see too much, our continued peace hath been the nourisher of many vices, we have entertained pride newe fangled fashion, and monstruous attire, what extortion is found to be in the mighty, what oppression in the wealthy, what unsariable desire of having, what unreasonable practice in getting. What corruption of such as give bribes, what persurie of such as take bribes, what buying of oaths in the one, what selling of conscience in the other What greedy speaking Law against justice, what devilish counsel given for money against law, what envy in the client, what craft in the counsellor, what covetousness in both: What impiety in tale hearers, what impunity in tale tellers, what malice in the one to seek them, what flattery in the other to bring them.  
What pride and disdain in the higher sort, what stubborn disobedience in the lower sort, what lack of love in the one, what neglect of duty in the other, what froward heart in both: What making and repelling of many laws, what contempt and breach of all laws, how many justices in every place, what want of justice in all places.  
What merchandise is made of law, what buying and selling of justice, Offices that were wont to be rewards of good desert is now set to bargain and sale for who will give most, yea the blood of poor innocentes is sometime bought and sold for money: The honesty of the suitor is not regarded, the equity of his cause is not examined, if he will bestow any Crowns they shall be viewed: we punish injuries offered to ourselves, but we omit such offences as are directly against the honour of God, if this that I have said be not enough, to say any more would be to much. I will therefore conclude, humbly beseeching God long to preserve her Majesty to reign over us, God confound her foes and bring to light all Popish Conspirators, and Traitorous confederates that practise against her. God so bless her noble counsellors that in all their consultations, they may determine nothing but that may redound to the safety, honour and renown of noble England.  
Amen.   

❧ A Pathwaie to Militay Practice, first of the election and choosing a General.  
AS sweet and quiet peace is the blessing of God, and is especially to be preferred amongst true Christians, yet as Cicero sayeth, we must sometime take wars in hand, to the end that we may the more safely enjoy this happy peace, and Ʋerro likewise affirmeth, that arms are many times necessary, to resist the outward force of enemies, to repress domestical seditions, and to defend the liberty of subjects: and it is holden for a principle in common policy, that it is better to offend then defend.  
That Princes in policy should use all possible means, for the defence of true religion, for the safety of his own estate, for the maintenance of his loving subjects, for resisting the crueltyTyrantes, is both warranted by the opinion of all politic writers, and in of the holy Scriptures, not only tolerated, but in many places expressly commanded. In the 14. of Genesis Abraham entered into arms for the recovery of his brother Lot, in the 31. of Numeri Moses is willed to make wars upon the Madianites, by the express commandment of God, Saul in the first book of Kings the 15. Chapter hath the like commandment, in the book of judges Chapter 2. the children of Israel were blamed for making of peace with the Canaanites: A prince therefore that minds to enter into arms, is first to consider of the equity of his cause, then making choice of a General, such a one as fears God, is likewise to fortify himself with the goodness of his quarrel, neither is there any mean more rather to incite men to valiance, then when they shall remember they go to the fight in a righteous cause, for fortitude ever fighteth for equity and justice, and valiance without justice is to be accounted rashness, but every virtue hath his counterfeit follower, as deceit sometime creeping in is called policy, so rashness shroudeth itself under the title of fortitude.  
And as plutarch saith, all valiant men are hardy but all hardy men not valiant: the distinction groweth, where men will oppose themselves into peril, sometime without justice, sometime without judgement, according to this saying of Plato. That not only the knowledge which is severed from justice, is rather to be called subtlety then wisdom, but also the courage which is forward to danger with out judgement and for a common profit, may rather bear the name of lewd hardiness than valiance.  
A General thus fortified in his own conscience, with the justice of his quarrel, is now to satisfy his whole company with the example of his virtue, and as the eye (above the rest of our senses) is least mistaken, and the mind apt to receive impresion by what the eye seeth, then by that the ear heareth, so there is not a more spèedy mean, to make inferiors to embrace virtues, then when they shall see the governor or General, give first example in his own person. A General therefore must especially both love and fear God, he must not be without learned Preachers and Ministers of gods word, which must instruct and teach the Army, practising them aswell in the fear of God, as in duty and obedence to their Commanders, Captains and Officers.  
In his own person he must be magnanimous, courteous, gracious, easy to be spoken with, constant in his counsels, quick in his executions, and secret in his determinationes, that his intentes may be kept close. Thus shall he be honoured, not for fear of his power, but for the loon of his virtue, the good opinion whereof being settled in the hearts of his soldiers, is of wonderful eficacie, for the accomplishment of all his attempts and enterprises. When Scipio had undertaken the subversion of Carthage, in marching on his way towards the execution, a noble man demanding of him wherein his hope consisted for the performance of so difficult an enterprise, Scipio answered, in the love of my Soldiers, which I know to be such towards me, that if I shall bid them to cast themselves from the height of yonder Rock, they will not refuse it, when it shall redound to my honour and reputation.  
Mercy and justice in a General, be two precious ornaments, aswell to win the love of his own people, as to draw the hearts of his very enemies, and many times have been of greater effect to subdue them, than the force and strength of mighty arms: there is no one thing more requisite in a General, than a a frank and liberal mind, which maketh a souldidiour more profitable to the battle in the day of fight, than a miserable unthankful wretch, with multitudes of treasure. He must be mild, courteous, gentle and loving amongst his soldiers, preferring the safety of his own people before the kill of his enemies: A General thus adorned in his own person, is now to make choice of his counsel for the wars, his great Officers for the field, his Captains, leaders and conductors of his army.  
His counsalers should be men of quick capacity, ready wit, and sound judgement: and here (according to the mind of the Philosopher) I would wish a general should rather be advised by such as loves him, then by those that are best beloved of himself: the first he shall find faithful and firm for his honour, the other perhaps may flatter and speak to please humours. His Officers, Captains and leaders, must be chosen for virtue, not for opinion: for knowledge, not for favour, for experience, not for friendship. They should not be men detected with vices, for pride breeds disdain, covetousness, extorting both of Prince and Soldier, swearing bringeth hatefulness to all honest ears.  
Cato being Censurer to make choice of a General of the Pannonian wars, said with a loud voice that he would dysmisse Publius, because he had seen him walk the streets of Rome perfumed, but in my opinion it is a precedent of some error, to see a Captain that shall go all to be guilded, and to see his poor Soldiers follow, with neither Hose to their legs nor Shoes to their feet.  
Good persuasion, and to know how to speak well is a most necessary virtue both in General, Officer and Captain, some time by oration to add encouragement to their Soldiers, some time it containeth them in order and diseipline, and many times it more prevaileth to bring the enemy to composition and agreement, than their squadrons and troops were able to win by force.  
Cineas, by the excellency of his oraforie, brought more towns in subjection is his master Phyiihus by his tongue, than Phyiihus himself could do by his valour. generals are now to provide for all manner of warlike munitions and provisions, both offensive and defeneive, aswell for the field as the town: he must be prepared of pay, of victual, artillery for all purposes, of powder and short, as well for the Cannon as the Caliver, of match, of armour, of weapons, of carriages, of all manner of tools, for cutting, frenching, mining, scaling, fortifying, all these and many furnitures about the ordinance, and belonging to the charge of the master of the ordinance, the General must first provide for, and that in such sort, as when he shall think himself to be best furnished, yet to have care of the time that is to come: he must be furnished with Engineers, Armourers, Carpenters, Smiths, Masons and Pioneers.  
But a General must especially be well provided for the payment of his retinue, for the want of pay, doth not only enfeeble and abate the courage of soldiers, when they shall be pinched both with hunger and cold, but it breedeth mutinies, it causeth dysorders, it neglecteth service, and lettes slip opportunities. To set down in particulars what great prejudice hath happened for want of pay in several armies, would ask longer discourse than were requisite in this place to stay upon.  
There is nothing that better maintaineth discipline amongst soldiers, then to see them well paid and to have them well punished, and I dare undertake that where a Prince hath occasion of service, 10000 men that should be truly and duly paid, should be able to do more and better service than 30000. as I have seen, for want of pay scarce able to go of their legs. A general therefore that would expect the regard, duty, obedience, & love of his soldiers, must see them well paid, so shall his prescriptions, orders and disciplines be invoyolably kept, himself duly honoured, and his soldiers able to serve: here might much more be said of a General touching his eperience, learning, and knowledge of Arts, behoveful for many purposes, but this may suffice, and a general thus appointed as I have said, shall be both honoured, loved, followed and served.  

❧ The Lordhigh Martial.  
THe Lord high Marshal ought to be a man of such perfection and knowledge, that of his own experience he may as well instruct inferior officers in their duties, as correct and chastise them for their misdemeanours: to his office appertaineth the administering of justice, the punishing of abuses, the correcting of all disorders, & to give every man his right. The high Marshal is to appoint the camping place, where in he must have this ordinary consideration, for wood, water and forage. He is to quarter the camp, assigning to the quarter Master where the regiments of footmen shall be lodged, and where the horsemen shall like wise have their places: He must appoint the watch, and surveying the places of greatest peril, he must give order to his inferior Officers to have them furnished with requisite guard, directing the scout to places of most convenience.  
The order that is observed in the Low Countries, where the Sentinel is relieved by the Corpse de gward, every two hours, is both better and easier, than where they use to make them stand the whole night. When the Camp shall remove, he is first to appoint the Scout Master to send out discoverours which way the army must pass, that must wearely survey straights, copses, and all places fit to hide ambushmentes, and according as they find occasion, so to give intelligence. He must then signify to the master of the ordinance, and in like manner to the carriage master, that the artillery, munitions, and all other carriages may be made ready and set forwards. He must then give order to the sergeant Mayor in what form he will have the battle to march, wherein he hath to consider both of straights, and otherwise of the nature of his passage, assigning both guides to conduct them, and Pioneers to mend or make ways for the carriages and army the easier to pass.  
It is not good that an army should march long journeys, but upon urgent occasion, to the end they may come timely to their lodgings, to build their Cabbens, to fetch in forage and all manner of necessaries. As the Lord high Marshal in his own person is to determine matters of greatest importance, so of necescitie he must have a Provost, with other inferior ministers, that must likewise be skilful in laws and orders of the field, and must still be attendant in the Camp to decide petty brabbles, and small controversies as they shall happen to arise: and because the Provost is an apendaunt to the Lord Martial, I think it best in this place to set down his charge.   

❧ Of the Provost.  
THe Provost is to have the charge of the Marshal sea he must be provided of Fetters, Gives, hand-lockes and all manner of Irons, for the safe keeping of such prisoners as shall be committed to his keeping.  
He is to see due execution of all malefactors, having received sentence of death from the General or Lord high Marshal. He is to keep the peace, to see justice, to punish abuse, and to apprehonde the authors of any disorder: He must rate the prizes of such victual as shall come into the Camp in such reasonable sort, as both the Uictualer may be a computant gainer, to the end he be not driven to shun the Camp, and also that the soldier be not to much exacted on, to the end his little pay may be able to find him, he must have care that the Uictuall be good and wholesome, and in any wise he must not suffer the Uictualer to receive abuse, because there is nothing more beneficial to a Camp, then that it be followed with great store of Uictualers. He is to see the Camp cleanly kept, neither annoyed by unmannerly Slovens that have no regard where they ease themselves, nor by any other filth or garbege of beasts that shall happen by butchery, he must have like regard that the waters be clean and purely kept, and not only to forewarn but surely to punish, as many as shall be found offenders in the premises: the watch being set, he must not suffer any noise or great stir in the Camp, as many times it happeneth where soldiers be merry, and at convenient hours must cause all victuallers to shut up their doors, that all things may be hushed, quiet and still.   

❧ Of the office of the Lieftennaunt or General of Horsemen.  
THe General of the horsemen or Cavalary, which hath been divided in four kinds, the first men at arms, themselves armed Complete, and their horses likewise barbed, and were to give the first charge to disorder the squadrons or batalions of pikes. The second lances, lighter armed with corselets, and to break in with the men at arms where they had made way or otherwise as they could see advantage. The third light horsemen, commonly armed with a coat of plate with a light staff charged on the theigh, serving for many purposes, as to scout, to discover, to break foreray, or to follow a chase that is put to a retreat: The fourth and last called shot on horseback, but now lately called Carbines, commonly light horsed without armour serving either with Pistol or Petronel: and as the shot one foot being charged do retire for succours to their pikes, so these Carbines may skyrmidge loosely and delivering their volleys, are not able to stand any charge but must retire to the lance for his safety. The General of the Horse having the rolls of all the bands, with the names of their Captains, is to divide them so equally for every service, that such as be employed in the day must be relieved in the night, and those that have served in the night must have rest in the day, other wise the Horse will so suddenly be enfeebled, that he will be serviceable but a very small time: In the day of fight he is to divide his companies into wings and troops, appointing who shall first give charge, who shall come to second them, who shall stand for rescues, and thus to direct them, that every man knowing what he hath to do, may the rather hope of victory, or at least keep themselves in safety.  
The General of Horse ought to give warning through his companies, that they neither disarm themselves, neither unfadell nor unbridell their Horse, till the Camp be impalde and scouts put forth. The General of the Horse, must not be unprovided of Smiths, Farriers or Horseleeches, Saddlers, in like manner every Captain of Horsemen furnished in his carriages with Sickles Scythes, Combs, cords, Beetles, stocks, etc. The General of the Horsemen may have his Leiftenaunt, a man sufficient in skill both to assist him in all occasions, and in his absence, to command in every thing with like authority as his general might do, and is called the Lieftenaunte of the Horse.   

❧ The Colonel general of the footmen, or Eanteri.  
A Colonel General is a place of great authority, and is to command all other Colonelles of foot regiments, if the General shall have occasion to use companies for any service, the Colonel general is to appoint them which they shallbe, he must therefore have a role of all the Colonelles and Captains of every other regiment, to the end he may order and divide them as upon occasion he shall see meet, he is only to be directed by the General or Lord Martial, & after they have determined, he himself directeth all the rest. Upon occasions of service where honour is to be won, he is to use all the regiments with such indifferency, as they have no cause to grudge or repine.   

¶ Of the high Treasurer at Wars.  
THis Office amongst the rest is of great recconing, he is ever of the counsel, and may freely speak his opinion, concerning any action or enterprise, he is to make payment upon the receipt of the generals warrant to all Colonels, Captains or Officers what so ever, but yet defeating of all arereges wherewith he shall be charged either by the master of the ordinance, the Uictualer, or clerk of the check. He is to receive from the Muster master the perfect number and true charge both of Horse men and foot men, and of all the rest that taketh pay through the whole Camp, then gathering a proportion of the charge as it monthly amounteth unto, he is to present it to the General, to the end he may make provision for pay accordingly.   

The office of the Sergeant Maior.  
THis Officer should be a man of most exquisite knowledge, thoroughly examined in all manner of forms and proportiones of embattling, he must have the perfect number of every sort of weapon that is brought into the field, so shall he orderly martial them with the quicker expedition & lesser confu sion. In the day of fight he must have consideration to the nature of the place, and in fourming of his battle take any advantage that the ground will afford him. He must likewise consider of the forces of the enemy, and whether his strength more consisteth in Horse men or in footmen, and as he shall find them prepared, to dispose of his own order thereafter: and as by advantages of grounds many helps may be taken, so in the plain where there is nothing to trust but order, I cannot think any proportion more defensible against both Horse and foot then the just squadron, for that it is strong every way a like.  
We have many forms of battle (as hereafter I mean to write on) some altogether unnecessary, other some though very excellent, yet very dangerous to be ranged before an enemy, where Soldiers are not more exceeding perfect, then commonly we have them in England. But the just square is a most sure fight, plain and not curieus in ordering, and in the plain field as service holdeth at this day, I know no form that may be justly said to better it.  
The Sergeant Maior, hath for his assistants the four corporals of the field, which should be men likewise of good experience, and should still be attendant to the direction of the Sergeant Maior, helping him in every quarter, and at every season as he shall give them instructiones. The day when the army shall remove, he must repair to the Lord high Marshal or Colonel general, to know in what order the army shall march.   

❧ Of the Master of the ordinance.  
THis Office is of great reputation, and asketh both judgement and experience, he taketh charge of the Artillery and all other munitions, the which in the Camp he must see safely internched, and in the day time conveniently guarded with a ward, and in the night time as surely watched. He must have knowledge in fortification, to plant his ordinance in places of most advauntagè, aswell for the guard of the Camp, as to make battery in besieging either Town or Forte.  
He must not only have his ordinance well and strongly mounted, the carriages and wheels surely bound with jorne, but he must be likewise furnished with spare axletrees, wheels, carriages, ingens to mount them, ladels, rammers, sponges, crows of Iron and levers to use them. Many other things he must be furnished of about the drawing of them, whether with Oxen or Horse, they must have Cart aware ropes and other necessaries which the Cannoners are to look for, but the master of the ordinance must make provision for the same.  
He must have from the Marshal, Pioneers and Labourers to go with the ordinance, aswell to make or mend ways through moors or Fens as they shall happen to pass, but also if by casually a piece should be overthrown there may be help ready to mount it. He must be provided of skilful Cannoners, Engineers, Smiths, Wheel wrights, Carpenters and such like. There are many other things that concerneth this office, as for sundry occasions to be provided of fire works, and all such simples and necessaries fit to compound them: with engining, myninge, trenching and such like, are to be directed by the master of the ordinance, and for his better help is allowed a Leifetenaunt, which should be a man well seen and exercised in the premises.   

❧ The Master Gunner.  
THe master Gunner being an officer depending of the master of the ordinance. I will therefore in this place set down his charge, he ought not only in himself to be exactly perfect in his Piece, but also make trial of the rest that be under him, that he may be assured they be able to discharge their places, he must be like assured that they be still attendant in their place of charge, and to have all things in readiness to take opportunities.  
He should practise them to beat such places usually traded by the enemy, that he may the better know his mark when he shall see occasion: which is very beneficial to such as are besieged, and defending of some passage may much annoy a Campe. His wants of powder, shot, ladels, sponges, rammers, and other like necessaries concerning his art, are to be supplied from the master of the ordinance.   

¶ The Trench master.  
TH. Trench master is likewise appendent to the master of the ordinance: for the entrenching of a Camp, it is commonly staked out aswell the curtains, rings as flankers: his greatest care must be so to convey his trenches, either before a Town or Fort that shall be besieged, that the enemy do not flank them, for that the casting and conveying of Trenches orderly, doth concern great safety to so many as shall have occasion to pass to and fro.   

¶ The Munster master.  
IN making of Musters, this Officer is to survey ever Soldier, whether Horse man or Footman, not only of the ability of the person, but also of the sufficiency of his furniture, aswell Horse, Armour, Weapon, and altogether, and either to pass or default them as he shall find reasonable cause, and to make certificate accordingly to the Treasurer, that he may stop such defaults of their pay. The Munster master is to make out warrants by his book for so many as be in pay, from the first of his entry forth on from time to time under his hand, which being signed by the General is sufficient to the Treasurer.   

¶ The Scout master.  
THe Scout master every evening upon the sounding of the marshals Trumpet to the watch, must receive by assignment from the General or lieutenant of the Horsemen a sufficient number to scout, the which by himself must be directed into cross ways and other places of peril in every quarter of the Camp, he must exhort them still to silence, and to have regard to look about them, and not to forsake their places appointed, till discoverers be put forth in the morning to the field: He is in the morning (by like assignment) at the discharging of the watch, to receive a competent number of men to discover, the which he must likewise appoint to places of most convenience for the purpose: in like manner when the Camp doth march, he must be still scouring afore to see the coast be clear.   

¶ The Forage master.  
THe Forage master is likewise to receive from the lieutenant of the Horse, an able company of Horsemen for the guard of foragers and such as shall fetch in necessaries, the which upon the sound of a Trumpet must altogether go forward, not suffering them nor any other to straggle out of his company further than he is able to rescue them, and if they be far from the Ca●up●, not to suffer any to depart home ward till they be all provided, and then as they came forth, so to return all again together.   

¶ The Carriage master.  
THe Carriage master in like manner is aswell to have a Cornet of Horsemen from the lieutenant of the Horse for his guard, as also lose shot from the Colonel General, or else to march with all his baggage between the troops of footmen for his more surety.   

¶ Of a Colonel.  
THe place of a Colonel is of honourable reputation, and therefore besides experience, he should be a man of credit and good countenance, and as that most noble Gentleman, Sir William russel, (a Paragon of Arms at this day) is many times accustomed to say, that he which wanteth liberality, is possessed with all the vices in the world, so that Colonel that hath not a bountiful mind, and a frank disposition to lend relief to a poor distressed Soldier, especially of his own retinue and regiment, is unworthy to have the commanding of men, and not fit to have government nor bear office in a Campe.  
In places where Soldiers are not levied by the Prince's Commission, the general is to make choice of his Colonels, men both sufficient in countenance and credit, for the levying of such companies as the General shall commit to his charge, then receiving his commission with impressed, the Colonel in like case is to make choice of his Captains, impresting every of them likewise for the raising of their several companies.  
But in England upon occasion of service, Soldiers are ever levied by the Prince's commission, where if such consideration were had in the choosing of them as there ought, it were the more safety for the service, better for the Captain, and much more beneficial for the Soldier, considering his furniture is allowed him by the Country, which other wise is cut of from his pay if he be not able to furnish himself The Colonel hath the commanding of all such Captains under his own regiment to direct upon any occasion of service as he shall see good: A Colonel may have his lieutenant Colonel, his Sergeant Mayor, his Provost, and his Quarter master, within his own regiment. A Colonel may correct misdemeanours of his Captains, he may call a Marshal Court of his own officers, for the punishing of offences, or for the administering of Justice.   

¶ Of a Captain.  
THe place of a Captain is not lightly to be considered of, upon his skill and knowledge consisteth the safety or loss of many men's lives, but especially service standing now as it doth most commonly in skirmidges, where the Captain most ordenarily is not helped but with the advantage of his own experience.  
In the old time many years ago, when armies many times used to appoint the field, where their whole forces were brought to encounter: the weakness of a Captain might the better be borne with all, when their were so many superior officers to direct him: and yet in those days they used circumspection in nothing more, then in choosing of their Captains, but service standing as it doth at this instant over it was then, we ought to have three times more regard than they had, and yet we use ten times less than they did. And I wonder how so many insufficient men dare oppose themselves to undertake a matter of so great importance, whose inexperience, besides (by circumstance) that it concerneth the loss of a country, so in it consisteth the hazard of many men's lives, if it were more but his own, the matter were the less, for he may value of that as himself shall see good, but remorse of conscience should touch him to consider of his Countrymen, when his want of knowledge, shall sometime breed to much rashness, and sometime again to little courage. A Captain that might be thought worthy, should aswell have knowledge how to govern, as experience how to train, wherein he is to use great diligence, instructing them in their order of array, the use of their weapons, teaching them to know the sounds of Drums.  
He must in no wise be injurious to the Soldier for his pay, but as carefully he must use diligence to get it, so as cheerfully he must pay every may his due, he that neglecteth this, neglecteth his own credit and reputation, nay more his honesty, neither is it fit he should go unpunished, that barreth or deminisheth a soul diour of his pay. A Captain should be loving and comfortable to his company, and as he is to correct and punish them for their faults, so he is to commend and encourage them in their well doings: some consideration a Captain should have, for the carriage of convenient necessaries for his soldiers, when they go to the field, yet no more than must needs he had, he should have some store of Hatchets to cut boughs to make their cabins, for want of which they break many sword, to conclude, a Captain that can carefully consider of his Soldiers necessities, and levinglie provide to furnish their wants, shall have both unfeigned love, and dutiful obedience of his Soldiers, without the which, he is not only assured to lose his credit, but many times in more peril of his own company then of the enemy.   

❧ Of a lieutenant.  
THe lieutenant of a company, in his captains absence hath authority to direct all, and in his captains presence to disburden him of some inferior toils: His place requires knowledge in the field, trust to his Captain, friendship to his inferior officers, and love to the Soldiers. In discharging his duty, his office is painful, and thereafter to be considered if his Captain be grateful.   

❧ The Ensign.  
AS the Ensign in the field is the honour of the band, so the Ensign bearer in like case should be honoured by his company, and this reputation is best attained, by his own courteous demeanour towards the soldiers, the love of whom concerneth greatly his own safety, in all perils and attempts. M. Furius Camillus seeing his army begin to stagger and to stand at a stay, thrust his Ensign bearer amongst his enemies, in whose recovery, the Soldiers taking courage charged again a fresh. The Ensign bearer therefore should be a man of courteous disposition towards the Soldiers, courageous and cheerful when he is before the enemy, in any distress resolute rather to lose his life, then to lose his Colours.   

❧ Of the Sergeant.  
IT is requisite in every band, that besides a Captain a lieutenant and an Ensign, there be for every hundred men a Sergeant: this Sergeant should be a man of good experience of quick and lively spirit, and able to take pain. He should be a father among Soldiers, making the Captain or Leifetenaunt privy to their wants, and to see all things equally distributed amongst them that there be no cause of dissension: he ought in gentle and friendly manner to appease all strifes and contentious quarrels that shall fall out amongst Soldiers, and if by courtesy he can not persuade them, let him then bring the offenders to punishment. He must be ready to train and practise such as he shall find to be unperfit in their weapons, gently to show them the best and readiest way: He must see them to march strait in their ranks carrying their weapons orderly without any communication, or loud speaking amongst them. A good Sergeant in a bad company, shall find business more then enough tell they be well trained, and is therefore to be considered of by his Captain.   

The Drums.  
IT is necessary that every company have two drums, the one to be still resident with the Colours the other to march with the Troops, as upon occasion they shall be drawn forth. These Drums must be perfect to sound a call, a march, a charge, a retreat, a alarm, and such like points of war: And for that they are many times sent on messages to the enemy about prisoners or other causes, it were convenient they should be discreet and sober, lest they should be undermined.   

The Chirurgeon.  
A Good and skilful Chyrugion is a necessary man to be had in a company, such a one as should work according to art, not practising new experiments upon a poor Soldier, by mean whereof many have been utterly maimed by a Chirurgeons practise, that other wise might have done very well. A Chirurgeon knoweth what salves, ointments, oils, balms, and instruments, are requisite to be had, and must have them in readiness, he should not likewise in the time of service be without his bauldricke that he might be known, it serveth his turn likewise in the night to pass the watch without the word, when upon occasion he must go to his cures.   

The clerk of the Band.  
THe Clerk of the band is to be placed by the Captain a man of great trust, and hath to keep the Countess and recconinges between the Captain and his Soldiers: His greatest commendation is to write, to read, to cast accounts, to be honest and just between the Captain and his Soldiers.   

Of the Corporal or Launceprezado.  
IT is much beneficial for the readiness for service, that accompany of men should be divided into four squadrons, the weapons equally divided, and to be committed to the charge of four corporals, who is not only to exercise them in the use of their weapons, to see them continually furnished with all necessaries, and the shot to be still provided with powder, match, bullets, and such like, but especially to have care to the keeping of their furniture clean and serviceable: A company that is thus divided, and the Corporal dutiful in his place, is very ready either to watch or ward, or to many other purposes where one or two squadrons are to be drawn forth, and may suffice for some services. A wise Corporal, that thinketh to come to credit, will use diligence in his place because it is his first step of preferment, and for his more ease he hath his Launceprezado or deputy to assist him.   

Of a private Soldier.  
IN the choice of a Soldier, his manners and conditiones is first to be respected, otherwise you may make choice of an instrument of many mischiefs, the composition and ability of his body is then to be considered, in the like manner his sufficencie for years.  
In England when service happeneth we disburden the prisons of thieves, we rob the Taverns and Alehouses of Tospottes, and Ruffians, we scour both Town & Country of Rogges and vagabons. And is not a Captain that is furnished with such a company like to do great service, and to keep them in good discipline. In other Countries where they use the service of malefactors, they admit them not for soldiers, but they send them to their Galleys and to other places of like slavery: And those Captains that hath made trial of such Soldiers, would gladly be rid of his charge to be eased of his trouble.  
The first thing therefore that is to be respected in a Soldier is the honesty of his mind, which being linked with religion, there is no doubt but that Soldier will be brought both to the fear of God, to the obedience of his Captain, and to the observance of discipline. The Romans who for their martial observation were most renowned, the rather to keep Soldiers under awe and discipline, they adjoined to their own laws and ordinances the authority of God, and used with great; ceremony to make them swear to keep the disciplines of war. The Grecians in like manner, their soldiers being armed and brought to the Church received this oath.  
I will not do any thing unworthy the sacred and holy wars, neither will I abandom or forsake my band & Captain to whom I am appointed, I will fight for the right of the Church and safety of the State: I will not make my Country to be in worse case than it is, but I will make it better than I found it: & I will ever frame myself reverently to obey those laws also that the State shall hereafter by common assent inacte or set down, that if any one shall change the laws or not obey them, I will not suffer him to my power, much less will I allow in so doing, but I will be a sure defender of right aswell by myself alone, as when I am with others, and I will ever more honour the religion of my Country. To these my sayings I call the Gods to witness. These and such other like cathes the antiquity administered to their Soldiers to nourish obedience, for besides valiance, a soldier must be adorned with these special virtues, which are silence, obedience and truth: a good soldier must have special regard to the keeping of his furniture clean & serviceable, in steed of dicing, drinking & swearing, let him use running wrestling, leaping, or such other like exercises of agility, let him keep his own quarter and not departed without the licence of his officer, a Soldier thus disposed may comfort himself with hope of advancement.    

¶ Of Disciplines.  
AS these considerations in the choosing of captains officers and soldiers, have ever been especially regarded amongst the most renowned, and best experienced warriors, so an army being thus chosen, the like respect must be had in the appointing of laws, disciplines and orders, the which the General by advise of his counsel is discreetly to set down, and to have them openly published by sound of Trumpet, that the whole Camp may take notice thereof: and being thus proclaimed, he must use as great severity to have them maintained, for what will it avail the making of good laws where there is no care had to see them surely kept.  
We do find in the holy scriptures, and that in many places, aswell in the book of Moses as the book of josua, where laws and disciplines of war, were many times appointed by the almighty God himself, and that he would not suffer disobedience to escape unpunished, it is evident by Corah, Dathan and Abiram that were swallowed up in the earth, for mutiny. But the Romans who above the rest did most exceed for their martial prescriptiones, so they were as severe in punishing the offences, of such as should infringe and break their laws of arms: They punished with death him that lacked in the watch, he that forsook the place that was given him to fight in, he that carried any thing hid out of the Camp, if any man should say he had done some worthy thing in fight and had not done it, he that for fear had cast away his weapon, and when it happened that the whole Legion had committed the like fault, their names were taken and put together in a bag, and every tenth man as they were drawn were executed.  
When Marcus Cato (after a token given) had loosed from the coast of his enemies, where he had lain a certain space and saw one of his Soldiers left on the shore, crying, calling and beckoning to be taken in, he cast about with his whole Navy to the shore again, and commanded the same Soldier to be taken and strait put to death: willing rather to make him an example to the rest, then that he should be slain by his enemies with reproach and infamy. The Romans punished nothing with more severity, than those actions that were either attempted against commandment or enterprised against reason, but as they punished those victories that were attained by lewd hardiness, so misfortune diminished not his reputation, that attempted with discretion, neither attributing cowardliness to ill success, nor valiance to good fortune, for the event of such enterprises commends not the execution, neither is it the success that makes us perfect wise, but to attempt with reason and judgement, confirms we seem to have wisdom.  
Papirius Cursor being dictator required, that Fabius Rutilius, should first be beaten with rods, and then be beheaded, because he fought without his commandment (notwithstanding he had the conquest,) neither would he forgive the punishment, for the contention or entercession and request of the Soldiers, neither (per suing him to Rome whether he fled) would he there remit this dreaful sentence, till Fabius himself with his father fell both on their knees, and that also the whole Senate and people made intercession for him. This were a hard world for some hare brained Captains, that are ready to chop upon every chance, like a gudgeon that is ready to bite at every bait, never fearing the hook till she be hanged by the lips.  
Manlius Torquatus caused his sons head to be stricken of because he had forsaken his place, and went to fight with an enemy that had challenged him and stew him. And Sallust doth report, that there were more soldiers put to death amongst the Romans, for setting upon their enemies before they had licence, then for running out of the field before they had fought. And as the Romans were thus precise in maintaining their discyplines severely, so their Camp in those days was a School of honour, justice, Obedience, duty and loyalty: where now a den of deceit, treachery, theivery, injury, and all manner of impiety.  
¶ Hereafter followeth sundry Stratagems, and many good instructions practised by the antiquity, and necessary for divers purposes.   

❧ What is to be respected before you enter Battle.  
THe most renowned Emperor Augustus, gave these instructions for Captains as followeth, that although a Prince were mighty, yet if he were wise, he would never give battle, unless there were more apparent profit in the victory, than loss if the enemy should overcome. And the most approved Captains held this opinion, that it were not good to bring their men to fight, except they had advantage or else brought to it by constraint. The advantage groweth by the Situation of the place, by order, or having of more or better men: The necessity happeneth, when they shall perceive by deferring of Battle it must needs fall out to their discomodity, as when famishment were ready to assail them, or when the enemy looketh for some new supply, in these causes it were better to attempt Fortune where she may favour rather than by deferring, to see thy certain ruin: Vigesius giveth counsel never to bring an army to fight except they hope to have the victory, for what greater sign is there to lose, than not to believe to be able to win: to add encouragement therefore to Soldiers there hath been several practices used by divers. L. Silla in the wars against Archelaus, Mithridates' lieutenant at Pirea, perceiving his Soldiers had little stomach to fight, so wearied then with continual labour, that they were glad to desire to fight.  
Q Fabius, knowing the Romans to be of so liberal & honest nature, that by spiteful and contumelous dealing they would be soon moved, vexed and grieved, and looking for no honest nor equal dealing of the Persians who were his enemies, sent unto Carthage Ambassadors to entreat of Peace, which was consented unto, but with such proud and unreasonable conditions, that the whole army of the Romans, were thereby stirred and encouraged to fight.  
When Agesilaus, had pight his field not far from Orchomeno, a City that was in league with him, and perceiving that many of his army had their treasure and chief riches in the Camp, he commanded the towns men to receive nothing into the town belonging to his army, to the intent, his Soldiers might fight the more fiercely, knowing they should fight for lives and goods. Fabius Maximus, fearing that his soldiers would not continue the fight manfully, by reason they might quickly fly to their ships, commanded they should be set on fire before he would begin the battle. Some have constrained their men to fight through necessity, taking away from them all manner of hope of saving themselves unless they did overcome.  
And there is nothing to concitate the minds of men more to encouragement then persuasion, for him that knoweth how to speak well, for it kindleth the mind and humane passions of a man, it taketh away fear, it engendereth obstinacy to fight, it discovereth deceipts, it showeth perils and the way to avoid them, it prayeth, it promiseth rewards, it reprehendeth, it threateneth, it encourageth the minds either of hope, either else of despair. Epaminondas being ready to enter battle with the Lacedæmonians, to the end that the strength of his Soldiers might be helped by some servent mean, pronounced to them in his exhortation, that the Lacedæmonians had determined (if they got the victory) to slay all their men, to make their wives and children bond for ever, and to beat down the City of Thebes flat to the ground: these words did so move the Thebans to such heat and fury, that at the first encounter they overcame the Lacedæmonians. It is much beneficial for Captains advisedly to consider of the Captain of his enemies, whether he be rash or politic, whether he be fearful or hardy, whether he be more strong in horsemen or in footmen, and there after to use his own advantage.  
Hannibal, perceiving that Fuluius the Roman Captain was negligent, and attempted many things unadvisedly, taking the advantage of a mist that had some thing obscured the air, he made a small troop of his Soldiers to show themselves to those that kept watch in the Roman tents, Fuluius hastily rushing towards them with his Host, Hannibal on the the other side invaded his Camp, and breaking out in the back of the Romans slew their captain with 8000 of their best men at arms.  
Iphicrates of Athens having knowledge that his enemies were accustomed to eat still at one time of the day, he therefore commanded that his own people should take their repast some thing more timelier, then ranging forth in battle in that instant that his enemies should have fallen to their victuals, he so dallied with them as he would neither give them battle neither suffer them to departed, when it drew towards night, with drawing himself as though he went to his lodging, and keeping his men still ready armed, his enemies being aswell wearied with long standing and with long fasting, made haste to refresh themselves, and to betake them to their victuals, Iphicrates bringing forth his army again on the sudden, setting on his enemies easily over came them.  
It is many times behoveful for Captains to 〈◊〉 from fight, when the enemy is brought into some desperate passion through famine or other like natural necessities, and this caused the Lacedæmonians, (being certified by their spies) that the Messenians were set on such a rage that they came to the battle, men, women and Children, which caused the Lacedæmonians to to defer the fight.  
Like wise when Caesar in the civil war had enclosed the Host of Affranius and Petricus, within a trench, that they were pined with thirst, in so much that they became desperate, destroying all that would withstand them or proffered them fight, which being perceived by Caesar, kept in his men supposing it then no time to begin. The like respect is to be had that in fight they bring not the enemy into any extreme desperation, so to enclose them that despair should make them fight, which caused Hannibal, (when he had enclosed the Germans at Tarsimenus by which constraint they fought exceeding féercely) to open his army and to make them away to get out, beating them down as they fled with out any peril to his own people. The like was used by L, Marcius a Roman Knight, when he had enclosed the Carthaginenses, and so did Agesialus with the Thebans.  
When Themistocles had vanquished the power of Xerxes, he would in no wise agree that the bridge should be broken, over the which they should return, saying it were better to drive them out of Europe them to fight in despair: All things thus considered, and a willingness, settled through the army to fight, let them force that the charge be not given in a fury, which yet was never seconded by virtue, for it breedeth disorder and breach of array, that if victory be not had at the very first brunt, their confidence begins to quail, and then followeth present discomfiture: Now other wise where resolution with order is observed there is no difficulty that may arise, but will be an occasion to confirm and strengthen their courage with hope of victory, which is never wanting where order and resolution are linked together.  
Hannibal never gave fight but he was still prepared with some Stratagem, wherewith to amaze his enemies, which many times did stand him in steed for the attaining of several victories. The spreading of rumours (during the fight) affirming the Captain of the enemies to have been slain hath many times helped, as jugurth, in the battle against C. Marius by the same policy made the Romans to give back, so did Mironides of Athens against the Thebans, whereby he got the victory.  
When Valerius Levius fought against Pyrrhus, and had killed a private Soldier, holding up his sword all bloody, made both the hosts believe that he had killed king Pyrrhus, wherefore his enemies supposing themselves to be destitute by the death of their Captain, all abashed theygave over the fight. When a barbarous alien (in battle) had brought word to Q. Sextorious, that Herculeius was slain, he slew him straght with his dagger, lest he should have borne those news any further to have discouraged the army. Captains are in like case well to consider how they follow their enemies till the battle be performed, for he that with his people disordered pursueth the enemy, may sometime give the conquest from himself, as Q. Fabius Maximus consul, being sent to secure the Sutrines against the Hetruscines, the whole force of his enemies assailing him, he dissembling as though he feared them made show of flight till he had gotten the advantage of ground, the other following out of order, were by him not only surprised but also bereaved of cheir Campe.   

¶ Observations, aswell for the victor as conquered.  
WHere victory is attained it is most necessary (especially for Christians) reverently to give thanks to the most high almighty God, humbly to acknowledge his grace and goodness in all their accomplishmentes, and this to be done with all humility upon their knees yet every man to keep his place, wherein the Captain is to use great respect, & not through the affiance of his victory to leave himself disordered, for so sometimes from a victor he may become vanquish●: as T. Martius a Roman knight, being governor of the residue of the host that remained after the death of the two Scipios, this T. Martius perceiving the two hosts of the Persians not lying far from him, careless and out of order through affiance of their victory which before they had attained, persuaded with his Souldieurs to set upon the host that lay next unto him in the mid of the night, where they made such a slaughter that there was not so much as a messenger left alive, to bear tidings of this miserable mischance: then giving his soldiers some small respite to refresh them, the same night with all speed preventing the same of any thing done, invaded the other army, and thus twice in one night enjoyed like happy chance of Battle, and still following opportunity, be every where destroyed the Persians, and restored Spain again to the Romans.  
The victor after fight is so to divide the spoil as there may fall out no contention, he must not forget to bury his dead that shall be slain in the conflict, he must ransom home such of his Soldiers as the enemy holdeth prisoners, to deal favourably with his enemies that are taken prisoners by himself, not only winneth their hearts but maketh him the more renowned. These things thus performed, he is either to follow the advantage of his service, or else to retire to some: place of security where they may rest: The pursued have used to scatter money in the way, to hinder the followers. By this mean Triphon King of Syria escaped Antiochus Horse men, and when the gauls should fight with Attalus, they delivered all their Gold and Silver to be kept of certain men that might scatter it abroad if it happened they were put to flight, to the intent they might the more easily escape, their enemies being hindered with the gathering up of the pray, but Galltroppes were to a more purpose to hinder Horse men, and were better cheap to be scattered about, than either Gold or Silver. When Q. Sertorius was put to flight of Quintus Metellus Pius, he supposed it not a thing sure enough to fly, but also he warned his Soldiers to disparple themselves divers ways, assigning them a place whether he would have them to resort.  
Some to prevent the worst, would begin the fight a little before night, to the end that if they were overthrown, through the darkness of the night they might the better scape away. What might farther be said, I leave to the discretion of the skilful Captain, and will briefly speak of other necessaries not amiss to be remembered for some other purposes.   

¶ Marching through unknown places.  
AN army that shall march through places that be unknown, (but especially being in the enemies country) must use great diligence for being belayed either as they are to pass rivers, straits, or other places of advantage fit to hide ambushes. Alexander used to have such places described in maps, which should be hanged in the Camp, to be viewed by all, whereby they might learn to know the places, the distances, the ways, the hills, the Rivers, the fens, the straights, the woods, and all places of peril: fit for the enemy either to take advantages, or to hide ambushes.  
Ambushes have sometimes been discovered, by the raising of great dust, or when doves or Birds hath been seen to fly about in flocks, turning to and fro and hath not seemed to light, but the surest way is to have wise and diligent scouts and banquerers to view those places to see the Country clear. And as troops may fall into these dangers by marching thus unawares so they must wisely foresee that they be not trained into them by craft, as the Fideniens, who lying for Romulus as he should pass, which he by espial getting intellgence of, laying part of his army in secret ambush, then approaching where his enemies were, from whom he feigned fearfully to fly, and they hastily pursuing him, he brought them where his ambushes were laid, who assailing them on every side easily slew them: Some of purpose hath put forth a pray and by suffering the enemy to take it, hath belayed their passage which way they should drive it and by this means have entrapped them. They must therefore take heed, & not hastily to bite at every bait or unadvisedly chop upon such things as are contrary to reason, if many of the one side be driven away by a few of the other, or if a few on the one side assault many of the other, or if some sudden flight be made not standing with reason, let them in these causes judge the worst, so shall they be assured to be least beguiled.   

❧ To pass Rivers and straights; what hath been practised.  
TO pass Rivers, some have cut out a Trench like a rain how or half moon, filling it full of wood and setting it then on fire by these means have passed. This policy was used by Q Sextorius in Spain, likewise by Pelopidas a Theban against the Thessalonians, When Croesus might not wade over the River Hal is, neither yet could make Boat nor bridge he cast a ditch behind his army and turned the course an other way.  
Caesar in France took the benefit of a Wood where in he left certain companies; which after he was marched away cast a Bridge over a River that he was to pass, the which they likewise fortified till his coming and that he was passed: When Pericles of Athens, being driven by them of Peloponesus into a place environed with sleep hills where was but two ways to escape, before the one way, where he intended to get out, he caused a ditch to be cast of great breadth, under pretend to shut out his enemies, and to the other side he lead his Host as though he would there have broken forth, wherefore his enemies believing he might in no wise escape that way, where he himself had cast the ditch, withstood him with all the power on the other side, than Pericles having bridges prepared for the purpose cast them over the ditch on the other side, where he conveyed over his army, no man being there to let him.  
When Spartacus was enclosed by L. Varinus, he pitched up stacks here and there before the entering of his Camp and set thereon dead car cases clad and harnessed, to make a show unto them a far of, that watch and ward was diligently kept, and leaving fires in every quarter of the Camp, by this colour he deceived his enemies conveying away his Host by night without interruption. Darius to deceive the Scythes at his departing left Dogs and Asses in the Camp, whose barking and braying caused the enemies to think how Darius had still remained there: With the like error the Genoese blinded the Romans.   

❧ Fugitives and Runagates.  
HAnniball having certain of his men that were lately fled, and knowing the enemy to have spies in the Camp, he pronounced openly that those runnagats were gone by his assignment to hearken and spy what his enemies intended, the Roman spies returned these news to their companies, whereupon these fugitives were taken, their hands cut of and thus sent back again to Hannibal.  
When Hanno understood that 4000 gauls which he had hired would leave him and go to the Romans, because they were unpaid of certain menthes' wages, he durst not punish them for fear of sedition, but promising them very liberally, to reward the injury they had sustained by their long forbearing of their pay, which for the time did some what appease them, then presently sending his most trusty Steward to Otacilius Consul, this Steward feigning to fly away about a controversy happening between his Captain and him in a certain account that was between them, he told him further that the next night 4000, gauls should be sent out to get pray and pillage, if it pleased him to take any advantage, Otacilius neither hastily crediting this runaways tale, neither thinking it a matter to be despised, laid an ambush for them of his best approved Soldiers, and encountering the Gaulies' which Hanno of purpose had sent forth, put them all to the Sword, and in the fight were some of themselves slain in like manner, which satisfied the expectation of Hanno accordingly.   

❧ Observations aswell for those that shall beleaguer, as for the besieged.  
FOr the surprising or taking either of Town, Fort, or Castle, it is either to be done by Composition, by Mininge, by Famine, by battery & so by assault. But of all other, that victory is to be accounted most worthy that is obtained by honourable composition, rather than by spilling of blood. Mining (if the Situation will permit it) is next to be preferred both for expedition and lightness of charge. The Captain that mindeth to surprise either Town, Forte, or Castle by famine, is sometime enforced to it, when the Situation is so strong as it admitteth no other forcible mean: other whiles, they use it of policy for the safety of their own people, but it is necessary in their setting down to entrench themselves so surely every way, that neither behind they might be endangered by any force that should purposedly come to annoy them unawares, neither from the town they might receive prejudice by issuing out upon any sudden Canuazado: Where battery is to be presented, the flankers are first to be displaced, the breach being after made, the assault must then speedily be given, that they neither have respite to fortify the breach, nor leisure to strengthen themselves within.  
I speak not here of Treasons or other corruptiones whereby many towns hath been bought and sold, the be séeged are well to consider of that, and to keep good watch and ward to prevent many other practices, let them like wise take heed of stalls how they be drawn forth, for by such means they are many times betrayed: the like respect they must have whom they receive in, neither trusting to any appearance of outward show, nor to any pretence that they come for their succours, till there be good assurance had what they be, for Towns have some times received their enemies, under the Ensigns of their friends that should have come to their aid.   

❧ Alarms.  
IT hath ever been a custom amongst Soldiers of experience, sometimes to give Alarms to their friends, whom they would either praise or discommend according to the readiness they found to be amongst them, and although they used this as a necessary mean, to induce their Soldiers to be the more care full, yet still in this sort to deceive them, is a mean rather to make them secure then heedful, when they shall find themselves to be so often mocked: The Alarms that are given by enemies, are most usually for the accomplishment of some exploit, sometimes to train to ambush, sometimes to cast some bridge, sometimes to plant ordinance, sometimes to make discovery, either of order, number or strength: but when any Alarm shall be given in the night it is very expedient to change the word.  
There be many skilful Soldiers that thinks it better upon occasion, to make secréetepreparation and readiness, and not to take Alarm in such sort as the enemy should perceive it, and to maintain their opinions they allege sundry reasons the which jomitte, with many other matters until my opportunity may better serve.   

A CALENDAR containing the square root of any number from 100 to 10000  
Serving for the ordering of just squares and sufficient for the Embattling of any number.  
By Barnaby rich Soldier.  
Malui me divitem esse quam vocari.   

❧ forms of Battles, which necessary and which unnecessary.  
THe antiquity long sithence before either Muskette, Caliver or Hargubuse was known, armed their people with Crossbows, Targets, Long sword, glaives, Partisines, Halberds and such other like short weapons, in the ordering whereof, he ever had the advantage that in the form of his imbattelinge, could bring most men to fight, whereupon they framed many proportions which were both requisite and beneficial as the service then required, but as time hath now altered the manner of fight, would serve to no purpose at all.  
For example, the one if he had seen the enemy imbattailed in a Triangle, he would presently have ordered himself into a shear battle, incounteringe one of the corners of his adversary according to this figure.   diagram of battle formation 
Again for the incounteringe of a Shear battle, they used an order which they called a Saw battle as appeareth in this form.   diagram of battle formation 
THese with many other proportions which they used as their half moon, their worm, there D. their G their S. with such like are not worth the figuring forth as the service now standeth. Their hearse battles, their broad squares, their base squares their bastard squares are very good, but best to be used upon advantage of ground, and although my leisure will not now permit me, to set them down proportionable to every number, yet I hope in the mean time you will accept of some few that shall hereafter follow. The Cross battle (the figure whereof is this ensuing) is a most excellent fight, but to order it in due proportion to every number is a little difficult and asketh longer time than I can now stand about, and will therefore leave it till some other opportunity.  
The Cross Battle.   diagram of battle formation 
THere be other forms of battles framed of many battalions, impaide with sleeves and fillets of Pikes, which as they are very excellent against the enemy, so they are most dangerous for that they are quickly disordered, where Soldiers be not most exquisitely trained. But the fight now only consisting in Shot and Pikes, there is no form of embattling to be preferred before the just square, or if your numbers be sufficient to order them into 2. 3. or 4. squadrons according to these figures.   

¶ A battle of 2. squadrons.  
 diagram of battle formation 
Front. Flank. Flake. Rearward.    

¶ A battle of three squadrons.  
 diagram of battle formation 
Front. Flank. Flake. Rearward.    

¶ A Battle of 4. squadrons.   diagram of battle formation 
Front. Flank. Flake. Rearward.  
THese forms for picks, when they are winged and trooped with shot accordingly, as (in the plain field) there is no other order that doth exceed them for strength, so they are better for other purposes as hereafter shall appear, but this is to be respected that where there is not at the least 2000, pikes in place, they should not be divided into more squa drons than one, unless it be to keep some strait or gap or upon some other advantage of ground, neither were it good to divide the pikes into more than three Squadrons, where there is not five or six thousand in the field, nor into four, squadrons, where there is not ten or twelve thousand: for this hath ever been observed for a principle amongst soldiers of the best experience, the stronger your pikes are together in number, the battle is accounted to be the more forcible, but the shot to be divided into many troops, are the better to maintain fight, and the apt for service.  
I have hitherto made no mention of our old English weapons, namely the Bow, the brown Bill, or Halberd, sometimes had in great reputation, amongst us, the bow is already set aside, yet there be some that thinks it to be a weapon of wonderful service, and to maintain their opinions, will allege sundry reasons, many of them scarce worth the speaking of, but this might suffice, that men of judgement and daily experience, finds them to be to so little purpose, that we see they never call for them, yet this I will say, (and it cannot be denied) that where bows may be brought to serve against horse, they might be very well, and stand in some stead, but so many ready shot that were placed in their rooms, would do a great deal better, and more dangerous to the enemy. In like manner our brown Bill, Halberd, or other short weapon, are most natural for our Englishmen for where they may be brought to dealing of dry blows, I think there is no other Nation that were able to stand against them, but the child that is but this day borne from his mother's womb, shall never live to see two battles encounter pell-mell, the one with the other, as here before they have done, and to what end then should so many short weapons serve, that are ever placed in that part of the battle which should be most strong, where they can never be brought to do service. But such as will needs have such store of short weapons, were better to place them in some wing, ready to be drawn forth upon any execution, for which purpose they might be very requisite: and yet if any invasion should be made in our own Country, I would neither mislike of bodies nor bills for a readiness, our people being so much inclined, and best practised in them and might be so ordered with the help of other weapons, as might do service for the present: but the very strength and bulwark in the field, is the stand of pikes, which being impald and trooped with shot orderly, are defensible both against horse and foot, but so many short weapons placed in the middle of the battle, doth wonderfully weaken it, and make it more easse and paceable for the lance: I have sometimes seen squadrons so placed, as their short weapons have made division of their pikes, running quite through the body of their battle from flank to flank, and the pikes but only guarding the fore and rearward, the which kind of embattling is neither strong nor formal, but if you will needs have short weapons placed in your squadrous, let them be impald every way a like as well with pikes as with shot. And that the just square is especially to be preferred, may easily appear by these considerations.  
First it is not very curious in placing, second it is easy for Soldiers to march, especially if they have to pass any straits through the which they may be drawn by 5. or 3. in a rank (if the place will afford no greater scope) and be suddenly brought again into their first proportions without any manner of confusion: but especially the just square is most defensible and strong, both against horsemen and footmen, where there is no advantage to be taken of ground, either of hedge or dytch, river, hill, or other like.  
To this end I have set down a Calendar with the true root of every number, from 100 to 10000 by the help whereof, knowing how many armed men be in place, they may suddenly be brought into a just square 2. 3. or 4. as the numbers will suffice to make them strong, the which being once placed, as an easy workman (the foundation being first laid, finds it no great difficulty to go forward with the residue of the building, so the armed men being thus placed in just proportion, then after to empale with shot to proportionatly, according to the number of the pikes, and to divide the overplus of the shot into several troops ready to be drawn forth upon any occasion, the matter is so easy to be performed, as a Soldier that is but of one months training, will never err nor stumble in the executing.   

❧ A Calendar for the embattling of just squares, the first column is the number of men the second how many should be added, from the first number to the second, and so forth to all the rest to make them square numbers, for example, the first number in the first column is 100 (the root whereof is 10,) as in the third column is showed, to the which 100 add 21. and it makes the number 121, the true root whereof is 11. and thus you are to proceed through the whole.  
Number add root 100 19 10 121 21 11 144 23 12 169 25 13 196 27 14 225 29 15 256 31 16 289 33 17 324 35 18 361 37 19 400 39 20 441 41 21 484 43 22 529 45 23 576 47 24 625 49 25 676 51 26 729 53 27 784 55 28 841 57 29 900 59 30 961 61 31 1024 63 32 1089 65 33 1146 67 34 12●5 69 35 1286 71 36 1359 73 37 1434 75 38 1511 77 39 1590. 79 40 1671 81 41 1754 83 42 1839 85 43 1926 87 44 2015 89 45 2106 91 46 2199 93 47 2294 95 48 2391 97 49 2500 99 50 2601 101 51 2704 103 52 2809 105 53 2916 107 54 30●5 109 55 3136 111 56 3249 113 57 3364 115 58 3481 117 59 3600 119 60 3721 121 61 3844 123 62 3969 125 63 4096 127 64 4225 129 65 4●56 131 66 4489 133 67 4624 135 68 4761 137 69 4900 139 70 5041 141 71 5184 143 72 5329 145 73 5476 147 74 5625 149 75 5776 151 76 5929 153 77 6084 155 78 6241 157 79 6400 159 80 6561 161 81 6724 163 82 6889 165 83 7056 167 84 7225 169 85 7396 171 86 7569 173 87 7744 175 88 7921 177 89 8100 179 90 8281 181 91 8464 183 92 8649 185 93 8836 187 94 9025 189 95 9216 191 96 9409 193 97 9604 195 98 9801 197 99 10000 199 100   

❧ Hear followeth the broad squares, base squares, and bastard squares, for certain even numbers, from 100 increasing by 100 to 4000 a very good manner of embattling, where there is advantage to be taken either of hedge ditch or otherwise.  
100 THe square 10. none unplaced, bastard square 11. in front 9 in flank 1. unplaced, broad square 14. in front 7. in flank 2. unplaced.  
200. The square 14. 4. unplaced, bastard square, 15. in front 13. in flank 5. unplaced, broad square 20. in front 10. in flank none unplaced, base square, 22. in front, 9 in flank 2. unplaced.  
300. The square 17. 11. unplaced, bastard 13. in front 16. in flank 12 unplaced, broad square, 25. in front, 12. in flank, none unplaced, base square 21. in front, 14. in flank 6. unplaced.  
400. The square 20. none unplaced, bastard 21. in front 19 in flank 1. unplaced, broad square, 28. in front 14. in flank 8. unplaced. Baase square, 25. in front 16. in flank none unplaced.  
500 The square 22. 16. unplaced, bastard, 23. in front 21. in flank 17. unplaced, broad 31. in front 16. in flank 4. unplaced, base 27 in front, 18. in flank 14. unplaced.  
600. The square 24. 24. unplaced, bastard 25 in front 24 in flank none unplaced, broad 35 in front 17 in flank 12 unplaced, base 30 in front 20 in flank none unplaced.  
700. The square 26. 24. unplaced, bastard 27 in front 25. in flank 25. unplaced, broad 38. in front 18. in flank 16 unplaced, base 45 in front, 15 in flank, 25 unplaced.  
800. The square 28. 16 unplaced, bastard 29 in front 27 in flank 17. unplaced, broad 40 in front 20 in flank none unplaced, base, 50 in front, 16 in flank, none unplaced.  
900. The square is 30 none unplaced, bastard 31 in front. 29 in flank, 1 unplaced, broad 42 in front 21 in flank 18 unplaced, base 25 in front, 17 in flank, 16 unplaced  
1000 The square 31, 39 unplaced. bastard 40 in front 25, in flank none unplaced, broad 45 in front 22 in flank 10 unplaced, base 55 in front 18 in flank 8 unplaced.  
1100. The square 33. 11 unplaced, bastard 34 in front 32 in flank 12 unplaced, broad 47 in front 23 in flank 19 unplaced, base 56 in front 19 in flank 36 unplaced.  
1200. The square 34. 44 unplaced, bastard 35 in front 34 in flank 10 unplaced, broad 49 in front, 24 in flank 24 unplaced base 60 in front 20 in flank none unplaced.  
1300. The square 36. 4 unplaced, bastard 37 in front 35 in flank 5 unplaced, broad 50 in front 26 in flank, none unplaced, base 44 in front 29 in flank 24 unplaced.  
1400. The square 37, 31 unplaced, bastard 38 in front 36 in flank 31. unplaced, broad 53 in front 26 in flank 22 unplaced, base 46 in front 30 in flank 20 unplaced.  
1500. The square 38, 56 unplaced, bastard 39 in front 38 in flank 18 unplaced, broad 55 in front 27 in flank 16 unplaced, base 68 in front 22 in flank 4 unplaced.  
1600. The square 40 none unplaced, bastard 41 in front 39 in flank 1 unplaced, broad 57 in front 28 in flank 4 unplaced, base 69 in front 23 in flank 13 unplaced.  
1700 The square 41, 19 unplaced, bastard 42 in front 40 in flank 20 unplaced, broad 58 in front 29 in flank 18 unplaced, base 50 in front 34 in flank none unplaced.  
1800. The square 42, 36 unplaced, bastard 43 in front 45 in flank 37 unplaced, broad 60 in front 30 in flank none unplaced, base 74 in front 24 in flank 24 unplaced.  
1900 The square 43, 51 unplaced, bastard 44 in front 43 in flank 8 unplaced, broad 62 in front 30 in flank 40 unplaced, base 76 in front 25 in flank none unplaced.  
2000 The square 44, 64 unplaced, bastard 45 in front 44 in flank 20 unplaced, broad 64 in front 31 in flank 16 unplaced, base 55 in front 36 in flank 20. unplaced  
2100 The square 45, 75 unplaced, bastard 46 in front 45 in flank 30 unplaced, broad 65 in front 32 in flank 20 unplaced, base 80 in front 26 in flank 20 unplaced.  
2200. The square 46, 84 unplaced, bastard 47 in front 46 in flank 38 unplaced, broad 66, in front 33 in flank 22 unplaced, base 81 in front 27 in flank 13 unplaced.  
2300 The square 47, 91 unplaced, bastard 48 in front 47 in flank 44 unplaced, broad 69 in front 34 in flank 54 unplaced, base 82 in front 28 in flank 4 unplaced.  
2400 The square 48, 96 unplaced, bastard 49 in front 48 in flank 48 unplaced, broad 69 in front 34 in flank 54 unplaced, base 60 in front 40 in flank none unplaced.  
2500 The square 50 none unplaced, bastard 51 in front 49 in flank 1 unplaced, broad 71 in front 35 in flank 15 unplaced, base 86 in front 29 in flank 6 unplaced.  
2600 The square 50, 100 unplaced, bastard 51 in front 50 in flank 50 unplaced, broad 72 in front 36 in flank 8 unplaced, base 88 in front 29 in flank 48 unplaced.  
2700 The square 51. 99 unplaced, bastard 52 in front 51 in flank 48 unplaced, broad 74 in front 36 in flank 36 unplaced, base 90 in front, 30 in flank none unplaced.  
2800 The square 52, 96 unplaced, bastard, 53 in front 52 in flank 44 unplaced, broad 75 in front 37 in flank 25 unplaced, base 65 in front 43 in flank 5 unplaced.  
2900 The square 53. 91 unplaced, bastard 54 in front 53 in flank 38 unplaced, broad 76 in front 38 in flank 12 unplaced, base 93 in front 31 in flank 17. unplaced.  
3000 The square 54, 84 unplaced, bastard 55 in front 54 in flank 30 unplaced, broad 76 in front 38 in flank 36 unplaced, base 68 in front 44 in flank 8 unplaced.  
3100. The square 55, 75 unplaced, bastard 56 in front 55 in flank 20 unplaced, broad, 79 in front 39 in flank 19 unplaced, base 96 in front 32 in flank 28 unplaced.  
3200. The square 56, 64 unplaced, bastard 57 in front 56 in flank 8 unplaced, broad 80 in front 40 in flank none unplaced, base, 69 in front 46 in flank 24 unplaced.  
3300 The square 57, 51 unplaced, bastard 58 in front 56 in flank 52 unplaced, broad 81 in front 40 in flank 60 unplaced, base 100 in front 33 in flank none unplaced.  
3400. The square 58, 56 unplaced, bastard 59 in front 57 in flank 37 unplaced, broad 82 in front 41 in flank 38 unplaced, base 71 in front 47 in flank 63 unplaced.  
3500 The square 59, 19 unplaced, bastard 60 in front 59 in flank 60 unplaced, broad 83 in front 42 in flank 14 unplaced, base 72 in front 48 in flank 44 unplaced.  
3600 The square 60 none unplaced, bastard 61 in front 59 in flank 1 unplaced, broad 85 in front 42 in flank 30 unplaced, base 74 in front 48 in flank 48 unplaced.  
3700 The square 60. 100 unplaced, bastard 61 in front 6 in flank 40 unplaced, broad 86 in front 43 in flank, 2 unplaced, base 75 in front 49 in flank 25 unplaced.  
3800 The square 61. 79 unplaced, bastard 62 in front 61 in flank 18 unplaced, broad 88 in front 44 in flank 28 unplaced, base 108 in front 36 in flank 12 unplaced.  
3900 The square 62, 56 unplaced, bastard 63 in front 61 in flank 57 unplaced, broad 89 in front 44 in flank 36 unplaced, base 77 in front 52 in flank 14 unplaced.  
4000 The square 63, 31 unplaced, bastard 64 in front 62 in flank 32 unplaced, broad 90 in front 44 in flank 40 unplaced, base 78 in front 51 in flank 22 unplaced.  
Some occasion of business at this instant calling me from my pen, hath made me conclude with more brevity then at the first I intended, where I have erred through ignorance, I hope you will pardon of courtesy, when opportunity shall better serve me, and that my leisure may permit me, I doubt not but so to fit you with some conceit, wherein (if peradventure) you shall find but small pleasure, yet I will assure you it shall bring some profit. In the mean time, accept to these so friendly as I have meant them, & I will rest thankful.  
B. R.   

Faults escaped.  
Page 3. line. 26. for wrrre, read war. line 27. for proviisons read provisions. B. 1. page 2. for Scipio though, read Scipio thought. B. 3. li. 7. to speak for, to seek for. B. 4. li. 6. to grave them, to guard them. D. 2. li. 1. what speaking law, what seeking law. E. 4. page 2. li. 24. for Eanteri, read Fanteri. F. 3. line. 8. In making, read in taking. lin. idem. survey ever, survey every G. 1. page. 2. line. 17. for M. Eurius, read M. Furius.  
FINIS.