THE HONOURABLE REPUTATION of a Soldier: With a Moral Report, of the Virtues, Offices, and (by abuse) the Disgrace of his profession. Drawn out of the lives, documents, and disciplines, of the most renowned Roman, Grecian, and other famous Martialistes. By George Whetstone, Gent. Malgre de Fortune. Imprinted at London, by Richard jones: dwelling near unto Holborn Bridge. 1585. To the most worthy Gent. Sir William russel, Knight, accomplishment of his honourable desire. SIR, having (I may truly say) with much labour compiled a book, Entitled. The English mirror: the first part setting ●orth, The Conquests of Envy: containing, ruin and subversion of the ancient Monarchies and common weals, etc. The second part, showing Envy to be conquered by Virtue: publishing the peaceable victories of her Majesty, to Gods ●ye glory and universal wonder. The third part, entitled, A Fortress against Envy: wherein every good common wealths-man, may see the true offices, virtues, and (by abuse) the disgrace of his profession: But because, the book is of some volume, I cannot have it speedily printed: and for that occasion now (at this present) maketh passage for this Subiet, being a member or si●all parcel of the forerecited book: Therefore, as a testimony of the zeal which I bear to your worship, and every worthy person, whose profession is Martial, I reverently submit my travel, to be censured by your able judgement, which meddleth no whit with Military execution, but altogether with Moral government, necessary for a perfect Soldier. For, if I myself, which have been brought up among the Muses, in our English (only) peaceable and happy government, should take upon me to set forth the order of battles, th'advantages of places, the benefits of stratagems, with many other Military regards, both offensive and defensive, I might for my hire justly receive, the scoff that Hamball gave unto the Philosopher Phormio: who (upon such an indiscrete description) ●ould him that, The Art military was sooner learned of Soldiers in the broad fields, them of Philosophers in close scoles. And certainly, Hannibal answered more like▪ Philosopher, than Phormio reasoned like a Soldier: for, Experience is the true Teacher of all Arts: and therefore (that honourable part of a Soldier, which containeth Martial execution) I leave to the report of the well experienced Captain: and no doubt, among the worthy English Capt●●nes, there are some, that can use both Caesar's pen and sword. My travel (which worketh between fire and frost (as I have said) only containeth: The Moral virtues & honourable Reputation of a Soldier. And certainly, two of the greatest parts thereof, Caesar setteth forth, i● that which Bee calleth his chiefest glory, which was: Mamillus, upon occasion asked Caesar, what thing he had done, wherein he held himself most honoured? I swear unto thee MAMILLUS, by the immortal Gods (said CESAR) that I have done nothing whereof I hold myself so much honoured and happy: as, for that I have liberally rewarded those which have served me, and mercifully have forgiven such as have offended me. Words and virtues, beseeming Caesar, and without which, Caesar could never have been Monarch of the whole world: for the Captain that liberally rewardeth his Soldiers, shall have his soldiers resolute in execution, and who showeth mercy to his Enemy, shall conquer millions with love. The Spainiard is so insolent, and outrageous where he overcometh, as he is hated to death of those which obey him for fear: I have seen ample experience thereof, both in the Duchy of Milan, and kingdom of Naples. And (your god favour and patience desired) I shall show no impertinent example. In the year 1580. in which year the Pope and his confederates, hoped to have had a great day in England, whose expectation God always frustrate, myself with one other English Gentleman (who in this commendation will have his name concealed) were at Thurin entertained into the company of a worthy Gentleman of Picardy, named Monseur Dobart, who was then ready to travel into Italy: and being all lodged one night in a Garrison town, in the Duchy of Milan, near unto the River of Po, at the midst of supper, a haughty proud Spaniard, came and sat him down by us. Monseur Dobart (bearing an affectionate zeal unto her Majesty, & the state of England, as well for that he was an earnest protestant, as for that his sister and other friends, were honourably used in the Court of England, in the former troubles of France) demanded of the Spaniard, what might be the cause, that the King of Spain had that year raised so great an Army? The Spaniard forthwith made this proud & insolent answer: Ah Sir, the time now draweth near, that we shall have the spoil of rich England▪ that we shall embrace their fair wives, and make havoc of their long gathered riches: And discovering that there was an Englishman in company, that tolierated these high words, he began spitefully to bra●e him: But on ●he sudden, the spaniard sound the temper of the Englishman's fingers: so that shame, to repair his disgrace, compelled the Spaniard to offer combat: Monseur Dobart very honourably undertook that the English-Gentleman, should the next morning by six of the clock, be ready to cross the River of Po, with the spaniard, to commit either's cause to God, and their swords This was mutually agreed upon, but by break of the day, the spaniards brags vanished like bubbles, & be himself slipped away without giving any bon-giorno, so that the English Gentleman could have no further revenge, saving that in the place of this controversy, finding this Italian sentence to be written: Le parole son femine, & i fatti son maschi. 〈◊〉 in despite, wrote underneath: Donques gli spanioli son femine, et gli Inglese son maschi: and truly the haaste of the house, with many dispightful words of the spaniards proud & naughty behaviour, to his perpetual blame, hath faithfully promised, that the subscription should not be razed out, without being secretly new written again: But the spaniard had revenge enough by the Gentlemans own countrymen: for Monseur Dobart (as he thought to honour him) imparted this accident to certain Englishmen at Bologna: among whom, there were that so posted the matter to Rome: as when the poor Gent. arrives there, he was stayed at the gate, now called Porto del populi, and there was kept eight days, having no other bed but the bare ground, and well near starved for want of food: In fine, all his other Bollitines and Warrants to travel being taken away. On the sudden the Stappado was hanged forth, and the Gentleman upon pain thereof▪ commanded presently to departed: to whom was delivered a Vollitine for Naples. What violence he further sustained, his humour will not agree to open it: for I am sure, he hath been seldom hard to pursue any man's disgrace, and never known publicly to bemoan his own hard fortunes, which have been many, and violent: And albeit, his name be here concealed, yet if any exception be taken against this report) let me be in all places reproved, if he every way approve not the same. And albeit Sir, the matter be in some sort particular: yet (as I have said) it showeth what hatred the insolency of the Spaniard engendereth where he ruleth, which can establish no government: Besides, by his lavish words, it may be seen what havoc he would make: if he could execute his proud desires: But if the Englishman far from succour, feareth him not in his own doors, I hope (I truly prophesy his discomfiture, upon an even hand: I leave the rest to the view of your best leisure: and if according to the greatness of your honourable desire, you may have liberty to adventure your person, in this honourable service, I beseech God to bless all your attempts, ioyn●tly with all those that shall undertake the same. Your Worships by bounden duty. George Whetstone. TO THE RIGHT Valiant Gentlemen & Soldiers, that are, or shallbe Armed under the Ensign of Saint GEORGE: In recompense of their worthy adventures, Heaven, and everlasting honour. GOD with S. George, alon, brave Gentlemen, Set Spears in rest, renew your ancient fame: Rush on the Pikes, the Cannon do not shen, Your Ancestors, with passage through the same, This Proverb raised, among the French, their Foes, Vous es fi fire, que un Anglois. The● art as fierce, as is an Englishman, The French still say, and proof the same did teach: Turn you the french into castilian, it hath a grace in such a lofty speech: Your cause is good, and Englishmen you are, Your foes be men, even as the french men wear. The force of death, that raiseth many fears, In craven hearts, which courage do despise: Long lives the man, that dies in lusty years, In actions where honour may arise. And wherein may you honour more expect, Then wronged men, to secure and protect. The Lion prays, upon the stoutest beast, yet licks the sheep, the which the wolf hath wound: So worthy minds, proud looks, that feareth least, doth help to raise, the wounded from the ground. Like Lions then, the Arms of England shield, Pray on your foes, and pity those that yield. I say no more, but God be your good speed, And send you (hap) which I did never taste: And if this Book, you do witsafe to read, You cannot think, your labour spent in waste, Which doth contain, the Moral rules of those, That followed Mars, in thickest press of foes. George Whetstone. Of the honourable Reputation of a Soldier, with a Moral Report of the Virtues, Offices, and (by abuse) the disgrace of his profession. AT what time, Reputation of a Soldier. Ambition, the Imp of miscreate Envy, upon desire of Sovereignty, begat War: Necessity, Inventress of all Policies, Arts, and mechanical Crafts, devised many Engines for War: the use whereof, gave first reputation unto the Soldier, who ever since hath been honourably esteemed. And although, for difference of Authorities and Offices, requisite in Martial government: There is General, Lieutenant, Colonel, Captain, Ensign, corporal, etc. Yet the highest to the lowest, only glorieth in the name of a Soldier. Alexander, Caesar, and the greatest Monarques, usually called the meanest Soldiers, Companions, Fellows, & always greeted them by such like familiar salutations: Caesar, would thus usually incouradge his Soldiers: Companions, & Friends, save that (by your Election) I command, there is no difference between you, and me, and therefore the meanest, that best deserveth, may one day step into my place. A high encouragement, to be valiant, when valour, by government, is able to raise a man from the Cart, to be a Sovereign Captain: And certainly, Military justice Military justice. in Martial Government, is more indifferent than Civil justice: For, the one taketh knowledge of every man that is valiant: and the other will scar look on a number that are virtuous. And by this justice Military, Viriat, Viriat. the renowned Portugal, that in many victories sheathed his sword in the Romans Entrails, was in his youth a sheepharde, & the son of a sheepharde. Arsase's, Arsase's. king of the Parthians, was a common beggars son: yet in remembrance of his great valour and worthiness, after his decease, they called the kings his successors, Arsasides. Agatocles, Agatocles. the mangnanimous king of Cicile, was the son of a Potter: and in remembrance thereof, among other vessels of gold, he was always served with some of earth. Prolomie, Ptolemy. king of Egypt, of whom the succeeding Kings were called Ptolemy, was of base parentage. The Athenian, Isicrates, Isicrates. the most illustrious in the Art Military, whom Artaxerses king of Persia, oftentimes made Lieutenant of his Army, against the egyptians, was a cobblers son. Eumenes, Eumenes. one of the most valiant of Alexander's Captains, was a poor Carters son. And albeit, among humane kingdoms, none might be compared to the Empire of Rome, yet, by Martial justice, men of most mean rep●●ation, became Emperors. Elius Pertinax, Elius Pertinax. Emperor of Rome, was an Artificers son. The Emperor Dioclesian Dioclesian. that illustred Rome, with so many triumphant victories, was a scriveners son. Valentian, Valentian. was a shoemakers son. The Emperor Probus, Probus. was a Gardeners son. The renowned Emperor Aurelius, Aurelius. was of an unknown parentage. Marcus julius, Licinius, Marcus julius, Licinius, Bonosus. and Bonosus, which occupied both the Empire, the one came from the Cart, and the other from keeping of a school. Many other were Emperors of Rome, whose Ancestors were of no account, which (for brevity) I omit: so that, descending to kings, and meaner Princes whom this justice advanced. Tarqvinius Priscus, Tarqvinius priscus. king of Rome, was a Merchant's son of CORINTHE, and banished his Country. Servius Tullius, the most renowned king of the Romans, who for his worthy victories triumphed three times, was the son of a poor servant: and therefore was always called, Servius. Lamutius▪ Lamutius: king of the Lombard's, was the son of a mean Harlot. The mighty King Tamburlaine, Tamburlaine. was in the beginning, a poor shepherd. The right noble Roman, Caius Marius, Caius Marius who for his invincible courage and virtues, was seven times Consul of Room, came of a base parentage. The most virtuous and valiant Captain, the father of Francis Sforce, Francis Sforce. whose children and issue were of long time Dukes of Milan, was a poor labourer's son. Many other by Martial profession (in which time justice was truly administered) were in this manner, from the lowest degree advanced to the highest honour. And that the baseness of parentage might be no blemish, to those that deserved well: nor noble blood, A strait law. a privilege for those that did amiss: the Grecians, by a law, sorbadde him the Tomb of his Ancestors, that added not some glory to their Monuments. Alexander the Great, Alexander's justice. lying upon his deathbed, being demanded, who should be his heir? magnanimously answered: justin. Lib. 3 the worthiest: so great was the justice of his mind, as he previledged not his son Hercules, his brother Arideus, nor the Infant in his wife Roxana's womb, before a stranger of better desert. This regard and reward of good deservings were the causes of so many illustrious Captains in the ancient common Wealths. The prudent Romans found out the benefit that proceeded of the rewarding of Soldiers, and therefore they devised many honours and rewards to recompense their good services. When any Captain had any notable victory, he (after thanks given to the Gods) presently mounted upon a Theatre, and generally praised the whole Army: them calling the Bands and Squadrons that fought most valiantly, he praised every Soldier by his proper name, calling him Companion and friend of his Country, and withal gave to every one as he deserved, as to some, Crowns: to others gauntlets, and to many Harness, with such devices as no man might wear, but such as had deserved the like. The Consul Papirius, Tie●s 〈◊〉 libro & 30 with such like ornaments proper to every man's desert, for one victory, rewarded fourteen Centurions, & one whole Squadron of Soldiers. Scipio, did the like in Spain, wherein every man's merit was written: There were many Crowns or Garlands proper for special services: as, Crowns or garlands, given for proper services. whosoever delivered the City of Rome, or Camp of the Romanies, from any sharp or dangerous siege, he was recompensed with the Crown Obsidionale: Obsidionale. and he and his company that did this service, were honoured, as men that had delivered the City or Pli. lib. 16 & Aul. Gel. Lib. 5. Army from death. Quintus Fabius, for delivering Room from the dangerous assault of Hannibal, had this Crown. AEmilius Scipio, was in this manner Crowned in Africa: And for the like service, Calfurnius & the valiant Lutius Cincinius were crowned. Then, whosoever delivered any Citizen of Rome, and slu● one enemy without shrinking from the place of this service, he was rewarded with the crown Civique. Civique. This was a recompense of great honour: for the meanest Soldier that obtained this Crown, in the open feasts and theatres, was placed next to the Senators, who upon his entrance, rose from their places to do him honour. Many Romans obtained this Crown, especially the most valiant Cineinius before named, won it fourteen times. These Crowns were of flowers or such like, but yet of more reputation than the other of gold. The Crown Murale was of gold, Murale. and was given unto him that first scaled the wall. Manlius Capitolin, Quintus Trebelius, and divers others, gained this Crown. The Crowns Castreuse and Navale Castreuse ●auale. were likewise of Gold: the one was due unto him that in fight first entered the barriers of his enemies: the other, at Sea, that first entered the enemies ship And of this Crown, Marcus Varro, Marcus Agrippus, and many other noble Romans, thought no scorn. There were other Crowns, and special honnours given unto the Romans, which (for brevity sake) I omit: & which is worthy of regard. In distrubution of these honnours, the noble and the ennoble Soldier, by birth was regarded alike. Besides, the Romans Captains, Honourable names, given unto the Roman Captains. in honour of their victories, had their surnames after the Countries, which they conquered: the one Metellus, for the subduing of jugurthe: of Numidie, was called Numidique: the other Metellus, for subduing the king of Macedon, was surnamed Macedonique. Lucius Mummius, was named Aca●que, for the subduing of Acaye, and Corinthe. Brutus, for the subjecting of Gaul, was named Galloys. The two noble Scipios, the one was called Afriq●● 〈◊〉 Carthagique, for his victories in Africa & at Carthage. The other was surnamed Asiatic, for the conquering of Antioch: and for being the first that displayed the Roman Ensigns in Asia: many other Romans had such like honourable surnames, in triumph of their victories: but these may suffice to show the honourable reputation of a soldier, how he was in the ancient & flourishing common weals reverenced of the grave Senators, and generally honoured of the public weal, where the government Is Monarchy, Monarchy. the sovereign & sole Commander, is girded with a sword, and glorieth in the name of a Soldier: where it is oligarchy, oligarchy. where a few of the best govern, the chiefest person hath a charge of the Martial affairs. The Romans when they changed their government, by banishing of their tyrannous kings, employed their chief Commander (the Consul) abroad in the wars: In the like reputation, were the Captains in the famous common weals of Athens & Lacidemonia. When Cyrus delivered the jews out of the great captivity of Babylon, he sent them home under the conduct of their Captain Zorobabel: and their chief sacrificator joshua, by which estates they were governed, until Aristobulus usurped both the title of king and chief sacrificator. The base signory of the mechanical people, called Democratia, wherein the base sort, as handy craftsmen govern in time of war, are gladly ruled by the worthy Captain. The most magnificent Triumphs, first devised by Dionysius or Dennis, Diodi. Lib. 6. Pli Llib. 2. surnamed the free Father, and imitated by the Carthagenians, by the testimony of justin, only were dedicared to the honour of the victorious Captain: justin. Lib. 1● But as the Romans exceeded all nations of the world in power, so in this glorious pomp, they took away all possibility, for men to be more honoured: the circumstances, how every estate of the Common wealth did service and reverence unto the victorious Captain, how crowned kings were lead up and down, as his Captives, how that no magnificence that art or man's wit could devise, was wanting the hundred part of the glory whereof sufficed to glut the beholder: All which particularly to report, would company a greater volume, then is appointed for my 〈◊〉 purpose: In reformed governments, where excess of Apparel was defended: as in that of King ferdinando's, who erected the Knights of the band, and in the strait Commandment of King Philip le Bel: and (with your favour) in the strait laws and Proclamations of England, Gold, silver, and all manner of bravery is dispensed within Martial shows: by reason of which appearance of honour and reputation due, and given unto the Soldier, a number of yongelings advance their thoughts, and thirst after the like glory: Of which allurement grew the old saying: Dulce bellum in expertis▪ But if all his dangers, distresses, wounds, and many times, prodigal loss of life, be balanced with his glory: The honourable reputation of a Soldier dearily bought. the graver sort will judge his honourable reputation to be deserved, or at the least dearily bought: how that he is bound to march in the depth of winter, and the heat of Summer, to lie upon the bare ground: and which is worst, to fetch his meat out of the Canon's mouth, or to starve in the besieged town: with many deadly dangers, which the tongue of him that hath felt them, can deliver better, than my pen that have but heard them. The consideration of all these peri●s, justly moved the grave Senators, with these magnificent Triumphs and honourable rewards, to arm their Soldiers) with an invincible courage: and yet (w●th your patience) they durst not put their honour simply upon their soldiers valiancy: how resolute soever they were in execution, the wise Senators were fearful to direct. And certainly, the religious Ceremonies that the Romans used before they attempted any war, The religious Ceremonies that the Romans used before the attempted war. reproveth the inconsiderate wars of many Christian Princes, that neither ask advise of God, nor seek satisfaction with quietness. If any man brought the Romans tidings of some Province revolted, or of any other just cause of war: the Senate first sent to the Offenders, friendly requiring them to return to their obedience: & if they continued their contempt, they then created their Captains for this expedition: But before any prosecution, they caused their Sacrificators to make prayers unto the gods: after this, the Senate assembled themselves, and went unto the Temple of jupiter, and there solemnly sworn, that so often as the enemy (against whom they moved war) would seek new conditions, or crave pardon for their offences committed, that their clemency should at no time be denied. This done, the Consul elect for the enterprise, went unto the Capitol, and there made a solemn vow, that if he returned with victory, he would offer unto the Gods some special precious thing. After this, the Banner of the Eagle (which was the ancient Ensign of Rome) was displayed in the field called Mars, by which the people were warned, that, during the time that the Citizens, & their parents were in the wars, that they should neither celebrate feasts, or public spectacles: finally, a Priest mounted upon the gate, called Salary, caused a Trumpet to be sounded, to summon the men of war, and there every particular Captain received his ensign: by this it was publicly known, that they set not forward their Armies, before they had appeased and honoured their Gods. The Athenians, never moved war before the Philosophers and the grave Common-wealthes-men, had advisedly considered, whether the same were righteous or no. The Israelites, prosecuted the war, by derection of the Prophets, as appeareth by m●nyexāples of the old Testament: when the Captains and Soldiers, were thus sacisfied by the Prophets, & grave common wealthes-men, that they should in the extremest degree, but sacrifice their bloods, in the service of God, the safety of their Country, and their own immortal honour: Small is the wonder if they lightly regarded of life, and proudly encountered death: Spes famae, Solet ad virtutem impellere multos. Sole desire of fame, & zeal to do their Country service, moved many (that had no thought of the immortality of the soul) to be wilful executioners of their own lives. Plutarch, The working of fame. writeth, that in Phrigia, there was a great gaping of the earth, out of which swelled great waters, that overthrew many houses. Ancurus, king Midas son, hearing that God's Ire would not be appeased, until some one man leapt into the Gulf: Desire of fame (which those heathen men reputed an immortal life) hastened Ancurus, to leap into that Gulf (as he thought) with the loss of his life, to rid his country from this outrageous water. Curtius, the noble Roman did the like upon the like occasion. The two worthy Lacedimonians, Spartius & Bulides, voluntarily bowed their necks to the gallows, to make satisfaction for the offence of the Lacedæmonians, who contrary to the law of all nations (which protecteth every Ambassador, both in time of peace & war) slew king Xerxes' Ambassador. Themistocles, Mutius Scevola, and many others might be joined with these examples: but especially the act of Codrus, the last king of Athens, is worthy remembrance: justin. Lib ●. it was foretold by the Oracle at Delphos, that if the Athenians would be victors, their king must needs be slain. When Codrus understood that the liberty of his country, stood upon the loss of his life, he presently in the habit of a slave, entered the camp of the Pelloponians and Dorians, his enemies, and quarreled until he was slain. Behold the noble resolution of the ancient Captains, a number feared not death, & almost every one hated a dishonourable life. The Soldiers of Caesar, many times died desperately, rather than they would be the servile prisoners of their enemies. Among many, the most hardy attempts that the jews made upon Vespasian, joseph Bel. jude. & his son Titus, to be delinered of the Roman servitude: this one example of their proud disdain of life, showed their little fear of death. When God, to chasten the grievous sins of the jews, suffered them (notwithstanding their invincible courage) to be slain by the Romans, & of a number that were slain there, being but forty & one left alive: which few, rather than the Romans should have any glory of their captivity, by the drawing of lots, they appointed one to be the executioner of an other. The Earl of Shreusbury, who in Henry the sixth his time, Hawles Cro. was so feared in France, as the frenchmen to scar their Children, as we do by Robin good fellow, have to this day a byword, guard le taulbot, being (by the envious contentions in England) left almost succourless in France: In fine, was beset with a great power of french men, beyond all possibility, for his strength to overcome: and albeit, he had good mean to escape by flight, yet, he courageously abode their encounter, and upon this resolution, he thus said unto his son: Son (quoth he) thou art young, and mayst with thy honour fly: But I am old, and have had my life honoured with many victories, all which I should lose, if I should defer my death (which by course of nature, cannot be far of) by a timorous flight: Therefore, I am bound to stay: What should his son do, but even which he did? follow the fortune of his father: and so like as they lived, Needless desperateness not allowed they died valiant men. This presice preservation of honour, neither the divines, nor many politic Martialistes, do allow: the one absolutely reproving desperate end: the other, forbidding a man wilfully to die, when by his death, he neither benefiteth his friend, nor hurteth his enemy: And yet, the greatness of these men's courages, are to be honoured, although not necessary to be followed. But necessity many times approveth resolute boldness, to be honourable, profitable, and necessary. As, at the Mountain Antilliban, in Arabia, Alexander being a foot, Plut. devit. Alex. far off his Army, through care that he had of his Tutor Lysimacus, who in a manner was tired with travel: and being beenighted, and out of his way, he perceived that his barbarous enemies had made divers fires in the Mountain, by whom he must pass: and therefore, as his best remedy in that extremity, he suddenly set upon one of the companies, slew two of the saluadges, and like a Fury with a firebrand in his hand, he made a passage until he came unto his Camp: And by this hazard, he both preserved himself, and those that were with him: The dangerous adventure of Alexd. But his hardiest adventure was among the Malians, the stoutest people of the Indians, who having scaled the walls of their City, his scaling ladder broke: and seeing that his Enemies assaulted him, sharply with thieir Darts, he suddenly leapt among the thickest of them, who with the noise and shining of his Armour, so feared his enemies (supposing that a light or spirit, went before him) they fled on every side: and when in the end they assailed him, he set his back to the wall, and fought against the Malians, until his Army had broke into the city, and both rescued him, and subdued the Malians. The like adventure of Caesar, running desperately upon the fierce Neruij, The success of Caesar's dangerous adventure. saved the remnant of the Romans, who had that day been all slain, if Caesar had not encouraged them with this little care of life. The Senate so honoured Caesar for this victory, because the danger was great: as they ordained, that the Sacrificators should do sacrifice unto the Gods, and that there should be solemn procession fifteen days together, without intermission, having before never made the like ordinance at Rome, for any victory that ever was obtained. The dangers of war are oftentimes such, as necessity spurreth the valiant Gentleman, to run upon the like perils: and therein is true valiancy seen: For, many willbe forward, where the hazard is indifferent, that have no legs to follow such exploits: And ●or that this service is many times required of the worthy Soldier, without execution whereof he can never be famous. The Soldier of all men ought to set the fear of God before his eyes, The fear of god most necessary for Soldiers. to have a pure conscience, & to be of good conversation, lest in running upon the pikes, he falleth into hell fire. His state is like unto a man that is sick (for death waiteth upon Mars, as duly as upon Surfeit:) And surely, he that returneth safe out of the ●ield, escapeth as great a danger as he that is recovered of a mortal infirmity: and as men commonly see nothing but holy & good matters among men that are sick, so, the conversation of the ancient Roman Soldiers, was purged from dissolute, and ungodly behaviour. The faith of a Soldier, is at this day a common protestation, but in those days, was never violated. Alexander, surnamed Severus, had so well a governed Army, as his companies were reputed to be rather Philosophers than Soldiers. The Soldier was in that government privileged as a sick man: The T●staement Military, Testament Military. joseph de Bel. lude. was allowed. The Bequeast that Artorius made to his friend Lucius, and his heirs (at the stege of jerusalem) for the inheriting of his lands, Titus commanded to be executed: & as men that are sick (dispose their goods to their children & friends, so the Romans by a public law, enacted, that the son of every Soldier that was slain (how young soever he were) should inherit the pay of his father: Pet. Mesi. That this provision being made for their posterity, their soldiers might be the less afraid of death, into whose power, continual danger subjecteth them. The case so standing, that the soldiers glory is wrought out of hazard, and the benefit of his service, proceedeth from the peril of his life: It is (as I have said) requisite, that his conscience & conversation be always holy: and then every day he may boldly say as Cra●inius, said to Caesar: Plut devit. Caesar. I will before night be praised, either alive or dead. For, in both estates, the virtues and valiant are, and shallbe always commended: and as it is the principal duty of a Soldier to be hardy and resolute in execution: Clemency, a worthy virtue in a Soldier. so, it a high virtue in him to be merciful, after victory obtained. For as the judge deserveth more commendation, that winneth men from stealing, than he that pardoneth no offence: even so the Captain is far more worthy praise, that with wisdom and linitie, bringeth the enemy to a peaceable obedience, than he that hardeneth their hearts with cruelties and oppressions. For as the Athenians wrote unto the Lacedæmonians: There be the fruits of war, the loss of the vanquished is certain, and the Vanquishor gaineth nothing by his loss. Theaft, murder, etc. are foul vices, yet is the judge honourable, that chastiseth them, & he more honourable that banisheth than: even so, war which is composed of these & many other mischiefs, commendeth the worthy Soldier, that with his sword driveth this monster (War) forth of the City gates, and by clemency, out of the citizens hearts. What greater victory had ever Augustus Caesar, then in pardoning of Lutius Cinna. This Cinna conspired against Caesar, Clemency of Augustus. and was found in his Enemies tents, whom Caesar (not only pardoned) but also highly advanced: notwithstanding all this, Cinna practised Caesar's death: for, the roots of Malice, are seldom plucked up with kindness: Nevertheless, the Emperor sent again for Cinna: When Cinna was come, he caused a chair to be set him which done, Th'emperor opened all his benefits towards Cinna, and of cinna's ingratitude, in seeking of his life: These circumstances abashed Cinna: But Caesar ending his expostulation, thus comforted Cinna. Cinna (quoth he) I once gave thee thy life being my enemy, and now I give it thee being a traitor, and a parricide. Cinna (being vanquished with this clemency) became so faithful and assured a friend to Caesar, A difference between Tyranny and Clemency. as Caesar made him his heir: See here what love, the obedience that proceedeth of Clemency, breadeth: when the fearful obedience that is forced by tyranny, awaighteth but a passage for treason. Augustus, might have executed Cinna, and so have been rid of a dangerous enemy: But in pardoning of him, Caesar's Clemency. he purchased a faithful friend. julius Caesar, had never been so great a Monarch, if he had not gloried in the forgiving of his enemies: Yea, having overcome Pompey the great, he entertained all Pompey's friends, with such clemency and courtesy, as many of them honoured him with faithful service. When he had ended the Civil wars, he showed such clemency to his enemies, that bore arms against him, A Temple erected in honour of Caesar's clemency. as there was a temple erected in honour of his Clemency. In so much, as when Cicero saw, that Caesar set up Pompey's Images, he said: Behold, Caesar setteth up Pompey's Images, that his own may stand the surer. And certainly (though Caesar set them up of a magnanimous disposition) Cicero spoke the truth in derision: for Clemency settleth love and goodwill in subjects, The clemency of Alexander the great. which is the best guard & safety for princes. Alexander the great, was highly renowned for the Clemency that he used towards his enemies: Especially, when the stout message of jadus the chief Sacrificator, moved him so purpose the destruction of jerusalem: Nevertheless, when jadus putting on his Garments of priesthood, and accompanied with the people, clothed all in white, humbled himself before this great King, Alexander, graciously received him: and entering peaceably into the city, he not only gave rich gifts to the Sacrificatour, but showed great liberality towards all the people. The courage of these great monarch, conquered kingdoms by force: and their clemency, millions of people with love. The death of Caesar revenged by the common p●●tplc It is a wonder what a tumult the people made in Rome, when Caesar was treacherously slain, they so honoured him for this virtue, none of the Senators durst stir forth of their doors, nor none of the Conspirators abide the Town: they slew all Caesars suspected enemies, and fired many of their houses. On the contrary part, Tamburlaine, and other cruel Tyrants, were neither beloved a live, nor moaned after death. The vice of incontinency The dissolute and wanton behaviour of our modernt Soldiers, which have the courage, but not the government of the ancient, greatly slandereth their profession, and displeaseth God. When God delivereth any City or town into their hands, they (especially) the Spaniard and the Italian) take small compassion of the Inhabitants afflictions: but to injury them in the highest extremity, as the sweetest part of their spoil, they most impiously, and barbarously abuse honest matrons & deflower their daughters: Which unpardonable and unsufferable offences, the vengeance of God still followeth: and therefore this Turkish wickedness, that stinketh before god & man, is to be banished or rather to be punished in every Christian Army. The Continency of Alexander, Scipio, and many other most illustrious Captains, Continency a special virtue in a Soldier. at worthy precedents, to bridle the intemperate affections of the multitude of Soldiers. Alexander, used the wife, The Continency of Alexander. daughters, and mother of the mighty Darius, and other most beautiful Ladies of Persia, with so honourable & chaste a regard; as he took away all suspicion, that should make them fear to be dishonoured or deflowered. He would oftentimes say, that the Ladies of Persia, made men's eyes sore to behold them: but notwithstanding, preferring the beauty of his continency, before their sweet faces, he did never suffer himself to be allured, yea, he so much hated unchaste affectionns, as hearing that Damon & Timotheus under Parmenioes' charge, had forced two of their fellow Soldiers wives: He wrote unto Parmenio, if they were found guilty, to put them to death, as brute beasts, & destroyers of mankind: yea, so unspotted was Alexander's fame in this virtue, that Darius Darius' prayer. his enemy prayed to the gods, that if the time were come that the kingdom of Persia must needs have an end, either by divine revenge, or by natural change of earthly things. Then grant (good Gods, quoth he) that none but Alexander may sit in Cyrus' Throne, to recompense the great honour, that in my misery, he showed to those I loved best in the world. Aulus, Gellius, The Continency of Scipio. equalleth the continency of the most noble Roman Captain Scipio, with the chastity of ALEXANDER. Scipio, entering by force of Arms into the new City of Carthage (among other captives) he was presented with a most fair damosel, young, and of a most excellent proportion: who, notwithstanding, he was in the flower of his youth, so vanquished his affections, as he did no dishonest act with the maid. And afterwards understanding that she was of a noble house, and betrothed to a great Lord of Spain, he sent to seek him forth, and delivered the damosel unto him, in no point dishonoured: Pet. Mes. de Cho. mem. lib. 2 and withal augmented her dower, with the money that was paid for her father's ransom: An act of great continency and honour, in a victorious Captain, toward his captive. This Scippio was the most illustrious captain that ever Room fostered: He, Commendation of Scipio for his glorius victories, was surnamed African and Carthage: he was called Prince of the Senate: which dignity, was given unto none but such as had obtained the Type of all honour: he used such discipline in his Army, as his meanest Soldiers seemed, to be grave Senators: and as Plutarch saith, De▪ vitae Scip. among all his other charges, he specially commanded, that the women which were taken in the wars, should be kept from being defiled: Worthy examples for Generals and other Officers of charge, in Martial government to imitate, that their wisdoms and examples may bridle the inordinate affections of inferior Soldiers. And as companions with this beastly sin, Temperance in diet, requi●●● in a Soldier. the well governed Soldier is forbidden Gluttonnie and drunkenness, as two mortal enemies of his profession: For the Soldier must many times endure hunger, thirst, cold, travel, and other sharp miseries, which pampered and delicate bodies cannot endure: Besides, when the body is stuffed with delicates, Ease the spoil of a Soldier. the mind is dull, & desirous of ease, which is the undoer of a Soldier, who ought to have his hands or his mind always occupied: The one, wounding his enemy in the field: the other, working out policies to entrap him as he lieth in camp. Alexander the great, to keep his men in breath, Alexander enemy to Idleness. when there was intermission from war, accustomed himself, and his people to take great pains in hunting of wild beasts: especially, those that were of most fierce natures: & every man, to show his agility & strength, was enjoined to vanquish (or to be vanquished by) the beast which he undertook: In so much as Alexander himself fight one day very dangerously, hand to hand with a Lion, after the victory hardly obtained, an Ambassador of La●idemon told him, that it seemed by the eagerness of their fight, He must not be idle that worketh for a Kingdom. that his grace and the Lion strived, which of both them should be king: Yea (quoth Alexander) and he that willbe the king of kings must always be thus occupied. He was so temperate of his diet, as when the Princes Ada, of mere goodwill, sent him many delicate dishes of meat: He sent her word, he knew not what to do with them: For his governor Lyonides, appointed him for his dinner, to rise before day, and to march in the night: and for his supper, to eat but a little at dinner: A spare diet for a Prince, yet necessary for him that wrought for the whole world to have his body hardened and prepared for all dangers. Hannibal & jugurthe, could never have punished the Romans so oft, if that with wonderful pains, they had not placed their advantages, neither could they have taken half the pains, if their bodies had not been prepared with a temperate and thin diet. The temperance of julius Caesar, in eating and drinking, is upon many occasions commended, and it well appeared by the ableness and exercise of his body, he undertook great matter, and therefore, it behoved him to bestir himself: And (sure) diligence (which overcometh the mightiest things) dwelled in him: when his Soldiers were at rest, he devised his worthiest Stratagems, and yet he so tired them with such daily travels that they cried out, Plut. devit. Ces. To what end doth this man hale us after him, up and down the world? Should not Caesar think when he seethe our blood and wounds, that we are mortal men, and feel the misery & pain that other men do? But nevertheless, Caesar marched: and they for shame could not tarry behind. The Soldiers that carrieth, subduing minds, by regard of these worthy examples, will (no doubt) diet their bodies for to endure, pain, as faulkeners do their flying Hawks: and he that weigheth, what dangers, dishonours, & overthrows, have followed feastings, drunkenness, and Idle dalliance, will (if he regard his honour) be more afraid of a wanton banquet▪ then a bloody battle. Wine, and delicate cheer, were the baits that Cyrus laid to kill Queen Tomyris son, and a great part of her Army: That day that Alexander first delighted in the drunkenness and effeminate delicacy of the Parsians, he overthrew his own life and glory: For in his drunkenness, he put his best Captains to death: and in revenge was poisoned himself. The Romans so hated this drunken and voluptuous exercise, as when Lucius Pius, had brought the Sarmates unto a voluntary obedience by his often banqueting, and making of them good cheer, and at his return to Rome, demanded to triumph: The Senate not only denied him this honour, but in disdain of his drunken victory, they put him openly to death, and for his further reproach, they wrote this epitaph upon his Tomb: Hear Lucius Pius, Consul lies, Who not with Arms in Field: But with Wine, mirth and Table-cheare, Did make the Sarmates yield. THe Senate not yet content, adnulled all that Lucius had done, and by their letters remitted the Sarmates into their ancient liberty. And certainly, The Romans punished and hated dishonourable Conquests. this worthy virtue shined in the Romans, they refused to make a benefit of any thing that was dishonourable: and for that the precedent is necessary for all Soldiers to follow, this one other short example, shall not be impertinent to the purpose. Fabritius, being encamped before the City of Fidena, a Schoolmaster of the Town, in hope of some great preferment, stole forth and presented Fabritius with the children of the most worthy Citizens: The Consul saw, that this was a good mean to become Lord of the City. Nevertheless, he refused th' advantage: & for his hire, he bond the schoolmaster, and caused the boys with rods to whip him into the town: to recompense which honourable favour, the Citizens willingly paid tribute unto the Romans. What would the heathen Romans (who were thus precise in matters of honour) judge of many christians, damnable pollicie●. who seldom refuse offered advantages against the enemies? yea (which is damnable) very oftentimes, hire Atheists, and such earthly Furies, to poison, murder, and betray anointed Princes and their sovereigns. Their Censure could be no other, but that they themselves feared God: and that such Christians and their instruments followed the Devil. But to continue further with Military documents: it is not enough that the Soldier be valiant in execution, merciful after victory, chaste of body, temperate in eating and drinking, and a hater of Plenes: Obedience especially required of a Soldier. But obedience, is also specially required of a well governed Soldier: A mutinous and disobedient person, is in a camp like a scabbed and rotten sheep in a fold, an instrument of his own, and a number of his fellows destructions. The Romans had a special regard, in the chastising and purging of this fault, as worse than a plague in an Army: they, without respect of people, punished disobedience, as appeareth by the severe lentence, that the Consul Titus Manlius gave upon his own only son, whose disobedience was both honourable and bene●itiall to the Romans: but they esteemed not of that benefit which nourrished a mischief. The Consul, commanded that no man should fight, without his direction. ● severe example. Genutins' Metius, one of the enemies pricked forth & challenged Manlius son. Young Manlius thought it a foul shame and dishonour to refuse Genutius: and therefore, courageously set upon the challenger, overcame and slew him, and was of all his father's Soldiers, highly commended But the Consul understanding of this matter, called for his Son: and told him, that he commanded that no man should fight, without his derection: and for as much as he had broke the order which is to be kept in war: by which thitherto Rome had been advanced to great honour: and therefore, son (quoth he) since the choice is so hard, that I must either forget the common weal, or else deprive myself of thee, in whom I took (privately) most delight in, I will that the common weal take no hurt: and thereupon he willed the hangman to take his son, & to execute on him the punishments, due unto those that by evil example, hurt the discipline & obedience of soldiers: which was to bind him to a stake, to whip him, and afterwards to behead him. The like sentence, Brutus gave of his Sons, for that contrary to a general Commandment, they wrote but letters to call Tarqvinius in again. If there worthy Captains, ●or light Trespasses thus sharply punished their Sons, what hope of favour may the private Soldier expect, that rashly & disobediently breaketh the orders of the Leaders? even the favour that a Rebel deserveth in a peaceable government. For, The difference between rash and necessary boldness. as bold and careless running upon death, is honourable and meritorious, when in Martial judgement such resoluteness in a few, may be the safety of a number, according to the Italian saying: Beato colui, chi puo far beato altrui: Happy is he, that can make another man happy: Even so, needless and unprolitable rashness, by wilful falling upon the enemies Sword, is reducul●us, dangerous, & very dishonourable: for as there is a saying in Martial policy: He that flieth the field, may return again, and annoy his Adversary: when he that is unprofitably and rashly slain, possesseth his enemy with the glory of his death, without fear of revenge. As did the untemperate Capadocians, An intemperate part. who envying the victory of Perdiccas, enclosed themselves within their City, & with fire consumed the same, jointly with themselves, wi●es, children, & goods: And by this unnatural hardiness, made Perdiccas spoil (in truth) to be small, and their own after fortune to be nothing: But in the reprehension of rashness and disobedience, in a Soldier, there is no intent, Cowardliness reprehended. any way to favour cowardliness: but rather to reprove the same, as a fault as dangerous, as indiscrete boldness. For the Coward doth not only hurt with his own ●eare, but by his running away, a number are discomforted, and follow for company, A policy to harden a Coward many times to the peril of the whole Army: And therefore, Astiadges to make his Cowards hardy, thrust them in the face of the enemy, and placed approved Soldiers at their barks, with charge to kill them if they turned their heads. Titus Livius & julius Frontinus, writeth, that Appius Claudius, and Marcus Antonius, punished the Cowardly Romans (which were very few) in this manner: The squadrons and bands, by whom the enemy had passage, drew cuts, and of whom soever the lot fell, he presently was put to death. Damatria, A sharp example. a woman of Lacedaemon, hearing that her son had not fought, as became a Lacedaemonian, presently at his return, she slew him with her own hands, as one that was sorry she had borne so cowardly a son. And surely, he, that cometh into the field, and is afeard to fight, must the rest of his life, look to live like an Owl: but small circumstances suffice in this point: For Englishmen, to whom I direct this Treatise, as the learned Sir Thomas Smith writeth, De Rep. Ang. are a people naturally that feareth not death, & by consequence, careless of their enemy: But on the contrary part, Englishmen are men of much desert, Envy a dangerous passion in a Soldier and therefore, Envy and Emulation reigneth mightily among them: For Envy, always assaileth worthy men, and these foul passions have been the scourges (or more properly, the overthrows) of the most worthy men and Governments. The Athenians, had no other remedy against this poison, b●● to devise a law, called Ostracism: The Athenians remedy for Envy. by which as the lots fell out, some of their principal men were yearly banished, and many times the lots fell of the best benefactors of the common weal, who were banished by the ingratitude of the common people. Envy, reigned strongly among the Romans, but there were to many occasions of advancement, as their Envy brought forth honourable effects: for that virtue, being there the ladder of advancement, every one sought by worthiness to climb the ●yest degree. When porsina's host, An honourable kind of Envy. dangerously besieged Room, Cocleus was highly honoured for a piece of Service about a wooden bridge, which the noble Mutius Scevola so envy, as to do his country a greater service, he in the habit of a peddler, entered into the Hetruian camp, even unto the kings tent, and there slew the kings Secretary in steed of the king: Scevola was taken upon the fact, & boldly confessed his determination: The king to increase his torment, commanded that he should be burned to death with a torch: by peace-meales, in his own presence: Scevola (constantly) without change of countenance, endured the burning of his hand, which so abashed the king, as he delivered Scevola, & made peace with the Romans, for fear they would have many scevola's to endanger him, when he should lack Secretaries to do him the former service: This was the Envy that reigned among the Romans, while virtue judged men's demerits: but the common Envy, where she hath passage, is like a swine in a garden, a destroyer without regard, and in a Camp, a very subversion. And for that this is a common fault among the greatest, 〈◊〉, a fault among the greatest. the Generals of Armies, aught to have a special care thereof, lest the misery be general before the mischief be suspected. Moreover, because it is a passion uncurable. I would to God, the Envious would Counsel themselves, as the two worthy Enemies. Cretinus Magnesius, and Hermias did. King Mithridates, being at war with they Country, A worthy example. Cretinus Magnetius, gave his consent that his great enemy HERMIAS, should be captain against Mithrida●es: and in the mean season, he solemnly protested, to banish himself his Country, lest there might some tumult or business arise by their factions: But Hermias knowing Cretinus to be the better Captain of both, for the love he bore to his Country gave that honour to his enemy, & banished himself until the wars were at an end: If every man would follow this worthy example, that Monster Envy, might very well take private revenge, but should never work public destruction, as she doth (for the most) where she conquereth. A great many duties bind a man to prefer the love of his Con●trey before an envious desire of revenge: but I pray god a little grace bridle the envious man's affections: for it is to be ●eared, if prayer prevent n●t, Disdain a foul fault 〈◊〉 a Soldier. counsel will do little good against this mischief▪ There is another foul common fault, to be hated of a Soldier: which is, in thinking over well of himself, to disdain another that carrieth not so proud a countenance: For countenance is so great a deceiver, as it brought forth this Adage, Fronti nulla fides: but as the slender Grayhound, biteth as sore as the strong Mastiff, and overtaketh sooner: even so, a weak man may have more strength in his head, than a mighty in his body. The prudent Sertorius, made proof of Cato's grave, saying: (Ingen●o pollit, 〈◊〉 vim natura negavit) by a pretty example. A profitable example. He had in his camp: A little, weak, but yet a politic man, and among other Soldiers a great, big, boned, brainless Lubber: he had also two horses, th' one fat, lusty, & with a thick tail th'other a little lean horse, & almost without a tail: Sertorius, appointed the little ●eeble man to pluck of the great horse tail: and the big & sturdy Soldier, to pluck of the few harres, that were of the lean horse tail: The weak man, whom good education, had given wit & policy in the place of strength, pulled by three or iiij. hairs at once, & so quickly of a long tail, left no tail: The other a good strong yeoman's body, tugged at the whole tail, and wrought until he sweat: but stirred not a hair: An example of double pro●it & instruction: The ackt of the weak man showeth that a handful of wit, is worth a horse load of strength: and the bootless, tugging of the strong man, witnesseth the mighty force of a ●ewe, that are firmly united together: and the division of the great tail, the confusion of a multitude, that are among themselves divided. It is then a principal virtue in a Soldier, to entertain his companion with mild conversation, & a great part of his safety, to be united unto him, in assured friendship. This disdain and proud upbraiding of men, Original of disdain. proceeded first from the Dunghill: And therefore, unmeet to have place, in Court or camp, where Gentlemen, & only men of reputation, should live. Disdain (as I have said) came from the Dunghill: And of such a Gentleman, Claudian thus writeth: Asperius nihil est humili cum surgit in Altum: Then let disdain be proper to a Dunghill mind, who having no Ornaments of virtue, holdeth his placeby proud & disdainful behaviours. But the Soldier and every man that thir●teth for true honour, must hold this for a principal, that Reputation consisteth in a man's own well doing, and not in another man's disgrace. It is a good course then for every man, to honour himself with good endeavours: and a great blame to dishonour another with infamous words: For art hath made no man so perfect, but that he may daily learn: nor nature no man so imperfect, but he may be an instrument of some good purpose. Asinius, Caesar's Barber, the fearfullest wretch alive, whose mind was given only to fear & mistrust, by his timorous suspect, saved Caesar's life, in discovering the Treason of Pothinus and Achillas. Caesar, The service of Caesar's ●arber. had not a verier wretch, than the Barber Asinius in his whole Army: nor never a Captain that did him greater service. Every man is not mad for all purposes: but his service that is any way profitable, is no way to be disdained. Alexander the great, wrote a book, which he called remembrances for every day, Alexander's Boo●e of daily rememberaunces. which contained neither scoffing nor disdainful usage of the simpler sort: but contrary wise, how he helped their ignorances, with good counsels: Instructed them in policies, and appeased every small contention, before it grew to a quarrel. He that willbe worthy, let him look into worthy men's doings, & follow the examples of the worthiest. No man can have a greater light, then of the Sun, nor better instruction, then from the wisest. To conclude, it is a most honourable virtue, and a necessary duty in a Soldier, A good Soldier ought to be studious in matters of Policy. at leasurable times to be studious in matters of policy, and always when his hands are idle to have a working mind. Caesar the best Captain that ever lived, was so addicted to study, as there was a question: whether he were more inclined to the Lance, or to his book? who being one day in a mortal danger, at Alexandria, to save himself, he leapt into the water, and ve a Book in his hand, he had such care thereof, as he held that hand upon his head, Pet. Mes. ●e 〈◊〉 ●end. and wrought for his life with the other. Alexander the great, Plo● devit. Cae●ar. was so addicted to Homer's Iliads, as he appointed the most magnificent jewel box of Darius to keep the same. In the time & under the reigns of the famous monarchs & Captains, learning, and learned men most flourished. The reason was, the Leaders of Armies, were great lovers of learning. Antigonus, king of Macedon, to be instructed in knowledge, by his Letter, thus saluted the Philosopher Zenon. The king Antigonus, wisheth health to the Philosopher Zenon: I know well that I pass thee in riches and favours of fortune: But I must confess that thou far passest me, in the true felicity, which consisteth in the knowledge, discipline, and study of the liberal Sciences: and therefore, I desire the accord, that I may have thy company, etc. Alexander, hearing that Aristotle had written certain books of natural Philosophy, wrote unto Aristotle in this manner: Truly, Aristotle, thou dec●auest my desire, in publishing of this speculative Philosophy: which (I thought) should properly, have honoured myself: For, know thou, I rather desire to exceed all men in knowledge and learning, then in richesse and dominions. Caesar wrote his own Commentaries, & divers other books. Pyrrhus, the most worthy Captain, king of the Epyro●es, (that many times punished the Romans) wrote divers books: Especially, one of the precepts of war. There were divers worthy books, found in the Tents of Hannibal, which he earnestly studied. I might add many other examples, of right famous Captains, that were specially well learned: and to say truth, learning is the most precious Ornament of a Soldier, and the necessariest virtue. Couradge, Prince Edward's victory. hath obtained great victories: But policy hath gotten wonderful & (almost) incredible. Prince Edward, king Edward the thirds son, by policy joined with manhood, only with 8000. men, overcame king john of France, and his Army of threescore thousand men: In which overthrow, king john, was taken prisoner and sent into England, who seeing the grave Consellers that were attendant of the king: shook his head, and said These fellows (quoth he) were they that brought me into England: attributing his overthrow to the grave directions of the king's Counsel. The victorious king Henry the fift, with less than fifteen thousand men, whereof many were sick and diseased, The Battle of Agincourt is France. with a policy of Iron piked stakes, overthrew the whole power and flower of the Nobility of France. The wonderful overthrows, that have been given by politic stratagems: which were evermore the directions of the learned and well studied Captains, do in a manner command Martial Professors, to hunt after new Stratagems, and devices to annoy the Enemy. He that is studious, and occupieth his leasurable times, in working out of advantages, is likely to hurt the enemy more by his devices in the camp, then by fight in the field. Cicero, was not naturally given to follow Arms, as appeared by his saying: Cedant Arma toged yea● for that by his policy and wisdom, he delivered Rome from the dangerous conspiracy of Cattiline: He (by dispensation) was recompensed with the Crown Civique. The dangerous and mortal engines of war, were the ingenious devices of the learned Captains. The Po●t Lucretius saith▪ that in the beginning, men only reuen●ed their choler, with scratching & biting: afterwards they fell to throwing of s●ones, and to sight with truncheons of woe). It was long before the hatred and malice of man found out this piercing Iron, hid of the entrails of the earth. The AEtolians, were the first that brought the Lance into the riende. The Lacedimonians devised the Sword and the Hachet. The egyptians, Pli●. lib. 7. cha. 16. the Healmet and the shield. Sci●us, the son of jupiter, devised Darts and Arrows. Eusebius writeth that Moses devised many engines of war. Lib. de preparation Euanget lique. The Athenians invented the Scorpion or Arbaliste: but all these were light in respect of gunpowder, & other Artillery: Which (some say) were invented by an Alman, whose name is not known: and certainly worthily, as one unworthy of memory. These, being the engenious Inventions of men, there are (no doubt) more ●idden secrets to annoy the enemy, which the study of the careful Martialistes, no doubt, may work out. And considering, that policy never so much abounded, and mischief and iniquity exceedeth the same: So that, to overthrow & confound the enemy, all fear of God and humane charity is banished. Therefore, to encounter such furies, the Soldier that fighteth in a just quarrel (in my opinion) in the fear of God, and Christian allowance, may do as the wise Physicians do, expel one poison with an other: and yet, with this judgement, that milder courses be first attempted. As before this most Christian and charitable succour, which her sacred Majesty (anointed by god's providence) to be the comfort of all Christian afflictions, sendeth to relieve the oppressions, of the long afflicted Inhabitants of the Low Countries, hath been effectually desired, and lightly regaded. And therefore, you worthy Gentlemen, which are armed in Gods and her majesties service: for that your quarrel is grounded upon compassion & justice, and politic judgement, for the safety of your own Country, I hope (which thousands desire) you shall return attired, with your enemies overthrow: Which God grant, to his glory, and your everlasting honour. Amen. FINIS.