A Soldiers Wish to Britons welfare: or a Discourse, fit to be read of all Gentlemen and Soldiers.  
Written by a Captain of experience.  
Imprinted at London for jeffrey Chorlton, and are to be sold at the great North door of Saint Paul's. 1604.   

TO THE MOST WORTHY, the most virtuous and godly Prince Henry, by the grace of God, Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwell, Earl of Chester, and heir apparent of the Realms of England, Scotland, France and Ireland.  
MOst worthy & most renowned Prince, there is nothing more pleasing to a spirit endued with knowledge, than Truth when she is most bare and naked.  
The pure Coral needs no colouring, and a good cause itself bringeth credit, it needeth not the help of Art.  
The deceitful Physician giveth pleasant Syriopes, to make his poison to go down the smother, and the sweet songs of Calypso, were but subtle snares to Ulysses.  
An oily mouth may have a gaulding mind, and it seemeth unto me, that these professors of Eloquence are to be suspected, and their straining of words and sentences (as it were to set them on the Teynter) doth showeth little plain dealing that is within them.  
Yet I would not seem to take the Pen out of his hand that doth write of Eloquence, for that were as if a man should labour to take the lightning from jupiter, or to seek to bereave the fire of his heat.  
And Art (I know) is the Pilot in the sea of wit: Art is the sword to conquer Ignorance: and Art is the sole director when the world would err. But yet to use superfluous Eoquence, in a matter of sufficient excellency, is a greater show of a pregnant wit, then of a perfect wisdom.  
Now sithence my ability serveth to no better purpose, then to set forth in this kind of writing those experiments which 40. years training in the wars hath taught me, I have not undertaken as a subtle Logician, for I never learned those places from whence arguments are drawn.  
Those have need of artificial speeches, who with pleasing words do go about to cover dishonest deeds.  
The matters by me handled, I have set down plainly, I have neither flourished them with Art, nor smoothed them with Flattery.  
I have grasped at abuse: yet under generalities, not aiming at any one particularly, that hath not a guilty conscience to accuse himself, I have winked at somewhat, lest I might seem curious, and have pretermitted necessities, in that they require matter passing my reach: neither do I seek herein the praise of mine own wit, but to declare the love I bear to my Country, and the dutiful zeal I tender, (and withal humbleness I here present) to your excellent highness.  
If my unlettered diligence be graciously accepted, I neither fear the spiteful eye of Envy, neither yet the censure of any others in those things, which I have only consecrated to your gracious view.  
I acknowledge mine own unworthiness, and I confess my little skill and ability to perform, but it is a gracious acceptance, that encourageth me, for I assure myself, that a magnificent and princely mind cannot want in him that is descended from so magnificent and princely regenie: Alexander disdained not to be praised by a M●ll●r, and your grace (I hope) will accept the simple gilt of a soul●lier.  
The subject is not altogether unnecessary to be considered of, for it concerneth the affairs of war, a knowledge behoveful for the greatest Monarch, when a King is not so much renowned for his crown, as for his courage and skill in the knowledge of arms.  
For although all the gifts of Fortune are to be despised in respect of learning, yet in a Prince, there is nothing so glorious as to be called a great Captain, or a worthy soldier.  
Accept them (gracious Prince) as the earnest penny of a faithful heart, accept them and protect them from the malicious interpreter, accept them (with all humbleness I beseech it) for his sake, that with all love and duty will daily pray, that as you are known to be descended from a most royal and princely progeny, and to be the undoubtful heir of your worthy father's Crown and Sceptre, so you may grow in renown & honour equal to your ancestors, & may succeed your royal parents in their virtues.  
Your Graces in all denoted duty and 〈…〉   

TO THE KIND AND courteous Reader.  
Courteous Reader (if thou be courteous indeed) it is so much the better for me, for than I know my lines will pass without reproof: If thou be curious I care not, for Nature hath done much for me, she hath ginem me shoulders, though not with Atlas' able to bear the heavens yet with Marcus Cato, able to endure any burden that ●itus Graechius is able to load me with.  
To avoid Idleness, I have betaken me to write, and to make myself sociable with the multitude, I have mingled matters of importance, with matters of small regard: I know this is the humorous age, and although to read over few things advisedcy, profiteth, yet to run through many things (though slightly) delighteth, and a man that can but tattle of this and that (though to little purpose) shall have audience.  
I know some will say, that he which will adventure to speak of many matters, may rather be termed venturous then learned: but I answer with that great Captain Marius, who speaking before the people of Rome, said, If my words be not well set together, I care not: so long as I know my meaning to be good and honest.  
Then let Maenius find fault, and let Boldunus eavil, all is one to me, I will but turn the Buckle of my girdle a little behind me, and then let any jestmonger of them all, run at me with his strongest invention, and he shall never hit me, whre he shall be able to hurt me.  
I will wade no farther in mine own praise, because I was never beholding to mine own tongue: but as I know there are some that are too quick of sight, so there be some others that will wink if they see a fault: I reverence him, and do wish with all my heart, that this second encounter between Captain Skill and Captain Pill, might be as pleasing unto him, as I hope it will be profitable to some others, that shall peruse & over look it, with advised judgement.  
Barnaby rich.   

CAPTAIN PILL in his humorous fit. CAPTAIN SKILL in his temperate judgement.  Pill. 
Captain Skill, and although in a late conference had between us, I undertook to speak of Robin Hood, when indeed I had never shot in his vow, and presumed to dispute of martial matters, before I had seen an enemy's Tent: yet now having a little bottered my experience by some few years training in the wars, and have had continuance in saverall services, as well offensive as defensive, being now thus happily encountered, and time with opportunity so well be fitting the purpose, let me obtain that by a kind entreaty, that I know I cannot merit by any desert, I come not to contend, nor to maintain any eaviles, my desires is to learn, and although before I knew how to buskle on an Armour, I presumed of as much skill as might have beseemed the great Captain of Cartliage, yet now experience hath taught me to know, that indeed: I know nothing. And by this 〈◊〉 continuance that I have had in the Can●pe, I have noted those absurdisies in the Militia of these times, that I think may be easily spoken of, but not so quickly amended: give me leave to relate them as they shall hit into my memory, and let me entreat your opinion what you allow, and what you mislike.  Skill. 
Captain Pill, the time that you tell me you have spent in the camp, hath not been ill employed, for that I perceius you have profited much: I see it hath enlightened your understanding to know your own imperfections, and there cannot be a more learned ignorance, then for a man to confess his own ignorance: now for the Militia of these times which you say is so confounded with absurdities, I believe it to be true, but he that should think to amend it by finding fault, might do as Apelles' prentice, who drawing of a picture, seeking to mend the nose, marred the cheek: you and I may talk of many abuses, as it were by the way of communication, but I dare not attribute any such singularity to myself as to give any censure, yet upon the request you have made, of any thing it shall like you to demand, I am contented to adventure my opinion, but not to setdowne precepts.  Pill. 
Why then Captain Skill I will proceed: but here now I should keep a gods Decorum, especially in Method, but that is looked for from Scholars, and not from Soldiers, and I have learned the further off from art, the more Soldierlike: then mount you up my thoughts, yet raise yourselves with reverence, so as you neither do Minerva wrong, nor care what Momus can object.  
Now before I speak of defects, I will first begin with war itself, that I think cannot be managed but with disorder, whose best fruits are so inormious, that it hath been had inquestion, and many times disputed on, whether war may be approved to be either good or lawful, before the seats and Majesty of God?  Skill. 
I take those men that will move such doubts, to be utterly ignorant aswell in the history of the Scriptures, as in the state of a happy Commonwealth, for he that taught David to sing, Blossed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to make war, and my fingers to fight, had 〈◊〉 willed Moses long before to make war upon the Medianites, & that by an express commandment, and Abraham the father of the faithful, made no scruple to enter into arms himself and his household to recover his brother Lot.  Pill. 
But some will say the ruins and spoils committed in the wars are to be lamented, and the cities that are sacked, spoiled, and left desolate, can best witness the fruit.  Skill. 
See Saul, first anointed King, appointed to lead the children of Israel, the spirit of God cometh upon him, he Prophesieth amongst the S●●ars, and after all this, behold him again utterly forsaken of God, but for reserving a part of the pray that he had taken from the Amalichites.  Pill. 
But what excuse for the great effusion of blood? or is it not a horror to think of the murders & slaughters made by men upon men in the fury and heat of war?  Skill. 
I will refer this to the noble josua, who being in the pursuit of his enemies, and fearing that the day had been too short, commanded the Sun to neglect his accustomed course, and to stay herself in the middle of the heaven, till he had performed his slaughter to the full.  Pill. 
Why then to spoil and kill an enemy we see the warrant is good, but there be some that will make difficulties, and then they will distinguish between ambitious war, & war that is but defensive, and almost they will admit of no war at all to be lawful.  Skill. 
War is to be undertaken but to the end to have peace, and for matters in claim, in defence of liberty, and such other like, aswell the laws of nature as the laws of nations doth admit it.  
For these distinctions I will leave them to Divines, but war is evermore attended on by Sword, Fire, Famine, and Murder: the sins of the people is it that giveth the first alarum, and unsheatheth the soldiers sword, and war having once displayed his Banner, it is the justice of the cause that approveth it either to be good or bad.  
But yet the obtaining of a victory is not a sure confirmation of this right & equity, for when the children of Israel were gathered together in Silo, to punish the shameful sodometry of the tribe of Benjamin, they lost in two several battles 40000. men: notwithstanding they had a just cause, and fought both the times by the appointment and commandment of God.  
By war to subdue a foreign foe, the conquest is glorious, but in civil war there is nothing more miserable than victory.  
The practice and knowledge of Arms, hath ever been carefully endeavoured in all ages, and in every well governed Commonwealth, when by it Empires have been attained, kingdoms enlarged, the straits of Pontus hath been opened, and the enclosures of the Alps broken up.  
By it Princes are protected, justice is maintained, good laws preserved, and the Commonwealth defended.  
Great is the knowledge of Arms therefore, and there is nothing more necessary, immediately after the knowledge of God, then to know how to manage our martial causes, and as in every action it is odious is err, so in wars it is most dangerous of all other, because that one mistaking is enough to overthrow a whole Army, whereon might depend the wrack of a Commonwealth, and the loss of a Prince's Crown.  
War and the Soul communicates in this, that both of them are in their simple natures hardly found out, but are duly defined by their effects.  
Nothing waxeth young in this world but war, neither hath art ever sought out a subject more ambiguous, for with the Chameleon it changeth according to the object, and like an impossible infinite in nature, carrieth his events beyond the reach of conjecture.  
In the heavens it worketh harmony, on the earth peace, it is the hand of destiny to enforce change, the scourge of God to punish sins, the true adamant that draweth courage unto it, and a Basilique to fear that dies to behold it: It is oil in the stomach that hath digested poison, as a medicine to a body that is choked up with corrupt humours, as a Fire to the metal that wants refining, as exercise to the body grown pursy with idleness, it is the Theatre whereon Nobility was borne to show himself, a glass wherein policy espieth his infirmities, the worst and best that ever Fortune could promise her favourites.  
The surfeits of peace first quickened it, and tyranny that gave it suck, perished in cherishing it.  
It began in heaven, in the rebellion of Lucifer, it presumed upon Paradise, between the first man, and the Angel, in Shinare ambition made Nymrod embrace it: Near Sodom affection caused Abraham to entertain it: Sithence in the world it hath been the Key of alterations, the disposer and spoiler of Monarchies, the founder of obscurities, the worker of miracles.  
There is nothing so entire, that it hath not separated, neither so dissolved that it could not reconcile.  
Peace unto it, is as Castor and Pole-axe in a storm, a hope of safety, war unto peace, as a motion to rest, the means to produce it.  
It favoureth not the multitude of men, but respects the value, and suffers valour sometimes to perish in the arms of a fearful multitude: it is the scourge of security, the plague of timerites, the end of hatreds, and the beginning of discontents.  
It favoureth injustice, and oppresseth innocents, it strikes as God wills, works as sin warpes it: briefly, a miserable necessity in nature, and a necessary corrector of times infirmity.  Pill. 
Why, then by this description and by the rest, what I have noted, I perceive that it is good to be a skilful warrior, but ill again to be a great war lover. Well Menelanus, I may commend thy valour, but never thy wit, that wouldst make a continuance often years war, but to recover a strumpet.  Skill. 
Ten years war could not be continued but with ten years woe, yet this blessedness of peace that is so much desired, doth especially consist in the knowledge of war.  Pill. 
Why, then the feats of war are not to be neglected, though in the midst of the most happy peace.  Skill. 
When is the storm more rather to be provided for, but whilst the weather is fair, neither is there a more dangerous thing then in the time of peace to neglect the knowledge of Arms, for when that care is set aside, both Prince and People are left as a pray for every oppressor, and is an inducement for him to attempt, that otherwise would be glad to combine.  Pill. 
I can tell you Captain Skill, this doctrine will be reputed flat heresy: what in the time of peace to provide for war, & to spend money when they see no danger? I can tell you our peace-mongers cannot abide it, nay they will not hear the name of war so much as spoken of, till they have news that the Beacons be on fire about their ears.  Skill. 
I might spend a long time in delivering precedents, how many inconveniences have been incurred where they have neglected this preparation, and omitting all the rest, let Solomon give us light, who though he were promised a peaceable government by God himself, and had this addition to be called Rex pacificus, yet he furnished his Garrisons with more warlike provisions then ever his father David had done before him, notwithstanding he was still turmoiled and every day bu●●ed in the wars, for if preparation be neglected till the wars begin, either it cometh too late and out of season, or it heapeth together such confusion with making haste, as it proveth unprofitable, and the proceedings will be but flow, the execution slender, and the wants intolerable.  Pill. 
Preparation then is always to be in readiness, but doth not this readiness consist aswell in training men, & making them skilful & ready in Military knowledgs, as in preparing all other habiliments & necessaries appertaining to the wars?  Skill. 
Young soldiers unprovided and slightly trained, are not to be drawn into the field against an Army exercised and beaten with long practice, for unexperimented men are fitter to furnish a funeral then to sight a field: as little safety is to be hoped for in small and unequal numbers, which do rather séed then end the wars, & do rather increase charge then win Honour: small companies are shut up without doing good to themselves or hurt to their enemies, & as they are little feared of their enemies, so they are less esteemed by their friends.  
Where there is a mighty Army in the field, what City or Town, Country or Province, will not be glad to curry favour, and willing to redeem their good will?  
To conclude, a feeble Army is ever despised aswell by friends as fues, but an able Army that is prepared and managed as it ought, will soon bring an enemy to yield either by victory or composition.  Pill. 
Then they are a little mistaken that do think because they are able on the sudden to furnish a Muster roll with infinite numbers of names, that therefore they can as quickly supply the field with an able company of Soldiers: and there must be a like preparation of money as of men, for money is termed to be the sinews of war, and is of such importance in the Camp, that though a man have plenty of Soldiers to follow him, and store of Munition to serve him, yet waiting money to make pay, a man may say as Flaminius did by Philopomines, that he had the hands and leg of war, but he wanted the belly.  
The Prince therefore that will levy an Army, must learn with Theseus not to enter the labyrinth without a Clue, he must be provided with sufficient Treasure, for the want whereof many Armies have been forced to dissolve.  Skill. 
And there is no preparation exactly to be set down what might suffice, for wars have neither stint nor set bounds.  Pill. 
And the preparation is not so uncertain, but it is as hard to be attained unto, for though Arithmetic can quickly cipher down a whole million of Treasure, yet all the rest of the Liberal Sciences are not so prodigal to bring it in together.  Skill. 
And yet I think there is more disorder in the issuing of the treasure when it is prepared, then there is travel in the aftaining to it, and that if there were a good order executed in the expending, neither the charge would be so great, nor the expenses so burdensome, as I know they have been.  Pill. 
Captain Skill, I am not ignorant what reports have gone, how Princes have been porloined by cheatting officers, but our discourse is now of preparation, and by what means money might be prepared for the expense of war.  Skill. 
It would be a tedious matter to set down the means that hath been practised more than ordinary) how to get money only for the supply of wars, for besides Rents, Revenues, Impositions, Taxes, Subsidies, penalties, Lones, Confl●cations & such other like, there hath been great summe● raised for the pride and excess both of men and women, from their guarded garments, their coloured silks, their gold & silver lace, their Plate more than necessary, their jewels, their Coaches, and such other superfluities.  
The fraudulent dealing of Officers hath been sometimes examined and brought in question, & infinite sums hath been by that means gathered together, & brought to the treasury.  Pill. 
He that should advise these precedents to be followed here in England, perhaps might offend more than a good many, and yet me thinks there were some reason to induce, that those that have robbed others of their money by fraudulent and deceitful means, should be used like Sponges, that when they have drunk their fill, are then fit to be pressed.  
But now whilst I think of it, I will tell you what advise a plain country fellow did sometimes give to Gentleman of good sort, and one that had a great & a gainful office freely given him by a gracious Prince, which gentleman being appointed to borrow money for his Sovereign upon privy seals, coming into a part of the country where the men of best ability in the shire (by a former appointment were repaired unto him, to whom this gentleman in a brief discourse told them how many occasions their Sovereign had to employ money, and was therefore driven so make bold amongst his good subjects to borrow for a time till it might be repaid again.  
One amongst the rest (being no less plain than wealthy) answered again after this sort, if not directly in the same manner, yet I am sure not far from the matter.  
I pray God bless our Sovereign (said he,) and seeing there is such need of money as your mastership hath spoken of: for my part I am not only willing to lend this proportion that is demanded, but if his Majesty would follow my further advice, I could teach him such a trick, that he should have money coming in every day, little or much, and it would come trolling in such sort, as I warrant there would not be so great need to borrow of subjects, as now of late time there hath been.  
If you have such a trick (answered the Gentleman) you might merit much; and there is no doubt, but it would be very grariously taken by your Sovereign, in making it known.  
I can do it (said the other) and I will tell you what it is: and if his Highness could but make shift to buy your masterships office, and three or four others that I could name, and keep them in his own hands, your worship knows he needed to want no money, but it would still be coming in, his coffers I warrant would never be empty.  
The conclusion was, I think this honest meaning man had but small thanks for his counsel, for those were no times for men to jest with Officers.  Skill. 
Besides money, there are many other provisions to be cared for: as Armour, Weapon, Munition, and infinite of other furnitures, that are all to be provided afore hand.  
But the necessity of victual (in the time of service) are of no less importance than the necessity of money, without the means of which, there is neither mean to conquer, nor hope to live.  
valiant minds, will oppose themselves against the Pike, will adventure upon the musket-shot, or run upon the Cannon, but I did never know any man so hardy, that would yield himself to encounter with Famine.  
Where victuals therefore are not conveniently provided for, the greatest minds are terrified and overcome without stroke: and a hungry Army can neither observe Discipline, nor perform any great enterprise.  Pill. 
I have known especial services neglected, yea, and overthrown, & but only for this want of victual, but I will not speak of particulars, because in finding a fault, I know not whom I should offend, whether those of superior authority, that might have commanded, or those that were but inferior Officers that should have provided: but this is to be considered, that for the expedition of war, such Commanders, & Officers should be made choice of that had judgement aswell to consider of the pursuit of an enterprise, as to look into the beginning.  Skill. 
For the expedition of war, it will never be accomplished with any hope of good success, but by the use of two instruments, Election and Discipline, the one in choosing, the other in framing when they are chosen.  Pill. 
But there is great error in Election, and it is committed in two manners, either thinking that he which is noble should likewise be virtuous, or for particular affection, perhaps in the behalf of some one from whom the party would expect the like favour again: now if wars were to be waged against enemies, which would not take advantage of errors and negligences, a Prince might choose more for favour than for need.  Skill. 
And for Election that was w●●nt to be free, and of an byright judgement, it is now become a slave to opinion, to that opinion that is both blind, lame, particular, and self conceited, and yet hath prevailed so far, that we want but one other Erasmus to dyefie opinion, as one hath already writ in the praise of Folly.  
Where opinion beareth sway, she ruleth like a God, she maketh fools to be reputed wise, Cowards to be calle● courageous, and silly ignorant asses, to be admired for the●● martial skill.  
She sendeth Captains to conduct, Officers to direct, that are fitter themselves to be trained, then to have command.  
Opinion sendeth men to the war corrupted with vices, where they oppose themselves against all order & Discipline, they rob, they spoil, they swear, they ●wagger, they quarrel, they eat, they drink, they fight, they saint, they fly, they are courageous in spoil, and cowards in fight, they are curious in speech, and careless of reputation, there is neither glory in their victory, nor dishonour in their flight.  
Where opinion mannageth the affairs of war, without the assistance of judgement and Skill, the danger is great, but the expenses are intolerable.  Pill. 
This election which you do here speak of (as I perceive) doth not so much concern the ordinary Soldier, as it doth respect the appointment of Generals, Captains, Commanders, and all other Offices that are to direct and manage the war, in whole worth and virtue it consisteth either to make the Soldier more or less profitable for service, and it belongeth to their providence and care to make him able or disable to serve.  Skill. 
This well choosing of Officers is the most especial thing to be observed by those that are desirous to accomplish by war: Amongst the rest, the place of the General having the first superiority, if in his election there be not the like regard and circumspection had to his skill and worthiness, there may be chosen an instrument of all disorder, when by his unskilfulness in martial government, there may arise so many evils, so many mischiefs, destructions, and confusions, as it may be called a much greater plague, then that which ariseth by the most infected air.  Pill. 
The old proverb is, Such Carpenters, such chips, such Saints, such Relics: and I believe (indeed) where a General is chosen unskilful, he lightly draweth about him Captains and other Officers, as unskilful as himself, and then where the blind leads the blind, if they should perform any great enterprise, it might well be registered amongst other miracles of wonder. But I will not take upon me in this place, to say how many abuses hath been committed in the election of Captains, and other Officers of the war, I will leave them till another occasion, and will here first speak of the choice of the General himself, on whose skill and worthiness (immediately after the permission of God) the war may be said to be happy, or infortunate.  
Since then the hope of winning or losing doth so much depend in the General, by doing, or not doing his duty, me thinks an Army would be much better managed under the conduct of two or three Generals, and the Prince might hope of better success in those services where he had several to command, and not to trust overmuch to one.  Skill. 
I will always prefer the government of one, because it is a government most agreeable to nature: and if without presumption we may compare small martyrs with infinite, it is most agreeing to the example of the Almighty himself, who being but one God alone, governeth and ruleth universally altogether: From hence it like wise seemeth meet, that the people of one Nation, should be governed by one Prince.  Pill. 
But it happeneth many times, that in matters of doubt, there is not so much safety in the opinion of one, as in the advisement of many, because affection, or passion, either through anger, or through spite, or through lust, or by some other turbulent occasion, sooner entereth into the mind of one alone, then into a multitude.  Skill. 
But I say again it is an easier matter to find one alone to be good and wise, then to find a great many: I could infer precedents, but by former experience it hath been found, that it is better for those that be good and honest, to live under the government of one Prince, though he should be severe and half a tyrant, then to live in those regiments where there are as many Kings, as there be Officers in authority: where there is more danger in displeasing of a great man, than there is safety in serving of a Sovereign.  
Blessed say I, is that Regiment where the mighty oppressors are governed by one virtuous Prince, and not where the virtuous Prince is overruled by many great oppressors.  
And as there is nothing more noisome so good subjects, then to have many Kings in one dominion, so there is nothing more pernicious for a Prince, then to make several Generals in one Army of equal principality: For where there are several Commanders of equal power and authority, if there be not contention for pre-eminence and superiority, yet be ●●re that the desire of glory will break the neck of amity between them: & where honour is to be achieved, the valorous mind cannot endure to have any sharers that shall divide or participate with him in that glorious booty.  Pill. 
But these contentions are evermore incident amongst the ambitious, and ambition is commonly an attendant to those great persons that are descended of Honourable lineages: but Nobility in these days (for the most part) have laid aside the practice of Arms, she endeavoureth not (as she hath done) the deeds of Chivalry, whereby she is grown utterly unable to serve her Country, as in times past she hath been: our ancestors made themselves noble by their virtues, but now Nobility is best known by her scu●●hins, she is become a servant to pleasure, and hath given herself to idleness. Nobility in times past hath been followed by Soldiers, but now she is haunted by flatterers: she hath countenaneed wise men, but now she suffereth herself to be seduced by those of little wit.  Skill. 
The wings of true Nobility to make her fly high, are the deeds of Chivalry, and being enlightened by martial skill, maketh her to shine more clear and light.  
I know not any thing so certain that carrieth with it a greater Majesty, then for Nobility to make noble defence against such as compound the miseries of Civil wars, and to be great leaders against foreign Invaders.  Pill. 
True nobility loveth glory, abject Nobility loveth wealth: true Nobility scorneth that fortune that is unaccompanied with Virtue, and seeketh out that danger which is attended by Honour: she desireth not to seem but to be Noble, and rather to be a Lion amongst Hearts, then to be a Hart amongst Lions.  
Nobility consisteth not in titles borrowed from our progenitors, but is extinguished in him that only hath wit to keep money, and no heart to win Honour: it is a title to a good man of great excellency, but not to a wicked man of great infamy.  
To conclude, true Honour only leaneth to this, to deserve by noble deeds, to endeavour for her Country's good, to cherish the well deserving of the valiant, to banish Fools and Flatterers, to live an excellent life, and not to shame nor shun an honourable death.  Skill. 
Then who so fit to command an Army, as he that is Noble? and the Art military is the principal profession for Nobility: as for all other qualities, they are but as ornaments to garnish the first: no not the study of Sciences and learning itself, are but as compliments to this glorious study of arms: As one demanding of his friend whether he would rather wish to be Achilles or Homer, was answered; Tell me thou thyself whether thou wouldst rather to be a Captain or a Trumpeter? but for him that is Noble, what title so honourable as to be called a great Soldier, unless we care not to show ourselves like unto those that in learning will seem to be men of war amongst the ignorant, but amongst Soldiers, can but show themselves to be learned.  Pill. 
But where Nobility by her own contemning this honourable profession, have thereby made herself unable to command, is not he then to be reputed noble & honourable both, who for the good of his country refuseth no danger, but is contented to hazard himself to the death, only to attain experience?  
What are we to look after birth or parentage, when we see many times, persons that are but of a base degree, to be yet invested with most high & noble gifts of Nature?  Skill. 
These are to be commended and so receive their reward, but unfitting yet to bear this rule of an absolute Commander: for where Noblemen are inflamed with the desire of glory and renown, those of meaner parentage do more desire to exceed in wealth then in worship; for they have neither true taste nor feeling of honour & renown, but are rather inclined to a covetous humour (which is the root of all Impiety) and leadeth them many times to neglect golden glory for gripple gain.  
Then who is so dull of understanding, but would be inflamed with the love of Virtue, and would think himself most happy & blessed, to be governed by the wisdom & virtue of noble personages, whose desire is to have the rule & government of others, only for this consideration, that they might in their Office & government, show forth magnificent bountifulness, & impact such virtues unto others, as with which their own minds are fraught & singularly furnished.  Pill. 
But now it is to be understood, that every stock and lineage is set forth and beautifled by Virtue, and Virtue not beautified and set forth by lineage.  Skill. 
Yet Nobleness hath ever been honoured by all men, because it standeth with reason that good should spring of good, and Virtue is most often succeeding in Noble blood: and the worthiness of honourable ancestors craveth a reverend regard to be had in their posterity, where he that is but of mean or simple parentage, must endure much to advance his reputation, and cannot raise his estimation but with that tediousness of time, which the Noble by birth shall attain unto in a moment: and the innoule may be sometimes enticed to Virtue, but not by the allurement of Virtue itself, but are rather provoked unto it by dread, or by compulsion, or sometimes perhaps in hope of preferment: and where Virtue is thus darkened with a wavering hope & a faint courage, it is brought low, and but creepeth by the ground, where the virtue of true Nobleness (indeed) being pure and undefiled, doth swiftly raise itself on high, and doth with confidence mount up to the highest heavens.  Pill. 
I acknowledge that Nobility which as on a chief pillar is stayed upon Virtue: but where that pillar of Virtue is shaken and overthrown, there Nobility itself must likewise fall to the ground: And I do further truly confess, that he can do nothing gallantly, valiantly, or forcibly, whose mind is not kindled and inflamed with honourable desire.  
Thus giving Nobility her due, I prefer the Noble to be most worthy of this great command, knowing that the bare title is more effectual to draw a reverent regard, and to enforce a more dutiful obedience in an Army, than the largest Commission. A Prince may devise to grant to him that is but newly crept up from a mean reputation or a slender account: And because I have here spoken of a Commission, here now ariseth a doubt, whether it be behoveful for a Prince, for the benefit of his own service, to prescribe a Commission to his Lieutenant or General, so tying him within certain limits, that he may not pass the bounds of his commandment, whatsoever occasion might be taken for the benefit of service.  Skill. 
For the answer of this doubt, it is first to be considered, that when a Prince will bridle his General by such a-Commission, it is necessary that he furnish him with all manner of provisions so abundantly that he shall not want: for otherwise, what service is to be expected where they are first pinched in their provisions, and after bound so fast by their Commissions, that they shall not be able to help themselves?  
Next, it is as behoveful for that Prince that will tie his General to strait limits, that he do likewise very circumspectly instruct and direct him in those services he hath to perform, which is almost impossible for him to do: for how should men that are ignorant themselves in the affairs of war, prescribe their Generals what they should do, or what they should not do? or how should those that are absent, give prescriptions to him that is and must be in present view, and not bereave him of those advantages that the variety of times and occasions may offer?  
Some Princes and States that have been suspicious of their Captains, have bridled them by strait Commissions, other some again, that having had respect to the dangers of times, yet foreseeing the inconveniences that might ensue by overmuch pairing their generals authority, have in their Commissions left this (proviso) That they should proceed according to the variety of time and occasions, notwithstanding any restraint in them contained.  Pill. 
But whether a General that is thus tied, may not sometime use his own discretion upon occasion, as opportunity may offer?  Skill. 
The severity of Manlius Torquatus might suffice to discourage any man to stand in this conceit, who spared not the life of his own son, but for fight with an enemy contrary to his commandment, notwithstanding he obtained the victory.  
But the Almighty himself preferreth obedience to be better than sacrifice, and it is more fit by executing the commandment of a Prince to show obedience, then by exceeding their bounds to show contempt.  
For this cause the Soldier was worthily commended, who having already advanced his weapon to have taken the life of an enemy, that was under his mercy, whilst his arm was yet lifted up to have given the deadly stroke, the Trumpet sounded a retreat, wherewith the Soldier staying his blow, let his enemy thus escape: this being espied, it was demanded of him, why he let slip so great an advantage; he answered, I bold it far more honourable to obey my Captain, then to kill mine enemy.  Pill. 
He that had a complete Army of such Soldiers, might work wonders: but some will say, that when occasion is offered to a General for the benefit of his Prince, he ought not so ●icely to stand upon the prescript of his Commission, as to neglect the benefit and fortune presented unto him, when there is no Prince so provident who is able to foresee every accident that may happen: he is therefore to be reputed neither for wise nor valiant, that will stand so much upon his Commission as to neglect any occasion that may bring advancement to the honour and profit of his master.  Skill. 
It is a dangerous thing for him that shall serve from the Commandment of a Prince, trusting more to his own judgement, then in his whom of reason he ought to obey, because if his imagination do fail him, and his enterprise conclude but with ill success, he runneth into the penalty of disobedience, without any hope of excuse or pardon.  
But admit that his purpose be well effected, and brought to a good pass according to his desire, he may then thank his fortune more than his wit, and this is all that he hath to trust unto.  
The Romans in the prime of their greatness, were not only strict in punishing these offences, but they were as severe to punish with shame and ignomy, their Generals and principal Commanders (without any respect of their greatness) that by shameful practices had sought to vanquish and by dishonourable means had obtained victories upon their enemies: neither could I 〈◊〉 Pius so escape with his drunken conquest, but that in stead of a glorious triumph which he required, he was repaid with a shameful death, and a slanderous Epitaphe, which he deserved.  Pill. 
But had they not in those days the practice of vile and villainous deceit, as to bereave an enemy of his life by poison, or by some sodam stab or stroke with a weapon, or to hire a murderer secretly so do some shameful office or execution?  
These have been the policies of late times, and these practices have been especially approved.  Skill. 
By these means Fabritius would net win, he not only refused a conquest offered unto him by that traitor Timocliares, but he likewise detected and accused his treason to the King his master: neither would Camillus receive the Schoolmasters offer, though he might there by have subdued the Phylistiens: no they thought it a matter of great Impiety, of an honest quarrel to make an unjust conquest, neither would they admit of any practice wherein was found either fraud or deceit, although it seemed never so profitable.  Pill. 
The Discipline of that age was much to be wondered at, yet more to be honoured: but was there the like respect used to those of ordinary account, I mean to private Captains, and other Officers and Ministers of the waits?  Skill. 
There was no respect of persons; nor bearing with abuses, no not when whole Colonies had transgressed their Military orders, but they were decimated, and every tenth person executed as they tell out by lot.  Pill. 
And he that feareth the effect, must seek to annoyed the cause: and they that were so severe in punishing offenders, would not themselves be the Instruments to draw on affence: I mean in the Election of Captains and Officers in their wars: I think it was done with such care and circumspection as they would not admit of the unworthy, or the unable.  
A Captain in those days could not buy a company for money, nor be admitted to charge by bryving, sometimes by making himself Pencionary, paying a yearly slipend, which must be exacted either from the Prince or Soldier, or from hath.  
I think my Lord nor my Lady's Letter could not then have preferred a man that was unworthy & of no experience; neither do I believe that a Uictualer could then have crept into an Office though a whole hundred of Angels should have made intercession for him: nor a Provant Master, whose Office was to provide apparel for Soldiers, could not have purchased an Office for money, nor be suffered to paul and pill the poor Soldier even to his very shirt.  Skill. 
In those times such Captains and Officers were chosen as the places had need of, not such as had more need of the places, they were not then admitted to exact their own greatness by the ruins of the Prince, nor to make their own gain by the spoil of the Soldier, the public treasure that was to be employed for the payment of Soldiers, they would not suffer to be purloined by deceiving Officers, the victuallers, Provant Masters, Officers of the Musters, and other Accountants were not only looked unto, but they were likewise looked into; if any of them had been sound unworthy, or had been taken tardy in a trip, he was sure to be dismissed and punished according to the quality of their crime, they never stood in doubt to displease my Lord his master that had commended him; they than bent all their endeavours to serve that Prince or State that gave them pay, and not that Lord or Master that preferred them to their places.  Pill. 
One special mean that a shifting Captain hath to deceive his prince, is in his number, to take pay for a whole company when he hath not balfe: if his conscience will farther stretch to exact and cheat upon his poor Soldiers, he hath many base and ungodly shifts to perform it, but it were a piteous thing, that any man's greatnesss should bolster out such abuse, or that because a scraping Captain should be known to be a Favourite to this or that Noble man, therefore there should no man dare to cross him in the camp, lest his friends should cross them again in the Court.  
For these Officers before spoken of, they may deceive both Prince and Soldier by many more means, and of far greater sums than the Captains can do: and it is like enough that in times passed there hath been some such Officers, and it is as likely that some others that should have been Controwlers of the offence, hath been partakers and have had interest in the gain.  Skill 
But these were lamentable times when Soldiers by these means might stand more in doubt to be ro●dly ●●●r Captains, then to be hurt by their enemies, and miserable might that war be called, where more may perish by the fraudelent demeanour of shifting Officers, than otherwise slain by the enemy's sword.  
It is not enough therefore that Generals themselves should be elected and chosen with great foresight and care, but it is as much be hovefull that private Captains & all other Officers put in authority either to rule or to provide, should be chosen with the like regard and circumspection.  Pill. 
There is nothing of more importance than the choosing of good Officers, whether in peace or war: but especially where poor Honesty is so put to silence that he dares not speak, as many times his mouth hath been 〈◊〉 Brybery and Flattery, two shrewd enemies: 〈◊〉 Hercules contra duos.  Skill. 
Corruptions hath been from the beginning & will continue, but where Bellona rings the alarum Bell, abuses will there multiply: but Captain Pill learn this of me, what is virtue in one is vice in an other, it is not for men of our coat to find any faults, and although the world be rather inclined to dispraise what is amiss, then to commend of that is well done, yet he liveth in better quiet that speaketh but what he should, than he that blabbeth all that is true: what should men of our profession have to do with Bribery & Flattery? the time hath been you had been better to have spoken against preaching: do you not know, he that will sacrifice to Thraso, Gnato must be his priest? and be there not many great personages, who although they can discern of a Flatterer, and do know themselves to be palpably flattered, yet they love him that flattereth fastest, and will hate him that should tell him the truth?  Pill. 
Augustus' that good Emprrour of Rome, was never angry with accusers because he thought it necessary, that where many abuses did flourish, that it should be therefore behoo●efull for every man to speak his mind freely: But the Politician, he that hath but Mammon for his God, and Machiavel for his ghostly Father, he cannot away with these find-faults: A galled jade will kick, and a guilty conscience is afraid of rubbing, and these be they that do rather seek to cover faults then to mend faults: these Politicians that be called the sharpest and the quickest witted men, what be their policies, or whereunto do they apply their quickness of wit, but to cover their naughtiness? If they have a little good amongst a great deal of ill, they think that little good to be utterly lost, that hath not the eyes of the world to witness it, and to give it applause, so that if they do any good, it is but to the end to be seen, and to be praised by men, for in secret they will do nothing: if they forbear to do evil, it is for fear the world should know it, and were that fear taken away, they would stick at nothing.  
I think there is not a more mischievous creature in the world, then is a man, if he be both wise and wicked, for where the wit is bribed by a licentious will there Honesty is forced to play bankrupt, and it is but a rude kind of honesty, that restraineth men from doing ill, but for fear of a popular report.  
But I cannot altogether blame the carelessness of the world, in that it is become so sparing of good endeavours, when there is neither reward for well doing, nor recompense for good desert: nor so much as a Memorandum for the most honourable enterprises, bow worthily so ever performed, unless perhaps a little commendations in a Bal adior if a man be favoured by a Play maker, he may sometimes be Canonised on a stage: But Virtue, thou art driven into a narrow scantling, that haste no better recompense, than what thou canst draw from vice itself: It is no wonder though so few do look out after thee, for thou art grown poor, and who would follow a beggar?  Skill. 
As the prompt and ready wit employed in bad purposes, is most hurtful; so it is necessary that every capering wit, shadowed with a little pretended care, should intermeddle with matters of state, nor should busy itself in those affairs that should not publicly be brought in question.  Pill. 
As I am not ignorant that the State nor policy, are not to be meddled withal by every man, so it is a piteous thing, that under this prescript, Quod supra nos, nihil ad nos, and for that it is and hath been a received opinion, That all truths are not to be spoken, that therefore a man must not endeavour his country's good, nor speak these truths that might concern the glory of God, the service of a Prince, and the benefit of a Commonwealth, or whether these prescriptions before spoken of, should so restrain a man from doing his duty to his Sovereign, that he should not inform those abuses committed, whether in the Camp, or in the Court: or because the corruptions of some great parsonage, might thereby be detected, his good meaning therefore should not only be ill construed, but his honest endeavours utterly disgraced, and himself reputed a busy body, that is too forward in meddling with matters so far above his reach.  Skill. 
The praise of well doing, consisteth chiefly in two points, whereof the one is in choosing out an end, that our purpose is directed unto, that is good indeed: the other she knowledge to find out apt and meet means, whereby to bring it to this expected good end, thus appointed and intended.  
Now he that pretendeth but to reveal those things that may be beneficial for his Prince or Country, his purpose is honest, and is directed to a very good end, and in such a case, he is not to neglect any thing that may tend to so sovereign a good, but is rather to adventure himself for the safety of either: yea, although it should fall out to his great reproach.  Pill. 
Then ten times happy may that Commonwealth be reputed, where the ears of the Sovereign Prince are open to the informations of honest and dutiful subjects, not only in hearing matters that might give light to his own affairs, but with like gracious regard to hear and consider of she private and particular complaints of poor oppressed suitors, where Innocency is oppressed by Envy, where simplicity is entrapped by subtlety, where truth is suppressed by authority: for a Prince that heareth the complaints of his wronged subjects, is like a Crystal stream, wherein all may drink that are dry.  Skill. 
If the blessedness of a Commonwealth doth consist in the clemency of the Prince, under what Climate might we seek for a more happy Regiment than this of our own native soil? what age hath ever afforded a more princely government, then that of our late deceased most gracious and godly Elizabeth? whose magnificence filled the world with wonder, whose Majestical greatness was sought unto by the Princes of foreign Nations, who thought themselves best secured, when they had entered league and confederacy with her: whole greatest enemies did yet admire her heroical virtues, whose royal person was from time to time protected by the Almighty arm of God, from the trains and traps of Traitors, that daily pursued her, not for her stanes, but for her sincerity and love to the pure worship of God: they hated her indeed, but not for any faults or offences of her own, but for her zeal to that glorious Gospel, that giveth light and life to those that doth embrace it: they sought her destruction, but not for her abominations, but because she detested theirs.  
See here again the wonderful goodness of God, and his mercy towards this Realm, at that very instant of her majesties death, when there was nothing looked after but for confusion, no hope expected but effusion and shedding of blood: See then, I say, his blessing redoubled, a gracious and a mighty Prince established in peace, not a sword drawn, though the enemies of the glorious Gospel of Christ, had then intended the execution of their fury.  
If I should now take upon me to express the worthiness of this renowned King, thus enthroned by the hand of the Almighty, I might imitate the Painters of Greece, who taking upon them the portraiture of jupiter, were every day mending, but could never finish it: and being demanded why they had begun what they could not end, they answered, in that we show him to be jupiter, whom every one may begin, but never any man be able to perfect.  
If any man be yet desirous to make a more ample survey of his virtues, let him but read those lines by himself, he hath left to posterity, and he shall find by the excellency of the fruits, how much England is made happy by so glorious a free.  
God bless the stock and branches altogether, and send them long to flourish, from generation to generation, in the highest-tipe of honour, and Princely Majesty.  Pill. 
Amen say I, and withal humbleness I beseech it: and that God that rules the hearts of Princes, put in his royal heart the care and safety of himself, for his own and England's good.  
God keep him still from the godless, and the God maker, the Atheist, and the Papist; the one never loveth but in policy, the other is still practising for his Pope: and it is a hard matter in these days to distinguish Humility from Flattery, their words and smiles are the one so like the other.  
But Captain Skill you have already taught me not to meddle with the affairs of Princes, and I learned it long ago, by the fable of the Fox and the Wolf: and although it be but a fable, it is yet worth the repeating, because there is contained in it good admonition.  
The Fox and the Wolf passing by the Lion's Den, were desirous to see what he was doing: and the Fox very subtly but a little peeping in, told the Wolf that the Lion was asleep: the Wolf taking courage to take a better view, was no sooner entered, but the Lion immediately caught him in his claws, and demanding of him what was his pretence, the Wolf fearfully made answer, that understanding by the Fox his Majesty was asleep, he thought without offence, he might surury both his person and his lodging: to whom the Lion roughly replied.  
Dost thou think that a Lion thy Prince and Governor can sleep, though he sometimes wink, or darest thou inquire whether he wink or wake? thou shalt know to thy grief, that neither the wiliness of the Fox, nor the soolish pride of the Wolf, aught to inquire whether the Lion be asleep or awake, at home or abroad dead or alive, this alone is sufficient for you to know, that he is a Lion, but not where he is, nor what he is doing.  Skill. 
The like caveat was given by Apelles, when Alexander on a time coming to his shop, would needs take upon him to paint. Apelles placing him at his back, and tending his own work, would not so much as cast an eye to see what Alexander did, which being perceived by Alexander, he demanded of Apelles why he did not otherwhiles overlook his handiwork, to see wherein he had erred and done amiss? to whom Apelles said, it is not for Apelles to inquire what Alexander hath done, and therefore did I set your Majesty at my back, that I might not so much as glance with mine eye to see a King's work, and yet that you looking over my head, might see mine, for Apelles' shadows are to be seen by Alexander, but not Alexander's by Apelles.  
So ought we to frame ourselves in all our actions, as though the King were still standing over to behold our doing, but not for us to look and inquire what the King doth behind us, or to take upon us to reform his errors, or mistake.  Pill. 
It is no wonder then, though Princes do but seldom times correct and amend their errors, when there is no man so hardy that dare reprehend them, or that dare let them understand when they overslip.  
The counsel therefore of Demetrius is to be commended, who exhorted Ptolemy to read many books pertaining to government, for that there he should find many things which his subjects durst not tell him.  Skill. 
There is no man that willingly giveth ear to him which doth freely and liberally tell him his faults or imperfections, but when a man hath both means and will, and a good occasion to do it to his Prince, let it be performed with great reverence and modesty, that the Prince may perceive no less love towards him, than a will to discover unto him the error which he committeth: for otherwise it is not lawful by reproachful speeches to publish the faults or till doings of a Prince, neither is it possible for a man to behave himself too reverently towards him, though it be reported that when Aristippus could not be heard of Dionysius, he threw himself down at his feet, saying, the fault is not mine though I commit idolatry, but the Kings who hath his ears in his feet: yet say I, every one is to reverence and obey his Prince with all humbleness of duty, for that the honour is not given to him but to God himself, whose Minister he is.  Pill. 
And yet all men's eyes are still attendant upon his demeanour, and his doings are examined as well in the Country as in the Court, and the actions of the most mightiest monarchs are many symes censured in the meanest cottage.  Skill. 
The vigilancy of the people is so much the more, because the life of the Prince is a ring leader to the multitude, upon whose example either of good or ill, the people are still depending, for example is the readiest way to instruct: and therefore it is truly said, Such Prince such subjects: if the Prince be good himself, he will likewise make others good that are about him, and there is not a greater testimony of the goodness of a Prince, then to see the goodness of those that do attend his person.  Pill. 
But are there not many Precedents left in record of Princes, which of their own dispositions have been most graciously and virtuously inclined, and have yet been corrupted by those that were nighest about them: sometime under the pretence of policy and profit, they have been led into errors: otherwhiles their ears have been abused by those that had no other means to make themselves gracious in the eyes of their Prince, but by feeding him with matters perhaps more profitable to the purse, then healthful to the soul. Some other again by seeking to blindfold the Prince's eyes, that they should not look into the affairs of the meaner sort of the subjects, nor so much as to take knowledge or to receive any Complaints of the oppressed, have thereby kept the Prince in ignorance, and made themselves wise.  
How many Princes again that have been of great Renown, of rare virtue, and of excellent wit, hath yet been led with licentious liberty, drawn in by these inticers of pleasure and delight? these sullen slaves that can creep, crouch, lie, fawn and flatter for a favour, that can watch, wright, dissemble, and conspire to please a Prince: these have been the plague soars of many common wealths, that have often ruinated Kingdoms, and overthrown Estates.  Skill. 
The favour of a Prince is highly esteemed amongst men, and yet being duly considered of, it is but a poisoned bait that induceth many dangers: for besides a wearisome life, and the miserable servitude that belongeth to Courting; so a man must be very respective in pleasing of his Prince, although sometimes but with worldly vanities.  
These servants of ambition, do many times thrust themselves into infinite perils, especially when they become so familiar that their Princes will impart unto them their secrets: But he that knoweth the secrets of Princes, he is chary of it, he shutteth his mouth, and feareth least it should escape him: but is it disclosed, the undiscreet man doth publish it, and perhaps the wise man is blamed for it, and the least suspicion is now enough to ruinate him, that before might have slept in his Prince's bosom.  
I will therefore commend the Poet Philippides, who being demanded by King Lysimachus, what favour he might do unto him for that ●●e loved him, made this answer to the King, that your Majesty would never impart unto me any of your secrets.  
By this it might seem, that in the love or hatred of a Prince there is almost a like danger: I therefore think it not 〈◊〉 to follow the table of the earthen vessel, which in no wise would hold any company with the brazen vessel, for fear of knocks: and it may easily be thought, that in the company of a Prince, a man cannot utter his mind freely, nor do any thing contrary to his pleasure, but if he do, he shall be no friend of Caesar's.  Pill. 
Fire warmeth those that stand aloof, and burneth him that creepeth too nigh: I love the Court, but (under correction be it spoken) I have thought it a fitter place for Paris then for Hector.  Skill. 
Captain Pill, the Camp is better befitting a Soldier then the Court, and I think your experience and mine doth rather serve to speak of Soldiers, then to judge of Courtiers: and I wonder how from our first matter of discourse we are hit into this vein, that I wish we might let be, and return over to some other sext. that our skill will better serve to discourse on.  Pill. 
I hope our honest meaning will not be imputed to presumption, and I have the rather adventured the matter upon this occasion, the mitigation of war now hoped for, and a blessed peace expected, by a most gracious and happy government, hath given Soldiers a time of truce, that they may lay by their Arms, and endeavour to what their wits in any other commendable exercise: And we may a little take this advantage in our discourse, and not so to tie ourselves to martial matter, but that upon occasion we may a little digress, like a cunning gamester when he is at Hazard, will sometimes leave the Main to play upon the Buy: And I would not be thought to be of so furious a humour as the fiery spirited Gentleman Soldier, that hitting amongst pleasant company, was requested by a Gentlewoman to dance, but he with a disdainful look, told her that he took no pleasure in so vain delights: the Gentlewoman requested him again, to say wherein his pleasure did especially consist, and he bending his brows and looking with a st●rne countenance, told her his felicity was, Armed in the field to encounter his enemies. The Gentlewoman smiling at the folly of our vainglorious Martialist, made this answer. Now God be thanked there is yet no need of your service, for our turritories and confines are happily blessed with peace, and therefore I could wish that you were well besmeared over with oil, and so hanged up in some fair Armoury till we have need of your help: for it were great pity that a man of your courage should be cankered and eaten with rust now in this peaceable time.  
I would be sorry to receive such a frump, neither will I stand so much upon my martial points, as though I could do nothing but speak of fight of fields.  
I will therefore speak or do anything as occasion shall serve: in the time of war, I can listen to the Drum, but in the time of Peace, a Tabret and a Pipe are merry about a Maypole: and although I be ill made to dance, yet I will rumble on amongst the rest, I had rather they should find fault with my cunning, then to repute me to be disdainful.  
And now we have taken this little breath, let us (in God's name) march back again to the Camp from whence we came, where we have left our General not so fully complete as is requisite: for it is not enough for him that shall command an Army to be nobly borne, but he must be likewise fortified with those gifts that are no less to be attained unto by education as by nature. And as I remember, Cato prescribeth three special virtues to be had in a General, that is to say, Experience, Policy, and Valiance: and the Antiquity would never admit of him for a Commander, that was either insufficient in skill, or openly detected of vice.  
Swearing breedeth hatefulness to all honest ears, Covetousness extorteth both of Prince and Soldier, Pride bringeth with it disdain: and Cato being Censurer to make choice of a General in the Panonian wars, openly disgraced and dismissed Publius, because he had seen him walk the streets of Rome perfumed.  Skill. 
To this Experience, Policy & Valiance prescribed by Cato, we will add two others, namely, justice & Mercy.  
Amongst the rest, justice is the foremost and first to be preferred, for it is the foundation of Eternal Fame, without the which there is nothing can deserve to be praised or commended: and justice in a General towards his Soldiers, is the key of his Discipline, the entrance to confirm their love that serve him, and a curb to restrain their misdemeanures that would offend him.  
Again, the force of commanding is the consent of them that obey: and this consent springeth by estimation, she which by no one mean is more exactly squared out then by the execution of justice: for when the Soldier shall perceive that he shall be suffered neither to do nor take wrong, it so confirmeth him with such fear and love towards his Commander, that he will refuse no enterprise though he should be willed (as Scipio said) to cast himself headlong from the height of a Rock.  Pill. 
justice hath been reputed to be the Twin-sister of Mercy, and to use too much severity, is not the readiest way to win, especially amongst Soldiers.  Skill. 
An uncontrowled Army, that is not kerbed & managed by justice, is like a brainsick jade without a bridle, more noisome and corrupt then is a body without a soul: but yet to hold a mean, is the salt and soul of every virtue: neither is there any thing more nigher to Injustice then is the asperite and rigour of justice.  
The wars are therefore to be prosecuted with as great justice as strength, and as the justice of the cause is first to be approved, so with like equity and right, the wars must be maintained.  
A righteous and a just cause addeth increase of courage, it inciteth to Valiance, and it doth so concytate and strengthen the minds of men, that they may adventure their lines with the greater boldness, when they know that whether they live or die, they may do both in the service and fear of God.  Pill. 
And is not this observation of justice as well to be kept with enemies, against whom we are Armed, and have entered hostility, as with adherents and friends, whom we may command and overrule?  Skill. 
The example used by Camillus upon the Schoolmaster may suffice for the matter, that was more effectual to subdue the Phalatians, than was the might or force of the Roman Army, neither was there any thing that made the Roman Commonwealth, so glorious and triumphant, as these virtues of justice, Clemency and Loyalty, which they always used to their very enemies.  Pill. 
The wars than were performed with as great honour as they are now with treachery, and the Camp might then have been reputed for a School of honour, justice, obedience, duty, and loyalty: but now it is become a den of deceit, treachery, robbery, blasphemy, & all manner of other impiety.  
And as this observation of justice is of great excellency, and is a blessing powered down from the heavens, so the effect of it, is but in maintaining of right, and doing no wrong: A lesson of no great importance to be learned and carried away, though not so easily kept. But now for this Military Experience, that is behoveful for a General or Captain, how is this to be attained unto? for this is not to be learned by precepts, but it is to be taught by time, not to be comprehended but by continual practice, it is bought with grey hairs, grievous wounds, and great dangers: If I be not therefore deceived, he that should command, should first learn to obey, and he ought to be a man of tried and known Experience, that should have so many men's lives depending on his skill.  Skill. 
There is no occupation, be it never so simple, neither is there any profession, how slender so ever in account, but it craveth both practice and Experience, and at the least a full apprentyship of seven years, before a man may be thought worthy to be employed in his Faculty. If then in these mean and petty causes, the attainment of skill is not to be apprehended, but by such continuance of time and practice, how many years were then behoveful, or what process of time might be thought sufficient, for him that should be perfected in martial Experience in the knowledge whereof, there was never any man yet so complete and exact, but he was still every day to learn: yea, though he had served full out seven aprentizeships.  
Only the knowledge of the Art Military, she older it is worn out with years, the younger it waxeth, and the farther off to be attained and comprehended.  
The want then of this Experience, breedeth the want of courage, when the suddenness of peril is more terrible than the danger itself, and by how much it happeneth to a multitude, by so much the matter seems more desperate: for when their minds are once possessed with fear, there is no place left for confidence, but turning all their hopes into doubts, they surrender themselves without consideration, not whither advise and counsel should direct them, but whither their distracted fortunes will conduct them.  
Thus Ignorance begetteth fear, fear engendereth doubt, doubt leadeth to desperation, and desperation bringeth to destruction.  
But it is Experience that confirmeth men's minds in the virtue of Valiance, maketh them to be resolute, and truly magnanimous.  
Occasions themselves do rather give counsalles to men, than men to occasions, when occasions many times will afford more help in war, than Virtue, but it is Experience that must take opportunity when occasion doth offer.  
And Reason itself must many times give place to necessity (especially in matters of war) in that it seldom suffereth a man to make choice of time: Again, the fitness of place is to be considered, which many times yieldeth more advantage than the virtue of Force, but still it is Experience that must discern of altogether.  
So that we may well conclude Experience to be the first, the second, and the third mean whereby to obtain in war.  Pill. 
O how many Turft-Taffita Captains have we in these days, that perhaps have made a Caales Voyage, or have been a month or two in the low Countries, or in Ireland, or have had the conducting of Soldiers to the waters side, or hath been a trainer or a Muster-maister (as they call him) in the shire: yet if they had but learned to double their ranks on the right hand, and sometimes to run away on the left, and can speak a little of the new Discipline, they will discourse of greater exploits than ever was performed before Troy.  
They will speak of conducting of Armies: how to embattle them, when to shake off skirmish, how to fight with advantage, where to employ horsemen, when the shot shall give their volleys, how to encounter with the push at the pike, when it is time to charge, when to retire: you shall hear them fight a field and give an overthrow, and all by imagination.  
You shall hear those sometimes that will engross the actions of a whole Army, and will attribute so much to their own value, that it were a hard matter to believe them without a steadfast faith.  
With these toys they have deceived men of reasonable wit, though of little understandng: and sometimes when they have hit into the presence of some Nobleman that was ignorant of martial matters, they have so amazed his senses with these errogating erplycations, that his supper exceeding courage, shall not only be admired and wondered at, but his martial skill and Experience, shall be ratified and commended by Nobility itself.  
It is enough for him that can but rob a printed cloth of a history, a book of a discourse, a fool of a fashion, if be can swear 'Sblood and 'Sounds, take a pipe of Tobacco, and bring my Lady's letter to my Lord, it is Experience enough, and he shall be prefererd before another that hath served twenty years in the Campe.  Skill. 
God bless me, my Country and friends, from his direction that hath no better Experience than what he hath attained unto at the fetching home of a Maye-pole, at a Midsummer sight, or from a training at Mi●ende-Greene: neither is it a Lady's letter, nor a Noble man's favour, nor at the least, three or four years training, that can make a man fit to command in a well governed war.  Pill. 
How should we now distinwish of that honesty which is perfect and absolute (indeed) from that false and pretended colour of honesty, that is but counterfe it and falsely surmised, or of that policy, that should be an ornament of honour to a Captain or General worthily renowned, from that craft & subtlety that is now shrouded & cleaked under the titles of wit or policy, which are no other than fraud and deceit? and than if plutarch speaketh true, there is no fraud without injury.  Skill. 
I commend policy so it be legitimate, first begotten by wit, and fostered up by honesty? and there is a certain honest sobtilty which passeth under the name of policy, as to make attempt against a common enemy, a robber, a spoiler, a rebel, a traitor, in such a case it importeth nothing in respect of justice, whether he be assailed openly or entrapped by ambush, or by any other practice wherein faith and honour may be preserved, and justice nothing violated: this policy hath been of great command amongst Soldiers, and good reason too, when in the action of war, it is utter for the field then Force.  Pill. 
Policy without source, is like a workman without tooles.  Skill. 
And source without conduct and still, may well charge an enemy, but sridome win honour.  
I know Force to be requisite, but where it bears more swie than understanding, it runs to confusion, and to destruction in the end.  
Force that is not assisted by advice, is like a horse withotout a rider, of it osone self, it destroicih itself▪ and Force and fury, without Discipline & Order, are caunly vanquished and overthrown by Policy.  
The strength of understanding is therefore more availcable in the day of battle, then is the strength of unskilful men, and more fields have been lose for want of policy, then for want of strength: for where force strueth for execution, policy is he that prepareth the mean.  
To daunt an enemy by Force is the soldiers praise, but to entrap him by policy is the captains honour: & more glory for a Captain to be seared of a wise enemy for his policy, then to be praifed by a foolish Citizen, rather for the forces that follow him then for any wit in his head.  Skill. 
Besides Stragemus that are every dap inavated and devised as occasions do arise, so there are many precepts politicly prescribed, that me thinks in this place wouldr partly be remembered, because they are behoveful for every Captain to observe: amongst the rest, whether it may stand with policy, that those enterprises undertaken with indiscretion, or against reason, should escape unreproved, though they conclude with some good or lucky success.  Skill. 
Reason veholdeth some purposed end, whether it directeth every action, and he that undertaketh with judgement and discreet on, if be bring his affairs to a good and happy success, it will be imputed to his virtue: but if to any ill issue, it will be attributed to the malice of his fortune: and the antiquity punished nothing with more severity, than those enterprises attempted against commandment, or undertaken against Reason: but as they punished those victories that were attained by lewd and foolish hardiness, so misfortune diminished not his reputation, that attempted with discretion, neither attributing coboardlinesse to ill success, nor Maliance to good fortune.  Pill. 
A Captain than ought warily to examine the end of his dristes, before he gives them course, for he that enterpriseth rashly not considering of the issue, shall repent him of his rollie when it is past remedy.  Skill. 
When a Captain hath to deal with an enemy, whom he knoweth ●o be a man of judgement and skill, so long as he shall find him to proceed in his affairs with reason, so long it may be believed, there is nothing dene extraordinarliy, otherwise then with a due course, according to judgement and martial skill, but when attempts are made as it were against the hair, and enterprises put in practice, that are devoid of Reason: A wise Commander in those cases ought to be the more vigilant and wary, and to think that such offers are never made, but upon some hidden purpose.  Pill. 
To be overlight of belief, argueth a lightness of wit, and those that are overmuch creailous, may be reputed to be men of the first Impression: to make account of an enemy so far forth as is needful, is the part of a wise Captain, but so to fear him, as to be afraid to encounter him, argueth the want of Courage, and there is no greater sign to lose, then when a man is persuaded, not to be able to win.  Skill. 
To make small account of an enemy, is a dangerous matter, and many honourable enterprises hath been entercepted, where an enemy hath been thought so feeble and weak, that they have rather despised him, than made any account of aught he could do: but a wise Captain will never so lightly regard an enemy, for if he be old, his wisdom and Experience is to be feared, but if he be rung, and therewithal either heady or rash beware of his fortune, for according to the old proverb, Fortune doth not only favour Fools, but is likewise helping to those that be bold and hardy.  
And in dangers where there be many eyes to behold, you shall see some whose hearts are already almost dead, yet pricked with shame, or enticed only by company, they will go forwards (as it were) blindfold, and do their duty.  Pill. 
Machiavel thinketh it no policy for a Prince to be advised in his martial causes, by such a Council as are altogether addicted to war, or too much inclined to peace, but miserable is that war, say I, where Covetousness doth either command or give counsel, or hath any interest at all either with Officer or Soldier.  Skill. 
There is nothing more rather to overthrow an Army, then where the Captain or Soldier are more desirous ofspoyle, then careful of honour: And covetousness is the cause of many great evils, for as it hindereth victory before the fight, so again after the fight it plucketh the glory of an overthrow out of the victor's hands, making him of a Conqueror, to become conquered.  Pill. 
There is not a more pernicious evil, then that of Covetousness: and a covetous wretch, as well in the time of peace, as in the time of war, is detested and abhorred, and by how much he is advanced to greatness, either by his own wealth, or by authority, by so much the more he is cursed by the people, and vengeance daily denounced against him, by as many as hath to deal with him.  Skill. 
covetousness is the Cur that devoureth his own Actaeon, the Ball of Hipomines, to hinder the course of Atlanta, the Charybdis that swalloweth up all honest means whereby the multitude should maintain life: The Scraping Brier that scratcheth the wool from the silly Sheep, when it cometh but to seek shelter, the Canker that fretteth the Commonwealth, eating and devouring the gettings of the poor.  
It is Covetousness that poisoneth the ears of Princes, and teacheth them to neglect and set aside all just and honourable dealing: It is Covetousness that holdeth nothing unlawful that bringeth in gain: It is Covetousness that maketh no conscience in gathering of Gold, nor in spilling of blood.  Pill. 
It is Covetousness, that was never cherished by virtue, nor beloved of God, and as Covetousness is a most hateful vice in him that should command an Army, so I cannot admit of him, that from a bare and needy estate should be advanced to that dignity of a General, because his poverty would be a spur to prick him forwards to exact from those, that Nobility invested with Honour, would otherwise cherish and maintain, though to his own expense.  Skill. 
Here is yet to be remembered, how much digressing from martial Policy: for a Prince to affy himself on such confedcrates, as are dull and flow in helping: or to seek assisttance from friends that are far off, who by reason of the distance of place, cannot give such speedy succours as necessity may require.  
And no less dangerous again to be served by Soldiers, that are to encounter with an enemy, who is like wise served with Soldiers of the same Nation, considering how hard a matter it is to bring Soldiers of one Nation, so any encounter, the one against the other.  Pill. 
We should not need to look out far for precedents, for he that hath been well acquainted with the services of Ireland, will quickly set down, probatum est.  Skill. 
But that expertence is better in a medicine, then in a malady.  Pill. 
And it is strange to see how many water-casting Physicians hath taken upon them to look into the diseased estate of that Realm of Ireland, and how they have pretends not only to know the nature of the sickness itself, that doth oppress it but also from whence the cause hath had proceeding, and how it might be cured.  
And be that hath been in Ireland, and but of one months' continuance in the Country, would set down precepts of reformation, and prescribe plaits and means how the people might have been reduced to a dutiful and loving obedience.  
But plate what, and how they could, the Irish have from time to time continued their rebellions: and within the compass of our own memories, that Country hath consumed many worthy and gallant Gentlemen, and spent cur late gracious Queen, infinite sums of Ireasure: and notwithstanding that the base and beggarly Irish (I mean those of the rebellious sort) had no means to maintain a war against so mighty a Princess, no Artillery, no Provision, no Storethouses with Munitions, no Shipping to transport, no Mint to make pay, nor any manner of other help, either to levy new forces, or to supply their old with convenient necessaries 〈◊〉 for an Army, yet they have borne out their rebellion; from time to time, sometimes for seven or eight years together, and but with a little One-meale and Butter: In the mean time there were Politicians, that of my conscience) did not so much as think of God, nor never meant to let him know, nor make him privy to their devices, and yet would say, they durst undertake to have reform Ireland with the very industry of wit.  Skill. 
The policies of men are vain, and those policies that hath not their original from that divine and sovereign Policy, derived from the word of God, is both vain, and foolish: and it is no less fond, to believe that a people should be confirmed to the duty and obedience of their Prince, that are not first reduced to the true knowledge and service of their God.  
And what reformation may be expected in that Country, that doth swarm with Ie●uites, Semmaries, Massingpriestes, and other like Ministers of Antichrist, the protested enemies to all those Princes that do maintain and uphold the pure word of God.  
But this is more strange than all the rest, that there should be any hope at all to reform a people, that from their very infancy have been trained up under Schoolmasters, who not only instructed and 〈◊〉 them in the disciplines of the Pope's Church, and as they grow in years, caused them to vow and protest obedience and subjection to his holiness: but also would persuade and enjoin them by exhortations, from time to time, to hate, contenive, and delpise their Prince, that they would say, was but an Heretic, accursed and excommunicated from the Communion of the Catholic Church; and when they grew of age to take an oath, they swore them upon the holy Mass Book, truly and honestly to observe the promises.  
This hath been the use of Ireland in times past, and I am sure hath been as conversant and general throughout the whole Realm, as there were either Schoolmasters to teach, or Scholars to be taught.  Pill. 
Is it possible that the lenity of so gracious a Sovereign, as she that swayed the sword so many years, with such mildness and mercy, should yet be requited with such disloyalty?  Skill. 
Her Majesty thought that in being gracious, she might thereby have won their hearts to a more loving and willing obedience, and to this end to draw them to a dutiful regard, what did she neglect that was either befitting a Prince to grant, or behoveful for subjects to receive, but that she liberally bestowed amongst them, what pardoning, what protecting, and what mitigating of offences that were committed against her, and how many Gentlemen of that country's birth, were continually returned from her majesties Court, back again into Ireland, laden with gifts and presermentes, who after they had passed and possessed their grants, would not after come in place to say Amen, where they heard her Majesty prayed for.  Pill. 
Yet some will say there is not a readier mean whereby to draw subjects to a sctled love, than this bountiful and gracious clemency used by the Prince.  Skill. 
He that handleth the Nettle most tenderly, it stingeth most bitterly, and although men be made all of one metal, yet they are not all cast in one mould.  
The nature of the Irish are to be considered, that for the greatest part are inclined to cruelty, to theft, to robbery, to treason, to deceit, and such other.  
Now to encounter these with gentleness and courtesy, were to set a Sheep, to encounter with the Wolse, the Lamb, with the Lion, the mild with the merciless, and therefore to a people thus disposed, close cruelty is more apt to reform, then open clemency.  Pill. 
But they complain of too much cruelty used by our Nation, especially now in these late wars: they say they are exacted, robbed and spoiled, & maimed no less by the soldier that should defend them, then by the rankest rebel that is most ready to oppress them.  Skill. 
Seditious estates, with their own devices, false friends with their own swords, and rebellious Commons by their own snates, draws on their own overthrows.  
Do the Irish complain of cruelty, and of the exactions of the Soldier? do they not know that Soldiers in the time of war will spoil, and that it is the fruits of war to waste and spoil? and I think ordained by the Almighty himself, as a scourge upon the people, to make them to feel and know their sins.  
But it is good to see vice, to find fault with vice, to see sin, to reprove sin, and to see imperfection, to bear witness of the same imperfection in another.  
Could they now but consider, that it is their own misdemeanours that draweth on these wars, by their entertaining of Jesuits, Seminaries, Friars, and Massingpriests, their receiving of them into their houses, relieving and maintaining of them against the proceedings of the Prince, and so think of their own disloyalty and disobedience, in harbouring those that are the very firebrands of rebellions, the stirrers up of commotions, the very instruments of sedition, to seduce and set subjects in Arms against their Sovereign: if they could duly consider of this, some of them would rather blush, then complain, and might rather look for a due deserved punishment for their disloyalty and contempt, then hope to be relieved in that which cannot be redressed, till they reform themselves to an untamed subjection, and a more dutiful love and obedience to their Prince.  Pill. 
I have heard that in the beginning of Sir William drury's government of that Country which was some 25. years sithence, or there about) the whole Garrison of the Realm was not above 400. foot, and 200. horse, (besides the wards of some few Castles) the Country could not then be greatly oppressed by Soldiers: and I have heard it further reported, that if one thousand of our Nation had been drawn altogether into a strength, that all the rebels of Ireland durst not to have encountered them in any indifferent ground.  
The case is altered howsoever it happeneth, and it should seem that either the Irish are become more hardy, or we have lost our wont Courage, for now of late we have been driven to employ far greater numbers, and all little enough so far as I can perceive, and sometimes with the least to perform but what were requisite.  Skill. 
It would seem that our progenatours many years ago, stood in some fear of that which is now come to pass, and knowing the inclination of the Irish, how ready they were to run into rebellion, and how desirous to shake off the English government, to prevent those means that might further their rebellious pretences, they established certain decrees, coming them by act of Parliament, amongst many other that were instituted for that purpose, it was ordained that no man of the Irish birth should have charge or custody of any Castle or place fortified belonging to the Prince: nor that any Captain should retain above three Irish men at the most in his company of one hundred and these to be admitted but as sptes or guides to pass through the country.  
There were many other laws made, prohibiting the Irish from certain principal offices, and in like manner prohibiting the English from marrying festering & combining with the Irish.  
Whilst these prohibitions were carefully observed in the country, they were not able to raise any great rebellion, but that might have been suppressed with a small number of men, and with no great charge to the Prince.  
But after these good constitutions were neglected, and that every Captain was at liberty to retain as he listed, and for his own gain to convert his company that should have been all English into three parts and more of the Irish, and when whole companies of the Irish were erected, I will not say the most of them sent from the rebels themselves, but of purpose to betray, but by this means the whole rabble of rascals were armed, trained, disciplined, and made apt and fit for any rebellion: and by these means the number of the rebels daily increased, that were still armed and weaponed at the Prince's charge.  
I will not speak of the several reasons and practices from time to time by them performed, but this is not to be forgotten, that the Irish themselves finding how slily they had deceived us in hoping of any assistance in their service, would merrily demand, When it was ever heard on, that one Wolf would pray upon another.  Pill. 
Will you give me leave Captain Skill, but to deliver a matter of my knowledge?  
There is an old Irish practice, that since I have known Ireland, hath cost our late gracious Queen more money than would well have served to have conquered three Ireland's: and this ariseth likewise by the overmuch trust and confidence that is had in the Irish: and it is the shoot Anchor that they all trust unto, for when all hopes do fail them, this they are sure will never deceive.  
The matter is, when they have played the fraitors, and have stood out in open rebellion, and that they have been pursued with great expense of treasure, and have been brought (as it were) to the last gasp, not longer able to endure, then to take breath, and to supply themselves again with their further practices they pretend humility, and they will make choice of some special man sometimes perhaps of some great Councillor of that Realm, or of some other great Commander of that part of the country, where themselves are abiding: but such a one they will still make choice on, as they will be sure shall be well be friended, as well at the Council Table of Ireland, as otherwise in the Court of England: To him they will pretend great submission.  
They will desire him to be a mean for a pardon, they will make great offers and protestations of their future fidelity, they will say they will deserve, and they will put in pledges for security: perhaps they will give their Procurador, a score of beeves, or a brace of fair Horse.  
This Councillor, or Commander, or whosoever looking into his own lands, & seeing them every day wasted (or at the least in danger to be spoiled) by this traitor that now eraveth his assistance, is glad to embrace his friendship, together with his suit, and howsoever he thinketh the Rebel will hold promise with the Prince, he is sure in the mean time his tenants and himself shall be spared from spoil.  
Here he calleth to mind again how acceptable a piece of service it is accounted to bring in a Traitor, how much it will redound to his reputation, when it shall be reported what a notable rebel he hath brought in, how highly it shall advance his credit, and how his friends in the Court of England shall rejoice and glorify his service, con mending it to the ears of his Sovereign Prince, whom they have made believe what a sparing it should be as well of money as of many men's lives, that the Traitor should thus be received to give the matter the better grace, they will tell what wonderful service by his means might after be performed, and how many ill disposed persons will be dismayed and terrified upon his coming in.  
There is no opportunity left, nor no labour be spared till a pardon be purchased, which being once attained, the Traitor is brought in, and where in his action of rebellion, he was able to furnish the field, with four hundred, six hundred, or a thousand traitors, he is not now able to serve his Prince with six true men: but he serveth his purpose, and watching his time, goeth out again, and will after be three times more chargeable than he was before.  
These be no novelties, nor no rare and dainty matters to be found, when there be an infinite number of precedents, that might be inferred; how our gracious Queen by this means have been abused.  Skill. 
There is no need to conceal these things in secret, because they are already too openly known, many other matters there be concerning the former affairs in that Country, that are rather privately to be considered of, then publicly discoursed, the which because they are not for me to look into, I will therefore leave them to those that are quicker sighted.  Pill. 
By this I perceive, it is better for wayfaring men to to tread those tracts already trodden out to their hands, then to seek unknown ways, that may perhaps sometime lead them astray, or at the least, lead them the farthest way about: for if those precedents by you rehearsed, left by predecessors, had been as carefully observed, as they were wisely prescribed, the rebellious sort of the Irish, had not been so well enabled to have maintained their rebellions: and now I see how that which was attributed to the execeding wisdom, policy, & valiance of the Irish, might rather be imputed to our oversight, when they strengthened themselves rather by our sufferance, then by their own wit and worthiness.  Skill. 
For the wisdom and policy that hath been noted in the Irish I must not speak of, & the best commendations that I can give is this: they have been beholding to their English friends, it is not the Irish, but the English with the Irish hearts that hath undone Ireland: let the rest pass, and let us render him his due that hath merited more honour than my pen can express: the noble Earl, the now Lord-lieutenant of Ireland, whose wisdom joined with magnanimity, hath not only repulsed the Spaniard, and freed that estate from Spanish practices, but hath likewise so qualified & quieted the desperate condition of that decayed Commonwealth (almost past hope of recovery, that he hath thereby advanced his honour to posterity, in far greater measure than I am able to set down: I can therefore but wish all happiness to himself, and good success to his honourable proceedings.  
And now to speak a little of that Ualiance so imputed to the Irish, when do they show it, or where do they perform it but in a Bog: in a pace, or in some other ground of advantage, where they are sure our horsemen shall neither charge nor chase them, and where, if our footmen do press them with good conduct, they can retire themselves by their fast footemanship without any danger.  
This is it that maketh them hardy, but upon an equal ground that yieldeth no other advantage then the virtue and valiance of him that doth command, and where horsemen and footmen may do their endeavours and be brought to serve, the Irish are as timorous as any other nation: neither is there a people in any place where I have been, that will sooner trust to their heels then they.  Pill. 
It may be the Irish are the more ready to run, knowing their own dexterity and ability to perform it: but let us leave Ireland, and speak of Valiance truly what it is, as we have already done with justice, Experience, and Policy, and how it is or may be behoveful for a General or Captain.  Skill. 
Valiance is a virtue without the which our lives are of small value, but the same being destitute of justice, is hurtful to the good: If Temperance do not moderate her, she will turn into rage, and being not guided by Experience and Skill, will labour out of reason.  Pill. 
Some will not hold him to be Valiant, that is not too venturous, and they will account of him to be but a dastard, that is not desperate.  Skill. 
True Valiance (indeed) is many times counterfeited, sometimes for fear of punishment, sometimes upon wrath, sometimes upon ignorance not foreseeing pertill, will run on as a blind man in a dangerous passage.  
Aristotle would in no wise admit that Diomides should be accounted either Valiant or wise, for that when the Cracks were put to flight, he remained alone, and adventured himself against the Force of Hector, which he did rather to sake the vain praise of the people, because he would not be accounted a run away, then for the true and sovereign good, wherein consisteth the end of virtue.  
The like he judged of Hector himself, who many times beholding his wife and other women upon the walls of Troy, would more boldly and courageously adventure himself, rather fearing some brute those women might have raised sounding to his dishonour, than otherwise he did respect the justice of his cause, or the general good of the City so distressed by the Greeks.  
Here is now a matter worthy the noting, that Aristotle being but a Heathen, would not admit of this vain ostentation, and as he had not the true knowledge of God, so he could not look into the sovereignty of virtue with a right respect: for those great Philosophers, that were accounted the wise men of the world, who only but for the wind of the world, could despise and contemn the vanities of the world, they that could weep when they were borne laugh when they ti●d, and all that they might appear to be constant, but to whom, even to this unconstant world.  
Now for those that are better instructed in the knowledge of God, they are to aim their actions at an other mark, they must look after the substance & not after the shadow, they may well consider that true christian valiance never opposeth itself without the fear of God, it never fighteth for vain glory, nor greedy desire, but for equity and justice, & for the common & general good: it never adventureth rashly or unadvisedly against reason, but with judgement & deep foresight; for courage without conscience, is like the pharisees fast, and he that will fight desperately without Experience, may well be called an angry fool, but never a valiant fool.  Pill. 
I never heard a fool reputed to be valiant, & yet I have known some not greatly overburdened with wit, that were rash & hardy enough: but I perceive the every bold bayard is not valiant, & how that courage which is forward to danger without judgement, may rather bear the name of lewd hardiness, then of manliness.  Skill. 
plutarch maketh the distinction, for he saith, that all valiant men are hardy, but all hardy men are not valiant, as those that will oppose themselves into peril, sometimes without judgement.  
To conclude, he cannot be said to be Valiant, that is not strengthened by the goodness of this cause, and fortified again by his own skill and knowledge: but he that is thus armed, he showeth himself resolute, and without fear in the midst of the greatest perriles: yea in the very danger of death itself: and although he be at any time oppressed with an impossibility of bring victorious, yet to shun and eschew desperation, he betaketh himself to patience, which so mightily defendeth him, that with great difficulty he may be overcome, but never conquered.  Pill. 
Patience is but a dry plaster, but it is a tried medicine, for it armeth men to the proof against all the assaults of Fortune: and I think that courage which at the point of death itself, showeth no discontentment, nor sign, nor show of grief, may well be imputed to constancy, and why not to Valiance?  Skill. 
Those whom Fortune hath thrown down, being spoiled and bereaved of solace and contentment, if in extreme desperation they make light account of death, there is in them yet a certain assurance of dastardly Cowardice, because they hasten their dying day, not so much for showing their Constancy, as for avoiding of misery, as may thus be expressed.  

In Fortune's high disgrace, each wight may death disdain,  
But he most valiant is, that can in wretched state remain.   Pill. 
By this now it doth appear, that although Valiance be a special ornament for a Captain, yet it marcheth but in the Rearward, preferring the other two before him as more worthy, I mean Experience and Policy: and I see it is not enough for the valiant man, to do what he can, but he must likewise take heed, that he attempt nothing, but what he ought: and therefore without Experience, he should run into many errors, and wanting Policy, he should likewise want means to execute: but I wonder what Soldiers have to do with Mercy, which you say is required in a General? I remember the Germans will needs have it confirmed, that there are three notable fools in the world. The first, an honest Diceplayer: the second, a merciful Soldier: the third, I think be a Vintner, that will sell wine without water. But for a Soldier that must be tied to Experience, Policy, and Valiance, and all but to revenge, what hath he to do with Mercy? or how can mercy and Revenge draw both in one yoke?  Skill. 
As justice without temperance is reputed cruelty, so Magnanimity without Mercy, is accounted Tyranny. This goddess is mild, gentle, & gracious, and there is nothing wherein mortal men may so nearly resemble the divine nature, as in showing of mercy, and in giving of life and safety: to show comyseration to the distressed, who in their sorrows have no other recourse then to sighs & sobs which ascend unto the presence of God, where they are most favourably received: and what can men do to show themselves more like Gods upon the earth, then in bestowing of this blessing, to give pardon and life?  Pill. 
But this is fitter for Magistrates here at home, and to such as should receive the petitions and complaints of the poor, but what is this to soldiers when they are in the field in the presence of their enemies?  Skill. 
The encounter than must be pursued with courage, but the victory must be used with mercy.  
The Lacedæmonians used before they entered battle, to make solemn sacrifice to the Muses, to the end they might by them attain, aswell how to use victory gently, as of Mars to become victors manfully: and Mercy carries not that grace and comeliness in any other person, as it doth in a mighty Conqueror, or a great Commander, because they have more occasion to use and exercise it, and it manifesteth itself most of all, where it hath most matter to work upon.  Pill. 
Pity without equity is plain partiality, and Mercy out of time & season, or leaning overmuch to lenity, hath more resemblance to foolish Pity.  
But Policy sometimes excludeth both Mercy and Pity, as the Greeks who after the destruction of Troy, slew Astyanax the son of Hector, fearing if he had lived he might have sought revenge.  
It must therefore be a great virtue, and especially in a Captain to be both merciful and wise together.  Skill. 
Mercy is then a special ornament if used in reason, and as the pleasure of Revenge, doth suddenly pass & vanish away, so the contentment of Mercy doth for evermore endure.  
Alexander was more famed for the clemency he used to his enemies, then by all the victories he otherwise obtained: neither did he repent him of the pardon he gave to Diomides (though a tyrant) nor Marcus Antonius of the favour he showed to the great King Herod.  
It is a common thing to pardon light and small offences, but to remit faults of great importance, belongeth only to the magnificent mind: and as much impossible for a noble heart to be cruel, as it is for a cruel heart to be courageous.  
A merciful and a mild authority, bringeth that to pass, which a violent force is not able to ●o: and a gentle entreaty is many times of greater efficacy, than an Imperious command.  
Mercy doth not only make men more honest, but more assured: and there is neither Sentinel nor Corpses de Guard, planted in every quarter, may be so safe a defence, as the good will and love, that is obtained by Mercy: for Squad rove may be corrupted by force or fraud, but this Castle is unpregnable, and needeth no other fortification: it carries with it such a sweetness and content, and it draws after it men's affections in such sort, that a kingdom is better preserved by it, then by an Army.  Pill. 
Then we may have the less need of Soldiers now at this present: but yet as we have already spoken of the General himself, and of those things appertaining to his place, so let us now speak something of the ordinary Soldier, and of his reputation, what it is, or should be. Now if you please Captain Skill, to make definition of a Soldier, and how he should be accomplished, being in that prime and full perfection as he ought, I will adventure myself to say what they are, and to what condition they are grown unto now at this present.  Skill. 
Then to speak of a Soldier as I would have him, I will spend a great deal of spirit, amongst the good spirits of these times, not of that spirit that makes a winter billow to break upon itself, but of that spirit which like a Martyr's fire, burns up a body to quicken many spirits.  
I make my tongue mine eyes Oracle, I challenge time to be my tongue's instance; I will speak of pure love in weak oratory: I will show, though not a Philosopher to define, yet a Soldier to execute.  
Then what infer I, but this: I will speak of a Soldier, shall I search him as Diogenes did a man with a Candle at noon day? no, I will find him with Scipio, with a sword at midnight: I will define him as I prove him▪ describe him as I wish him, and wish him such in his life, as I would be in my death.  
Execution craves hazard, and they that attempt much, expect resist: resist attains an opposite, an opposite overthrow.  
To make a Victor triumph, is to infer a Conquered: to be conquered and not die, is to be disgraced and yet live: to conquer and not die, is to buy Eternity with little price.  
Out of these conclusions chose I a Soldier, as the Stoics do their Wise men, in that (as they vainly imagine) can no ways err.  
I know him to be created to execute honourably, and to be prepared for death: since he liveth still marching forth to seek it: to hate subjection more than he feareth death, and so conjecture the honour of his calling, by the consequence of that he undertaketh.  
For what is the effect of a soldiers life? to undertake the defence of Religion, to fight for his Prince, to withstand the hazards of his Country, to repulie those that would depress the same to protect his friend and family.  
It followeth then, that as none but the Vestal Virgins were suffered to kindle the sacred fire, neither any other admitted to sacrifice to jupiter, but such as were his Priests, and were honoured for purity of life: so none should be admitted to the honour or title of a Soldier, except his Conscience were answerable to his cause, and his life as honest, as the quarrel he undertaketh is weighty and good.  
I account not him for a Soldier, that like a Nazaret wears long locks, that can swear, swash and swagger, and is more noted for the brandings he brought from the Sessions, then for the wounds he received in the wars.  
The Soldier I define and seek, must accustom himself to inquire with the Spratans', not how many the enemies be, but where they be.  
His life must be devout, his behaviour modest, his diet temperate, his most hated enemy, shameful flight, his greatest study, to learn Agis, that he is unworthy to govern many, that hath not often and sundry times fought against many.  
Such in my judgement should Soldiers be, but such (as Cicero's Orator) are easily defined, but seldom found.  Pill. 
And where would you seek for him? what in Newgate?  Skill. 
No, I am afraid of my purse.  Pill. 
Will you then fetch him from Bride well?  Skill. 
That were to buy a horse out of Smithfield.  Pill. 
How then, will you draw him out of an Alehouse?  Skill. 
Mine Hostess would chide for the reckoning.  Pill. 
Would you rake him up as he passeth through the stréeles?  Skill. 
That were just to make clean the Channel, and to carry out the filth.  
In tunes past, he that had a Crabtree look, a sewer countenance, and a hard favoured visage, they would say it was a good soldiers face: But now, they do not choose him so much for his ill-favoured look, as they do for his ill-favoured conditions.  
But for him, that from a Psalm of mercy, is made a maintainer of justice, and that is redeemed from the whip, to fight for his Prince, or that is but raked up in the streets, to undertake for his Country's defence, what policy this is, let some Philosopher decide, for my little wit is too slender to conjecture.  Pill. 
Let me now speak truly of Soldiers what they 〈◊〉: I think of all Occupations they be the men of the best conscience, for they never rise nor fall with the Market, but let corn be cheap or dear, their pay is still eight pence a day: let the days be short or long, fair or fowl, hot or cold, they keep their price, eight pence a day, no more than they had many years ago, when they might have bought more for the eight pence, than they can do now for their eighteen.  
Again, the Soldiers in these days, do never put out their money for usury, they never purchase lands nor livings out of their neighbour's hands: you shall not find him in the merchants books for any great sums, and yet if it be but for a matter of a thousand pounds, a soldiers word is as good as his band.  
This honest demeanour of theirs, doth so privilege them, that after the wars ended, when they return into their Country, it is in their own choice, whether they will beg or steal: if he cannot procure to be one of the Knights of Windsor, he may easily compass to be whipped about the streets at Westminster.  
Now of all Occupations, I would not wish my friends to bind their sons Apprentices to the Soldiers trade in these days, and yet the profession hath been accounted honourable, and it may well retain the honour still, for any thing that I know: but there is no gain, nor great commodity bolonging to the Occupation.  
Perhaps yet a man that hath honestly served, at his return home, may get some worshipful Gentleman's countenance, or a Noble man may now and then vouchsafe him a nod, or a favourable look: And it is a goodly matter that same, and very acceptably received of many: but for my part I had rather have a lambs Purtinance, than such a Countenance: for the one may serve to fill the belly, and for the other, it may well feed a fool, but I am sure it will never make him fat.  
I think in times past, it was as rich a booty to get some Noble man's countenance, as it was for Scoggin to get the Bishop's Blessing, that being once attained, they were both scarce worth a couple of pence.  Skill. 
But yet Captain Pill I would not have you to blaspheme Soldiers, nor to let slip such speeches as might seem in a sort to deprave Nobility.  Pill. 
I pity the Soldier, and I reverence and extol honourable Nobility: you may say I speak plainly, but I protell I mean honestly, though my words be not embroidered with high morality: I care not, if my speeches be plain and true, they so much the more resemble their Sire: and for children to be like the parents, besides the Mid wise will give it a blessing, so it is a sign they be legitimate: defects I know they cannot want, that in the procreation were bred and borne before their time: for as I was conceived of them in an instant, so I was delivered again in a moment: and these abortive brats, that are thus hastily brought into the world, though they seldom prove to have any great vigour or strength, yet I hope being rightly considered of, these will prove to be of as honest and plain dealing as their father.  Pill. 
Plain dealing is a Soldiers best method, but you have declaimed the Soldiers profession: and what Knowledge, Art, or Science is it, that you would now prefer before it?  Pill. 
Marry I say the Tailors, and of mine honesty fool that I am so swear) it my censure were demanded who I thought to be the wisest men now in these later times, I would say they were Tailors: if any man came in with his Quare, my Qui● should be, because they make us all fools, Id est, they bless us tuerie day with a new bebbe, with a new stick, with a new cut, with a new guard, and they can devise every day a new fashion for a fool.  Skill. 
Me thinks (Captain Pill) you have dealt in your discourse as the woman, who going about to cure a blemish in one of her eyes, applied so many plasters till she put them both out: and you seeming all this while but to salve some infirmities that have lately crept in amongst soldier, have at an instant so dashed them & their profession with such discretion as we have hither to spent many words I think to little purpose.  Pill. 
Words are but a windy chaffer, that are still chopped and changed, because they are good cheap, and I think if they were but of very little worth, we should be as sparing of them as we be of our good deeds.  
Words are like Scoggins sleeveless men, that he still employed about sléevelesse errands: And we send words of many more messages, than we mean to perform: words when they be spoken, are as they are taken, and my purpose hath not been to quarrel with Soldiers: neither do I think them to be more worthy of blame, than a great many of others, that would be reputed faultieste: But seeing I am entered into a speaking vain give me leave yet once again, a little to digress from our martial matters, and let me spend a little breath but for mine own exercise, to speak of something, it makes no matter what.  Skill. 
Speak what you list I will give you the hearing, and yet still to chop from one matter to another, some will say is no good Decorum.  Pill. 
It makes no matter for that, let them say so still, for I mean not (indeed) to follow any certain order or rule of appointed precepts, though I know curious heads will stand upon Method: yet it is enough for soldiers if they can prefer matter▪ Scholars will look after rhetorical discourse, we content ourselves with bare and naked truth.  
I know there be many of so quick a wit, and so lively a spitit, that they will do wrong unto nature, yea and to God himself, & they have found out so many subtle subtleties, that are yet made more subtle, by the means of subtle handling, that but with a little mist of knowledge, they will pervert, and deface knowledge itself: then they are so fortified and guarded with such store of distinctions, def●nitions, conclusions, propositions, so many paraphrases, so many circumlocutions, so many translations, so many figures, and such a marry of other starting holes, as I think Vulcan's Net that snarled Mars himself, were not able to hold them.  
then what am I, whose knowledge is but ignorance, whose wit is but dull, whose mind is inwured in a dirty prison of a sensual body: how would I then take upon me (amongst the frisking wits of these our days) to discourse of humours, to speak of fancies, and to set down the dispositions of the foolish nultitude?  
If Heraclitus were now living, and should take a survey of this strait of times, I wonder with what countenance he would look upon us? I verily think that where he wept but by fits to see the infirmity of those times wherein he lived, the would now shed continual tears without stinting, to see the unhappiness of the time now present.  
And I doubt again, that if we had another Democrites amongst us in England, to look upon the conversation of all sorts of people, I wonder whether he would laugh for joy in contemplating our happiness, still squared out by the providence of godly Princes, or laugh to scorn the practices of the ungodly, that are still plaiting and practising their own infelicity?  
Some will say the world runs on wheels, and it may be it hath done so in times past: but I say now it goes on crourhes, it is become Bis puer, it is waxen old, decrepit and lame: A limping world God knows, and nothing but halting between neighbour and neighbour, between friend and friend, between brother, and brother, and sometimes halting downright between? the father and the child.  
Our auncesteurs alas, they were but plain dealing men, they had not the mineing compliments now in use, they knew not a Fantastic from a fool, and they were better acquainted with a Shooing-horn, than they were with a Setting-stick.  
But now I will not give a groat for his conceit that cannot make an Owl an Hawk, a jack Napes a Sheep, an old Mill-horse, a Palfrey for a man of honour, if he cannot work wit like wax, form it into any impression: if he cannot powder it, perfume it, and season it to please fancies: if he cannot Anothomize and Martyr it: and if need require, if he cannot draw wit into a Quintessence.  
Yet there be some others, so unapt and dull, that it might be believed that Nature had brought them into the world but in a despite and mockery: yet, if the Cowe-pasture be flored with milk kine, and that there be a Téeme or two of Oxen to plow the land, some store of Hogs on the backside, and that the wit will but serve to keep them out of the corn, and to know when it is a good season to sow Barley, you shall see such a Magnisico, when he causes to a Market-town, will take more state upon him, than he that sold a groatsworth of wit, in a 〈◊〉 worth of paper.  
Now he that should hear but one of these Hoglings at assemblies and meetings, how they will calculate of dearth and plenty, and for Corn, cattle, butter, Cheese, and such other like, they will tell you this year, what price it will bear the next: if a great frost or a snow doth sometimes happen more than ordinary, they will by & by prognosticate of dearth: or if it do but rain one hour too much, or half an hour too little, the next market day they will raise the price of corn by twelve pence in a bushel.  
If these men did but know their own unworthiness, I think they would change their simplicity to desperation, and would convert their pang of drowsy ignorance, to a quotidian fit of frenzy.  
I must yet confess they show great modesty, that leaving the study of wisdom to their friends, do draw the whole contentment from a little dirt and dross.  
It would be tedious for me to deliver the diversity in the dispositions of men: we see one ready to die for the love of a woman: another will set his wife to sale: one would that every man should live of his own: some other are so much inclined to Pitharoras' sect, that they would have all things to be in common amongst friends: one will boast with Thraso, another will flatter with Gnato: another to make john his son a gentleman, will himself lie like a miser all the days of his life: but I think that be to verify the proverb, Happy, is the child, whose father goes to the devil.  
What a numberless company of huntsmen are there in the world, that do follow this chase of hunting after wealth, assisted only by this hope, to make their sons gentlemen, and how easy a matter is it to be a gentleman in these days, when there be so many servile practices to draw in wealth, and every rich man may stand upon his genterie.  
We may now put a sir-reverence, when we speak of honesty when Bribery, Usury, Perjury, and every other iniquity are honest men's trades.  
And I think if Hell were a place of return, and that there were any hope of gold or gain there so be gotten, more triple headed dogs than one would not be able to defend the entry.  
Our ancestors hunted after honour, but we after wealth: they left themselves famed to posterity by vertueus' indevoer: & we desire to leave some Memorandum to after ages of our being, but not for any good deeds: but as he that fired the Temple of Diana, to be enrolled with perpetual infanty.  
Some, to leave themselves renowned to future times, do build stately houses, the tops elevated to the clouds, which they have set up as 〈◊〉 of their glory, ●ot are the ensigns of vanity, and the monuments of miserable iniquity.  
To this college do they also appertain, who by their life days do seriously enact with what pump and glory their funerals shall be performed, and are more famed for a sumptions tomb erected after their death, then for any good deed performed all the days of their life.  
Same others, for leaving there Erecutors to give pennis ●ole atter they are dead, do hope for that deed of charity, not only to be commended to posterity, but also to obtain a Quietus est, for all his former extortions, exactions, & opressions, whatsoever.  Skill. 
Captain Pill, were it not good for you now to take a little breath, and to think it better for a man to reform his own faults, then to take exceptions at other men's.  Pill. 
I know there is not a more dangerous enterprise, then for a man to look into the sins of the mighty Giants of the world: and I say again, we perish, if we search out their evil, that will wallow in wickedness, and yet will not be controwled.  
It is now forty years ago since I was twenty years old, in this mean time, I have had some respect to observe which way the wind hath blown, but I could never learn where bare and naked Truth had clothed Honesly in a furred gown, nor where Wit that had endeavoured to reprove Folly could get so much as a livery cloak for his better countenance.  Skill 
Honesty, that is of a reprehending humour, that will be snarring at the ungodly, shall b●gge his bread, and he that cannot dissemble with wicked men, alas, how can he live in the world? not by his honesty, nor by kiss wi●: and as for learning, he that hath but the gift of flattery, he shall be able to confound all other knowledge, and to run through the great affairs of the world: it is more available than six of the seven liberal Sciences.  Pill. 
Why should the learned sort then adventure to give the world new eyes, to see into those things beyond the common sense of men? or why should those that be watchful, awaken the dull and blockish spirit, with sin so ●●lde asleep, that it cannot discern the beauty of the soul? or why should they that moves the Spheres with wit, and purifies the suddy senses of the sensual world, impart their pure to these regardless times?  
You happy wights that have made the world drunken with the pleasant Nectar of your rare inventions, hoard up your golden gain within your sacred breasts, let worlds bearing ●sses breath and feed on chaff, vntée●● your busy thoughts from farther soil, and rest your wearied Muse from this prenticeship of pains, why should you talk and 'tice yourselves to ●igge the mine of wit, when abject bounty will not level out the labour of one happy line?  Skill. 
The travel of wit findeth out and layeth open the very secrets of nature, & where will & knowledge do meet, the Graces sit installed in the breast, the Muse's sleeps in the bosom, Art pencils out his secrets, and Wonder builds his monuments in the excellency of his skill.  
The broils of bloody war leaveth nothing undevoured: yet must it leave Knowledge, Art, and Science behind untouched: for War cannot take any spoil from Virtue, & when all things are cut away with the Sickle of Time, Knowledge flourisheth so high, that Time cannot reach it.  
The pens of the learned will pierce a Soldiers cor●●et, and by abasing or concealing the most haughty exploits of the Magnanimous, they will eclipse his glory, or leave him to oblivion: and again, but with a drop or two of ink, they can exalt and magnify their friends and favourours (although sometimes above the truth) that they will lead them famed and renowned to posterity.  
And who is ignorant of the true glory that hath been stored up by the learned in the treasure-house of Letters?  Pill. 
It should then appear (Captain Skill) that Knowledge, Art, and Science, are much more precious than profitable, if not, why lives the learned in such perpetual want?  Skill. 
Because the world loves fools, and scorns the wise.  Pill. 
Indeed a fool may sometimes sit above the fault, where he that is wise shall scant be permitted at the neither end of the table: but when shall Arts prevail and flourish then?  Skill. 
When Kings become Philosophers again.  Pill. 
That time is come, and God be thanked that hath sent it in time: and now I perceive what it was, that Aristinus being asked why so few Princes in his time, did extend their liberality in such sparing sort to the learned, made answer, because their consciences did accuse them how unworthy they were, of those praises which the learned were accustomed to give to Princes that were trulis virtuous, neither could they discern of the excellency of Arts, that were themselves so utterly ignorant.  
But now if the goodness of a Prince may promise a gracious consideration to the well deserving: England is made happy in him, whose name is already consecrated to immortality, whose Magnificence equalled with Virtue, is able with Caeser, with one hand to hold the Spear in the rest, and with the other to hold the pen: whose Imperial seat is no less renowned by Mars, then beautified by the Muses.  
I could wade farther, but it were better for me to conceive in silence, than not being able to utter, might seem indisreete.  
I will therefore here stay myself, and will yet once again convert my speeches to speak of Martial matter: but first Captain Skill, for as much as you have already defined of a Soldier, what he should be in the prime of his perfection, if we could now finds the cause from whence it springeth, that they are so far degenerated from this so honourable a condition, we might then with the Physician, first by removing the cause, be able the more easily to cure the sickness.  Skill. 
The propogation of Soldiers with us here in England (thus lately grown to this bastardly kind) are especially misbegotten in their very first choice: for in times of employment, when Soldiers are to be levied and prepared, the election is made of Rogues, Runagates, Drunkards, and all sorts of vagabonds and disordered persons, such as are fitter to garnish a prison, then to furnish a Camp: And the authority of these appointments are committed to silly Constables, or perhaps sometimes, to some justice of peace, as silly and ignorant as he that is most simple: and these do thinks they have performed a very wise piece of service, when they have rid the country of this scum of idle loiterers.  Pill. 
It was my fortune not many years sithence to pass along the streets, where I saw a company of towns men, that were weaponed with old rusty bills, who were haling and pulling of a fellow by the head and the shoulders (I had thought to some place of execution) and demanding of one of the company what affence the fellow had committed: I was answered, shall it was an idle Rogue that had been a 〈◊〉 about the country, & they had pressed him for a Soldier.  
But I pray (said I) doth your Commission warrant you to press Rogues, to serve for Soldiers?  
With this demand, the Constable of the Ward began to grow very hot and angry, and he told me flatly, he was not ignorant how far his Commission did extend: and as for these Rogues, Wagabonds, and other like excrements of the Commonwealth, he thought it a happy riddance to purge the Country of that infection and by sencing them to the wars, to keepeth honester men at home in their places.  
I durst not render any rough reply to the Constable, lest he should complain that I went about to 〈◊〉 to the execution of his Office: but in a courteous owner I asked of him, that if the place where he dwelled were so 〈◊〉, that an enemy were ready to approach, to moke spoil and hau●ek● of their lines and goods, and to make a pray of the City or Town wherein he dwelled, whether would he and the rest of the inhabitants his neighbours, retain such men as they had pressed for the service of their Prince, to fight in their defence, and to repose themselves in the trust of their service?  
In saith sir no (quoth Master Constable) for we would sooner commit them all to pr●●h, then to put weapons into their hands, that would be more ready to take the spoil of us, then to hurt our enemies.  
Then I perceive Master Constable (said I) you can quickly conceive of the good or ill that concerneth yourselves, but you cannot so easily discern of the general good, that doth as nearly concern your Prince and Country: but God bless the place you dwell in from any such distress as we have spoken of, and God defend, that either the sovernigne dignity of our gracious Prince or the honour of our Country, should ever depend in the fidelity or service of that rascal rabble, thus raked up and sent to the wars.  
The Constable presently chaps me up this answer: Sir, I perceive by the sound of your words, you are a favourite to Captains, and I think you could be contented, that to serve the expedition of these times, we should take up honest householders, men that are of wealth and ability to live at home, such as your Captains might chop and change, and make merchandise of, sometimes by retail, sometimes by the great, (as men use to buy Oxen in Smithfield) a whole company bought and sold together, not to him that was of best experience, but to him that would give most money? But sir, God defend that any man of honest reputation should come in place to be extorted, where decide the exartions of victuallers, they shall be infected with unwholesome and unseasonable provisions, oppressed by the Pro●ant Master, cheated and purloined by so many scraping Officers, as it would but breed anger to be spoken of.  
Let me tell you therefore in secret, that we have learned of Scoggin long ago, to seek out sleeveless men, to send of sleeveless arra●os. When the wars shall be reform, and reduced to a more honourable course, we will endeavour ourselves to ●●●de out men of better worth, in the mean time, these may serve, as best befiting the Discipline of this age.  
This open mouthed Constable put me to a Non plus, I would faives have replied, but I wist not what, and for want of better matter, I ●●me a little over him with Blurt Master Constable.  
I 〈◊〉 not stand upon old principles, what observation hath been used by our ancestors, in the choice of Soldiers, what regard was had to the ability of his body, to the honesty of his mind to the place of his birth, and to what trade he had been 〈◊〉 up in: these matters & perceive by the Constable, are not now in request: for in those days Soldiers were chosen for their virtue, but now for their vice: in that choice there was comfort, but in this there is neither honour, pro●t, safety, nor hope of good success.  Skill. 
Unhappy may those wares be called where men are but sent as it were to the slaughter, too we●k in nū●ec, unfurnished, unprovided, unpaid, & every way wr●ged & discouraged: for this usage, & these services, rogues, runagate & peasants are the first men to be sent: but where Princes do mean to have their honours maintained, their Country defended, or their estates and persons secured, they must look to another choice, for in the choice of the Soldier, consisteth the strength of the war: and who is more fit to fight for his Country, than the man of most approved honesty, that hath care of his reputation, and is ashamed of villainy?  
But what success may be hoped for by those wars that are supplied by men altogether Irreligious profane, wicked, ungracious, such as God hath not promised to bless, but hath denounced against them his malediction and curse? O wit neglecting times, that cannot look into this apparent ill, and cannot discern afore hand of the inconvenience that may succeed.  
We first press Rogues, Drunkards, and such other ill disposed persons, which being once pressed, must be kept with continual guard, perhaps in Bridewell, or other like places, for running away: What a heavy burden then to the Commonwealth to Arm and appoint them fit for the field? then being delivered to their Captains & Conductors, they are transported to the place of Rend vous, with as good a will, as a Bear is brought to the stake, and the time that they should spend in the practice of their weapons, they practise nothing but how to run away: so that before one month be fully ended, he that can show fifty for his hundred, is worthy to pass the Musters for an able company.  
How Generals and great Commanders were by these means abused by their Muster Rolls, where they might find for every thousand men, at the least two thousand names: the Commissaries, and other Officers of the Musters, (that were not corrupted by the scraping Captain) can well enough report: But how Princes and estates were deceived of their pay, I may slightly pass, because (as it should appear) the matter was but slenderly regarded: and how the Commonwealth likewise was continually charged with the levying of supplies, that ran away again as fast as they were sent: the matter deserveth no great consideration, when both citis and country did pay so dearly for it: as they deserved no better, that would make no better choice.  
Thus through the simplicity of a Constable, the Prince's service was abused, the manners and Disciplines of the ancient Militia corrupted, and the name and estimation of the noble Soldier utterly despised.  
But here is the main mischief, if necessity should enforce to fight, what hope to confirm those fellows with a settled resolution, to encounter a warlike enemy, when they are so ready to run away, before ever they durst to look foe in the face?  
Will you persuade them to fight for the honour of their Country? why they never know what honesty meant: what then, to defend their lands and livings, why they have nothing to lose, and less to care for: will you press them with shame for being reputed Cowards? but they will never blush, that are not only past shame, but also past grace; why then what law to enjoin them, what love to induce them, or what gods to co●iurs them?  
I will leave the rest to those that are (indeed) inducious and able to discern: but forasmuch as the soldier is the arm and strength of the war, it shall not be altogether inconvenient, briefly to touch and slip ever what consideration former times have had in their election and choice.  
The holy Scriptures themselves doth furnish us with many examples tending to this purpose, as when the whole Host of the children of Israel were utterly dismayed, for the multitude of their enemies, the Lord commanded Gedeon, to muster such to encounter them, as were most faithful, & doubted nothing of his promises made unto them, which were but three hundred in number, and were chosen by the lapping of water.  
And who is so silly as not to think, but that the antiquity of Musters, is no less ancient than the antiquity of Wars, neither hath their been any error more severely punished, than those abuses in the Training and Mustering of Soldiers.  
This chopping and changing is but a late practice, and she Musters in times past, were evermore taken in the presence of men of judgement, gravity and wit: and amongst the Romans, they were committed to prison, their goods confiscats and sold, that would not personally appear and answer to their names at any time of Musters when they were called: and to conclude, I think he doth but ill deserve so enjoy any benefit in his country, that will refuse to fight for the liberty and safety of his country.  Pill. 
I may say Amen: but he that should preach this doctrine, perhaps might offend the better sort of his parishioners: but now I perceive they be not all Soldiers that runs up and down the country a begging under soldiers Passports, but according to the proverb, Cat after kind: so these I perceive will follow their former function, first from a Rogue to a Soldier, and from a Soldier again to a Rogue, it must needs be a well form Camp that is framed of such stuff.  
I wonder now what Discipline might be prescribed to contain these fellows in order in the time of War, that could never be brought to observe order nor honesty in the time of Peace: yet there is nothing more necessary than order, especially in War, without the which all runs to confusion: but for myself, I think I were best to speak of order, as he that came from Church, who could say, There was a very good sermon: and yet could neither remember the text, nor any other word that the Preacher had spoken: so say I, order is good, (if it be decent:) but many doth use it, as they do use the new fashion, that do never thinks themselves to be in fashion, till they be quite out of all fashion.  Skill. 
The ancient orders and manners left unto us by the great Captains of former ages are omitted, sometimes by corruptions, sometimes by necessity, and many times innovated by Captains, who to show themselves as wise as women's Tailors, can devise every day a new fashion.  
This order that we speak of, is to be observed in the field, in the Town, in the Camp, in marching, in fight, in charging, in refyring.  
In like manner, whether to offend or defend, there is nothing of more importance than order, when by the neglect thereof, great and mighty armies have perished.  
In the beginning, before they knew any manner of form, or order of array, the victory was evermore carried away by the stronger part: but sithence they have learned to order themselves into Ranks, and to fight in good array, the conquest now is not so proper to the strength of men, as it is to this experimented order: neither is there any multitude (being once broken and disordered) that are able to abide a far inferior number, that shall assail them with order and skill.  
This order therefore is to be observed, first in distributing their whole forces into Companies, into Regiments, into Squadrons: and it is a pleasing thing, because an Army consisting of many parts, may with the more ease be divided and martialled 〈◊〉 for service, as occasion and need shall require.  
Provided always, that the order that is to be observed in fight, hath evermore relation to the weapons then in use, for the alteration of weapons, doth necessarily enforce the alteration of order.  Pill. 
That must needs stand with reason: but yet there be some not knowing this, that will figure forth such forms of Battles, as (I think) were used in Alexander's time, and were fitter for the encounters of that age, then for the service of the time present, & this antiquity they infer as a matter of great importance whereby to privilege them: but here by they do so much the more be wray their ignorance, for those orders then in use, would be altogether out of season, or to very little purpose.  
But there is a second Parodox which is now lately crept out of a budget, that doth all to be pepper this opinion, and will in no wise endure that the alteration of weapon should likewise enforce the alteration of order, and hath inferred no less than 30. imputations very wisely objected against the moderns Captains of this age as he calleth them, for digressing from the disciplines and orders used by the ancient Captains (I think he means in the time of King Arthur) amongst the greeks and Romans.  Skill. 
Captain Pill, I know from out of what books those imputations were first drawn, & 〈◊〉 upon what spleen the collections were gathered, neither am I ignorant what it was that made the Author to conceal his Paradoxes, and would not suffer them to be published in print so long as he lived, and now he is deceased, it were no humanity to cavil with men that are in their graves: he is dead, and therefore let him rest, and God send us that be living a little more wit, then to believe all which that second Paradox would seem to intimate.  
But as from the beginning, the hatred and malice of men one towards another hath continually increased, so with this rage and fury, they have not failed from time to time, to practise new inventions whereby to kill and murder, and to this purpose they have till devised weapons, every one of more advantage than other.  
At the first before weapons were known, they avenged themselves with teeth and nail, after they began to fight with staves and clubs, than they found out the forging both of weapons and armours, and from age to age, new inventions of sword, javelins, bills, pikes, and other manual weayons were found out and practised by sundry men at several times, entertaining still those weapons in use, which they sound to be of greatest force and most advantage.  
Thus by piece meals they likewise invented sundry parcels of armour, where with they armed men: then they fell to arming of Chariots, Eliphants: And Horses were likewise armed and barded till within these few years.  
Continuance of time brought in Long bows, Crossbows, Slings, Brakes, Darts, and such other like, and now of late we have changed them all for the Caliver and Musket.  
Those forms and proportions that were used when they had no other encounters but with manual and short weapons (and that the hope of victory consisted in the vigour and strength of men's arms, and in his skill that could bring most hands to fight) would be now to little purpose, when the mightiest troops and squadrons may be so discomfited with the fury of shot, that they shall never be able to strike one stroke.  
We have therefore left those forms & battles that were then used, and have retained an order perfected by time, and bettered by Experience.  
〈◊〉 For our ancient English weapon the Longbow, I am sure there be many that would gladly maintain the excellency of them: but for as much as in the first discourse between us, we have sufficiently delated of their greatest effects, we may therefore let them yas, yet for my part I could wish they were but half so effectual as some ignorant men would willingly persuade.  Pill. 
I think there is nothing wherein Fortune is more variable then in the actions of War, for as there is no settled form or Discipline which is not chopped & changed in every age, so in field encounters, there is no hope nor certainty, which is not quashed again in every moment: and therefore Princes do in nothing more deceive themselves, then when they do refuse a reasonable composition when it is offered, and rely in the hope and hazard of a Battle.  Skill. 
It were good that Princes (with justice and equity) could keep their own, rather than by tyranny to encroach of others: but in the time of War to neglect the prosecution of service by Parleys, by taking of Truces, and delaying of time, it is cloaked under the plausible pretence of Policy, which they call the winning of time, when in truth they do lose both time and opportunity.  
And who be these Politicians that doth persuade it, but Ignorance, Fearfulness, covetousness, and many times it is induced by Treason itself.  
Under the colour of treaty of Peace, many practices of hostility hath been performed: and what greater error may be committed, then to suffer an enemy to buy his own advantage but with a few flattering words, and then to laugh us to scorn for our folly.  
This old Canticle, Da pacem in diebus nostris, hath sometimes been too much embraced, and the bare motion and sound of Peace, is so sweet and pleasing to the fearful and faint hearted, that to patch and piece it up, they neglect and set as●●● all occasions, giving an enemy those advantages, that many times are not to be redeemed.  
And what conditions so dishonourable and base, but the coveious minded man (for sparing of money) will surrender unto, and all to conclude a Peace more deabtful and dangerous than the bloodiest War.  
I will not say but in the time of Parleys, persuasion may do much, but it is best then to persuade, when there is force to command: for in the time of Parleys and Treaties of peace, the Conqueror and he that is of greatest power, doth rather give then receive conditions.  
I acknowledge, assured peace, is evermore to be embraced: but these coloured treaties and bad assurances, are both dangerous and unprofitable, and Princes have incurred by them great loss, both of time and experience.  
This dallying out the time of service with deluding Parleys, hath been holden by timorous people to be very politic, but if Misery be reputed for Policy, and sparing out of season be called good husbandry, I say still they are ill spared pence, that doth afterwards cost a great many of pounds.  
I must not speak of the delays of our times, but if it be true, that the wit is best that is dearest paid for, we might in this age be wise and wary both, and learn to look better to the market, lest after this, we buy our own folly at as dear a rate, as we have already purchased wit.  Pill. 
I know not how to value wit, nor what price it hath borne in times past: but if it hath been so dearly bought, me thinks they should have done well to have spared some part of the charge to have paid poor Soldiers, that (God knows) have many times wanted both pay and means whereby to maintain themselves in any able sort to serve.  Skill. 
As the Wars cannot be performed without Soldiers, so Soldiers cannot be contained without pay: for where there is want of pay, there must needs be but a scambling war, many disorders committed, and as many opportunities pretermitted.  Pill. 
For want of pay, the Soldier cannot be kept from scraping, aswell from friends as fees: it likewise breedeth mutinies and all manner of disorders, and Soldiers unpaid, will make but a slow march, maintain but a faint fight, and it makes them so weak of body, and feeble of courage, that one thousand of Soldiers that were duly paid, and well provided for, would be more profitable in the day of battle, than slew thousand of such starvelings that are almost samished aforehand, and for want of necessaries, are brought so low, that they are neither able to endure fight, nor yet able to run away.  Skill. 
The want of money in the time of War, breedeth in a General disgrace, in a Soldier contempt, in the enemy occasion of treason, in the confederate, a will to revolt.  
The Romans (amongst others) maintained their Monarthies' by these means, they endeavoured nothing more, then to reward good desert: nor sought any thing less, then to defraud their soldiers of their pay: in peace they provided them privileges, at home they allowed them colonies to dwell in; and in the wain of the Empire, so careful were Monaches to requite them, that their elections did hang in their choice, and their fortunes, on their swords: that as one studied to be liberal, so the other strove to be loyal.  Pill) 
To maintain this pay, your opinion is (as I perceive by your former spieches) that we have not so much need of money, as we have of good orders, to see them first set down, and then well executed.  Skill. 
I say so still: and I add thus much farther, that if in times past, the corruptions of all sorts of officers had been examined in time, great sums of money might have been spared to pay soldiers, that was worse employed, and more unprofitably spent.  Pill. 
I know not in this case what I should judge: but for these thirty or forty years I have been a little acquainted with the wars of several Countries, and I never knew but in every place they still complained for want of pay: but to say the truth, our English nation, more than all she rest have ever found themselves most aggrieved, as 〈◊〉 against the pinching & prowling of Captains, as against the cheating and shifting of officers: but is it not possible for Princes and Estates to find a remedy for these inconveniences?  Skill. 
Not possible, so long as their is brying and selling of companies, nor so long as offices are to be bought and sold for money.  
I dare not take upon me to advise Princes whom they should trust in these causes, but with reverence and under correction, I will say a little whom they should not trust, and of whom they ought to beware.  
Then first let them take heed to the Irreligions, & again, of him that is covetous: but if they do wish good success to their own affairs, let them beware how they trust him that will buy his office, and will give money to attain his place.  
I protest I have not spoken any thing particularly, whereby to detect or impeach any person in private, but only in commiseration of the poor Soldiers, who by these disorders have been miserably wronged.  
And as the pay that hath been thus spent, might have been a great deal better spared: so there is nothing more hurtful to the proceedings of War, than too much misery and pinching, where the spending of money (and but in necessary sort) shall be more respected, then either the loss of honour, or the hazard of a Kingdom.  Pill. 
And it might be termed to be but a threadbare War, where besides an ordinary pay, there is not likewise an extraordinary recompense, whereby to gratify desert.  Skill. 
Where well doing is not regarded, there duty is many times neglected: and although the law do enforce some, and necessity prick forwards others to the service of their country, yet Reward and Recompense are more effectual to induce a noble courage, than any other mean: for men hardly entertain hazard where there is no hope, and great minds that will aspire to great adventures, must be recompensed with great rewards.  
But would you have examples, how good desert hath been advanced? look into the holy scriptures, see the noble Caleb promised his reward by Gods own mouth, for his great courage and constancy amongst the children of Israel, and Caleb himself bestowed his fair daughter Achsah upon Othniell his brother's son, for taking the City Cariath.  
David in like manner received great riches of Saul, for killing Goliath: but the Romans amongst the rest, to stir up men's minds to martial prows, besides bountiful and liberal rewards, they invented glorious triumphs, whereby he that deserved Fame, might for ever after be eternised.  
In those days honours and the highest places were rewards for valiant men, and good desert was recompensed with great preferment: now there is no reward but for villainy, for betraying of a Town, for poisoning of a Prince, for practising of treason, or for some other like conspiracy.  
Now for him that lives within the compass of an honest life, they think his wit will afford him no better: & as there is no reward for the courageous, so there is no punishment for the coward.  
In diebus illis, after victories obtained & troubles overpast, then began the soldiers glory, for then good deserts were ever recompensed: so that the end of the war, was the beginning of the soldiers felicity, but now the end of the war is the beginning of his beggary, and an alms is the best recompense for the best desert.  
When Glory was the reward of Virtue, men would then contend who should most exceed in Virtue, but now sithence that hope hath been quenched, they strive who should be most insolent, for where Glory is taken from Virtue, there Virtue is likewise taken from men.  Pill. 
There is yet a comfort left to those that have honestly served the Country, when they may say that there best recompense is, the testimony of a good conscience, and the contentment of an honest mind.  Skill. 
The testimony of a good conscience is better than a thousand witnesses, and he that hath a contented mind, hath greater treasure than Fortune is able to deprive: for what adversity can check him that is armed with contentment?  Pill. 
Contentment is the mark we all shoot at, but who could ever hit it? Solomon sought seriously after it, but he could not find it: the wise men of the world, have hunted after it in the world, and although they have sometimes had it in chase, baiting themselves with a present satisfaction for a time, yet our affections are so variable, that more changeable than the Moon, we erect every day a new choice, loathing that to morrow, that we liked of to day.  Skill. 
Where then shall we seek for that sovereign contentment by us so much desired? if not in this world, why then by a fract more excellent and divine then Reason itself is able to reach unto.  Pill. 
There are yet many reasons whereby to maintain that sovereignty of contentment, which to those that are earthly minded may seem unpleasant, but to a soul once settled in contemplation, they are the ministers of mere Divinity.  Skill. 
Who liveth here in that content, lives happily, for he sequesters his wandering thoughts from the vanity e● the world, and so tampers all his spirits, that he wholly resigns himself to meditation.  
O precious freedom of the mind that thus funes his fancies on the Lydian Harpe● he may with Theseus take hold on the Clue, that leadeth from the Baby●inth of worldly vanities, for he so frees himself from the sreakes of fortune, that as the seaman with his Jacob's staff, doth count the ascending and descending of the Sun so he beholds all the choking chances of the ambitious world, sometimes climbing up, again declining down.  
If his means will not serve to mount, so he cannot lightly fall, for Flattery cannot blast him with his breath, nor Aspolike Envy flings him not asleep: here the Traitors armed hand affrights him not, nor Sinon sugared tears are able to deceive: but Magnitude with a perfect courage of a constant mind attends and waits on him, and thus retired from all his worldly cares, he reaps the fruit of sweet and quiet rest.  Pill. 
O happy he that levels out his life by this line, for a soul thus armed with this coat-armour, is able to wade through all the strreames of trouble, & firing his anchor hope in the inviolate constancy of a mind thus settled, what can dismay or affright him?  
Death itself is here despised, and although the very name be bidrous and terrible to fools, beating in the ears of the idle and slothful, ye here it cannot hurt.  
But what object I Death, or why should I speak of a burial, shall we doubt of that which is natural, and for the which we were borne? O how unfortunate might he be accounsed that is loath to return to his country of rest.  Skill. 
Then to wind up our conclusion, and to make an end of our conference at this time, I will speak a little of life and death as they should be esteemed: for if we could duly consider of the good that cometh unto us by death it would appear that the whole Tragedy of the evils of this life is there finished, and that the sting of Death, is but the beginning of life.  Pill. 
Your conclusion will be both apt, and to a very good purpose: but first I will conclude with many thanks for this your undeserved courtesy: and because I will not longer interrupt you, I will now rest attentive.  Skill. 
Since life is the race, wherein we strive to obtain honour, and death is the term whereby our honours are crowned, I will speak of life as it should be confirmed to virtue, and of death as the true gate of felicity.  
Life saith the Philosopher is but a borrowed dream of pleasure, wherein we apprchend all things incertainly, by reason of the swift and irrecoverable changes thereof.  
It is a race wherein the wicked man seeketh to overthrow the good, and the good man that standeth on his feet, will not help the good man that lieth on the ground.  
It is a vision of delight that vanisheth in imagination, a warfare of uncertainty, and a way to death.  
In life there is no distinction either of greatness or abjectness, for the beggar in life, hath as great interest as the King.  
It is only the way wherein we walk crowned with honour to our grave, or buried with infamies to seek out eternal death.  
Wretched is that life, which hath but a time to live, and that in death, a life without the which death had not been.  
Briefly to express how abject a thing life is, let that saying of Philip of Macedon serve to confirm the same, who finding a fit place to encamp in, but unfit to allow his beasts of burden any ●other: How miserable (saith he) is our life, who are enforced to bestow the best opportunities of the same to the service of Asses?  
It is like a Pageant or Stage, whereon all sorts show themselves, that challengeth nothing from eternity, but the fruits of good employments. The hazard of life is determined by the justice of the cause, & it is never more happy, than when lost worthily.  
The shortness thereof is redeemed by the use, for Life well employed is a prevention of Death.  
As for Death, what is it but a blessed necessity to the good man, and a fearful enemy to the evil?  
There is nothing more certain to flesh & blood, than Death, & nothing more fearful to fools, then to think they must die, when it is but a passage to a better life: And how happy is that death, which leadeth to that life, which is not subject to death?  
It is a separation from an uncertain to an assured estate, a retrail wherein Honour liveth, and obscurity sleepeth: A Harbinger, assigning rest without payment, A Gate, to that felicity the soul longeth for.  
For which cause Aeschilus' calleth it the remedy of worldly sorrow, wherein we escape that which life feared, and win that, which a quickening faith hopeth for.  
Since therefore, Life is but a sum of money put out to use, and our judgements and honours are assigned us, as we employ the same, & death is but the fire to try our deseris, whether they were born to obscurity, or reserved for eternity, let Soldiers live so, as when the casualties of war shall allot them death, they may be held good stewards of this betrusted and uncertain treasure, that like good children being nourished in all duty, by their mother the Commonwealth, they may die with constancy in the defence thereof: that as erst the Spartan women, so their mothers may say in their deaths, We bore them for their country, and we have happily lost them for their country. Or rather thus with Critias, He rather pleaseth me more that he died a death, both worthy his friends and country, them that he should have lived a life unworthy both his friends and country.