The Sergeant Maior.  
A DIALOGUE of the Office of a Sergeant Maior.  
Written in Spanish by the Master of the Camp Francisco de Valdes. And translated into English, by john Thorius.  
LONDON. Printed by John Wolf. 1590.   

To the Right Honourable Knight, Sir john Norris, Lord Precedent of Munster. etc.  
john Thorius wisheth increase of all Heroical versues.  
RIght Honourable: Plutarch hath written a treatise entitled 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. In which he showeth how men may reap profit by their enemies. And forasmuch as this book was written to instruct those that are professed enemies to our estate, I thought that we might reap some profit by them, if this their Sergeant Maior were as well known unto our men as unto themselves: and that, notsomuch for any points of policy which might be in their soldiers more than in ours, or for that I think them to have more knowledge in matters concerning warfare then our English warriors, who are no whit inferior to any of them; as for that their orders being known unto us, we may the better and more easily hurt them and benefit ourselves by reason of this advantage. I have therefore bestowed some pains in unarming this spanish Sergeant and doffing his Castilian and hostile armour, and have clothed him in English apparel, to the end that our men may use him to their pleasure, and he finding himself metamorphosed, learn how to serve English men. Beseeching and desiring your Honour, that as in the field you wish to be the first to encounter, not with the stoutest Sergeant only, but also with the bravest Duke, Prince, or King, that professeth enmity against yourself, your Prince, or your Country. So you will at home vouchsafe to protect this SERGEANT MAYOR, who having now forsaken his own Country, matcheth not in the field in Spanish colours, but walketh in London streets in English attire. And I for my part shall think myself much bounden unto your Honour, if you shall accept this my labour as a sign of my good mind. Thus I leave your Honour to your martial meditations, beseeching God, that as our enemies have felt your valour, the low countries enjoyed it, and England with an universal voice generally commended it, so it may please his divine Majesty to increase it, to the glory of his own Honour, to the terror of your enemies, and to the benefit of our Prince and Country.   

A Military Dialogue of the Office of the Seargeant Maior. INTER LOCUTORS.  Londonno. Vargas. 
I Have had better luck than myself could wish (Master Londonno) seeing that at this time you cannot justly be excused from telling me that which I have so often requested you, and which besides (if I be well remembered) you have promised. But your many affairs (as I take it) have hitherto hindered, that I have not obtained my desire, and yourself as yet not satisfied my request. But now seeing my good fortune was such, that we should meet together by ourselves only, separated from all other conversation, among the rivers of this most pleasant Rhine, I heartily beseeth you, that it be not troublesome to you, to declare that unto me, which I so greedily wish to know: seeing that not only the law of friendship doth bind you thereto, but also Christian charity enjoineth, that the talon received from heaven shall not be buried, but rather multiplied, that all such may be taught and instructed, as by reason of their ignorance, want the light of knowledge.  Londonno. 
Certes, good Sir, I conceived great pleasure in finding you in so pleasant a place by yourself, accompanied only with your manifold virtues, which never suffer you to be alone: and I take not this your most virtuous curiosity to be the least of them, in that (now that your fortune hath brought you to this Military profession) you be so diligent in learning all such things as a good and valiant soldier ought to know. And I would to God that I were so sufficient, that I might be able to satisfy this your most honest desire. But as much as I can, and as far as my small wit can reach unto, I will not refuse to stand you in stead: And if until this time I have not yet done in this particular, as you so greatly have requested me, persuade yourself, that (as you have very well said) my over many businesses, and certain perturbations of the mind withal, (which never forsake us that travail as strangers in this way of human misery) have caused the same. But now forasmuch as we have some leisure, and the pleasantness, jointly with the solitariness of this place, and especially your company (which were enough to amend any vicous man) enticeth and allureth us to all virtuous conversation. Ask what you will, for I am ready to obey.  Vargas. 
I looked for no less courteous answer to proceed from your discretion and virtues. And I am fully persuaded, that if any one in this our age can fully satisfy my mind concerning this point, you are the man, for the excellent judgement, continual reading, and great experience of many years, which I know to be in you, do assure me of it. You already know that many days since, I have greatly desired to hear you discourse of the offices of Captains, Ensigns, Seargeants, and Corporals, what pre-eminences they have, and what and how manifold their duty is, unto which every one is bound according to the Office which he doth hear. And I do think that you in like manner remember, that I have requested you at sometimes of leisure to talk with me concerning the Office of the Seargeant Mayor, of which if it would please you now to entreat, I should think myself beholding unto you, and we will leave the first particulars to some other time, seeing that (as I have heard men of great judgement, and such as could discourse of matters concerning this profession, say) they which are perfectly acquainted with this charge and office, can easily learn all such things as are required in the foresaid offices and other beside, whereof I have not made mention. Insomuch that I cannot enough marvel what the cause should be, why many captains general do often times make choice of persons, that not only want discretion, but are also well-nigh without wit and experience to bear this office, it being of so great moment, and which requireth so much ability.  Londonno. 
You have great reason surely. For in such like elections many abuses have been and are daily seen, and (I mean not here to prejudice any particular man, but to tell in truth what what I have seen) I say the number of them is but small which I have known to be fit and sufficeint Sergeant's Mayor. And hence doth it come that many errors have and daily are committed by those that exercise this office, seeing that it hath been and ordinarily is seen, that in time and place of necessity, the squadron cannot be formed, by reason of the fault and inability of the Sergeant's Mayor. And the same which I speak of the inconvenience (which is the chiefest) might I also say of some others of unportance, and which are daily committed in armies, as well in appointing and disposing the watch and Sentinels in the camp, as in many other particulars, which you shall more manifestly perceive hereafter in the discourse following. Which lest the time escape us in preambles, I incontinently begin, & say, that where as this name of Sergeant hath it original beginning from the French tongue (in which it betokeneth and signifieth as much as in the Latyn tongue, minister, one that hath the charge or office to do a thing, a minister or sergeant that mivistreth etc. The Frenchmen first applyee it to the use and customs of their chaunceries, courts, and judgement seals, using certain ministers or under officers, caling them sergeants, which stood them in steed to proclaim, declare and execute their statutes, will and ordinances, appertaining to law: and afterwards taking it hence, I mean, out of these gouned and civil exercises, they also applied it to the military use of arms, and in each company of men, they placed and appointed an officer, calling him a sergeant, imitating the custom used in Courts, and Tribunal seats, to the end that the Captains by means of such a minister or officer, might keep due order in placing of their men, both marching, lodging and fight. And thus much as touching the imposing of the name which in England, France and spain is received in all our warfarre as a natural word. And the Sergeant Maior is so called, because in every regiment (which is as much as a Roman legion) there is a sergeant who is superintendant and head over all the other Sergeants that are in his regiment: and as every Sergeant in each company taketh the manner of government or order of his Captain or his lieutenant, so the Sergeant Maior receiveth it of the Captain General, or Colonel, or master of the camp, and afterwards from him it passeth to the other Sergeants of the same regiment, from hand to hand according to the custom. In so much that the Sergeant Maior is an officer or general minister of one whole regiment superintendant, and chief of all the Sergeants of the same regiment, by the means of whose industry and help, the Captain, General, or Colonel may give convenient order for due government in ordering his men both in marching, lodging and fight, and other more things also unto this appertaining, these three things in which the Sergeant Maior is employed, are such, that if ●hey be well executed. Wished victory and glory is with great reason hoped for. Whereas if contrarily they be not well executed, much harm ensueth thereby, and the field is lost and there with goods, life, honour and al. Therefore no insufficient persons, but such as are able to discharge so great an office, and of so much weight, aught to be elected and chosen to be Sergeants Mayor, and not unfit men: as some thing before we complained of the carelessness of some Generals of our times in such like elections.  Vargas. 
What qualities be those by which those may be known, that are apt and fit, and those also that are unapt and not sufficient?  Londonno. 
It is manifest and known unto all men that martial election comprehendeth two sorts of men, some to command and govern, and others to obey and to be ruled: and of this latter sort are the common soldiers, called Gregarii, in which both the Greeks & the Romans required four qualities. Viz. that they should be strong and hardy, that they should be trained up in arms and warlike exercises: that they should be obedient and that they should be good swimmers. And in those soldiers that bear rule and govern as General, Colonel, Master of the camp, the Sergeant Maior, and the captains they also required four qualities, and these be they. That they should be very. skilful in the art of war and military science, that they should be virtuous, that they should be men of authority, and that they should be very fortunate. These four qualities were used by the Greeks' and Romans as an infallible rule, (as in truth it is) to know the sufficiency or insufficiency of officers in warfare. In so much that he is sufficient that it is endowed with the foresaid four qualities, and he in whom they be not, is not sufficient. The Sergeant Maior being one of the principal officers in war, aught to have the foresaid qualities.  Vargas, 
To tell you the truth I do not well understand what you mean by those four qualities.  Loudonno. 
I will declare them unto you in few words. Warfare being so noble a matter as it is, aught to have it rule and precepts: whence cometh the art of war. And as no man is allowed or suffered publicly to practise physic, or to profess divinity or any other science, unless he have studied the said faculties and be well seen in them, so were it not good that any one should govern and bear office in warfarre, that were not well seen in the art of war. Which art standeth a man in steed of a loyal counsellor, of light, in the midst of darkness, and of a guide in a difficult and doubtful way, especially if he have the general grounds of prudence and chief principles of the libeall sciences.  Vargas. 
For as much as the greater part of soldiers lose their time in games, love idleness, and have not from their youth either will or power to apply themselves to any virtuous exercise, wanting the due grounds of speculation, they despair that ever they shall be able to study any such art, and so to cover their exceeding fault, they scoff at the art of war, which men attain unto by study.  Londonno. 
There is no reason why we should answer them that are void of all reason, and of the infinite reasons that may be alleged to confound their dull ignorance, this only shall suffice at this time that all arts have both speculation and action or practice, and so hath warfarre also: And they that with a valiant courage follow arms and prudently use them in war, in time attain to practise: but he that jointly with this mingleth speculatyon, shall attain both to speculation and practice, which are two, and therefore is the speculative art the better and nobler of the two.  Vargas. 
I now understand the first quality, but know not yet what you mean by the second, of being virtuous.  Londonno. 
This virtue which is required in Military officers is (as Tully declareth it) toilsome labour in affairs, industry in doing them, speediness in dispatching them, constance and fortitude of the mind in dangers, not suffering their unruly affections to bear rule over them and overcome them. The other two qualities, which are Authority and Fortune, do necessarily follow the two former, as the shadow followeth the body: for, the virtue whereof I spoke, doth put the Military precepts in practice, and bringeth them to effect, making a disposition or quality of them in the Soldier, whence necessarily proceedeth the fame and glory of his valour and deeds, which increaseth his credit, and bringeth him in authority. As for felicity and good success that springeth from all three, skill, virtue and authority, for he that by knowledge and experience knoweth what he ought to do, and is endued with virtue to attempt any thing, and put it in execution with advice and authority, to the end his Soldiers may believe him and follow him, this man shall obtain good success, which is to be fortunate and happy. Therefore the Greeks' and Romans did with good cause require, that these foresaid qualities should be in all and every Officer and chief Captain of war, and I for this cause will also have them to be in the Seargeant Mayor, and yet one more besides, with which there will be five in all.  Vargas. 
Yet another say you, which I pray you?  Londonno. 
That he be some thing cunning in Arithmetic: for that science is very necessary for the forming and making of the Squadrons, which cannot be made without the science of numbering.  Vargas. 
You demand and require so many things in a Seargeant Maior, that I doubt none such are to be found answerable to your description.  Londonno. 
Yes marry Sir be there, though they be but few, and there would be many more to be found, if it were not for the favours, suits, and bribes, which as in other things, so in the choosing of a Seargeant Maior, disturb and impeach the right course of election. Furthermore, whereas I am to form a Seargeant Maior, it is not for our purpose to seek out and inquire what kind of men our Scargeantes Mayor be, but rather to show and declare what men they and all others should be, and how they ought to be qualified We must follow that which is perfest, for that which is not perfect may be found at every place.  Vargas. 
You have showed me the spring, beginning and signification of the name of Seargeant Maior and Seargeant, and what the Seargeant Mayor is, and the qualities in him required: Now I desire to know of you what Office the same of the Seargeant Mayor is, and in what manner he ought to execute it. But first I beseech you to resolve me of one doubt, which is, that I know not whether they that lived in ancient times passed, had this Office of the Seargeant Maior.  Londonno. 
I have not read that the Lacedæmonians, Greeks and Romans (among which Nations did warfare flourish most) have had it: but we may read that they had and used divers manners of Battles and Squadrons, and I believe this to be the cause (if I be not deceived) that they had no Seargeant Mayor, because this Office was discharged by certain other Officers, as we may gather out of those that have written De ●e Militari, viz. that the Captain General and chief head of the Armies, understanding and perceiving of how great moment and importance the good order and perfection of the Squadron or Battle is, in which consisteth all the force of the whole Army, they would trust no particular man with this Office, but themselves disposed their Armies, and made the Squadrons, of which they used sundry and different kinds and manners, according to the diversity of weapons with which in those times they accustomed to encounter with their enemies, and also their soldiers were so well instructed and so skilful, that in a very great and huge Army there was not one soldier but knew his place in the Squadron: for the easier obtaining of which knowledge, there were many Schools in Rome, as Titus Livy writeth, where those young soldiers which they called Tyrones', among us, fresh water soldiers, were not only taught and showed how to be apt and quick in using any kind of weapon, but they were also instructed how they should keep their place, that every man might have and know his own several place, in which thing they were so well instructed, that it was a very easy matter, and little or no labour, trouble or difficulty at all, to frame and make the Squadrons, and they became daily the more fit and apt as long as they were not without an hnge & perpetual Army. And the same Livy saith, that the young soldiers exercised themselves twice a day, and the old beaten soldiers but once a day. And this most excellent order which the Romans observed above all other Nations, caused them so to enlarge their Empire, and to become almost invincible throughout the world: whereas notwithstanding (as Vegetius very well saith) they were neither so great as the Germans, nor more in number then the French men, nor so subtle as the Africans, nor so many or of such force as the Spaniards, nor so wise as Greeks, but the Soldiers exercised and instructed in Warfare, did conquer and overcome all these difficulties. It were a very easy matter in proof of this truth, here to allege many examples both old and new of many excellent Captains, who with little Armies well instructed and set in good order, have obtained victory of innumerable armies and bands of men naughtily ranked and confused. But I will only rehearse some of them, seeing it is not strange to the matter of which we now entreat, neither will it be out of the purpose to make a short digression to prove this verity. And let the first example be taken from the great King Alexander, when he set upon all Asia, and the innumerable bands of Darius, yet with a very small army, but wonderful well instructed. Lucullus a famous Captain did get a most happy victory over all the great powers of Tigranes with so small a number of good Soldiers well trained and set in good array, that Tygranes seeing them coming toward his forces, making little account of them, and to mock with them said, that if they come as Ambassadors, they were enough of them, but if to fight, they were very few. julius Caesar being Proconsul, subdued unto the Empire of Rome many and rude barbarous Nations, even from the river Rhine and sea Ocean, until the sea Mediterranean. And I pray what made him so victorious, but the good order and discipline he used? And in our days Hernando Cortes, (most worthy to be placed among the nine celebrated Captains,) with less than a thousand and four score horse, took the great king Montecuma within his own City. And at the length only by the good order he used, he did subdue the whole kingdom of Mexico. And Hernando Aluarez Duke of Alva, only with one thousand of small shot, and five hundredth Muskets in Friesland, overthrew an army of twelve thousand men, with which Lodowicke of Nassau had entered in that Province. To conclude, as touching this point, I say, that seeing a Squadron is a company of soldiers placed in order, in which every man hath his place appointed him, in such order thathe may fight without hindering others, or being hindered of his fellows, and in which all their forces may be so united and joined together, that they may obtain theyr-principall intent and end (which is, to become invincible, and for which end the first warriors that were, did invent so many kinds and manners of Squadrons) we must needs believe that that Army which is best ordered, though it be least in number of men, shall always (according to reason) become victorious.  Vargas. 
You have resolved me of the thing whereof I doubted, and now I expect what you will say of that which even now I asked of you touching the office of the Sergeat Maior.  Londonno. 
Out of the definition which I before set down, may be gathered, that the Office of the Seargeant Mayor consisteth in three things, viz. in the safe order of marching, in the good manner of lodging, and in pitching the field to buckle with the enemy. All other matters that the Sergeant's Mayor hath to do withal, must of necessity be reduced unto these three things only. For Warfare (as they say who have written of this subject) hath three parts: the one being the preparation for War, unto which part appertaineth the levying and pressing, or taking up of Soldiers, the arming of them, the paying of them, and victualling of them: for all which there are particular Officers appointed, the Seargeant Maior having nothing to do therewith. The second part of Warfare concerneth the Host: unto which part appertaineth the marching of the camp, and the lodging of the same, and so out of this second part of warfare, two of the three points in which the Office of the Sergeant Maior consisteth do proceed. The third part of Warfare is, concerning the fight and joining in battle with the enemy, whether it be by sea or by land, whether in plain ground or hilly, whether besieging or being besieged: out of which part of Warfare proceedeth the third part of the Office of the Seargeant Mayor, which consisteth principally in ranking his soldiers orderly and strongly, when he formeth and maketh his Squadrons: from which Squadrons as from the chief part, I will begin to show you how the Seargeant Mayor exerciseth his Office: and afterwards I will in order proceed successively to show the same in the other two parts of his Office.  Vargas. 
It is not long since you told me what a Squadron is, and therefore now I pray you begin to make the Squadron, and set the Battle: for this is it we intent.  Londonno. 
The Squadrons are made of a great number of Soldiers, more or less, according to the bigness of the Army or Host. And it is necessary that he who taketh his charge in hand, know what people every company that is in Regiment hath, how many pike men, and how many arquebusiers, and that before the time of need, he continually have in his head and memory a plat and form, thereby to set a Battle when occasion is offered, in conceit always forming such Squadrons, as for the present time are most used. As those that are square of ground, square of number of people, broad in the front, and those that are drawn out in length Hearse-wise. This aught he not only to do of the number of those men that are in the Bands or Companies of his Regiment, but of all numbers. For oftentimes it cometh to pass that the Seargeants' Mayor are willed by the captains general to set a Battle of three or four Regiments together, and then if they be not exercised, they shall be so unready, and fall into so many absurdities, and shame themselves in presence of their Princes, and in the general judgement of the whole Host, and for this cause did a friend of ours say very well, that a Seargeant Maior could not commit a small fault, seeing that the judges and arbiters thereof were so many.  Vargas. 
Before you advantage your discourse, I pray you sir dayn to tell, me whether there be any more kinds of battles or squadrons then those four which you have before named.  Londonno. 
Yes marry be there many others, whereof some be in use among the Italians and Swissers, as those that are horned like a half moon, and those also that are made like a cross, which are approved and thought to be good by many excellent wits, there be also other manner of battles, as those that are made wedgewise in form of a wedge, and those that are made in form of an egg, and those also that are made triangular wise, with many others besides which are now quite out of use, yet I think it not amiss, nay rather I would judge it very necessary, that the Sergeant Maior should be acquainted with them all, and be exercised in setting all kinds of battles: seeing that occasion and place might be offered, where they might be needful, and it is not good that a man should be ignorant of any thing concerning his office, which might chance to be necessary to advantage himself thereby. But of all battles those four which I set down first, are most in use now a days, in those places where warfarre flourisheth most, and they be taken to be the strongest battles, and most necessary, considering the weapons that are used in this our age.  Vargas. 
And which think you to be the strongest of these four.  Londonno. 
They be all of like force and strong enough according as occasion and place requireth, for in some places the square battles of ground, or of number of people is best, for we should not do well to make a square battle, drawn out in length herswise in some places, as in Barbary or some other place where the enemy hath a great troop of horsemen to set upon us, & we none, but in such a case we ought to use the square battle of ground or of number of people, that it being set upon by the enemies, they may find equal resistance at all the four sides of the battle: in other places it were most convenient to use those battles that have a large front, which I would ordinarily use among our countrymen, if we were to fight with our enemy, considering that in these squadrons, by how much the more great the front is, by so much the more men fight in the vanguard, and besides this, this kind of battle above all other squadrons cannot without great difficulty be environed about by the enemy. The Germans and Swissers do greatly use square battles drawn out in length, taking that squadron to be of wondered strength that hath a great curtain: but I would commonly use the square battle of ground, unless the situation of the place compelled me to do otherwise, judging this battle to be most proportionable, and of equal force in the vanguard and rearward, and it taketh up less room.  Vargas. 
Tell me I pray you, what order might be observed to form these squadrons with facility and quickness?  Londonno. 
To make a square battle of number of people it will be sufficient to take the square root of that number whereof 
1600  the squadron is to be made, and every one of the our sides of 
40  the squadron or battle, shall contain as many soldiers as the 
2500  number of the root is of, as for example, if you will make a square 
50  battle of one thousand and six hundredth pikes, the square root of this number is forty, and of so many is every rank, and if you make it of two thousand five hundredth pikes, the square root is fifty, that is fifty to every rank, which number being multiplied in itself, fifty times fifty, it maketh the foresaid number. We will call the square root (according to the Arithmeticians) the greatest number which being multiplied in itself, endeth in the quantity or number which you will make the squadron of, as you may perceive in the two foresaid examples, for in a thousand and six hundredth there can be no greater number taken out, then that which is multiplied in itself, which is forty, and in two thousand five hundredth, there can be no greater than fifty, as by multiplication you may learn, mutliplying each one of these two numbers in itself, and presupposing (as I mentioned before) that the Sergeant Maior ought to be ready in counting, & skilful in cyphering, I shall not need to stand upon it any longer, teaching how a man may count. As for the square battle of ground, the famous Mathemacitian Tartalla, setteth down a rule, how it may be perfectly made and framed. And this is it, if you take this number 
2401  forty nine, and multiply it in itself, it maketh two thousand four hundredth and one, this number must be multiplied by the number of those soldiers, of which you will make the squadron or battle, and that which remaineth of this multiplcation you must divide 
1000  it by a thousand, and out of the product you must take the square root, and that shallbe the number of the soldiers that ought to be in every rank, and dividing the said quantity of which the squadron is to be made, by this square root, that which remaineth shallbe the number of the ranks. Example, if we would make a square battle of the same number of soldiers as we did 
1600  before, viz. one thousand and six hundredth, we must multiply this number by the two thousand four hundredth and one, which remained of the multiplication, of the number forty nine, and it will 
1600  make three millions eight hundredth one and forty thousand and six 
241  hundredth, which being divided by one thousand, there remain 
49  three thousand eight hundredth forty and one, and the square root 
3841600  of this number is three score and one, and if the said quantity of 
1000  which the squadron is to be made, which is one thousand and six 
3841  hundredth be divided, by this square root of three score and one, 
61  there remain twenty and six, and of so many ranks shall the 
1000  squadron be, and then fourteen remain over plus, which may be 
61  placed according as the Sergeant Maior thinketh best. There is another 
26  way shorter than this, to make this kind of squadron, but 
14  the squadron falleth out nothing so perfectly, by reason of the multitude of people that remain over plus, and this is it: you must divide the number of soldiers of which you will make your battle, by one and twenty, and taking the square root out of the product, set that which remaineth over plus a side, and multiplying the square root by seven, you shall have the number of the soldiers that must be in every rank, and multiplying the said square root by three, that which remaineth of the multiplication shallbe the number of the ranks, and this being done, multiplying 
21  those that remain over plum by twenty and one, the product 
1600  maketh the number of the soldiers that remain over plus, as 
21  may be seen by the foresaid example of one thousand and six 
76  hundredth men, which being divided by one and twenty, the product 
4  is threescore and sixteen, and four remain over plus, and 
8  the square root of this number is eight, which being multiplied 
7  by seven, maketh six and fifty, and of so many soldiers shall 
56  every rank be, & if the said root which is eight be multiplied by 
8  three, it maketh twenty four, and so many ranks shall there be in 
3  the squadron, then multiplying the twelve that remain by one & 
24  twenty, they make two hundredth fifty and two, which are they 
12  that were left, and four which remained over plum in the division: 
2  so that all the overplus maketh six and fifty, of which (the 
252  Sergeant Maior adding three ranks) the squadron is made of 
256  seven and twenty ranks, nine and fifty soldiers to a rank, and 
27  seven only remain over plus, but I like the first manner better than this (as I told you before) yet it is good to know the one as well as the other The other two manners of squadrons, viz. that which is drawn out in length hersewise; and that which hath a large front, are framed and made very easily, especially if one know how to make the two former kinds of squadrons, and therefore I will only tell you that either of them is both, for if of the flank of a square battle made hersewise, you make the front, then will it be a broad squadron with a large front, even so contrarily if of the front of a broad squadron you make the flank, then is the same squadron made a long squadron drawn out in length hersewise. Example, if you make a large square of one thousand two hundredth soldiers, each ranks will be of three score pikes, and the courtin will be of twenty pikes, but if of this courtin of twenty pikes you make the front, the flank willbe of three score pikes, and so it willbe a perfect long battle hersewise, observing due proportion, which is, that the front of the one be never more than three times as much as the courtin of the other, as may be understood by the example above said, for the front being of three score soldiers, the flank is no more than twenty, all these manners and fashions of squadrons before specified, may easily be made by the Sergeant Maior, if he be skilful in the science of Arithmetic, as I said above: for otherwise it willbe very hard and troublesome for him to do it.  Vargas. 
I have noted in the examples which you have set down of squadrons and battles, that the most of them were in number even, whereas notwithstanding I have hard many say, yea and stand upon it, that squadrons and ranks ought to be in number odd, and that in ancient times passed, it was always used, but especially in those nations where warfarre did flourish most. Wherefore I pray you to satisfy me concerning this point before we go any further.  Londonno. 
Opinions there be many that battles and squadrons ought to be odd in number of soldiers, and I going about divers times to inquire and search out of what importance it is that the squadron should be in number odd or even, and whither this can make it more or less strong, and having read very curiously the authors both ancient and modern, that entreat of this art or science martial, and having also noted the manner and number which they observed in making their battles and spuadrons, I find as well by that which I have said as by the reasons which I will here show, that it concerneth not the strentgh or weakness of the battle, whither it be made in number even or odd, for I will show unto you that observing the true and perfect rule to make a squadron or battle, there are certain numbers of which if you will make squadrons odd in number, you should find a wonderful great imperfection therein, and so contrarily there be other numbers, of which a man cannot conveniently make squadrons of even number. Example, If you would make a square battle of number of people of two thousand and five hundredth pikes, the square root of this number is just fifty, and it would be a great fault to make it of more or less, seeing that (as I have said) a square battle of number of people can have no greater perfection, then to be made of the number that the square root of it is of, and if you will make one, of three thousand and six hundredth pikes, the square root of this number is three score, and of so many soldiers will the front of the Squadron be, and this is the perfection of it. And as I have set down two examples hereof, so could I set down many more, and I say the same of the Squadron, that is made of an odd number. For if you will form a Squadron or Battle square in number of people, of two thousand six hundredth soldiers and one, the number of it will be one and fifty pikes, for that is the square root of it: and to make it of a greater or lesser number, it would be amiss. And if you will make such a Squadron of one thousand four score and nine, the fronts of it will be of three and thirty pikes, for this is the square root of the Squadron. And if you add any thing unto this number, or diminish it, the Squadron will remain unperfect. Insomuch that by that which I find used, and by mine own opinion, I gather, that Squadrons or Battles ought to be made according to the number of people of which they be made, and manner how they be made, and as the place where they be made permitteth. As for the reasons which some allege, that in the odd number there is a middle, and in the even number there is none, as is seen by example, that in three, five, seven and nine there is a middle, whereas in two, four, six and eight, there is none, and so they say, that the same middle which is the unity (which unity is the beginning of all numbers) should be the foundation and basis of the Squadron, and therefore they hold opinion that it is the stronger. They allege furthermore, that Martial men in ancient times passed, did not without mystery use the odd number in their Squadrons and Battles, more than the even number, all which cannot suffice to prove that their Battles were therefore the stronger, for as you might have marked, I have sufficiently argued and proved wherein the strength and force of a square battle doth principally consist. For if this only that the Squadron is made of the odd number maketh it the stronger, it is consequent, that any Squadron whatsoever in number odd, though it be but of a small number of men, yet it shall be of more force and strength than any other Squadron made of a far greater number of soldiers, which is in number even, which is most unlikely and false. For who knoweth not that a Squadron in the front, whereof there be fifty, sixty, or eighty, or one hundredth soldiers, is stronger, than one that hath but fifty or twenty, seven or three & thirty in every rank, and so likewise doth it follow that those Squadrons shall be strong that have seven and twenty, three and thirty, one and fifty or three and sixty, than those that have but twelve, sixteen, four and twenty, or six and thirty: in so much that the number odd or even, maketh not the squadron strong, but due proportion according to the quantity of the people of which it is made, together with the place, and above all things the valour of the soldiers is the right and true strength of battles, and for as much as they say, that the ancients did more use the odd number then even (which they cannot easily prove) but though it were so; yet it is most manifest, that they did not so because they believed that the squadron was the stronger by reason that it was odd in number, but they did it being moved with a certain devotion and religion, taking this number odd to be consecrated to their Gods, as Virgil some where mentioneth. Numero Deusimpari gaudet, and so they being so religious in all their actions (but specially the Romans) they gave themselves more to the observation of this number odd, in framing and making their squadrons and battles, then of the number even. As, for the same reason and with greater cause we ought to reverence this number, for that which was uncertain and unknown to the heathens and gentiles in this particular, being ignorant of the excellency and deity of this number odd, the light of our faith maketh manifest and known unto us, believing as we do, that God is trinus & vn●s. But what maketh this devotion or religious conceit, for the strength of the squadron? and as for the seconds reason, that ought less to be admitted, for where they say that the odd number hath a middle, and the even number hath none, how can this make the squadron strong? for it is manifest that in this number fifty, there is no middle, and yet if the battle be square in number of people, and so the squadron be made of two thousand and five hundredth pikes (as before was said) it cannot be more stronger or perfect: for it is square every way having fifty ranks, fifty to a rank, which is the square root, and if of the same number two thousand and five hundredth pikes, you would make a battle of the odd number as of five and forty, seven and forty, or nine and forty pikes to a rank, which are all three odd, and have a middle, the squadron would be nothing so perfect, for that is not the square root of it. And if chance we would make at the squadron of one and fifty or three and fifty, it would not fall out in the foresaid number of two thousand and five hundredth, and so we should find an imperfection, because the square root exceedeth. But if it were not for this inconvenience of imperfection, that Sergeant Maior that were curious in making his ranks and squadrons of the number oddde, though it be for nothing else but only to satisfy the general opinion of the most that make profession of warfarre, who seem continually to look that the squadrons should be made of the number odd, I am persuaded should not do amiss, especially when the companies enter or go from the watch hill, for then the ranks are but small, and it seemeth better that they should then be three, five, or seven to a rank, than four, six, or eight, and I think the reason be, because the middle is discerned in such small numbers, which cannot so easily be seen in greater numbers, and it ought especially to be done by reason of the custom which is ordinarily used in making ranks odd: and all that which is by custom and use received, seemeth to be best and most allowed. Nevertheless this ought not to be so greatly respected, that (as I mentioned before) when the number of the people, and form or fashion of the Squadron be such, that it requireth to be made of the number even, it should in any case be made of the number odd, for they that should so do, should commit a foul error. For so in these wars of Flanders, when the Prince of Orange passed the Mose with his army, and entered into Braband, the two armies marching so near the one by the other, that they every day looked that they should buckle together, the Duke of Alva ordained that the masters of the Camp and Seargeant Mayor of their three Regiments of Spanish foot-bands, with the other personages that were of his counsel in war should make an assembly: and that the number of the pikes they had in their Ensigns being known, they should each of them give their voices concerning the fashion and form of which the Squadron should be made. Which was so done, and they found that there were no more pikes in all the three Regiments then one thousand and two hundredth, and they all agreed that they should make a broad Battle with a large front. Which Squadron conformable to the number of the piks, and observing proportion, could have no more than three score soldiers in the front of it, and twenty in the courtin, which justly make up the full number of one thousand and two hundredth: and so it was done. and because they marching through some strait and narrow grounds, the Squadron could not march with so many in the front, it was divided into three parts, in such manner, that the Regiment of Naples, which had six hundred pikes should march with thirty pikes in the front, and the Regiment of Lombardie which had three hundredth and twenty pikes, should march with sixteen pikes in each rank, and the Regiment of Sicil which had two hundredth and four score pikes should have fourteen in the front. And now you may see, that all these three Battles were of the number even, and being joined all three in one, they made a large fronted Squadron of the number even. For the quantity of pikes which were in each regiment and the form of the Battle did so require it. And it is to be believed, that if there had been any imperfection in these Squadrons and Battles, so great a Captain of War, and so worthy a, soldier as the Duke was, would not have permitted it to be done in such order.  Vargas. 
I remain satisfied as touching this particular, and in truth before your discourse, I was fully persuaded that all squadrens' should necessarily be made of the number odd. But now I doubt not of it: and therefore I pray you continue on your discourse, and tell me what you think of certain rules set down by one Cataneus Novares, and of some others, which (if I be well remembered) I have seen, thereby to form all kinds and manners of Battles, do you account them necessary?  Londonno. 
They help much, but those men chief that can not cipher, but I would not have any one bound unto them only. For so, if a man should take them out of their A B C book (as men say) they would incontinently be unoone. I say, if occasion were offered them to make a squadron or battle of a number, differing from the number which they find set down, they should very quickly spy their unreadiness, and acknowledge their ignorance. And hereupon I rehearse the same which I have spoken before, that nothing is better for the Seargeant Mayor to shun wearisomeness and difficulty in making and framing all kinds of Battles and Squadrons, than dexterity & readiness in counting, jointly with a continual habit or disposition of forming and framing divers kinds of squadrens' in his head, by the help of his memory. And this ought he likewise to put in practice before necessity constraineth him to do it. And so he may when his Regiment marcheth either to the lodging or from the lodging, exercise his people, and by experience & practice see that which he is taught by theory and contemplation. And forasmuch as in that which you asked of me first, of the manner how to make Squadrons with facility and speed, is not only contained and comprehended to give rules how to form them speedily and readily, but also to show how that confusion may be shunned which often is caused (but especially among the Spaniards) by those that contend and strive to be placed in the first rank of the vanguard, insomuch that it falleth out very often, that much time passeth before the Seargeant Mayor with all the Captains together, can make up the Squadron. I say, that seeing the chief care and charge to avoid this inconvenience, concerneth the Seargeant Maior. He ought to take such order with the Ensigns and companies before they come to this point, that the said confusion and disobedience may be excused. And it shall be avoided if such order be taken, that all the Ensigns know before, that the first ranks shall be made of the Company or Companies that be of the watch that day, and they shall be seconded by them that were of the watch before, and next to them shall they follow that first come to the squadron, continually advertising the Officers, not to suffer any Soldiers of their Ensigns or Companies come, any piece of their armour wanting. For in this case, though it be their turn to fight in the vanguard, yet they shall be turned to the rearward, and lose their precheminence because they come not well and orderly armed, and others may be justly placed in their rooms: and because sometimes arm being called, and the companies running altogether to the place of arms, this order cannot be observed, seeing that in time of necessity, above all things this must be attended, that the Squadron may be form with all celerity and quickness. It is convenient that the Seargeant Mayor, (if so be the foresaid inconvenience happen) dispose the confused & disorded multitude of people, setting the Captains before, and then take the Squadron out of the flank or rearward, if he think it most commodious. Which he may do with great facility: for so he leaveth them which were the cause of that confusion deceyed of their intent, and so he shall perform two things, the one is, that he speedily doth make up his squadron, the other that he correcteth and punisheth the disobedient with this disgrace, leaving them all in the rearward, and thence forward seeing that the Sergeant Maior useth riddance and dispatch. Leaving them with the mock, they will be glad to obey, and presently get in order. I have myself used this remedy, and every time that I so did, I had done, and almost wholly made the Squadron of my Regiment, before the Sergeant Maior could in other Regiments frame the foremost ranks.  Vargas. 
I was very glad to understand how this confusion may be expelled, which is so usual in the making and framing of squadrons, and most of all among the Spaniards, for I cannot believe that in any other nation men be so disobedient, and make such a do to be placed in the first rank, but that every one doth obey and content himself with the place which is appointed him, or by lot falleth unto him.  Londonno. 
So they ought to do all of them, for unto him that will fight valiantly and do his duty, occasion will never be failing to show his good mind in War, and know surely that many that make so much a do to provide a place for themselves in the first rank of the Squadron, the desire they have to fight, doth not draw them unto it, but they be only vain shows, by which they pretend to recover credit, and gain the name and title of valiantness, though we cannot deny nevertheless but that some are moved to procure them that place by their valour and good zeal, Yet cannot a good and valiant Soldier in any thing so near hit the mark, as in obeying: and this is the principal virtue which a soldier ought to have set before his eyes as an object at the day that he taketh the Pike in Wars. If this be wanting in him, he hath none of any value or estimation: for obedience is the ground, basis, and foundation of all good discipline.  Vargas. 
Let us pass on if you please, for I fear me the time will be scant for the number of doubts which I pretend to ask of you. And tell me now seeing you have made up the squadron with pikes, how they ought to be lined, how many and how big the sleeves ought to be, & how far distant from the squadron, for in good sooth, I have heard divers opinions concerning this particular.  Londonno. 
Truly no man that is a soldier is ignorant that the battle of pikes ought ot be guarded about with Guns, putting a row of Harquebuziers close to the other row of Pikes, so that there be as many rows of Harquebuziers at each side as there be of Pikes, and to observe the true manner of living of the squadron, there ought to be no more rows of hargubuzers, than could be guarded by the pikes, especially where the enemy hath greatest store of horsemen, and so, seeing that there cannot be above five hargubuzers under the favour of the pikes, with so many rows (to my mind) ought the squadron to be ordered, but in case that this inconvenience be not, that the battle is not like to be set upon with troops of horses, then may the Sergeant Maior line the battle with a greater number of hargubuzers, as he thinketh best according to the quantity of gunne-men he hath in his ensigns, having a regard and consideration that he want no hargubuzers to make the sleeves, which ought not to be above four, and less, according as necessity requireth and the place permitteth. These aught to have their due proportion, and I would not have them to be made of more than three hundredth shot, nor of less than two hundredth, and in case that many hargubuzers remain after the battle is furnished and closed up, I would rather make four sleeves of the foresaid number then two of a greater quantity. For ordinarily, when the sleeves be very great and improportionable, it is a hard matter to rule and govern them in good order without confusion, and two sleeves of three hundredth soldiers a piece, can be ordered and governed far better, and easier than one sleeve of six hundredth soldiers. And he that will try this, shall find it so manifest and dear by experience, that I will not here labour to prove it to be so with more reasons or arguments. The place of these sleeves ought to be at the corners of the squadrons, after such order that they be not very far aparted from the squadron. For even as the horsemen make a cross defence to the courtins of a castle, so the sleeves unto the battle, and they be the stronger being under the favour of the pikes: and as a castle hath it whole perfection joined together in one. The courtins, horsemen, and ditches. After the same manner is a squadron perfect, when the pikes being placed in convenient order, are lined with gnus, and fortified with the sleeves of hargubuzers.  Vargas. 
I pray you sir, let it not grieve you to stay here a while, for I desire greedily that you should resolve me of a certain doubt, which I have seen some make upon this which I now shall say. You well know that ordinarily in the Spanish footbands, there be many more hargubuzers than pikes, for we shall see nine thousand footmen together, among which there be scar●e one thousand and five hundredth pikemen, all the rest being gun-men in so much that the squadron being lined, and four sleeves being made unto it (& that is the most that you say it ought to have) yet there remaineth a great quantity over plus, but I pray you where think you that these hargubuzers may be set to be safe from the troops of the enemies horsemen, for it falleth out divers times that we wage wars in Barbary, where the enemy have so many horse, and we but few or none, and as in Barbary, so might this inconvenience chance in other places.  Londonno. 
Very well have you asked, and I have divers times hard this matter disputed upon, and I have more times than once thought of this, neither is it long since I spoke of it before the Captain general, and that which I said there will I here repeat. Viz. that I am of opinion, that those hargubuzers cannot be any where placed in safety, but in the midst of the squadron or battles of pikes, where though we could have no other fruit or service of them, then to have them sure and kept safe there until such time that we should have need of them, I think that this were very much, and yet do I not know why, but that they may greatly favour the squadron and do it much good, with great damage to the enemies, if they did but regard when the pikes are couched on that side of the squadron which is set upon by the enemies, that then the pikemen should some thing bend their bodies inclining downwards: for so might the hargubuzers that are in the centre of the squadron have commodity freely to discharge their pieces on their enemy without any hurt or prejudice to the pikemen, and though this seem to be something hard and troublesome unto them that have not used it, and put it in practice, yet so they would exercise themselves in trying and doing it sometimes, they would find it to be most easy. For far more difficult and troublesome was that which the Romans did, who making three squadrons of their foot bands, when the first was defeated, at the last driven to great extremity, and grievously oppressed by the enemy, it was received within the second, without disordering either of them, and even so was both the first and second recelued within the third, without confusion of any of them all, necessity urging them thereto, which no doubt by reason of continual use was easy unto them to do: for what thing is there so hard and difficult, which cannot be made easy by use and exercise.  Vargas. 
Why, but how do you understand that the shot should be within the pikes? you by hap, mean that one hargubuzer should be set between two pikes.  Londonno. 
No, not so, for it is likely than so the order would be broken and marred, but I intent that within'nt the midst of the squadron and centre of it there should be a place, where the hargubuzers should be placed in their order, & may be without any offence or hindrance to the pikes: and so the Sergeant Maior should not do amiss to cast what shot he hath, and having considered how many argubuzers are necessary to line the squadron and to make the sleeves, above all thing to set them that remain overplus in order squarewise, and compass them about with the pikemen. This is to be done (as you very well noted above) where the enemy hath great company of horsemen and we lack them: For it is most manifest that shot only cannot resist the strength of horesemen: though nevertheless it hath more than once or twice been seen that hargubuzers have been charged by a troop of horse, and yet have not been defeated: but for all this no man can deny that the valour of the hargubuzers was not so much the cause of it, as the pusillanimity and cowardice of the horsemen: for the uttermost of their powers is to discharge their pieces upon the squadron and battle of the horsemen which set upon them, and being compassed and environed about by them, having no defence by their swords, are not able to withstand the vehement charge of the horsemen, which is only granted unto the pike, and so of force, if they want this favour, they must always be overthrown, if the horsemen quit themselves accordingly. But in other places where the said inconvenience is not offered, but the battle is to be fought only against foot bands, there shot doth great service, and victory hath very often been obtained by hargubuzers only. But for all this, I am not of opinion that among our Spanish nation nor the Italians, there should be a greater number of hargubuzers than pikemen in the companies: as for the Swissers and Germans, their pikes are much worth, but their guns are very lightly esteemed.  Vargas. 
I have taken great pleasure in the discourse which you have made upon the doubt I moved, & now seeing you have made the Squadron and Battle. Tell me I pray you how the Sergeant Maior ought to behave himself when he marcheth with it.  Londonno. 
This which you now ask, is not the least care which the Sergeant Maior ought to have in his office, seeing it is a matter of so great moment and importance, to lead the people marching in good order, which is so much the more hard and troublesome to be done, by how much the more you see all men generally abhor to be tied to order, and especially our Spanish foot men, who being (by reason of the climate more choleric then of any other complexion) take it something impatiently to go in order. For you cannot so soon set them in order, but strait upon the least occasion in the world, they will be disordered again. As when they meet with some place by the way that is something narrow, or when they become weary and hot, going to seek water, and so separate themselves from the companies to go and drink, yea, and for other causes, nothing so reasonable as this: but all this proceedeth partly of the ill discipline that is now a days used in Wars: and partly of the fault and carelessness of the Officers. For there is no doubt but that if the Soldier did know that if he did go out of order, he should be punished so severely as they were punished in ancient times past that served among the Romans, none of them durst go a whit out of the way, or do otherwise then he is commanded to do: but because men see how slackly such offences are punished, they do not regard whether they go in order or not: but now seeing that in this age the disobedience of Soldiers is not so rigorously punished, as it was in that ancient Martial discipline. If the Officers both upper and under were so diligent and careful as is required, and as they are bound to be, these inconveniences might easily be remedied. For to bring which thing to pass, I will show you what order I think may be taken. But above all other things, I will not pass those things with silence which the Seargeant Mayor ought to do before he marcheth with his people, being in the field. I say then that the Seargeant Mayor ought first of all to go to the Captain General to to take directions, and know whether his Regiment be to march in the vanguard, battle, or rearward, which is ordinarily done the night before the Army marcheth (though notwithstanding sometimes the General will not give the orders for worthy respects, till the very hour that they are to march and he ought to be very well informed of the way, especially when it is his Regiments turn to march in the vanguard, though it be very necessary at all times to know the ways of the Country very well and perfectly, through which he may most fitly march with his people out of the Camp: and by fault hereof it doth not very seldom come to pass, that many Seargeant Majors have been confounded and shamed in presence of their generals, guiding their Regiments by ways that are stopped and cumbered with Cartes, and other baggages of the Camp, sometimes bringing their soldiers through such narrow ways and straights, that they cannot pass, unless they break their order: for at the raising and departing of the Camp (as you have seen) the horsemen do so cross up and down in all parts, and the Trumpets and Drums make such a noise, that unless he be very well foreseen, and know perfectly the way which he is to take, and through which way he is to bring forth his Companies, commonly he shall fall into these inconveniences, principally when the Camp departeth by night, or in such days as are cloudy. Wherefore it is necessary that the Seargeant Mayor, if it be possible, should be singularly well informed of this situation of the Country, through which he is to pass, and of the distance between every place, the quantity of the ways, with their abridgementes, hills, valleys, fountains, rivers. And to be the more sure, he ought to have skilful Warfarers and faithful guides. Then the order being known and the way also, and the hour come of departure, he ought to give order that the Drum Maior gather the Companies together, and that the Captain of the field cause the baggage to be laden, and then he ought speedily to bring his Ensigns from their quarters to the place of Arms, and there to form his Squadron, and separate the Captains, each one in their orders, they ought to march in that day, and to dispose the Seargeantes in such manner, that every one of them do know what people they must govern and keep in order: and because it is very seldom seen that the ways are large enough for the Squadron to march with the whole front, he shall make his rank no greater, then that the people may march commodyously, always having consideration that the rank be never dat (if the way suffer it) than the third part of the front of this Squadron or battle. As for example. If the front of this Battle be of one and twenty men, seven men shall march in a rank: and so likewise of other Battles. For he ought always to be very careful in procuring his footbands to be lead in such order, that occasion of necessity being offered, he may with all speed and celerity make up his Squadron. Now the Captains and Officers being severed, as I have said, and the Regiment marching, the Seargeant Maior his right place is in the vanguard of the Regiment, where it most commonly concerneth the master of the Camp or Colonnell to go. And I say most commonly, because if chance we should leave the enemy behind us. The rearward is a more convenient place for the Colonnell to march in. And forasmuch as the Sergeant Maior is his instrument, by means of whom he sendeth the order unto the Captains and Companies. He ought to stand near to his person, but he ought in such manner to be there, the he neglect not sometimes to make a stand and stay himself, and see the whole Regiment pass: and if he find any retchlessness or negligence in the Sergeants, not discharging their duty, in causing the people committed to their government, to go in good order: he ought to blame and rebuke them severely, insomuch that none of the sergeants ought to forbear any fault or negligence whereby the order may be marred: but diligently to take heed, that the order never be broken, if it be possible. And if it chance to be broken (as it happeneth sometimes by reason of the straightness of the ways) they ought to be very careful in making it up again. For which if it be needful that the vanguard make a stand, one of the Officers shall incontinently go to inform the Sergeant Mayor of it. And I am of opinion, that no Sergeant, Ensign or Captain should pass the word through the Squadron, saying, Stand, or March from hand to hand (as it is many times done very unadvisedly) unless the necessity be such, that they cannot have time to signify it unto the Colonnell or Seargeant Maior. For by reason of this abuse, that every Officer, and upon every occasion that is offered, doth pass the word, many inconveniences may do spring, and the Officers will take upon them to do those things that appertain unto the superiors, usurping that pre-eminence which is only granted unto the Colonnel as head of the Regiment, and unto the Seargeant Mayor, as the general guide of the Squadron. And now this is become so common, that not only the Officers, but also the common soldiers, without respect or discretion, for the least cause in the world, do use to pass the word. Whence it cometh to pass, that sometimes when for matters of importance, the superior pass the word, it doth not pass so speedily as it should, by reason that it is neglected & nought set by, & so for the most part it remaineth in the middle of the squadron sans passing to the vanguard, the soldiers thinking & persuading themselves, that it cometh not by commandment of the superiors. But if they were sure that none had authority to command it to be passed but the superiors, they would incontinently obey, and do as they are commanded. And therefore to shun and anoide this inconvenience in a matter so important, as to keep the squadron in good order, it is very necessary that this pre-eminence should be only reserved for the two upper officers. And it is most just that such Officers or soldiers that dareth first pass the word should not remain unpunished. I will advertise you how that it is necessary that the people should sometimes make a stand, as well that the soldiers may rest themselves a while, and eat of that which they use to carry in their scrippes or bags, as also that they may the better keep themselves in good order, having breathed a little after their weariness. And the Seargeant Mayor ought to procure such stands to be made near some water, where the Soldiers may drink and refresh themselves, and the Officers ought to be very diligent in looking to the Soldiers, that none of them at such stands get out of the Squadron, and make any misrule in the neighbour places, and much less that any of them enter into Orchards to endamage the Husbandmen. For all those things are alienate and estranged from good discipline. And if the Soldier should be permitted to be licentious in these trifles and small things, they would not afterwards be able to refrain from the same in greater matters. Howbeit I cannot count it a small thing that the Soldier should leave his place and disrank himself, ranging in the possessions and grounds of the poor people, and so I cannot patiently think upon the great negligence and in consideration of certain Officers, that do not only not repress such disorders among the soldiers, but themselves also oftentimes are the first that show them the way and help to do it. Who ought not only to be deprived of their Offices, as unworthy to have them, but also to be punished with greater and more grievous punishment, as transgressors of Martial discipline.  Vargas. 
By that which you have very well spoken, we may easily gather that the retchlessness and negligence of Officers is the chief cause of disorder: and no doubt, if that care were both in the soldiers & officers which is required in them, they should always march in good order. And I take it to be a matter very important, that the word should not be passed in the squadron, but with great regard & consideration, and I suppose it very necessary that such stands should be made, that the soldiers may rest a little. In deed the Gunners can better abide the troublesomeness of the way without resting, as men that go lose, & not passed with the heaviness and weight of armours: but corsiets cannot any way hold out, but must needs make stays, especially in days that are extremely hot. And I have often seen some neglect their offices, & stay when they have been commanded to march: and many soldiers being heavy armed have been choked, striving to do more than they could do, marching in their armour. And certes it is a shame for some Seargeants' Mayor to see how untowardly they lead their squadrons, and how unadvisedly they march, observing no order, only for not considering when it is necessary for them to make stands: whence it cometh to pass, that they lead a squadron orderly, but draw as it were a long rope after them three or four miles, oftentimes being between the vanguard and the rearward: in such manner, that the enemy with a far lesser number than those Seargeants' Mayor have in their Regiments, might very easily do them much harm, and so they march in great danger in one hour through their negligence, to lose all the credit, honour and reputation, which they have gotten in many years. And although the Master of the Camp or Colonnel be the chief of the Regiment, and therefore (as unto such a one) the honour or shame of the good or ill success of the companies, appertaineth principally unto him, yet nevertheless the Seargant Maior hath a good share therein: for as much as I can gather by your discourse, and (if my memory deceive me not) ever since I have given myself to this profession, I have always seen that not only the common judgement of all men, but also the Captains and Generals do use to praise or blame the Seargeantes Mayor, because they lead their Regiments in good or ill order, before any other whatsoever, as such officers whom the ordering of the squadron chief concerneth.  Lond. 
So it is in truth, for all this care & charge doth properly and wholly appertain unto the Sergeant Maior, and he ought not to excuse himself of his negligence or unability, blaming the sergeants or officers of his regiment, for they do all of them obey his orders and do according to his directions, and also they he more or less, diligent or slow, according to the watchfulness or slowness of the Sergeant Maior who commandeth them.  Vargas. 
Now I pray you tell me how the people of the regiment ought to be divided when it marcheth, who ought to go in the vanguard, who in battle, and who in rearward, and what place the standards or ensigns ought to have.  Londonno. 
I have already told you above (if my remembrance keep touch with me) that the Sergeant Maior ought to procure his people to march in such manner and so well ordered, that occasion of necessity enforcing him, he may always with great easiness and facility form and make his squadron. And to attain unto this, I think this to be the order he ought to observe. First in the vanguard marcheth the sleeve of hargubuzers of the right hand of the squadron (which sleeve as we have before said, aught to be made before the company be brought forth of the camp) which ordinarily is one company of gun-men, of the two that are in one regiment, next after followeth the lining of the same right hand, being of hargubuzers, and after that follow the pikes according to the manner before showed. And because among other things that happen to be done unadvisedly in a squadron, it is a very unseemly thing to see the ensigns born so out of order & overthwartly, sometimes at one side and sometimes at another. The Sergeant Maior ought to cause them to be placed so, that the squadron being made, they be always in their proper places, which is in the midst and centre of the battle, next ensueth the lining of hargubuzers, of the left hand, and last of all in the rearward marcheth the sleeve of hargubuzers, being one of the two companies of gun-men that are always in one regiment. And thus you see that after this manner the people marcheth being parted and divided, & yet the squadron is incontinently form.  Vargas. 
I pray you why say you that the sleeve and lining of the right hand should go before the sleeve and lining of the lefty hand? it may be there is some mystery in it.  Londonno. 
I know not of any other mystery, but this that in all our actions, we ought to apply ourselves to perfection as near as we possibly can, and for as much as the right hand is the noblest and most perfect, it is better we should begin thence, then from the left hand to form the squadron, and also to undo it or break it.  Vargas. 
Now seeing that you have told me how the people ought to march, I desire you to know where the baggage of these companies may be carried, that it may both be safe, and yet not hinder the people of the regiment.  Londonno. 
When an army marcheth, this consideration ought to be had, that if the enemy be before in the vanguard of the way, the baggage ought to be in the rearward, and contrarily, if the enemy be behind the army our baggage shall be carried in the vanguard, and if the enemy's camp be at the right hand of the way, our baggage shallbe put at the left hand of our camp, and if the enemy be on the other side we ought to follow the same order, carrying our baggage at the right hand of our army. And so shall the battle continually be a wall and defence to our baggage, and if occasion be offered that the two armies should join in fight, as they march, it cannot hinder them, and besides this certain troops of horse do ordinarily go to guard the baggage from the suddayn incursions and assaults of horsemen sent out by the enemy, and this very same order ought also to be observed, marching with one regiment by itself only. But in case we were far from the enemy, I would have the baggage for a good consideration march in the vanguard with a troop of hargubuzers to guide it, for it is a great commodity for the soldiers, when they come to their quarters weary with going, to find their tents planted, and their forage ready without staying for it, after they be come to the place where they are to be lodged, coming many times wet and almost dead for hunger. And besides this if any thing should chance to fall by the way, the owner may save it, seeing it in danger to fall, or be lost, and so every one may look unto his things that nothing be lost, which they could not do, if their baggage were carried in the rearward behind the battle.  Vargas. 
Certes it is most true, that all these commodities be had by carrying the baggage in the vanguard, whereas nothing is gotten by carrying of it in the rearward, but loss and discommodity, for daily we see that some one or other plaineth that he hath lost one thing or other, and it chanceth every day that many things are lost or taken through the negligence of naughty servants and boys, their masters not being there to see their baggage, or to look unto it, which if it were carried in the vanguard undoubtedly should not be lost.  Londonno. 
I will have you to understand, (before we leave this particular, which we now speak off, that occasion might be offered, where the baggage could be safely carried in neither of the foresaid places, and then it would be necessary that it should be carried in the midst of the squadron after the same manner as I said above of the shot that remained over plus, for if we should march with our army in Barbary or any other place, where the enemy hath great store of horse, and we none, it were necessary that our baggage should be in the midst and centre of our sqnadron, if we would not lose it, for seeing that that little which the soldiers have, is there, it is great reason it should be carefully looked unto, and safely guarded, and this aught the rather be procured, for that the reputation is great which we lose, if the enemy spoil us of it, gloriosly bragging and vaunting that they took some prize from us against our wills in despite of us. Whereof among other valiant Captains, julius Caesar, left us a worthy example, when he (according to Suetonius) being forced by the vehemency and civil fury of them of Alexandria, to retire, did cast himself unto the River Nilus, and carried in one hand his book of commentaries holding it on high, that it might take no wet, and swimmed with the other, holding his vesture in his mouth, that his enemy should not glory of any spoil of his. But in case that without manifest danger that the people be defeated and spoiled this cannot be done, the goods ought to be abandoned, and forsaken to conserve the principal, which hath not only been done by many noble and excellent Captains, but also some have of purpose left their carriage in the enemy's power, offering the occasion in robbing of it, and gathering the spoil to disorder themselves, to the end that by means of this policy they might with less trouble and great facility obtain the victory of them.  Vargas. 
I had forgotten to ask you where you think that the horses of the footmen as well corselets as Hargubuzers should go, and like wise where the servants and lackeiss shall carry their masters pikes when they ride? for I have seen this used diversly.  Londonno. 
You know that by all good discipline it is forbidden that any footman shall go forth of the lodging, or much less entre in it on horse back: but always in going forth he ought to accompany his band or ensign, at the least a mile, or an half, and even so in coming to the lodging within a mile or half a mile of it he ought to light, seeing that their horses that use to ride may easily go at the flank of the battle if the ways be broad enough, and if not, at the tail, till they may ride. And it ought not to be suffered in any case, that the soldiers should get upon their horses, before their Captains that march on foot, take horse: and then riding and setting themselves in order by the Captain and officer that leadeth them (who ought before by the Seargeant Mayor to be named and appointed) they shall place themselves if they be hargubuzers of the vanguard, strait behind the same: and if they be pikemen, they shall ride behind their pikes, the same shall the hargubuzers do that march in the rearward, placing themselves in the tail of the squadron, and the servants of such pikemen as ride, shall go with their pikes in the same place where their master use to march in the squadron, that occasion being offered, that the people should alight and march on foot. Each soldier that is on horse back may speedily return to his place, and the squadron need not to be broken or confused. The very same aught to be observed by those soldiers, who though they march on foot, yet have their men to carry their pikes: who ought to bear them hard by their Masters in the same rank or in the other rank behind them: where when necessity is offered, the soldiers may take there pikes, and their men or boys ought incontinently get themselves out of the squadron or battle. And to tell you the truth, I like not the manner & order which I have herein done and observed by divers Sergeants Mayor, who placed all the servants, lackeiss, and boys, together in order near the bands either before them or behind them. For it is most manifest that in so doing the squadron cannot scape confusion and disorder, and none of them that ride know their place certainly. Whereas it is most necessary that the Sergeant Maior should in nothing so much trouble and waste himself as in procuring his people to be so lead, that all and each of them know his own place. For herein consisteth the conservation of all good order: when they come near the place where they are to lodge, the Captains (as I have already told you) ought to light with in one half a mile at the least of it, and so following them, the other soldiers that ride, ought likewise to light on foot, and it is convenient that the Sergeant Maior, either himself, or by his assistant, should be acquainted with the situation of the place a while before the companies reach thither. And coming unto the place of arms or watch-hill of the said lodging, he ought to form a Squadron, and make his Battle, not permitting any Soldiers to go to his quarter, or to disrank himself until such time that the whole regiment being arrived the Sergeant Maior himself, or his assistaunte, cometh to the Ensigns and licence them to go to their lodgings. Who (as you have seen) are lodged in the front of the quarters of each companies, all of them in one rank, and beneath them are the soldiers lodged. The Sergeant Maior ought not to suffer in any case, that any cart or other baggage be put before the standards or Ensigns, and much less ought he to permit any fire to be made there, nor any let or hindrance: for all a long from that place is the watch-hill, or place of arms, which ought to be kept uncombred and free for the Squadron only. When the regiment is lodged, the Sergeant Maior ought incontinently to cause a Courtegard of five and twenty men to be set about seventy or eighty paces from the front of the lodging. And these soldiers ought to be taken out of one of those companies that watched the night before: seeing that it appertaineth unto them to be of the watch until the new watch entereth, and four and twenty hours be expired: save only when one whole company is appointed to watch by day, and in this case he ought to appoint some of the companies of Arcabuzers to watch, and this Courte-garde which I said to be set in the day time, aught to be in the same place, where at night the company that do enter to watch shall be placed. After this the first thing that he ought to do, is to make himself well acquainted with his quarter, and to see whether it be necessary there should be any paths or ways made, that the soldiers may commodiously get out to fight: and if need be they should be made with all speed, (for it oftentimes chanceth that the companies be lodged in Orchards, woods, and vines, where a man cannot without much a do get out, unless there be ways made) it appertaineth unto the Sergeant Mayor in all haste to cause ways to be made, and passage to be made easy, and all things to be taken away that may any ways hinder or let, that the squadron can not be made with all speed and facility. And as well for this, as for the fortifying of the lodgings, and making passages and ways for the artillery to pass: there be in all armies certain companies of pianors, over which the General of the artillery or his Lieutenant hath jurisdiction. And the Sergeant Maior making recourse unto any of these, aught to provide all things necessary to the purpose. After this, if there be an whole army, he is to go to the Master of the Camp general, and learn how many of the companies of his regiments he shall bring to watch, & in what quarter they shall be appointed. But if he be there alone with his regiment only, he ought to espy and view the place diligently, and to dispose the Sentonels in such manner that no man may possibly enter or go forth of the lodging or quarter, unless he be seen by them: and if so be that his regiment be with other regiments whether they be of the same nation or of an other, he ought to join with the Sergeant Mayor of the said regiments and agree with them of the manner and order to be used by them in appointing the watch, and sending out the Sentonels, in so much that there be nothing neglected or left unperfit: for all this office consisteth in wariness and diligence: and it is very watchfulness itself. Then it appertaineth unto the Sergeant M. to go for the watch word unto the general, and to take directions for the next day, and incontinently to bear it unto the Colonel, & to make him acquainted with the directions which he bringeth: notwithstanding that sometimes the Colonel himself taketh the watchword and directions of the general, and giveth it to the S. Maior, but properly it concerneth the S. Maior to do this. Furthermore the hour being come to set the watch (which ought not to be before the night approacheth, especially if the enemy be not far off for the Sergeant Maior ought as far as possible they can, to use the matter so, that the enemy do not spy, whence they pick out those that are to watch and to stand Sentonels) he ought to gather together the company or companies that be of the watch (which ordinarily should be caused in the morning by the head drommer of the regiment, to be ready) and place them in those parts & quarters which (as I said above) he ought to have espied before: and he ought strait to inform the Sergeants of those companies where they shall send out the Sentonels, and what order they shall use in making the rownds: and he ought to have an especial regard, afterwards to visit all things and to oversée them, noting and marking whether they be so done and executed as he prescribed & ordained: and if he find any thing neglected, as well in this as all other orders and directions which he giveth the officers, he ought not to let it pass unrebuked more or less severally, according as the case requireth. For because the Sergeant's Mayor are slow in rebuking and punishing the faults and negligences which the officers and soldiers oftentimes do commit, thence it cometh to pass that they are themselves not set by, and their directions and orders nothing regarded.  Vargas. 
You have told me more than I asked of you, and I am very glad that your discretion forgetteth not to teach me that which by reason of my ignorance I know not to ask. But now I desire you to tell me what distance you think there aught to be between the watch, and the quarters or lodgings: and how far the Sentonels ought to be separated from the Courte-gardes, and how far distance they ought to stand the one from the other: and lastly whether they ought to stand double or single. For of all these things, I have heard diverse opinions, and I have seen those things diversely used.  Londonno. 
In encamping, they use oftentimes to entrench the army, and rear a rampart round about the quarters, for the greater safety and strength of the lodgings: and then, the companies that are of the watch ought always to go out to ward, and keep the trench, which is the wall of the lodging or camp. But in case there be no trench, as I told you above, I would not have, that the Courte-guard should be at the most, no further from the front of the lodgings then seventy or eyghtye paces, in the place of arms or watch hill: how be it sometimes they shall find certain motes, ditches, or gaps so strong, that it would not be amiss for them to set the watch there, though it be something sarther from the lodging then the said distance. For such like defences serve in steed of trenches: but in case there be none such, than the watch ought to be set according to the manner above said. Seeing that as well for the safety of the quarters, as to aid and secure them if necessity should so require, it is better that the watch should be some thing near the companies then far from them. The inmost Sentonelles ought to stand no farther from the court guards then thirty paces, and there ought not to be more distance from the one to the other, then that they may be suffered by the darkness of the night to see one another. For the sentonels being as it were the wall of the Camp, and standing there to the end that no body may pass in or out unless he be seen, if they did stand farther one from the other, they should be deceived of that which they intend, and fall into great inconveniences, and faults in their watch. These Sentonels as the principal and chiefest ought to be double. Seeing that, as it is commonly said, more see four eyes then two: and also if there be a fresh and cold air, one of them may walk up and down, whilst the other watcheth: and if they see any thing whereof they ought to advise their Corporals, one of them may go and the other stand still, in so much that for all these causes it is necessary and more safe for the whole Camp, that these Sentonels should stand double. But thirty paces beyond these Sentonels, other Sentonels stand single, which are by some called (though not properly) forlorn Sentonels, which ought to stand no farther one from another then the other first & inmost Sentonels: and if so be they see any thing they ought to retire to the nearer sentonels and advising them of that which they saw. They ought to return to their places again without calling arm at all: but if case they see any notorious quantity of people, either on horse or on foot, than ought they to retire to the double Sentonelles, and if they all three do affirm that they are sure they see such troops of people coming: then ought they to call arm, but not otherwise, for oftentimes either fear or a man's own imagination maketh a small number to seem a great many unto one man alone: and in a Camy, no man ought to call arm, but upon great occasion. And to this intent the carefulness and watchfulness of the Officers of the companies that watch is very important, for they ought to visit and oversee the watch very ordinarily and diligently, which likewise ought to be done by the Sergeant Maior every night at sundry hours, as well to visit and see whether every thing be done according as it was ordained, as also because this may be a chief cause to move the Officers and Soldiers to look to their charge, knowing that they shall be visited and overseen by the Sergeant Mayor at divers times, and rebuked and punished for their negligence and faults if so be they commit any. Silence in Court-gards especially in the nighttime is very necessary, I mean, that all noise, stir, cries, and hollow, ought to be quite expelled from the watch, and if they talk one with the other, they ought to speak low & softly, with modesty. but the Sentonels ought not to speak at any time, but always to be not only very watchful in seeing and looking, but also very attentive in hearkening: for very many times they may chance to hear that which by reason of the darkness of night, they cannot by sight perceive.  Vargas. 
Tell me, why you said that some men improperly call the outtermost Sentinelles that stand single, forlorn Sentinels.  Londonno. 
Because (properly he is called a forlorn Sentinel, that necessity so requiring) is set either on foot or horseback near to the enemy's Camp, to give advisement whether any people gone forth of the Camp, or whether the Camp depart secretly, and this Sentinel ought to be so near the Camp of the enemy, that if he be cfpied, he may harlie escape, and return with great difficulty: and ought not to be sent, but when they have great necessity of such advisements, and so this Sentinel ought not to have the watchword of our Camp, for the inconvenience which might come, if he should be taken by the enemy, and being bribed, should let them know our watchword: but he ought to have a different and particular countertoken for himself only, by which he may be known and received at his return. As for the utmost Sentinels, that stand single by themselves before the double Sentinels, I know not upon what reason some call them forlorn Sentinels: seeing that they standing but thirty paces from the double Sentinels, may (sufficient cause why they should do it being offered) commodiously retire back to the double Sentinels, and so as well the one as the other (if they be forced by necessity) may speedily repair to the Courtegard.  Vargas. 
Think you that the Sentinels when there is an alarm in the Camp, ought all of them to return to their Courtegard.  Londonno. 
In no case, if their Corporal cause them not to retire: seeing that they may not stir from the place appointed them, without the leave of their corporal: those Sentinels excepted that call arm, and spy the fury of their enemy rushing upon them, and be not able to resist it: these may and aught to retire to their Courtegard, but all the rest ought to stand firmly, and keep their places. And seeing that I have resolved you of the doubt you were in, and what I think the Sentinels ought to do, I will also tell you what I remember of those companies that watch. For oftentimes (as you have seen) three or four companies of one regiment are appointed to watch in one night. Now, if it should chance that there should be an alarm in the Camp, it were not convenient that each company should make a squadron apart, but that they should meet 
* Whereas he speaketh that all the companies ought to make one squadron, I understand him, all of them that are appointed to the ●aim● Courtegard, for if he mean that all the petty Courts de guard shall revert and make one main stand, then must he needs leave much of the couple to spoil, besides cut himself for intelligence, and so not know where to answer his enemy to the best advantage.  altogether by the main Courtegard, which place being the place of Arms is more commodious, and they ought to be appointed before, by the sergeant Maior there to make their Squadron: whether also all the rest that are in their quarters shall assemble and gather together: but mark, that those companies which watch either by the Captain General, or by the Munition house, or out of the place of Arms, or out of their quarters, ought 
* It is impossible to allow that any watch may be without sentinel.  not to send out their Sentinels: and when it happeneth so that there be an alarm in the Camp, the Sergeant Maior, (whose Squadron being made before all things, all the time the alarm continueth, doth keep his ward) ought to know and understand the cause of the alarm very well and surely: and it being known unto him, he ought to advise his neighbour regiments of it, and especially his Captain General, and the Master of the field, without whose commandment (I mean the Captain General) the companies that are set in Battle, ought not to return to their wards or quarters: but after the Sergeant Maior is sure that they may safely do it, and have licence of the Captain General, he may send out the Sentinels again, and appoint them their places as before: and if so be that he think it necessary, to increase the force of the watch, he may do it with more Soldiers or less, according as the necessity of the time requireth. Furthermore, seeing that we now speak of the watch and Sentinels, or shield watch, I will advertise you of an ordinary and great negligence, which is committed as well by the unshilfull and unapt Officers, as common Soldiers in the manner of ask and demanding the watchword one of the other, and also in giving it one to the other: which being one of the chiefest things in warfare that ought to be done, with due regard and consideration, is now least regarded, and therefore I could wish, that every one should be careful of this, being a matter of such weight and moment: and that the Round, when he visiteth the Sentinel, if he find him watchful according to his duty, he needeth not at 
* If he may come so near the Sentinel as to see whether he do his duty or not without any trial, so may he likewise come being an enemy, and spy how the Court of guards be placed, or for some other intelligence, and so go his way again without saying any thing.  every time to come near him, but pass to the other Sentinels: and if he find them all awake and doing their duty, he ought to return to the courtegard. And in such a case I think it not necessary, that the watchword should be given from one side to the other, seeing that the Round cometh not near the Sentinels. And when upon some necessary occasion, the Round cometh near to the Sentinels, than ought the Sentinel or shield-watch (if he be an Hargabuzer putting his match into the cock of his piece, and if he be a pikeman trailing his Pike) demand the watchword: and that no further of, that it may be heard with a low voice, and after the same manner ought the Round to give the watch word unto the Sentinel, who in no case ought to suffer any man to come near him, unless he give him the watchword, although he know him to be his captain or Sergeant Maior, or master of the camp: for the Soldier being appointed Sentinel, is not 
* In this matter is there a question, for as well may the Sentinel forget the watchword, whereof may ensue many desperate casualties, as also be negligent in other duties. I think it therefore necessary, that the Captain of the watch, or the Sergeant Maior, either by an ordinary time of Round, or else by some certain token ray be known to the sentinel, that thereby he may prove the sentence in doing his duty, otherwise the Sentinel having forgotten the watchword, shall have it brought him by the next Round, or otherwise may let a false round, or kill a true round, etc.  bound to know any man, or to let him come near him, except he give him the watchword. For we see daily, that men be easily deceived in these two senses of hearing and seeing. And for this cause is it now used in warfare, that all the wards receive a countertoken or sign of the Captain general (which the Italians called Moto, and the Spaniards Nombre, but in England it is called the watchword) to exclude all suspicion and deceit, and that we may know assuredly, that he who giveth us such a token or sign, is one of our Camp, and that we may safely let him come near us as our friend.  Vargas. 
Yet I doubt of one thing by reason of that which you said but a while since. For I have ever heard that the Sentinel ought not to let any man pass unless he give the watchword: how say you then that the Round, if he find the Sentinel watching according to their duty, after he hath seen them, may return to the Courtegard without giving the watchword.  Londonno. 
Know that the Sentinel ought not to let any of the Camp to go in or out unless he give the watchword, much less ought he to let him come near the place where he himself standeth: but if the Round or Captain of the watch pass eight or ten paces from him, it is sufficient that they speak, neither is it necessary that they should be bound to give the watchword, and this is to be understood, if the Round or Captain of the watch pass within the watch hill: for if he pass two or fro without the Camp, then ought not the Sentinel, to suffer him come near for to know him, though he be no farther of then the said distance, unless he give the watchword, and if chance he give it not, he may slay him as an enemy, beside, note that though he that cometh from abroad out of the Camp give the watchword, yet ought not the Sentinel freely to let him enter in the Lodge, but he ought to accompany him unto the double Sentinels, and charge them with him, that one of them in like manner, may go with him to the main Courtegard, and deliver him to the Sergeant, ensign, or Captain of the company, who are bound incontinently to advise the Sergeant Mayor of it, and it appertaineth unto him to bring him to the master of the Camp, or Captain General if need be.  Vargas. 
What say you of the little Courtegards, which I have seen some Sergeants Majors take out of the main Courteguards, where those Sentinels and companies be in, that watch in the outward parts of the Camp: what think you of them? are you of opinion that they be necessary?  Londonno. 
Certes, I think that who so doth, cannot do amiss, and I have seen it used very much, and the true cause why this is used, is this, such courtegards are taken only of those Soldiers, that are appointed for Sentinels and Rounds that night: to the end that the Officer or corporal at the time when he is to change them, may find them more readily: these courtegards serve also, that the Sentinels, (occasion being offered) might have help and aid with more speed, and they furthermore, cause the watch to be more vigilant and watchful. And all whatsoever serveth to make a Soldier, more viligent and ready for the service of their companies and to discharge their duty ought to be allowed and approved as good and profitable.  Vargas. 
I pray you sir, ought the watch to retire from their ward in the morning, without expecting or looking for any other order.  Londonno. 
No: but even as they were appointed to watch by the Sergeant Maior, so may they not return without his command, for he is bound himself or his assistant to come and release them, and set the others whose turn it is to watch by day. And seeing it cometh to the purpose, you shall understand, that the companies being set in the watch or in battle, or lodged in their quarters, or embarked in ships, when they are in service, then may none of them stir or pass out of the place appointed them (observing such discipline as aught to be used in warfare) unless the Sergeant Maior give order for it. Neither ought the Master or chief heads of the Camp, give any such order unto the companies, or command them any thing, but by the means of the Sergeant Maior, who is the guide, key & instrument of all such commands, injunctions, and proclamations, which the Captain's General and masters of the Camp cause to be made unto their companies, and so likewise without his licence ought no General or particular Edict, command, or proclamation, to be made in his Regiment. And if there be any Munition of Powder, Match, Lead, Victuals ●r weapons, provided for the Regiment, (all which ought to be ca●sed to be brought by the chief Furrire or Commissary, if there be one) it appertaineth unto the Sergeant to part & divide it among the companies. And also the Sergeant Maior is the General and only procurer of the welfare of all the Soldiers, for it appertaineth unto him to solicitate that they be provided of all things necessary, as when they are without weapons, or want Munition, or victuals, to make suit unto the General and chief of the camp, that they may have it: and if they be not well paid and want money having great need of it, he is to speak unto the master of the Camp and to the General, to provide their pay, and if there be any sick or hurt, or sorely wounded in the Camp, he ought to cause them to be carried very carefully to the Hospitals and places appointed for that intent, providing them of Cartes, baggages and Wagons (if it be necessary) and to do all this, he is to have the help of all the Officers in his Regiment, who ought to aid and obey him. For he useth the Captain of the field to see the Cartes and baggages that are necessary for the Regiments, and also guides for the ways. When they are to march some journey, the chief Furrire standeth the Sergeant Mayor in stead, to bring Munition and victuals: and the Sergeants to lead the soldiers in good order, & in those things that appertain to the watch, he useth the Ensign: and showeth him what order he will have observed for the service of the companies: and the Drum Maior serves to proclaim the general commands and Edicts, and advises the Captains that are to watch. But above all things it is necessary that the Sergeant Maior should have an assistant to help him, with whom he should (with the will of the counsel and chief of the camp) communiate his power and authority: of whom the Captains and Officers of the Regiment ought to receive the order to be observed, & obey him as the Sergeant Maior himself. And therefore it is requisite, that he should be a very sufficient man, well-beloved & well known, left he lose the credit & countenance, which he ought to have in respect of the Office which he beareth, for want of those parts and qualities that are required in such like persons.  Vargas. 
You have satisfied me of many things that I had in my mind ready to ask of you: but besides the rest, I would now request you to tell me, of whom the Sergeant Maior, is to take the watchword.  Londonno. 
Of the Captain General, Colonel, or Master of the camp only.  Vargas. 
And put the case, that some Captain remain Governor over the companies of his Regiments, as it daily falleth out, ought the Sergeant Mayor to take the watchword of him?  Londonno. 
I think not.  Vargas. 
Ought then the Sergeant Mayor to give it himself?  London. 
No: for it appertaineth to the governor to give it.  Vargas. 
Why then unto whom doth it appertain to ask it?  Londonno. 
The Serg. Maior his assistant ought to go to the governor to fetch it, & incontinently to bring it to the Ser. Maior.  Vargas. 
And if it chance he hath not any assistant (as most times they have none,) who shall take it?  Londonno. 
Then it appertaineth unto the Sergeant of the company that is to watch, to go & take it, & bring it to the S. Maior himself only for to observe. The honour and pre-eminence due to an Office of so great authority, as the Office which the Sergeant Maior beareth, of whom (as in our former discourse) you have been certified the Captains receive the orders by them to be observed, it is not decent, much less convenient, that the sergeant Mayor should go to take the watchword of any one but his superior.  Vargas. 
But I pray you sir, is it not more esteemed & of more credit, for one to be Captain, than a Serg Maior: seeing that to reward him, they use to give him a band company of men.  Londonno. 
Of this the Emperor Charles the fift, of happy memory, marveled, and not without great reason: for one Villandrando a Serg. Maior, in the service done at Dura, coming unto him to ask a certain company of him, that had been vacant: making more account to be captain of the same, then of the Office he did bear, the Emperor answered, that the office of a S. Maior was far more pre-eminent, then the order prescribed unto them by the S. Maior, & taketh directions by the General, or of the King or Emperor himself: & in war the S. Maior is barred from no place, but he may freely enter into the Pavilion, or chamber of the king, or General. Villandrando, answered his Majesty, that he had reason, but that it was of old used among the Spanish footmen, that the S. Maior should in reward, be made captain of some company, by reason that the wages or stipend given to the S. Maior was so small and miserable. And for this cause, very well do the Germans, Italians, and Frenchmen, always choose one of the best and most sufficient Captains, to bear this Office: and so they are both Captains and Sergeant Maior together: and in the absence of their Colonel or Master of the Camp (by the law of war) it appertaineth unto them in their stead to govern the bands or companies of their regiments: and surely they do very wisely: and the Spaniards only cannot yet consider it, whence grow many inconveniences, for we see that very many are chosen to exercise the Office of a Sergeant Maior, that are very unapt, insufficient, and unskilful (as we have noted in the beginning of this discourse:) and because they have not that authority and power which is required in such a charge, it falleth out oftentimes that the Captains set nought by them, whereas if they were Captains of a company beside as well as they, they would not contemn them: and also, Captains do more willingly obey and receive the order prescribed by another Captain as they be, then of him that is but Sergeant Mayor, and who (as they know) aspireth to be made Captain of a band of men, in reward of his service. And because I think it be something late, and I believe we have run through all the chiefest points concerning this Office, that are necessary well to discharge it, let us turn over the land, that seeing we have walked something far by reason of this delectable and pleasant River, before we return I may tell you, what I think the Sergeant Maior ought to do, when he with his Regiment entereth into some place or Fortress to lie in Garrison, and herewith we will close up our discourse to day, But first I will tell you, that seeing the Sergeant Maior is to take order and dispose of so many and weighty matters, and that he is to make provision of so many things: and seeing that he ought to be so vigilant and quick in overseing and discharging the one, and in providing for the other: he ought when he goeth to the field to be well provided of good Nags. And know, that he only is allowed at all times and in all parts, and upon what occasion soever, to cross up and down the Squadrons and Battles of the Army on Horse back: yea although he go to the Captain General to fetch the watchword: and if it chance he be seen on Horseback, it ought not to be imputed to ill or untowardly bringing up, neither is he bound to go on foot, as some unfit and sottish Seargeant Mayor do, for the carefulness and speediness, necessary in his charge requireth such pre-eminence. And in the day, that is appointed for the battle, ought he much less to be on foot, and place himself in the rank among the other Captains, as some be persuaded he ought to do: seeing that he fight there can stand in stead but of one: whereas if he be on horseback he may serve for many, overseing and providing for many things that at such times chance to be necessary and which often are cause of the victory: and because no particular thing appertaining unto this office that I remember, shall escape unspoken of, I will not pass with silence (because I have seen many ignorant fellows take it in digeon) how that the Sergeant's Mayor ordinarily bear a short stick something thick in their hand, which serveth them for very many uses: as well to separate horses one from an other, and cause other baggages to be removed & set a side, which oftentimes do much harm to the ranks and squadrons, causing confusion, as to show and point certain things which they command, using it as we use our foorefinger Index, when we show or point at any thing: and they use also at the instant and present time to correct and punish the disobedience of some soldiers with this cudgel: which no man ought to be ashamed of, or think himself injured or abused, and he is a very ignorant fellow that will take it in dudgeon, for even so both the Master of the camp, the Captains and the Sergeant's Mayor with such a stick or leading staff use to correct the soldiers, and oftentimes break it on his head that is stubborn and will not obey, going out of order contrary to the captain or Sergeant Maior his direction, and it is very well done, seeing it is done to punish them for their unruliness. Furthermore this leading staff is ordinarily the Sergeant Maior his weapon, wherewith he justly punisheth the faults of his soldiers, and would to God all those unreasonable and brutish corrections were banished out of the wars, which many Officers do with their sword and halberds, wounding their men & breaking their limbs, yea and also killing many of them for very small faults, and upon little occasion, which ought not to be done, but in cases of notorious disobedience, and unless it were necessarily required for diverse worthy respects that they should be punished in fraganti. We have made an end of all things that seem unto me to be necessary for a Sergeant Maior to exercise his office in the field, now will we pass on forwards and entreat of those things which he ought to do, when he entereth into some fortress or camp with his companies to lodge there, and to appoint the watch for the safe defence of the same, and therefore I say, that when a regiment lieth in garrison in some place, and is to remain there some days for to keep the same, the first thing that the Sergeant Maior ought to do, is to make himself acquainted with the place both within and without, viewing each part and parcel thereof, and considering which parts are most necessary and commodious for to place the Courte-gardes and Sentonelles or shield-watch, and also wherethe rounds may be appointed to go in the night time to oversee the Sentonelles: he ought likewise to mark what place may be most fit for the place of arms or watch-hill, where if chance there should be an alarum, the soldiers might assemble and gather together: and this being done, he ought to divide & quarter out his companies according as he shall think it needful or requisite for the safe defence of that place and of this partition which he maketh (first of all communicating it unto the Master of the Camp) he shall give his ensign an instruction, signed with his name in writing, to the end that none of the Officers may with reason excuse himself, if any negligence or carelessness be committed by them touching the watch, otherwise then was ordained or appointed them, seeing they had it set down in writing. The Seargeant Mayor must be advised that he ought to be very circumspect and wary in parting his companies, and setting the watch in a Fortress or Camp, especially if it happen so that the enemy have his Camp not far off (how so ever wariness, watchfulness, and diligence is very necessary at all times in this profession) and so he must take heed that he commit not that error and oversight that many Seargeantes Mayor do in dividing the watch of the place by quarters, appointing each company their quarter, my meaning is that he should not appoint each company a part of the wall or rampire, ordinarily to keep and defend the same: seeing that for the most part that any Fortress, City, Town, Castle or Camp, hath been taken or assaulted by charge, the cause thereof hath been, that the Corporal or Sentonell being bribed, did know the place or quarter in which it appertained unto him ordinarily to watch. And I could make a true rehearsal in testimony hereof, of those things which I have myself seen passed in the war of Sena, I being my self in proper person called as a witness to the self same matter which I mean here to declare, which was thus: Don Garcia de Toledo, who (was General of the army by reason of the death of his father Don Pedio de Toledo Uiceroy) besieging Montalehin, a certain Sergeant of the Duke of Soma, and a Corporal a very friend of his, both of them banished out of the kindgome of Naples, being appointed and charged always to watch one self same place & quarter of the wall, occasion serving them, they offered Don Garcia de Toledo, that they would let him with all the forces that he would bring thither, enter into the place, by that quarter & part of the wall which was committed unto their ward: and as this treason was even concluded, it fell out that at the same instant one jordanus Vrfenus, (who was at the defence of Montalehin) ordained as a vigilant and careful man (how be it the rumour runned that it was done by the counsel of Captain Moretus, who was also at the same time within that place with his company) that the watch should no more be set by appointing each company their quarter in which they ordinarily should watch, during the time of their being there, as they had done thither to, but that all the companies that were appointed to watch gathering together in the place of arms, should cast lots for the places and quarters in which each one should watch, so that afterward the foresaid Seargeant and Corporal being unsure of the place where they should watch, could not bring their treason to effect, which in a very few days after chanced to be discovered by fault of one of their servants, so that they were therefore executed, and hanged by the feet on the tap of the wall, as all they that were in that service and place salve, and as I believe will remember it. Therefore the Seargeant Mayor ought not only to ordain that the companies that are appointed to watch should cast lots every night, to see whose lot it chanceth to be to watch in this or that quarter or part of the wall, but following the right order, it is convenient and necessary that the Squadron and Sentonelles should do the same, so that neither the Squadrons know their quarter, nor the companies what part of the wall they shall keep, nor the Sentonelles much less what place they shall stand in before the very hour that the watch is set. Neither is there any cause why any Officer or soldier should take this in dudgeon, imagining that they be but little trusted, and that their fidelity and faithfulness is had in question: for we know that in all congregations and companies that were most faithful and true to their Princes and commonweals, there have never been base minds wanting, who being either induced by lucre, or overcome with some humane passion, have made sale of countries, Provinces, and Kingdoms. Besides this, no Nation that maintaineth war aught in this age to be more careful and wary than the Spanish, seeing we know how odious it is generally unto all other countries, because they have ever since fourscore years hitherward, maintained wars ordinarily for the service of their king in most parts of Europe: and seeing that it is most certain, that among the bands and companies of Spanish soldiers, there be many strangers that serve among them, as Italians, Germans, Frenchmen, flemings, Englishmen, and Burgunnians, who serving and being brought up among the Spaniards from their youth, learn to speak the spanish tongue so perfectly, that it is impossible to discern many of them from natural Spaniards: and of these, many (as by experience we have been taught) have often attempted foul and filthy practices, in so much that all the care which in this case is taken, is most justly taken and with great reason, and we ought to be very scrupulous and curious herein, which our curiosity and wariness ought to be allowed, and approved of us all to be most profitable, good, and necessary, for no man's credit is thereby diminished or any whit impaired, but the opportunity and occasion of treason is taken from them that bear disloyal and traitorous minds, and herewithal, all they that lie in garrison, are most safe from danger, and sure of their lives, and the kings service is accordingly looked unto. But to return to our purpose: the Sergeant Maior having divided his men according to the manner aforesaid, he is to regard, whether the Courte-gardes into which the company or companies are to enter, or they that watch at the gates, or the horsemen: whether the said Courte-gardes be commodious or fit for the turn, or lack reparation, and likewise, whether the Sentinel house where the Sentinels must stand, be well placed and can resist against the storms of rain and wind, and if chance they be ruinous and weather beaten, the Sergeant Maior ought to cause them to be repaired with all speed at the cost of the country as by custom is used, he ought also to consider whether the rounds may easily pass round about the walls, and if there be any difficulty, he ought incontinently to cause the passage to be made easy. Furthermore provision is to be made of lamps and lanterns as well for the courtgarde, as for the rownds and country rounds. As for the companies that are of the watch, the Sergeant's Mayor use to set them at different hours, the one party in the morning, the other at night, and sometimes later than at other times, as they think good, but according to my mind (if necessity constrained me not to do otherwise) I would always set the watch an hour before Sun-sette: that the soldier may come to the watch after supper, and so shall he have no occasion to go from the watch, after he is come thither, and before the gates be shut up, no man ought to be unarmed, for leaving aside how necessary carefulness and watchfulness is in such cases, it it likewise needful that the soldiers should be taught and made to understand how filthy and alienate it is from their profession to do as they do. Viz. that as soon as they are entered in to the court guard, incontinently they hang up their weapons on the walls, unarming themselves presently, and this licentiousness is so far come, that not only in places where they lie in garrison, but in the field also, and when they have an opposite army just over against them, they do the very same, which ought in no case to be permitted. For no soldier ought to be suffered to unarm himself before he seethe his ansigne to doss his armour, on whom they ought to cast their eyes to imitate him, as they do on the standard which he beareth to follow him, in so much that the ansignes ought to be very circumspect in their service, that the soldier may not take example by them of negligence and carelessness, but rather may by imitating them become painful and diligent. For this profession is chiefly maintained by continual exercise. To conclude, great care ought to be had at the opening and shutting up of the gates, seeing that at such times great occasion of danger may easily be offered. For which the Sergeant Maior ought to appoint the sergeant or sergeants that watch to be present, at the opening and shutting of the gates, with their men well armed, and none of them ought to be suffered to have his cloak about him, or any other thing that may hinder him, or be troublesome unto him. And first let four or six soldiers of the company go forth through the wickets of the gates of the cities, and look whether all be well, walking three or fourscore paces from the gates, and if all be free from danger and in safety, then let the gates be opened, and first let them of the city pass out, not in clusters, but by little and little, one by one, but especially if there be carts or baggage to go forth, and till all they be passed, that go out of the city, none ought to be suffered to pass in, no, not so much as to come near the gates, when they be all forth that are to go out of the gates, then after the same manner may they enter, that will go into the city, and it is very necessary that at every gate there be one with a long pike of iron, that if any cart pass by with hay or straw he may pass it through with his iron pike, to know whether there be no fraud or treachery, seeing that Caesar of Naples in those carts which he would have to go to Turin, advised us that a fortress, castle, or city, might easily be gotten by such ●●●ights. In all court guards the Sergeant Maior ought to command two Sentinels to be appointed both day and night, one for the weapons, the other for the field. Furthermore provision of wood ought to be made at at times, for though in summer time it be not necessary against cold, yet there ought to be fire to kindle the matches, great care ought to be had that there be some commodious place in the courtguards to hang up the corselets, and where all the guns may lie in good order, for this is not only necessary that if chance there be an alarm on the sudden, each soldier may with more snéede find his weapon, but also to shun confusion, and to observe due order in the courte-guard, which is an ornament unto it. The Sergeant Maior should not suffer any one in the courtgard● to play at tables or dice, when the companies of the watch enter in, for that seemeth to be very uncomely and undecent, and it is a token of contempt and disdain, as little respecting those that come in, and setting nought by them, for seeing the companies represent the authority of the King, the soldiers are bound to receive them in all places, all armour and noise ought to be enstranged, yea quite banished out of the courte-guard, round and counter round, if any one of them that watch pick a quarrel or make any braulle in the court-guard, either in word or deed, he ought to be severely punished, because such a company being together, there might that soon be set on fire, which would not in haste be extinguished. The round and country rounds may be of more or less people, and continue more long or shortly, according as necessity requireth, but they may never return to the company after they be gone forth, till their turn be ended, which they ought to spend in going up and down about the wall, visiting and overseing the watchfulness of those that stand Sentinel. The very same ought they to do that are rounds in the field, and because sometimes it is thought to be doubtful, in case the round meet with the upper round, either in the field or where they lie in garrison, whither of the two ought first to give the watchword, and upon this point there be divers opinions, and many move this doubt, making an Elephant of a Fly, framing a question De Lanacaprina, (as Horace sayeth) I say that the upper rounds most commonly be of officers, and so according to reason, and due obedience, it is more just that the round should give place, and give the name first unto the upper round, but because Captains do also use to round in the ordinary turns, to the end that no man may justly take any thing in dudgeon or be grieved, and to take all occasion of doubt, and inconvenience, the Sergeant Maior (unto whose charge it is committed to dispose and appoint the watch rounds, and upper rounds) ought to leave order with the companies how they ought to do as concerning this point, which ought to be such, that the round shall always give place unto the upper round, and give the watchword first, and for this cause the officers of the companies should be always appointed to be of the upper round as by custom it is used. And if chance that there be officers in both the rounds, or none in either of them, but they be all soldiers, yet howsoever, it is great reason that the round should give place and give the watchword first. Seeing that the upper rounds are of more pre-eminence, for they are not only appointed to do the same which the rounds do, to wit, to regard whether the court-gard and they that stand Sentinel do their duty or not, but also to see whether the rounds themselves fail not of their duty. But you must know that this which we have said is to be understood, in case that the upper rounds be ordinary, as the rounds are, for when the Master of the camp or governor of the place where they lie in garrison, or the Sergeant Maior round extraordinarily (as they sometimes do) than it appertaineth unto them to give the watchword. First: for the round not knowing that there is any upper round, is not bound to give the watchword unto any one, but to the Sentonel, and he is to know and ask the watchword of all them that he meeteth, and examine them what they are, and what they do there, taking them that he findeth guilty, or going about any harm, and all other suspicious persons that he chanceth to meet withal. Furthermore before we pass from this point, I would you should be advertised of an error (which is not very small) and it is committed ordinarily, by reasonof the negligence and carelessness of the officers, and I lay this fault of this abuse only upon the officers, for it is most manifest that the soldiers do as they are taught to do by the officers, and the abuse is, that when one standeth Sentonell, if another soldier come to him to have him away, he doth not only leave his place, but also if chance that the other soldier have not the watchword the Sentonell himself giveth it unto him, and so doing, he committeth all these faults following. First he doth ill because as we have said, that no soldier standing Sentonel, aught to suffer any one to come near him without giving the watchword. Secondly he is too blame, in that he himself giveth the watchword unto him that cometh, whereas the Sentonell ought not to give the watchword unto any one whatsoever. Thirdly he doth contrary to his duty in leaving his place and ceasing to stand Sentonell, before the officer unto whom it appertaineth to take him thence, cometh in proper person to renew him. But the negligence and small regard of the officers, who loath to take the pains to rise themselves to remove the Sentinels (as they are bound to do it) are cause of these abuses, and have brought in this naughty custom, that the Sergeant or Corporal towards night, name four soldiers to stand Sentinel in one place, leaving order that when one hath stood out his turn, should call the other, and that they should communicate the watchword, and give it one to another among themselves, which ought not in any case to be done, for it is most just that the officers should perform that which apertaineth unto them to do according as they are bound by their offices, and he that doth not so, is unworthy of his office which he beareth, and aught to be put besides his office, and besides this, the watchword being the safety and trust of the watch of the camp of garrison, it ought with great regard and discretion be given by the Seargeant Mayor to the Seargeant, and of them to the Corporal and Sentinels, and so (due order observed) the Seargeant Mayor ought not to give the watchword in the field, before the Sentinels be sent out: and when he lieth in garrison in any place, he ought not to give it before the gate be shut up. Neither ought the Sergeants nor Corporals give it to the Sentinels before the very instant that they be sent out. And note that if chance any one be sent forth by night (as ordinarily it happeneth to be necessary) the Seargeant Mayor ought to cause the watchword which was appointed for the watch to be changed for diverse inconveniences that might fall out by not so doing. Now after all these things are orderly appointed, the Sergeant Maior ought at sundry times and diverse hours to visit them, and see how they be looked unto, finding fault with them that are blame worthy, and punishing them that deserve correction. The Sergeant Maior ought always to be personally present in the watch, having great regard what number of men serve in every Company, according to the muster which they make. Whereof the Muster master or Treasurer ought to make faith unto the Seargeant Maior. Who (if so be that he can find or perceive that the Companies receive pay for more men than they watch with) ought to make the Officers of the companies to give him account of it: for oftentimes many soldiers by reason of their Officers negligence become careless, and so they regard not their duty. They ought not to permit at the entering or departing of the watch, that the corselets should want any piece of their armour, or the Harguebuzer come without his head piece, and much less, that they should serve with rusty weapons, or notoriously ill graven, nor the pikes without arminges, seeing that it is not only a great ornament unto a Squadron to have all the pikes with armings, but it maketh the squadron to seem greater, which is a very important circumstance. For all shows that are likely to cause a terror or fear to the enemies, aught to be esteemed and greatly accounted of. When the Companies of the watch enter into the place of Arms, it is ordinarily used, that the Gunne-men being come to the place (who use to march in the vanguard toward the Court-gard) should part and open, making a lane for the Pikemen to enter, vauncing their Pikes as soon as they come near the Harguebuzerie. But I do not like this manner, for the watch to enter, for to march vauncing their pikes, is no time necessary in wars, and in so doing the soldiers exercise themselves in things not necessary. Therefore they ought to shun the absurdities which you see the corselets ordinarily commit in stepping back, when they vaunce their Pikes, and so they march without any firmness, which is a very ill thing. And to shun it, it is better that the corselets should enter by the harguebuzerie marching the pikes, and when they come to the end of the lane where the Captain standeth, without parting or opening, they should vance them, staying in their array, and so from hand to hand make the ranks following, and that the harquebusiers, as soon as the rank of Pikes being vanced come near them, should close to it, and fill up the said rank, following this order till the end, so that the squadron may be framed: and as well the Harguebuzes as Corslettes ought to be so used in doing this, that it be not necessary that the Officer put them in order: and if two Companies enter to watch at one time, as it often chanceth, than they should join together into one squadron, taking the harguebuzerie at each flank, and the corselets without marring the rays should enter in the midst, noting by the way that the Standard remain always in the centre of the people. And I have proved this manner of joining two Companies (being in hearses) into one squadron, and divers times caused it to be done at the entering of the watch, and it hath been very well thought of, and approved by Captains of great prudence and experience. And though there were no other reason for it then this, that they which follow Wars, in all places and at all times, when and where they be together with their weapons in their hands, aught to frame themselves in a squadron, without which they cannot have such perfection and strength as is requsred, yet is it a most sufficient cause. And besides this, the profit which ensueth, by reason that the soldiers by these means and continual practice, become ready and well instructed in matters of so great importance, is exceeding great. The Companies that watch when others enter, may not depart from the watch hill or place of Arms, until such time as they that enter to watch, have framed their squadron. But having their weapons in their hands and standing at the sides of the Court-gard, they must stay till they are all entered, and then they may departed orderly each one to his lodging. The Seargeant Mayor ought to be very careful in the day time to visit the Court-gardes, and so doing he shall force both the officers and soldiers to look to their wards, which they ought not in any case to leave, save only when they go to dinner, and that by order, each one in his turn with his tabling mate, or Tamarda. And when some forcible necessity is offered, no soldier ought to departed from his ward without leave from his Officers, seeing that the soldiers are no less bound from that day that they entered into this profession of warfare, to be obedient unto the Captains and Officers, doing nothing without their leave: then those Friars that are tied to many straight orders, are to their Priors or Wardens. For when they be entered into the Books of his majesties pay at the first day of their soldiership, to serve rather in this Company then in that, betokeneth and signifieth no other thing but this only, that they promise and swear secretly and inwardly in heart, to serve their King or Prince, obeying all and every thing that the Officers of their Companies shall or do command them touching his majesties service. But I mean not that they shall not be bound to obey the Officers of other companies. For they own due obeisance unto all Officers, as well to the Officers of other companies, as to the Officers of their companies in all things concerning the orders by them given and prescribed, especially when they are ranked in a squadron, or march in order, or standing at the watch, briefly, in all things appertaining unto their Prince's service. Yet this aught to be noted, that no soldier ought to be punished for his disobedience, unless it be in such things as concern their prince his service. As when they contemn or despise any Officer in matters touching the order. For in other particular & private matters, that touch not the service of the King, the Officers are no less bound to be humble, mécke, and use good behaviour toward the soldiers. Seruatis, seruandis, than the soldiers are to be towards them, and those Officers that amidst their games and private conversation, for their own commodity pass the limits of civility, often abusing certain soldiers both in words many times and also in deeds, should be severely punished. For thence it proceedeth that the soldiers afterwards set nought by them in matters of order and government, being provoked and stirred up against them by their hard usage, whereas nevertheless all Officers ought contrarily to love and use all soldiers that are under their protection and government, as their own natural sons. And above all other the Seargeant Mayor ought so to do, seeing that it may very truly be said, that he is the general Father of all the soldiers that serve in his Regiment. Now Sir, seeing that the people are lodged, and I (to confess the truth) weary of this our long discourse, I will conclude with telling you that it doth not only appertain unto the Seargeant Mayor to be the general master of all good discipline in Wars, and to be the only and universal procurer of all bodily and corporal necessities for the soldiers, but he ought also to have no less regard and care of their souls: persecuting and banishing all public sin out of the Army, as lewd livers, thieves, and all such as live dissolutely and shamefully, and above all things he ought to be very watchful and diligent, in not permitting any one in the camp to blaspheme the name of God, no not so much, if possible be, as to swear by his name, seeing that his divine Majesty is so greatly offended with both of those horrible sins. For in the Army where there is no fear of God, and the foundation and principal intent be not to seek his glory and honour, there can nothing be sure, nothing good or certain. Certes it is a grief to behold, that among a people which ought to be most zealous in the service of their Creator (seeing that the obtaining of the victory doth not consist in the virtue of the multitude of arms, nor in the force of weapons, but in the intercession of his grace, without whose providence not so much as the leaf of a tree can be moved) are so many vices and abominations. And verily we should most justly weep and deplore the weak remembrance of men, when we sce that those men are so forgetful of Gods just judgements, who above all other kinds of people have death every moment more nighest and surest before their eyes, and by all our ill kind of living, it seemeth that when any one taketh the Pike in hand to become a soldier, even that day he renounceth to be a Christian any longer, and maketh profession ever after to be a Gentil, and (which is worst of all) that our ignorance is so great, that many unskilful fellows, and men without conscience, think and hold opinion, that it is contrary to a good and valiant soldier, to be a good Christian and to fear God, but let all such know, that contrarily it is impossible for any man to be a right good and valiant soldier, if he lack the foundation of the fear of God, for though we see many dissolute and ill living soldiers very resolute to die, and being so determined fight courageously, daring both to buckle with their enemies, and to die, if occasion be offered, yet we may most truly turn this their boltnes to a beastly brutish mind, seeing that it doth not proceed from true fortitude, which ever is accompanied with the fear of God, and it is rather a right temerity of bruit beasts, and not of men endued with reason, for they consider not, nor understand not how great a thing that is which they put in adventure, and so for the most part we see that such men, upon the least occasion in the world, though it be most vile and of no value, as some small commodity or vanity: hazard their lives, which they ought to make so great account of, which they ought then to put in danger with all their hearts, and making no account of it, when justice and counsel requireth. God grant it may please his mercy to take away the darkness of this most clear and apparent ignorance from our understanding, that we may so know and serve him in this our temporal warfare, under the standard and faith of our sovereign Lord and invincible Captain jesus Christ, that we may deserve by him to be made partaker of that celestial and glorious warfare in triumphant Jerusalem. Master Vargas. we have made an end at one time both of our discourse and our journey also. And I beseech you to pardon me if I have not been able to satisfy your request according to your desire, for my simple talon is no farther extended: and be fully persuaded that I have not taken this pains so much for my pleasure, as to accomplish your desire, which pains I shall think ill bestowed if you take it in part of my service toward you: and now good Sir, let us fall to such meat as we have here, for it may be your chamber-fellow hath already dined.  Vargas. 
I am beholding unto you for your courtesy, and you well know that it is not new or strange to me to take part with you at dinner, but as for this day I mean not any more to weary you, for if I went to dine with you, I am certain that seeing you have now so fully satisfied me, in that I desired so greedily to know concerning the Office of the Seargeant Mayor, (which amongst many other good turns and deeds of true friendship which I have received of you I account not the least) I should not leave to speak of the other points which I mentioned yesterday unto you: but I am contented for this time, so you will some other day (if occasion be offered) with some short discourse deign to satisfy my desire.  Londonno. 
I will refuse no pains to do you service, and so God be your guide.  Vargas. 
He be with you also and all others.  
FINIS.