THE Accomplished Commander.  
Being Necessary INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE Prudent Conduct OF OFFICERS IN AN ARMY.  
Written by a Person of great Experience in Military Affairs, and published for the common Benefit, By R. C.  
LONDON, Printed for J. Taylor at the Ship in St. Paul's Churchyard, and S. Holford at the Crown in the Pall Mall. 1689.   

The Preface.  
MY Zeal to oblige the World (though it has still been unkind to me) has tempted me to be unjust to my Friend, in publishing this his admirable Work without his knowledge: For his Occasions having called him beyond the Seas, I took this Opportunity of printing it, to which I could never as yet obtain his Consent. But to make some Atonement for my Fault, I discover hereby the author's great Modesty, as well as you, in the Perusal hereof, will find his solid Learning, and judicious Observations in all things relating to a good Soldier: To these let me add, that his other Virtues are so conspicuous in the conduct of his Life, and his Knowledge and Experience in Military Affairs so exquisite, that those who have been so happy to enjoy his admirable Conversation in his several Marches and Camps up and down in the World, will be apt to say, That the Character which he has so ingeniously painted out, of an accomplished Commander in an Army, may not improperly be attributed to the Author.  
After a long Contest which I had within my self, betwixt my Respect to my Friend, and the Temptation I had to gratify the Public with a sight of this small but excellent Treatise, I upbraided myself not much unlike the poor Lepers of Samaria, when they had found the Treasures, and tasted of the Stores of Provisions the Assyrians had left in their Camp, at their hasty Flight from thence; Shall we, cried these Lepers, conceal this great good, and not communicate it to the famished Inhabitants of our City? So, Shall I, argued I with myself, at a time when we have such Armies in the Field, not only at home, but in other Countries, where this Treasure may be so acceptable, and of such great Advantage amongst them, keep it locked up in Obscurity? These and the like Thoughts were sufficient Motives to prevail with me for its publication.  
But were I sure to obtain my Friend's Pardon, for this breach of Trust, which I do not much doubt, for I am confident I shall gain Advocates enough to plead in my behalf; and because the Piece in itself is such, that some of our best Pens need not blush to own; yet I can never hope it, for permitting it to come forth thus disguised and blemished with Faults, merely through the unskilfulness of the Transcriber; For my part, I can make but too just an Apology for myself herein; for, ever since I delivered the Copy to the Bookseller, my own troublesome Affairs have unhappily diverted me from taking that due Care of it which I ought to have done, either by reviewing it before it went to the Press, or preventing its being so published; so that it happens to be printed with many gross Errors, particularly amongst the proper Names, some of which I have rectified in an Errata for the present; and promise beforehand, that if it bear another Impression, I shall be very industrious to make it appear very correct, and in its native Beauty.  
R. C.   

The Contents.  

OF War, Page 1.  
Preparation for War, Page 9  
How Commanders ought to be qualified, Page 17.  
How to gain and keep the Love of Soldiers, Page 29.  
Of Wisdom and Policy in War, with Examples thereof, Page 35.  
Of Courage and Valour in War, with Examples thereof, Page 49.  
Of Stratagems in War, with Examples thereof, Page 65.  
Of Expedition and Resolution in War, Page 76.  
Of Errors in War and the evil Consequences thereof, Page 88  
Of honourable Retreats, with Examples thereof, Page 95.  
Of Temperance and Chastity, in War, with Examples thereof, Page 99  
Compassion in War, Page 108.  
Of Fame gotten in War, with Examples thereof, Page 116.  
Of Monarchy, Page 124.  
Experience in Arms, is the Original of true Nobility, Page 129.    

ERRATA.  
Page 51. read calisthenes, Lysimachus. p. 59 r. then the best. Prisoner home by. p. 61. r. Aemyties have. p. 63. r. gaul's. Cyrnbri. p. 80. r. Lerida. p. 81. r. Munda. Corduba. p. 89. r. three great. p. 112. r. Crasus taken.   

OF WAR.  
AFter a long scene of Peace War ever enters the Stage, and is so much of the World's Physic, as it is both a purge, and a Blood-letting. Peace, Fullness, Pride, and War, are the four follies that, being let in to one another, make the wheel that the Times turn on, as we see in Bees, when the Hive multiplies and fills, nature hath always taught it a way of ease by Swarms; so the World, and Nations, when they grow overpopulous, they discharge themselves by Troops and Bands. 'Tis but the distemper of the Body politic, which, like the natural rest and a full diet, hath burdened with repletion; and that highthens humours either to Sickness, or Evacuation: When 'tis eased of these it subsides again to a quiet rest and temper; so War is begotten out of Peace graduately, and ends in Peace immediately. Between Peace and War are two Stages, Luxury, Ambition; between War and Peace, none at all. The Causes of War may be reduced to five heads; Ambition, Avarice, Revenge, Providence, and Defence. The first were the most usual causes of War among the Heathen; yet what all the conquered called Pride and Covetousness, both the Romans and Grecians were taught by their high blood to call Honour, and increase of Empire. That which hath grown from the propagation of Religion, was never of such force, as since the Mahometan Law, and Catholic Cause, hath ruffled among the Nations; yet questionless to lay the foundation of Religion in blood, is to condemn it before we teach it. The Sword may force Nature, and destroy the Body, but cannot make the Mind believe that lawful which is begun in unlawfulness; yet without doubt in the enterprises the Opinion has animated much: we see how it formerly fired the Turk, and is yet a strong motive to Spanish, and French attempts. For that of Revenge, I see not but it may be lawful for a Prince, even by War to vindicate Himself, and People; and the reason is, because in such causes of injury the whole Nation is interessed, and many times the Recompense is more due to the Subjects than the Sovereign. That of Providence may well have a pass, as when Princes make War to avoid War, or when they see a storm inevitably falling 'tis good to meet it, and break the force, should they ever sit still while the blow were given them, they might very well undo themselves by Patience; we see in the Body men often bleed to prevent an imminent Sickness. For that of Defence, both Religion and all the Rules of Nature plead for't: Sharp War and the very novelty of sudden Violence use to dismay any State or Country not enured to the like; but custom of Danger hardeneth those that are unwarlike.  
Nineveh had been the Palace of many valiant Kings lately reigning therein; it had suffered and resisted all the fury wherewith either domestical Tumults between the Sons of Senacharib, or foreign War of the Babylonians could afflict it; and therefore it is less wonderful Phraortes did speed so ill in his journey against it; he and the most part of his Army perished in that expedition. For the weapons of War, they differ much from those in ancient times, and I believe the Invention of Ordinances have mightily saved the lives of men; they command at such distance, and are so unresistible, that men come not to the shock of battle as in former ages: We may observe that the greatest numbers have fallen by those weapons that have brought the Enemies nearest together; then the pitched field was the trial, and men were so engaged, that they could not come off till blood had desided Victory. The same advantages are still, and rather greater now than of old; the Wind, the Sun, the better Ground, in former Wars: For all their Armies the air was ever clear, but now their Pieces missed and thicken it, which beaten upon by disadvantages, may soon endanger an Army. Surely Wars are the same with Offences they must be, yet they are mightily in the fault that cause them; even Reason teaches to cast the blood of the slain upon the unjust authors of it; that which gives the Mind security is a just cause, and just deputation; let me have these, and of all other I shall think this one of the noblest and most manly ways of dying.  

Preparation for War.  
HE that will make Preparation for War, ought principally to consider six things.  
First, In calling a wise and judicious Council, according to that of Solomon, every purpose is established by Counsel, and with good advice make War. Cyneas got more Cities by his Wisdom, than Pyrrhus by his Puissance. Caridemus, a banished Grecian of Athens, told Darius, when he made a view of his Army about Babylon, (viz.) That the multitude which he had assembled of divers Nations, richly attired, but poorly armed, would be found more terrible to the Inhabitants of the Country, whom in passing by they would devour, than the Maeedonians whom they went to assail, who being old and obedient Soldiers, embattell'd in gross Squadrons, which they call their Phallaux, well covered with Armour for defence, and furnished with Weapons for offence, of great advantage, would make so little account of his delicate Persians, loving their ease and their palate, being withal ill armed, and worse disciplined, as except it would please him to entertain (having so great abundance of treasure to do it withal) a sufficient number of the same Grecians, and so to encounter the Macedonians with men of equal courage, he would repent him over late, as taught by the miserable success which followed; but Darius, who had been accustomed to nothing so much as his own Praises, and nothing so little as to hear Truth, commanded that this poor Grecian should be presently slain, who while he was a sundering in the Tormentor's hands, used this speech to the King, That Alexander, against whom he had given this good avice, should assuredly avenge his death, and lay deserved punishment upon Darius for despising his counsel. It is a saying of a wise man, The Prince's safety is in a desperate case, whose ear judges all that is profitable to be sharp, and will entertain nothing that is unpleasant; for liberty in Counsel is the life and essence of Counsel.  
The Second, Provision of Victuals, without which no one ought to enter upon any designment.  
The Third, Provision of Money, for all such things as might be necessary, or behooveful for the action.  
The Fourth, In a Megazine well furnished with all sorts of Ammunition, which may at least be thought useful, or advantageous in all designs or undertake; for the want of which store we have often seen, that great Armies have been forced to quit the field, leaving the Victory to men of smaller number, and of less courage, having the advantage in being better furnished.  
The Fifth. In an Army well armed, either in all, or for the most part consisting of old beating Soldiers; for upon raw and fresh Fellows it is not safe to repose one's hopes: And in truth that General can never securely come to the trial of Battle, nor safely encamp, whose Army for the greatest part consisteth not of old experienced Soldiers; a rule ever verified by the most judicious Captains that ever were, Alexander, Hannibal, Scipio, and Caesar, who never entered into any Enterprise, but did first of all provide themselves of great numbers thus qualified.  
The Sixth, In experience of his Enemy's Forces, by which measuring thy own; and if thou seest the advantage on thy side, then bid them battle; if it stands upon indifferency, or equal terms, if thou canst trust on thy own skill and conduct, never refuse it; but if thou find thyself inferior, then either by Stratagems make thyself fuperior, or by temporifing stay until time shall either lessen thy Enemy's Forces, or make thy own more stronger: But in all such warlike cases, that Prince which is most absolute in his self seems to have the greatest advantage. The Empire of Germany had doubtless sooner encountered the Turks, and given a stop to his free entrance the first year of thee War into Hungary, had he not been necessitated to expect the consent of his several Princes, and the result of a Diet, when the Turks were ready to enter Germany; for when many heads or hands are required, all business moves slowly, and more time is spent in agreements of the Manner of Action in arguments and debates, (which are most commonly carried on by Faction,) than in the most difficult point of Execution.   

How Commanders ought to be qualified.  
Commanders' in War ought to be built upon these three Virtues; they should be Wise, Valiant, and Experienced: Wisdom in a General many times ends the War without War; of all victories the Romans thought that best, which was least stained with blood; and they were content to let Camillus triumph when he had not fought in these times: It is especially requisite, since Stratagems and advantages are more in use than the open and daring valour: yet valiant he must be, else he grows contemptible, loses his Command, and by his own fear infects his Troops with Gowardice. To the eternal honour of CaesarCicero reports, that in all his Commands of the Field there was not found an Ito, but a Veni, as if he had scorned in all his on-sets to be any thing but still a Leader, always teaching by the strongest authority his own forwardness, his own examples. Although these be excellencies, they be all without experience lame; let him be never so learned, his books cannot limit his designs in several, and though he be perfect in a paper plot, where his eye has all in a view, he will fail in a leaguer, where he sees but a limb at once. Besides, Experience puts a Credit on his actions, and makes him far more prompt in undertake; and indeed there is a great deal of reason why we should respect him that with an untainted Valour has grown old in Arms. Scipio conquered the greatest part of Spain, in the four and twentieth year of his age; and Polybius doth attribute to his honour, that the chiefest Virtue whereby he got the eminency of Excellency, and whereby he mastered the actions he undertook, how difficult soever, was his great Industry, and large Experience in military Affairs; and Titus Livius ascribeth unto him a particular dextery of Wisdom, appropriated above common measure unto himself only; For, saith he, it could not be otherwise, unless by some extraordinary favour from above, that he over-weighed the greatest dangers and difficulties befalling him, both at home and abroad.  
It is also very requisite that all Commanders should be well skilled in the Art of Arithmetic; for without which Art it is very hard and difficult for the wisest of Men to divide Armies into Regiments, and so into Campanies of equal number; or to proportion the quantity of Provision, or Ammunition, according to the number of Soldiers, either for days, weeks, or years; or to be exact in their payments; or for digging of Trenches, or raising of Bulwarks, or any other Fortification, according to strength and time; or to proportion ground, either to encamp on, or battalia an Army to fight, or defend an Enemy at the best advantage; or degreeing of Guns according to place and distance. Alexander Magnus without all doubt was well skilled in all such like Arts; for if you read his life, you shall see that famous Philosopher, Aristotle, his Schoolmaster. Besides all these Arts, Swimming is very necessary to be learned, both by Commanders and Soldiers; for there is hardly an Island or Country so barren of water, but there are Rivers of that breadth and depth which are not passable without swimming; for if an Army be forced on a River, either by retreat, flight, or in pursuance of an Enemy; the former like to perish, the latter lose their enterprise. It is storied of the same Alexander, though being so complete a Captain and Soldier, and to the admiration of all Commanders that followed him, that he being so expert in War, yet he never leart to swim, being a thing so necessary as he himself found it in all actions of War; for his Soldiers not daring to approach unto Nisa, a City environed with a deep River, he standing by, and looking upon it, wept full bitterly that he had not learned that Art, terming himself to be a man of no worth, and basely brought up.  
It is possible, though very rare, to find a Commander qualified with all these Warlike Virtues: With all the Authors I have consulted, I find none come so near as Epaminondas, which I shall leave to the world (as he is recommended) for an example. Epaminondas at the great Battle of Mantua was mortally wounded with a Dart; the wood breaking of, left the Iron in his breast, and being brought into his Tent, was told by the Physician, that when the head of the Dart should be drawn out of his body, he must needs die; hearing this he called for his Squire, which brought him his Shield, which to have lost, was held a great dishonour; he bade them tell him which part had the victory, answer was made, the Baeotians had won the Field, Then, said he, 'tis fair time for me to die; and withal sent for Joledes and Diaphantes, two principal Men of War, that were both slain, which being told him, he advised the Thebeans to make Peace, whilst with advantage they might; for that they had no one left that was able to discharge the Office of a General. Herewithal he willed that the head of the weapon should be drawn out of his body, comforting his Friends that lamented his death, and want of Issue, by telling them that the victories of Luctra and Mantinna were two fair Daughters, in whom his Memory should live.  
So died Epaminondas, the worthiest Man that ever was bred in that Nation of Greece, and hardly to be matched in any Nation or Country; for he equalled all, even in the several Virtues, and in each of them was singular: His Justice and Sincerity, his Temperance, Wisdom, and high Magnanimity were no way inferior to his Military Virtue; in every part whereof he so exceeded, that he might not improperly be called a wary, a Valiant, a Politic, a Bountiful, or an Industrious, and a Provident Captain: All these Titles and many other, being due unto him, with which his notable Discipline and good Conduct made a perfect completion of an Heroic General. Neither was his private Conversation unanswerable to these high Parts, which gave him praises abroad; for he was Grave, and yet very Affable and Courteous; resolute in public business; but in his own particular easy, and of much Mildness; a lover of People, bearing with Men's infirmities; Witty, and pleasant in Speech; far from insolence; Master of his own Affections, and furnished with all Qualities that might win and keep the love of his Soldiers. To these Graces were added a great ability of Body, much Eloquence, and very deep Knowledge in all parts of Philosophy and Learning; wherewith his Mind being enlighten●● rested not in the sweet contemplation, but broke forth into such effects, as gave unto Thebes, which had ever been an underling, a dreadful reputation among all People adjoining, and the highest command in Greece.   

How to gain and keep the Love of Soldiers.  
NOthing procureth the love of Soldiers like a Commander, whose noble Heart is the Seat of Humility, attended with the hand of Bounty; where the heart is stuffed with Pride, nothing more begets Hate: The proud Captain walks among Daggers pointed against him, whereas the humble and affable have the people for their guard in time of danger: The Captain that is Noble to his Soldiers, although he seems low, yet carries such a sway that commands their very Souls: But let him take heed he expresseth it not in unworthy actions, for then leaving Virtue, it falls into disdained baseness, which is the undubitable badge of one that will betray Society; so far as a Commander, both in words and deeds, may be free from Flattery and unmanly Cowardice, he may be humble with commendation.  
The great affection which Caesar's Soldiers bore to him proceeded chief from these two Causes: The first from his Humility; for we read in his Orations, and set Speeches, he would not call them by the name of Soldiers, but Companions, and Fellows in Arms. The second from his Liberality; for one while he would give his Soldiers Prisoners, another while Corn; and for all such as were disabled, or by Age forced to leave the War, he took the care that they should have a competent maintenance during their lives.  
He also valued the Reputation of his Soldiers at the highest rate imaginable, as it plainly appeareth; for after the Overthrow given, and his Soldiers defeated by Sabynus, he would never trim his Beard, nor yet as much as once smile, until such time as making their Loss his particular Prejudice, he had revenged that disgrace.  
He severely punished injuries, and such as were treacherous unto him; he was a most strict and severe observer of Martial Discipline, but at all other faults he would wink, as if he saw them not: So accomplished a Captain and Soldier was he, that by his Humility, Liberality, and good Conduct, he had so much won the hearts of his Soldiers, that it is even said, Caesar's Eye made his Soldiers prodigal of their Blood. Plt.  

To keep the Love of Soldiers.  But the chiefest thing in a General is when he hath brought his Soldiers under obedience, and that he doth intent to keep their love, he must as well make them partakers of his Victories, as to oblige them by Gifts; for he that doth not as well impart of the Honour which he gaineth in the Wars, as he doth of the Spoils, shall never be long followed by those of the better sort; for men that are well born, or well bred, and have more of Wealth than Reputation, do as often satisfy themselves with the purchase of Glory, as the weak in Fortune, and strong of Courage, do with gain of Gold and Silver.  
Lastly, I could advise all Commanders to do their Soldiers that right, agreeable to that of Hannibal towards his Enemies, Hostem qui feriet, erit mihi Carthaginensis, Let him be of what condition he will in all offices or actions, he that deserves best shall have best.   

Of Wisdom and Policy in War, and Examples thereof.  
A Wise Man scaleth the City of the mighty. Wisdom is profitable for all things in Military affairs. Prudence is better than Puissance. How did Archimedes by his rare Engines preserve Syracuse against the Romans; and how many impregnable Cities have been surprised by Warlike Stratagems, As,  
Babylon by Cyrus, and afterwards by Zaphirus, under Darius; Jerusalem by Pompey, taking the opportunity of the Sabbath day, wherein he knew the superstitious Jews would not stir to defend themselves.  
A prudent Man foresees the evil, etc. Premission is the best means for Prevention. A wise Man's Eyes are in his Head, and his Heart at his right Hand.  
The Chinois say, That all others in the World, see but with one eye, and they only with two. The Italians say, that they look before they leap, forecast all evil before it befalls them; but these are praises belonging to those that have Heavenly Wisdom, that by Signs discern a Tempest in the Clouds, and seek seasonable shelter under the hollow of God's Hand, under the shadow of his Wings; as did Noah, Joseph, Jonadab, Josiah, the Christians at Pella, etc.  
Homer maketh the Prudentest and Valiant, ever best Armed when they come to Battle. And the Lawmaker amongst the Grecians do ever punish him that casteth away his Target, but never him that casteth away his Sword or Lance; for every man should first think of defending himself, before he seek to hurt his Enemy.  
What a prize did Agamemnon set upon his Nestor for his Wisdom, and Darius upon Zophirus. Scipio did nothing without his Polybius, and ascribed most of his Victories to his Wisdom.  
It was said of Octavius Augustus, that he never made War upon any People without just and necessary Causes. His Saying was, That neither Battle, nor War, was to be undertaken, unless there might be evidently seen more hope of Gain, than fear of Damage. He likened such as sought after small Commodities with great Danger, unto those that angle with a golden Hook, which if it be broken off, no draught of Fish whatsoever is able to make amend's for the loss. He deemed nothing less beseeming a perfect and accomplished Captain than Temerity, or Rashness, using this Speech, That is done soon enough, that is done well enough.  
Policy governs the World, 
Policy.  Nature Policy, but Religion all; and as we seldom see those Kingdoms governed by Viceroys flourish like those where the Prince is present in Person, so we never find Policy, or Nature, to keep a Man in that quiet which Religion can: The two first I may use as Counselours, hear what they say, and weigh it; but the last must be my Sovereign. Lysander, King of Sparta, 
Examples of Policy.  a gallant General, and very Politic, used to say, That where the Lion's skin would not suffice, it was meet to put the Fox's skin upon it.  
Philip and Alexander, Kings of Macedon, used to buy Victory with Money, not Money with Victory, by which Policy they did many notable things, and conquered the World; whence came that common saying, That not Philip, but his Gold and Silver won him the Cities of Greece. For certainly Policy runs smoothest when it turns upon a golden Hinge; without the supply of means, 'tis but like a Clock without a Weight to set it going, curious Workmanship, but it wants a Mover.  
Alexander perceiving Darius with his huge Army at hand, entrenches himself upon a ground of advantage, which the Persian had abandoned. And whereas Darius, for fear of surprise, had stood with his Army in Armour all the day, and forborn sleep all night; Alexander gave his Men rest, and store of food, for Reason had taught him this Rule in the Wars, Soldiers do the better stand to it in fight, if they have their bellies full of meat and drink; for Hunger within fights more eagerly than Steel without. The Constable of France made frustrate the mighty preparation of Charles the Fifth, when he invaded Provence, by wasting the Country, and forbearing to fight. So did the Duke of Alva weary the French in Naples, and dissolve the potent Army of the Prince of Orange in the Low-Countries.  
It was a Policy of the Romans to make their Conquest sure; they would always ease the conquered of their burdens, giving them more liberty than they had before; that made the Gascoigres bear such a faithful affection to the Kings of England, for that they governed more mildly than the French. This enlarged the Venetian Jurisdiction in Lombardy; for the Towns that they won, they won out of the hands of Tyrannous Oppressors. And this did cause the Macedonians, with other Nations that had been Subject unto the prosperity of Alexander's followers, to serve the Romans patiently, if not willingly; for that by them they were eased of many burdens, which had been imposed upon them by their own Kings. When Scipio saw his Horse to be beaten at the battle of Facinium, by the strength of Hannibal, and the rest of his Army thereby greatly discouraged, he thought it a point of Wisdom, having lost so many of his Fleet, upon the first puff of Wind, to take part with the rest before the extremest of the Tempest overtook him; for he saw by the louring morning what manner of day it was like to prove: Therefore his Battle of Foot being yet unbroken, he in a manner stole the Retreat, and recovered the Bridge over Ticinus, which he had formerly built; but notwithstanding all the haste he made, he left six hundred of his Rear behind him, who were the last that should have passed, and stayed to break the Bridge. Herein he followed the rule of a Politic Man of War, which must be understood in this sort. If a General of an Army by some unprosperous beginnings doubt the success, or find his Army fearful, or wavering, it is more profitable to steal a safe Retreat, than to abide the uncertain Event of Battle.  
Alexander Severus gave such Lands as he won out of the hands of his Enemies to his Lords, Marches, and Soldiers, that they should be theirs and their Heirs for ever, so they would be Soldiers; neither should they at any time come to the hands of private Men, saying, They would the more carefully serve, if they fought for their own Lands.  
Campidus Lycurgus commanded his Spartans that they should never make War often with one Enemy, lest in process of time they should grow more expert and valiant than themselves.  
It was looked upon as Policy in Scipio, because he would not hazard his own Person, unless moved by opportunity, or forced by necessity; whereupon being in some sort taxed for not adventuring himself, he made answer, That he was not born a Soldier, but a Commander; inferring thereby that Forwardness is especially to be expected in private Soldiers, good Conduct and Temporising to be the most requisite parts in a General. It was likewise a saying of his, That the passage whereby an Enemy was to take his flight is not to be stopped; for as their flight will administer occasion of slaughter and advantage, so it is most dangerous to fight with People standing upon terms of despair and necessity.  
But the truest Policy in War, and for the most part with good success, is that which is ordained against the richest Nations, for as the Needy are always adventurous, so Plenty is wont to shun peril; and Men that have wherewith well to live, do rather study how to live well, I mean wealthy, than care to die (as they call it) Honourably; no man makes haste to that Market where is nothing to be bought but blows.   

Of Courage and Valour in War, with Examples thereof.  
Whilst a People walk in obedience to God, he hath promised that they shall chase their Enemies, who shall fall before them on the Sword; and that five of them shall chase one hundred, and one hundred shall put ten thousand to flight; whence it appears, that the Spirit of Courage and Valour is from the Lord, who by weak and small means doth many times effect great and wonderful things, that the Glory of all may be his.  
What wonderful Valour did David show in killing the Lion, and the Bear, and in the duel with that huge Polypheme of the Philistians, and in many other Martial Acts against them; so that it seems that action is best done, which being good is done with the Vigour of the Spirits; What makes Zeal so commendable, but the Fervency that it carrieth with it? Other Examples. In the Battle of Cynaegyrus, an Athenian, who shown such incomparable Valour, that pursuing the Persians to their Ships, when some of them were putting off from the shore, he caught hold of one of the Ships with his right Hand, holding it till his Hand was cut off, than he laid hold on it with his left Hand till that also was cut off, and then he caught hold of it with his Teeth. Justin.  
When Alexander had put Calshenes to death, he suspected Lysimaches, another of his Captains, because he had been a familiar to Calshenes, and thereupon caused him to be cast naked to a most fierce Lion; but when the Lion came roaring upon him, Lysimaches wraped his shirt about his arm, and thrusting his arm into the Lion's mouth, and taking fast hold of his Tongue, he slew the Lion; of which Alexander being informed, having his Valour in admiration, he not only forgave him, but esteemed him more highly than before. Valour was so much esteemed among the Lacedæmonians, that in public Feasts they had always three dances:  

The 1st. of old Men, who Sung,  
We have been young and strong,  
And valiant heretofore,  
Till broken Age did hold us back,  
And bid us do no more.   

The 2d. of young Men, who Sung,  
We yet are young, bold, strong,  
And ready to maintain  
That quarrel still against all Men  
That do on Earth remain.   

The 3d. of Children, who Sung,  
And we do hope as well  
To pass you all at last,  
And that the World shall witness be,  
E'er many years be past.   
In their War they assaulted their Enemies very fiercely, and never gave over till the flight of their Enemies had assured them of Victory, and then they quickly and quietly returned into their own Camp, judging it unworthy of their Manhood, and an ignoble action, to kill and hue in pieces Men once scattered and out of order; this much furthered their Victories, their Enemies being upon slight, secure from farther danger.  
Julius Caesar was of a most Magnanimous Resolution, insomuch as being forewarned of a Conspiracy that was made against him in the Senate, he answered, That he had rather die, than admit of fear.  
Arestomenes King of the Messenians, was a very Gallant and Valiant Man, who in a Battle against the Corinthians, slew one hundred Men with his own hand; the like he did in divers other Battles; whereupon he used to offer Jupiter a Sacrifice, called Hecatomphona, or conticideum Pausen. After the Battelat Chaeronea, wherein Philip King of Macedon overcame the Athenians, and after the Victory looking upon the dead bodies of his Adversaries, he much commended them for their Valour; for that all their wounds were in their foreparts, and for that they died in those Stations which were assigned by their Captains.  
The two Scipios, Brethren, were famous for the Wars in Spain, and against the Carthaginians, so that they were called duo fulmina belli, the two thunder bolts of War.  
Claudius' Marcellus fought one and fifty Battles, and was for his Valour called, Gladius Romani Populi, the Sword of the Romans; as Fabius was called Clypeus, their Buckler, for his Policy.  
George Castriot, alias Scanderbag, Prince of Epirus, was inspired with such a Spirit of Valour by God, in defending his Country against the Barbarous Turks, that in fight against them, for very Egerness of Spirit his Blood would usually burst out of his Lips, and with such Violence he struck, that many of them he clove in sunder from the head to the Middle, and usually cut off an armed Arm at a blow; and with his own Hand he slew above two thousand of them at several times.  
News being brought to the Grecians of the huge Army that Xerxes had brought over into Greece, whole Archers were so many (as it was reported) that the flight of the Persian Arrows would be so thick, as they would darken the light of the Sun; Dioneces, a Spartan, answered, It's good news, for than we shall fight in the shade.  
Julius Caesar was a very Valiant Man, and successful in all his Wars; so that in his Life time he took a Million of Men Prisoners, and slew as many.  
But why should I range the world for Examples of Valour, whilst our own Nation can give a better account than any Romish Author; for if we read what a French Writer saith of the inequality that was between the French and English, when King John was ready to give the onset upon the Black Prince, at the Battle of Poitiers: John had all the advantages over Edward, both of Number, Force, Show, Country, and Conceit, the which is commonly a consideration of no small Importance in Warlike Affairs; and withal, the chief of all, his Horsemen esteemed them the best in Europe, with the greatest and wisest Captains of his whole Realm, and what could he wish more. I think it would trouble a Roman Antiquary to find the like Examples in their Histories, the Example, I say, of a King brought Prisoner to Rome by an Army of eight Thousand, which he had surrounded with forty Thousand better appointed, and no less expert Warriors; all that have read of Cress, and Agincourt, will bear me witness that I do not allege the Battle of Poitiers for lack of others, as good Examples of English Valour; the Proof whereof hath left many hundred better Marks in all quarters of France, than ever did the Valour of the Romans. If any man shall ask, How then came it to pass, that they won so many great Battles, having no advantage to help them? I may with best Commendation of Modesty, reser him to the French Historian, who relating the Victory of our men at Crevant, where they passed a Bridge in face of the Enemy, useth these Words: The English comes with a Conquering bravery, as he was accustomed, to gain every where without any stay; he forced our Guards placed upon the Bridge to keep the passages: Or I may cite another Place of the same Author, where he tells how the Britain's, being invaded by Charles the Eight, King of France, thought it good Policy to apparel a Thousand one Hundred of their own men in English Cassocks, hoping that the very sight of our English red Crest would be enough to terrify the French. But I will not stand to borrow of French Historians, all which, excepting Deserres, and Paulus Aeucylius, were reported wonders of our Nation; and likewise our own Histories, who tell us that the Military Virtue of the English, prevailing against all manner of difficulties, aught to be preferred before that of the Romans, which was assisted with all advantages that could be desired: If it should be demanded, Why then did not our Kings finish the Conquest, as Caesar had done? my Answer may be, (I hope without offence,) That our Kings were like to the race of the Aeacide, of whom the old Poet Ennius gave this note, They were more Warlike than Politic. Who so notes their proceed, may find that none of them went to work like a Conqueror, save only King Henry the Fifth, the course of whose Victories it pleased God to interrupt by his Death. But the question is more easily answered: If another be first made, why did not the Romans attempt the conquest of Gall before the time of Caesar? At all these times they had good leisure and fit opportunity, when, under the Conduct of Marius, they had newly vanquished the Cymbry, and Tutones, by whom the Country of the Galls had been piteous wasted. Surely the Words of Tully were true, that with other Nations the Romans fought for Dominion, with the Galls for the Preservation of their own safety. But now it is high time to lay aside Comparison, and end my Discourse of this matter: Were it possible for me to particularise the Valour of our English Princes, Nobles, and Gentry, I should swell my Volume, and not attain my end, which is Brevity.   

Of Stratagems, and Examples thereof.  
IT hath been ever held for a Maxim in War, that it is more Commendation to overcome by Strategeme, than by Sword; for how many Cities has there been surprised by Warlike Stratagems, when all the strength imaginable could not have taken them otherways. Certainly Stratagems in War are like Diamonds in a Ring; for as the Stones are more to be valued than the Ring itself, so Stratagems in War are more to be esteemed than any other Warlike action besides; and the lawfulness thereof we need not doubt, Joshua 8.2. we read that God commanded Joshua to lie in ambush behind the City of Ai● Judg. 20.29. by which Stategeme it was destroyed, and likewise Israel to set l●ers in wait round about Gibeah, etc. Other Examples.  
Darius' besieging the impregnable City of Babylon, which had revolted from him, after many ways and means assayed, knew not how to prevail; at last one of the Chief Colonels, called Zopyrus, caused himself to be beaten black and blue, his Nose, Lips, and Ears to be cut off, and acquainting Darius with his purpose, he went to Babylon, into which being admitted, he shown the People his dismembered and torn Body, complains of the cruelty of Darius, and proffereth his best assistence to them against him; the Citizens knowing the worth of the Man, and not suspecting the fraud, made him their Captain; in some Skirmishes he beat the Persians; at last having drawn forth all his strength of the City, he betrayed them to Darius, and so delivered up Babylon into his hands. After which Darius used to say, That he had rather have one Zopyrus, than twenty Cities of Babylon.  
After the Lacedæmonians had taken Thebes, seven of the banished Men forsook Athens privately, and entered by night into the fields of Thebes, where spending the next day secretly, they came late in the evening to the Gates, like Husbandmen returned from work, and passed undiscovered unto the house of Charon, whom Philidas the Scribe had drawn into conspiracy. The day following a solemn Feast being held in the City, Philidas promised the Governors, who were insolent and lustful Men, that he would convey unto them that night the beautiful Dames of the Town, with whom they should take their pleasure; having cheered them with such hope, and plenty of good Wine, he told them when the time of performance (which they urged) came, that he would not make good his promise unless they would dismiss their followers, because the Gentlewomen who attended without in a Chamber, would not endure that any of their Servants should see their faces; upon which occasion the Attendants were dismissed, and the Conspirators attired like Ladies, and their Maids brought into the place, who taking advantage of the Governors lose behaviour, slew them all upon a sudden, with Daggers, which they brought hidden under their Garments; so by this Strategeme they did not only purchase the Thebans liberty, but freed themselves of the Lacedaemonian Garrison. Sir W. Raleigh.  
Cymon General of the Athenians triumphed over the Persians twice in one day; for first, He lought a great Battle with them by Sea, upon the Confines of Asia, wherein he gave them a great overthrow; and then taking the Persian Ships, he put all his Valiant Soldiers into them, and dressed them in the Persian Apparel, and so sailing to the place where their Land Army lay, they took them for Persiant, returning in Triumph from the slaughter of the Athenians; Cymon therefore by his Strategeme landing his Men, broke suddenly into the Camp of the Persians, whom he quickly overthrew with a great slaughter, and took twenty thousand Prisoners, together with an infinite mass of Treasure, the tenth part whereof the Athenians dedicated to their God's. Diod, Sic.  
Sertorius, the Roman General, in his passage into Spain was forced to pay Tribute to many Barbarous People that inhabited the Pyrenean Mountains, over which he was to pass; at this some of his Soldiers muttered, saying, That it was an act very dishonourable for the Romans; but he told them, he only bought time, a commodity which such as aspire to haughty erterprises, must take up at any rate.  
Cyaxazes, King of the Medes, who in his extremity was no better than a Rent-gatherer for the Scythians, perceiving that his Land lay unmanured and waste, through the negligence of his People, that were out of heart by daily oppressions, and that the matter could not be remedied by open force, resolved to prove what might be done by Strategeme; the managing of the business is thus delivered in brief: that he, and his Medes, feasted the better part of the Scythians, made them drunk and slew them, recovering thereby the possession of all that they had lost. Herod.  
Hannibal, to bring Fabius into dislike, and in suspicion with the Romans, commanded his Soldiers, when they came near any of Fabius his Lands, that they should burn and destroy all round about them, but in no ways to meddle with or hurt either his Land, or any thing that was his. He also appointed a Party of Soldiers to see that nothing belonging to Fabius might miscarry. Plut. in Vita Fa.  
The Moscovites, not many years since, having besieged the City of Smolensko in Lithuania with an huge Army, Valdislaus, King of Poland, came to relieve the place; but the Enemy being strongly Entrenched, he was not able to beat up their Quarters; whereupon he so entrenched himself, that he cut off all Provisions from the Moscovitish Army, whereby he reduced them to such extremity, that they were forced either to starve, or to render themselves to his mercy. A terrible thing, and not heard of before, that a Hundred Thousand Men should bring their Arms and Colours, and cast them at the feet of this victorious Prince: This was not only a Victory, but a monster of a Victory; he pardoned them all, and made the Strangers, which were about one Thousand four Hundred Men, to promise never to bear Arms more against the Crown of Poland, and so dismissed them. Hist of this Iron Age.   

Of Expedition and Resolution in War.  
HE that will act great Matters, hath no greater need of any thing than Time; and therefore ought a Prince to beg these two things at the hand of God; Length of Life, and Expedition in Execution. Curtius doth attribute to Alexander for his great Expedition in War: For, saith he, I never commended any Virtue more in him than his Celerity: And in truth, as if he had been the presager of the shortness of his own Life, both in Beginning and Prosecution of his Enterprise of Asia; for coming very late to the River Granico, and being expected on the other side by the Lieutenants of King Darius, Permenio did advise him to defer the Battle till the day following, which he refused to do, for losing of time, telling him, that Hellespont would blush for shame, if having passed it so boldly, he should fear to adventure on so small a passage: After his second Battle he pursued Darius with such speed, that in Eleven days he marched more than Six hundred Miles.  
And Caesar saith, That to give time of Preparation is the only way to arm his Enemy, and to put him in readiness; and indeed it behoveth a good Captain if he be to deal with an Enemy, which is not all together weak in Force, or Judgement, to use such Expedition in assailing him, or Art in deceiving him, that either he may want time to make Preparation, or Courage to encounter the Danger; for unfortunate must that Captain be, if wanting neither Power nor Valour, and having time and intelligence, he doth not provide and order his Affairs as thereby he be able to make the designment of his Adversary either of none, or if any, yet of small and contemptible Effect.  
Caesar, in all his Battles, his use was to follow his Conquest, never leaving the chase, and pursuing his Enemies, (having once defeated them,) until he had spoiled them of their Lodging, and made them wholly unable to make Head against him, wherein he did excellently help himself, by making use of their fear and disorder: When Pompey knew not how to do the like at Darrachium, Caesar did thus censure his oversight, That Pompey knew well how to overcome, but not how to use his Victory.  
The same Caesar did also advantage himself by the heat of Victory, insomuch that many times he finished a whole War with one only Overthrow; as by that of Pharsalia, he became Lord of all the East. With these of Lereda, and of Munda, first he conquered, and afterwards recovered Spain; with that of Thapsus he made himself Master of afric, in which point Hannibal committed a great oversight, who having won four or five pitched Fields, yet in the end sat down with the loss, and was quite overthrown.  
But as in Actions, so in Marching Caesar used Expedition in all his Voyages; for in eight days he came from Rome to Geneva, and in twenty six days from Rome to the Land of Ovilcone near unto Cordiba: He used the like Expedition in getting and gaining of time, for that he might more fitly wage War. All the Summer he would let himself forwards, and travel in Winter; in which season he passed from Bunda into Albina: In the Winter he made a cut out of Italy into Africa, and afterwards passed the Alps when the Snow lay six foot deep.  
The same he used in all his other Actions, for in fifteen days he raised a Wall of Six foot in height, and above Nineteen miles in length, (to wit) from Geneva Lake to Mount Saint Claud: In ten days he built a Bridge over the Rhine; and in so many he haled his whole Navy on shore, wherewith he passed in to Britain, Rigging it anew and making it fit for the Sea:  
To sum up all his Erterprises, he used that expedition, that overcoming King Pharnases, and being desirous to advertise one of his friends of his quick Expedition in dispatching that War, he wrote only three Words unto Anitius at Rome: Veni, Vidi, Vici. I came, I saw, I overcame.  
But it is not enough for a Commander to use Speed and Expedition in Execution of his Enterprise, 
Of Resolution in War.  unless he be also constant, and resolute of Courage in Chances and Checks of Fortune, in Perils and Dangers; whereupon the said Caesar without all doubt surpassed all other Captains, whose memorable Prowess, by the help of Learning, hath come to the Knowledge of Posterity: For upon many occasions opposing himself alone against his flying and discomfited Soldiers, sometimes pulling them back one by one, and another while forcing them to turn again, He would rally Ranks half broken, and renew a Battle at the point of wavering, re-securing whatsoever before was doubtful: In the Field which he fought with the Nericy, the Battle being brought to that Exegent, that his whole Cavalry was upon point of flight, and the Seventh and Twelfth Legions in great distress, their Captains and Commanders being almost slain; Caesar casting his Shield on his Arm, and pressing through the midst of the Squadrons to the Front of the Battle, he made such Proof of his Valour, that partly upon his Example, and partly for the Danger wherein they saw their General engaged, the Soldiers perceiving hopes, gathering strength and courage a fresh, renewed the fight, and so Valiantly behaved themselves, that fifty thousand of their Enemies lay slain on the Place; by which Precedent it may plainly be seen, how much Resolution and Expedition import a General: For albeit that Caesar was a Captain so wary, and so circumspect, yet was he suddenly and secretly set upon by the Policy of his Enemies, who being covered with the-thickness of these Boughs which did over spread them, were sooner felt than seen; he wanted but little of his latest Ruin, and final Overthrow, had he not helped himself by his innate Valour, and speedy Order.  
In his War of Africa, his Soldiers being put to the worst, he lugged one of his Ensign-bearers by the Throat, and turning him towards his Enemies, There, there, said he, are those against whom thou must fight: In the very same War, the Enemies having given his Men so furious a Charge, that they had already entered their Rampires, and fell pellmell with his Soldiers, Caesar thrusting forward amongst them, by his presence and example reheartened the one, and restrained the other.  
And likewise in Spain, perceiving his Soldiers ready to fly, traversing the Troops, and posting themselves from one unto another, what with ealling upon them, and what with lying about, he so managed the Matter, that his Men for very shame, not to be said to forsake their General, if not betray him, took Heart and Courage, and obtained Victory, with the death of thirty Thousand Pompeians.   

Of Errors in War, and the evil Consequences thereof.  
IN Military Affairs it is extreme folly, and much blamable to say, I did not think it; for in other occurrences an Error may haply be amended, but Oversight in War-fare, without punishment and repentance instantly accompanying them, cannot possibly be redressed; and therefore it standeth with the Reputation of a General to premeditate throughly upon his designments, and to have an open and a watchful Eye, even upon Matters of smallest Moment.  
We read that Sempronius committed there great Errors, which every one deserved to be recompensed with the loss that followed; the first was, That he fought with Hannibal in a Campaigne, being by far inferior in Horse, and withal thereby subject to the African Elephants, which in enclosed or uneven Grounds, and Woodlands, would have been of no use.  
His Second Error was, 
In the Battle of Trebia, both the Roman Consulswere beaten by Hannibal.  That he made no discovery of the place upon which he fought; whereby he was grossly overreached, and ensnared by the Ambush which Hannibal had laid for him.  
The third was, That he drenched his Foot men with empty Stomaches in the River of Trebia, even in a cold and frosty day, whereby in effect they lost their Limbs; for there is nothing in the World more inconvenient and perilous, than to present an Army, tired with Travel, to an Enemy fresh and fed, since thereby the Strength of the Body faileth, the Generosity of the Mind is but an empty Vapour. When the Knowledge of Alexander's Landing on Asia side was brought to Darius, he so much scorned the Army of Macedon, and had so contemptible an opinion of Alexander himself, as having styled him his Servant on a Letter which he had wrote unto him, reprehending his Disloyalty and Audacity, (for Darius entitled himself King of Kings, and Kinsman to the Gods,) he gave order withal to his Lieutenants of Lesser Asia, that they should take Alexander alive, whip him with Rods, and then convey him to his Presence; that they should sink his Ships, and send the Macedons taken Prisoners beyond the red Sea, belike into Aethiopia, or some other unhealthful Part of Africa; 
Darius' lost in one Battle, against Alexander, as Curtius saith, 100000 Foot, and as many Horse, and 40000 taken Prisoners, when Alexander 's Army there miscarried, but 200 and 80 in all sorts.  but by the Experience of his own overthrow, he found his grand Error, imputing too much confidence in a multitude of disorderly and unwarlike Men.  
We see what Error the Empire of Constantinople committed (in using the help of foreign Auxiliaries) in taking ten Thousand Turks against his Nighbour Princes, he could never, by Persuasion or Force, set them again over Sea upon Asia side, which gave beginning to the Christian Servitude, that soon after followed.  
Alexander, the Son of Cassander, sought aid of the great Demetrius, who, being entered into his Kingdom, slew the Son, Alexander that had invited him, and made himself King of Macedon.  
Syracon the Turk was called into Egypt by Sanor the Soldan against his opposite, but the Turk did settle himself so saft in Egypt, that Solidon his Successor became Lord thereof, and all the Holy Land soon after.  
What need we look about for Examples of this Kind, every Nation in effect can furnish us; the Britain's drew the Saxons into this our Country, and Macmurrough drew the English into Ireland; but the one and the other soon became Lords of these two Kingdoms.   

Of Honourable Retreats, with Examples thereof.  
IT is the true Judgement of Men of War, Honourable Retreats are no way inferior to brave Charges, as having less of Fortune, more of Discipline, and as much of Valour: Darius was overthrown with all his Cowardly and Confused Rabble, when those Grecians under their Captain Amintas held firm, and marched away in order, in despite of the Vanquishers; old Soldiers are not easily dismayed. We read in Histories Ancient and Modern, what brave Retreats have been made by them, though the rest of the Army in which they have served hath been broken.  
At the Battle of Ravenne were the Imperialists were beaten by the French, a Squadron of Spaniards, old Soldiers, came off unbroken and undismayed; for it is truly said by these men, who by being acquainted with dangers, fear them not, they go about the business itself, how hard soever it be, not standing to consider of danger, which the mischief hanging over their Heads may bring, and as truly of those that do know the Wars but by hear-say; they have ability enough, and to spare, till dangers appear, but when Perils indeed come they get them gone.  
In the Year one thousand five hundred and eighty two, was that memorable Retreat of Gaunt, than which there hath not been an Exploit of War more celebrated; for the number of English were but three hundred Horse, and as many thousand Foot, (commanded by Sir John Norris) charged by the Prince of Parma, coming upon them with seven thousand Horse, beside that, the whole Army of Spaniards was ready to march on, nevertheless Sir John Norris maintained a Retreat without disarray, by the space of some Miles, (part of the way Campaign) unto the City of Gaunt with less loss of Men than the Enemy; the Duke of Anjou, and the Prince of Orange beholding this noble Action from the Walls of Gaunt, as in a Theatre, with great Admiration.   

Of Temperance and Chastity in Commanders, with Examples thereof.  
TEmperance in Commanders is the only Safeguard against all Surprisals. We read of Commodius his Deputy in Britain: Vlpius Marrellus was so Temperate, that he caused his bread to be brought into the Camp from Rome, that for the staleness of it, he might eat no more than was needful, and so vigilant, that his Soldiers thought he never slept at Night, by which imitation they became a most Watchful and Obedient people; for it is very observable, that Soldiers are ambitious to follow Examples of their Captains, whether it be either in Arts of Virtue or Vice.  
Alexander as long as he lived within the bounds of Temperance, how Obedient were his Officers and Soldiers to him! but as soon as he gave himself up to Wine, we read not only Mutinies amongst his Soldiers, but Treason (by his Officers) hatching against his own Person, for Wine begets Fury, Fury matter of Repentance, but preceding mischiefs are not amended by succeeding bewailings; Drunkenness both kindles, and lays open every Vice, it removes out of the way that shame which gives impediment unto bad attempts; for where Wine gets the Mastery, all the ill that before lies hidden breaks out: Drunkenness indeed rather discovers Vices, than makes them.  
Amongst the Turks the prohibition of Wine in time of War is ever punished with Death: I have read of two men put to Death for bringing a very small quantity of Wine into the Camp; for here men become Sober, Diligent, Watchful, and Obedient; in the Turkish Camp, no brawls, quarrels, nor clamours are heard; no abuses are committed on their People in the march of their Army; all is bought and paid with money as by Travellers that are guests at an Inn: There are no Complaints by Mothers of the Rape of their Virgin Daughters, no violences of Robberies offered on the Inhabitants: All which good order tends to the Success of their Arms, and the Enlargement of their Empire; as on the contrary, too much Liberty given to the Christian Soldiers, especially in drinking, is the only cause which moves them to a lust and promtitude to all Evils, and is the occasion of the horrid outrages they commit, quarrels amongst themselves, and disobedience to their Officers, and betrays oftentimes a whole Army to ruin by surprisal; for how can those men be watchful, whose Heads are charged with the fumes of strong drink?  
Agesilaus, King of Sparta, 
Chastity.  was a great Lover of Chastity, and he was a great Conqueror of others, so also he conquered his own Lusts; insomuch that in his Journeys he would never lodge in private Houses where he might have the Company of Women, but ever lodged either in Temples, or in open Fields, making all men witnesses of his Modesty and Chastity. Plut.  
Alexander the Great, being in the heat of Youth, shown an admirable Example of Chastity, when having taken the Wives and Daughters of Darius, which were Women of admirable Beauty, yet he neither by Word nor Deed proffered them the least Indignity, thinking it a greater Honour to overcome himself, than his Adversaries; and when he looked upon the other Captive Ladies that exceeded in Stature and Beauty, He merrily said, Persides oculorum dolores esse, That the Persian Women were a disease of the Eyes; and yet he looked on them as but on so many Statues; and understanding that two of his Captains under Permenio had ravished two of the Persian Wives, he wrote to him to inquire after the matter, and if he found it true, that he should cut off their Heads, as of Beasts born for the hurt of Mankind; he also wrote him Word that he himself was so far from contemplating the Beauty of Darius' Wife, that he would not as much as have her commended in his presence; and that he was so careful of her and her Daughter's Chastity, that they lived in his Camp, shut up in their Tent, as if they had been in a Temple. Plut.  
Scipio Africanus warring in Spain, took new Carthage by Storm, at which time a Beautiful and Noble Virgin fled to him for Succour to preserve her Chastity: He, being but Twenty four years old, and so in the heat of Blood, hearing of it, would not suffer her to come into his sight, for fear of a Temptation, but caused her to be restored in safety to her Father, Aurel. Victor.  
Aurelian, an Heathen Emperor, was so careful to preserve the Chastity of Women, that one of his Soldiers being found guilty of lying with his Hostess, he commanded that two young Trees should be bowed down, and the Soldier's legs tied thereto; which being suddenly let go, tore him into two pieces.   

Compassion in War.  
VAlour is then best tempered, when it can turn out of a stern Fortitude, into the mild strains of Pity: It is written to the Honour of Tamberlane, that Conquering the Moscovites with a Princely Valour, he falls from the Joys of the Victory to a Lamentation of the many casual miseries they endure, who are tied to follow the leading of Ambitious Generals, and all this from the sight of the Field covered with the Soul-less men. Some report of Caesar that he wept when he heard how Pompey died: Though Pity be a downy Virtue, yet she never shines more brightly than when she is clad in Steel. A martial man compassionate shall conquer both in Peace and War, and by a twofold way get Victory with Honour.  
Titus Vespasianus, was so Compassionate, That he said, he would rather die himself, than put others to death: He proceeded no farther against two Noble Men, convicted for Affecting, and Aspiring to the Empire, than to admonish them to desist and give over, saying, That Sovereign Power was the Gift of Destiny and Divine Providence, if they were Petitioners for any thing else, he promised to give it unto them.  
Sueton, when Alaxander by Permenio won Miletus, and by force mastered Halicarnassus, which, because it resisted obstinately, he razed to the ground; from thence he entered into Caria, where Ada the Queen, who had been cast out of all that ever she held (except the City of Alinda) by Darius his Lieutenant, presented herself unto him, and adopted him her Son, and Successor, which Alexander accepted in such gracious part, that he left the whole Kingdom to her disposing (Sir Walter R.)  
It was duly observed, that as often as Octavius Augustus entered Rome, no punishment that day was inflicted upon any person; he was grieved himself when he pronounced a grievous Sentence, and he thought himself punished when he punished others. Senec.  
When the same Augustus had by Proclamation promised a great sum of money to him that should bring in that famous Pirate Corocoto, and put him into his Power, he knowing the emperor's mild and temperate Vein, took the boldness to come in himself, and demanded the sum promised to him that should bring him in, Augustus both Pardoned him, and gave him the Money. Dion.  
Crassus' taken by Cyrus and imprisoned, despoiled of all things but the expectation of Death, he was forthwith tied in Fetters, and set on the top of a great and high heap of Wood, to be consumed to ashes thereon; to which when the Fire was kindled, remembering the discourse which he had had with the Athenian Lawgiver, he thrice cried out on his Name; Solon, Solon, Solon, and being demanded what he meant by that invocation, he first used silence, but urged again, he told them that he now found it true which Solon had long since told him; That many men in the Race and Courses of their lives may well be counted fortunate; but no man could discern himself happy indeed till his End: Of which Answer Cyrus being speedily informed, and remembering the Changes of Fortune, and his own Mortality, he commanded his Ministers of Justice to withdraw the Fire with all diligence, and did not only spare his Life, but entertained him ever after as a King, and his Companion. Sir Walt. R.  
Julius Caesar said, the greatest Pleasure that ever he took of his Victories was, that he daily saved the Lives of some of his Countrymen that bore Arms against him: And when Pompey's Head was presented unto him, he wept bitterly and caused him to be honourably Buried; Saying, Ego Pompeii casum deploro, & meam fortunam metuo; I lament Pompey's Fall, and fear my own Misfortune.  
From which we may observe in the general, That the most famed Men in the World, have had in them both Courage and Compassion, and often times wet Eyes as well as wounding hands.   

Of Fame gotten in War, with Examples thereof.  
PLutarch tells of a poor Indian, that would rather endure a dooming to death, than shoot before Alexander when he had discontinued, lest by shooting ill he should lose the Fame he had gotten. Doubtless even this man was ordered by a Power above him, which instilleth into the minds of all men, an ardent Appetition of a lasting fame. Desire of Glory is the last Garment that every Wise man lays aside, not that it betters himself being gone, but that it stirs up those that follow him to an earnest endeavour of Noble Actions, which is the only means to win the Fame we wish for.  
David durst fight with the great Philistian, after he heard how the man should be honoured that slew him.  
Themistocles, that streamed out his youth in Vine and Venery, and was suddenly changed into a Virtuous and Valiant man, told one that asked what did so strangely change him, That the Trophy of Miltiades would not let him sleep.  
Tamberlane made it his practice to read often the Heroic Deeds of his own Progenitors, not as boasting in them, but as Glorious Examples propounded to inflame his Virtues: Surely nothing awakes our sleeping Virtues like the Noble Acts of our Predecessors; how many Valiant Soldiers does a generous Leader make! Brutus and others bred many constant Patriots. Fame, I confess, I find more eagerly pursued by the Heathens, than by the Christians of these times; the Immortality as they thought of their Name was to them as the Immortality of the Soul to us, a strong reason to persuade to worthiness; their Knowledge halted in the latter, so they rested in the first, which often made them sacrifice their Lives to that which they esteemed above their Lives, their Fame.  
When Philip asked Dometritus, if he did not fear to lose his Head; He answered no, for if he did, the Athenians would give him one Immortal, he should be statued in the Treasure of Eternal Fame.  
Alexander Magnus, when he came to Achilles' Tomb, he fell a weeping, to consider that he had Homer to sing his Praises, and to perpetuate them, whereas he had no such Poet to set forth his Commendation. And Lysander, the Lacedaemonian, seeking after Fame, had always about him Choerilus the Poet, that he might celebrate in Verse all his Victories and Virtues.  
Augustus Caesar, when he had made his Will, affixed to it four Books, wherein all his great Actions were recorded, requiring that they should be engraven in Brazen-Pillars of his Sepulchre. And Alphonsus King of Arragon and Sicily, seeking Glory and Fame, did not only build many stately Edifices, but kept about him Parnormitan, an excellent Poet, and Bartholomew Faccius, a skilful Historian, to record his Actions.  
Cornelius Gallus being sent by Octavius Caesar to govern Egypt, he began to grow very Proud of his great Honour; commanding his Statues to be erected upon the Pyramids.  
Pompey the Great, when Theophanes of Mytelene had written his great Victories and Praises, by way of Recompense, bestowed a City upon him.  
Belizarius, after he had often overcome the Goths in Italy, and had taken Prisoner their King Vitiges, as also Gilimer King of the Vandals in afric, and had settled afric and Sicily in peace, and often Triumphed over the Persians, he caused a Golden Cross of an hundred pound weight, set with precious Stones, to be made, and thereon to be engraven all his Victories; which he dedicated to St. Peter's Church in Rome, presuming that out of respect to the Holiness of the Place, it would continue there as a lasting Monument of his Praises. But of all, I like him best, who does things that deserve a fame without a search, or caring for it; Since for a mean man to thirst after mighty Fame, is a kind of fond Ambition.  
Can we think a Mouse able to cast a shadow like an Elephant? Can a Sparrow have a train like an Eagle? Great Fame is for great Princes, and such who for their Parts are the Glory of Humanity. Good Parts may adorn a private Man. The same fire may be in the Waxed Taper which is in the gilded Torch, but is not equal either in Quantity or Advancement. Let the World speak well of me, and I will never care, though it does not speak much.   

Of Monarchy.  
THE first, most Ancient, most General, and most Approved, was the Government of one, Ruling by Just Laws, called Monarchy. And Aristotle tells us in few words, That a Magistrate, or Prince, is the keeper of Right and Equity; but the same is best taught by St. Paul, who expresseth the Cause efficient and final; (that is) by whom Magistrates and Princes are ordained, together with their Duties and Offices. A Magistrate is the Minister of God for thy Good; but if thou do evil, fear, For he beareth not the Sword for nought. He is the Minister of God, to take vengeance on him that doth evil; Rom. 13. v. 4. He also teacheth in the same place, that every Soul ought to be subject to the Higher Powers, because they are by God ordained; and that whosoever resisteth that Power, resisteth God the Giver and Fountain thereof. Ver. 1, 2. And shall not only be subject to the Judgement and Condemnation of Man, but of God; for you must be subject (saith he) not because of Wrath only, but also for Conscience sake. Ver. 5.  
The Examples are not to be numbered of God's punishing those who have resisted Authority by God ordained and established: Neither ought any Subject therefore to resist the Power of Kings, because they may be taxed with injustice or cruelty, for it pleased God sometimes to punish his People by a Tyrannous hand: And the Commandments of Obedience are without distinction. The Prophets and Christ himself subjected themselves to the Power of Magistrates. Christ commanded the Deuce to Caesar should le given unto him; and he paid tribute for himself and Peter. Jerem. 29. v. 7. Jeremiah commanded the Israelites (even those that were Captives under Heathen Kings) to pray for them, and the Peace of Babylon: So Abraham prayed for Abimelech, and Jacob blessed the King of Egypt; and it is acceptable in the sight of our Saviour (saith St. Paul) that you make Supplications and Prayers for Kings, and for all that are in Authority.  
And if for such Kings as were Idolatrous, much more for Christian Kings and Magistrates; and so much did St. Chrisostome, in his Homily to the people, prefer Monarchical Government, that he rather commended the Rule of Kings (though Tyrants,) than that they should be wanting: Prestat Regem Tyrannum habere, quam nullum, Better a Tyrannous King, than no King: And if they be good Kings, (which is generally presupposed,) then is there no liberty more safe than to serve them: And certainly howsoever it may be disputed, yet it is safer to live under one Tyrant, than under ten Thousand Tyrants; under a wise man that is Cruel, than under the barbarous Cruelty of the Multitude.  
For as Agesilaus answered a Citizen of Sparta, that desired an Alteration of the Government, viz. That that kind of Government, which a man would disdain in his own house, were very unfit to govern great Regions by.   

Experience in Arms is the Original of true Nobility.  
THe Romans made a Law that no Man should be admitted into the Council, or Civil Magistracy, without he had first served ten years in the Wars; and the reason was, that they, by undergoing the Severities and Difficulties thereof, might be the better Judges how to prevent it in times of Peace. And we see, that by experience in Arms Kingdoms subsist, Justice flourishes, and true Nobility hath its Being: For before Wars were known, all Men were of an equal Birth, and the difference of Estates and Offices, made the sole distinction of persons.  
War, in ancient time, was neither the Refuge of the wretched, nor the Sanctuary of the banished; and the Romans received none but chosen Men into their service, who were obliged to put themselves in good Equipage, and for the space of twenty years serve upon their own expense, either amongst the Horse or Foot; and when they had fulfilled the term of their Service, they received from the Commonwealth Rewards suitable to the Merits of their Actions; either by being promoted to Honour, or endowed with the Lands of those they conquered.  
Besides, Experience puts a difference between those that have carried Arms, and such as have not; for from the Reputation of their brave Exploits, which they had engraven on their Shields, as a mark of the Nobility which they had acquired by their Valour; from thence, I say, we have Escutcheons, and the Titles of Knight, Esquire, & Gentleman. Such, I say, were of chiefest note amongst the Nobility, and from them are descended the illustrious Families of great Lords, who carry Coronets over their Arms, and who, in process of time, have changed their ancient Titles into those at present, according to the new Dignities wherewith Sovereigns have been pleased to honour them; as of Duke, Marquess, Earl, Viscount, Baron, and the like. Experience in Arms hath also raised to the Throne many of low and despicable birth; King David was a Shepherd; and Saul, his Predecessor, thought it no scorn to seek his Father's Asses. Antipater, King of Macedonia, was the Son of a Juggler; Agathocles, King of Syracuse, of a Potter; Cambyses, King of Persia, was said to be the Son of a Carter; King Sibaris was a Servant in an Inn; and Ottoman, the raiser of that mighty Family who at this time possesses the greatest Empire in the World, was at first no better than a Groom, or one who drove Camels. These Examples oblige us to acknowledge, that it is only Experience in Arms that renders Men worthy of the most glorious employments; and that in the Profession of Arms is likewise to be learned that brave gentile way of Demeanour, which is not where to be found but amongst the Nobility and Gentry. There every thing goes by Honour, without Lucre or Profit. There Men learn to be generous, liberal and faithful. There are nothing to be found in the Histories of the greatest Captains, but acts of Honour and Virtue.  
The Valour of Alexander, the Prudence of Caesar, the Modesty of Tiberius, the Justice of Aulus Fulvius, the Clemency of Augustus, the Magnificency of Titus Vespasian, the Chastity of Scipio Affricanus, and the Integrity of Atillus Regulus, are sufficient proofs of what I have alleged.  
Yet nevertheless, without flattery let it be spoken, to the praise of this our Nation, It is not where to be found in Histories, either ancient or modern, that ever English Valour gave place to any other Nation in the World, but always ranked itself in the Front. What wonderful exploits have there been done by English Soldiery, as the most famous Battles of Craessy, Agincourt, and Poitiers can bear me witness? And to the eternal Honour of Edward the third, and his Son, the Prince of Wales, famous by the Title of the Black Prince, I may with Justice say it, that they with their small numbers of Men, showed more true Valour in fight their Battles, and gaining their Victories, than ever Alexander with his Parmenio, and the rest of his great Captains, did, in conquering the whole World.  
Therefore let not English Valour degenerate now; let not the charming Beauty of Venus cause us to forget Mars; for I am sure the courageous Heart takes more delight to be in the Fields of War, than in the Arms of a Dalilah; for the Actions of the former crown us with a lasting Fame, but the latter only load us with Scandal and Ignominy.   
THE END.