THE ART OF WAR, AND ENGLAND'S trainings; PLAINLY Demonstrating the duty of a private SOLDIER; with the Office of each several Officer belonging to a Foot-company: and the Martial laws of the field.  
As ALSO, The office and charge belonging to the command of a Colonel; the Exercise of training or drilling: With divers other necessary and profitable disciplined NOTES and Observations.  
BY EDW. DAVIES Gentleman.  
LONDON Printed by EDWARD GRIFFIN, dwelling in the Little-Olde-Baily near the sign of the Kings-head. 1619.   

TO THE HIGH AND MIGHTY CHARLES, ONLY SON OF HIS MAJESTY, Prince of WALES, Duke of CORNWALL, YORK, ALBANY, and ROTHSAY, Marquis of ORMONT, Earl of CHESTER and ROSS, Lord of ADMANOCH, and Knight of the most noble Order of the GARTER.  
THE ample and deserved commendation (which Fame hath blazed over all this Kingdom, and more and more shall to your eternal memory) of the ardent zeal that your Highness hath unto Military Discipline, and the virtuously disposed, and of your encouragement of them, hath amongst many hearts truly devoted to your Highness in all submissive humility, incensed and animated mine (though most unworthy) to present, offer, and dedicate unto your Highness, this rude, and unpolished Pamphlet, treating and demonstrating the pathway to the youths, and the many unexpert traine-men of this Kingdom, to lead them to the mark, which is to become perfect and absolute Soldiers. Who (having reaped a large harvest of peace under the most peaceful Monarch in Europe, your most renowned Father) are very raw and altogether ignorant in most points of Military Exercise. My long continuance in the wars hath by experience gathered, that it is very necessary and requisite, in the Summer of Peace, to forecast and provide against the Winter of Wars. Mars hath long time slumbered, and as josua commanded the Sun to stand firm, so our Royal josua, our Sovereign King JAMES (whom God protect from outward and domestical invasions) with his glorious beams appearing and entering the Confines of this Kingdom hath dispersed the clouds, as well of foreign, as homebred broils and dissensions, and established our peace like Mount Zion: Yet though Mars be fettered, I hold it (under your highness correction) both convenient, and agreeable with the policy of other Nations, that this Commonweal be ever in a readiness to prevent accidental, and ensuing dangers, lest (wallowing too long in the cradle of Security, and Mars on a sudden awaking, and sounding in our ears unexpected Alarms) it buy Repentance at too dear a rate. And to register the same in the Tablets of my countrymen's hearts, and for their good, I have compiled and collected the observations and directions in this Book following; the which I humbly desire may be respected by your Highness, not according to the merit of the action, or matter itself, but according to the intent and affection of the Agent and Dedicator; and that your Highness will imitate herein that great Patron and pattern of humility, who made more account of the poor widows mite, than of the superfluity and abundant treasure of the rich. And thus with my uncessant prayers to the Almighty, the Lord of Hosts, that your Highness may daily more and more grow in the favour of God and Men, and in the practice of all virtuous, pious, and valorous actions, to the advancement of Religion, the vanquishing of your enemies, and the good of this Commonwealth; craving pardon for my boldness, I humbly take my leave, and ever rest with my best endeavours,  
At your highness service and commandment, Edward Davies.   

To the READER.  
THe exercise of training hath been much neglected, and chief in the Marches of Wales, till now of late that it hath pleased God, and the King's grace, to send us that thrice worthy Earl of Northhampton, Lord Precedent, established in the principality of his majesties Council in the Marches of Wales etc. For it hath pleased his Excellency in times convenient to call together the Traine-men; and his Lordship was honourably, and dutifully entertained, and conveyed from Shire to Shire by his Lordship's Lieutenants of the Shire; and also all the Knights and best Gentlemen in the Country. The Military men being assembled together, it pleased his Lordship to take great pains in ordering, directing, and exercising both Horse and Foot most bravely to behold; and his Lordship taking special view both of Horse and Foot, where his Lordship apprehending debility and error to be committed amongst them, his Lordship giveth the Captains a straight charge, by no means, not to neglect their exercise of training under pain, etc.  
Likewise, to make it more apparent to the view of the world of his Lo: affection towards the exercise of Martial discipline, his Lo: hath now of late called together, not only his Lo: own Gentlemen, but also all the Clerks belonging to the Council in the Marches of Wales; and his Lordship being well provided of an able Leader, which is one of his Lo: Gentlemen, who in times convenient doth exercise the said Company.  
Moreover, I ought not to omit to relate his Honours due commendations, as also his special care of the KING'S majesties service, to maintain not only all Martial discipline, but also to lead his Ho: Successors to the mark of an honourable subject; and to perform the same his Lordship is always provided of 18. goodly and brave young Horses, the which are daily trained in all points of war (at Luddlow Castle-yard) by one of his Gent: of the Horse, who is an expert and sufficient Rider, etc.  
Also it is my part to say somewhat herein of the worthy Rulers, and Governors of the Low-countries the school of War; his Excellency Grave Mauris hath invented and set out divers Postures belonging to the orders both of Pike and Musket, very necessary and profitable for the exercise of arms, the which are maintained and practised by the thrice worthy Commanders, Colonel Cissell, and Colonel Veare; and is directly followed by all other valiant Leaders: the which Postures and Orders are practised in the Artillery-yard, and also in the Military-yard, by worthy Captains, well experienced in the Martial discipline, and also they are well provided of sufficient Officers.  
There came a little Pamphlet to my hands wherein I found, and made use of certain Orders of the exercising Muskettieres: The said book was dedicated unto that worthy Commander Colonel CISSELL, who did much practise the said Orders: Viz. also that the said volume was set out by that worthy Leader Captain WAIMOUTH, who is worthy of great commendations, for his good work.   


The Contents of the first Book.  

Chap. 1 WHat is required, and necessary to be observed in a private Soldier. Fol. 1.  
Chap. 2 The office which appertains to a Corporal, Cape de Squadre, Disnier, or chief of Chamber. fol. 32.  
Chap. 3 Six points appertaining to Soldiers of all sorts. fol. 41.  
Chap. 4 How a Soldier may maintain obedience, and keep himself in the favour and good grace of his Captain. fol. 44.  
Chap. 5 martial and military laws, whereunto Soldiers of all degrees must be sworn, to keep and maintain inviolated at all times and in all places, whether they serve Emperor, King, or Prince. fol. 60.  
Chap. 6 Brief Notes of other mean Offices, as Drums, mischiefs, Surgeons, and the Clerk of the band. fol. 71.  
Chap. 7 The Prelates charge that takes care of the Soldiers. fol. 73.  
Chap. 8 How Pikes are to be carried in array, march or battle. fol. 75.    

The Contents of the second Book.  

Chap. 1 THe office of the Sergeant of the Band. fol. 78.  
Chap. 2 The office of an Alfierus, or ensign-baerer. fol. 86.  
Chap. 3 The office of the Lieutenant of a Company. fol. 95.  
Chap. 4 The office and duty that appertains to Lanze-spezzate, voluntary Lieutenants, the Gentlemen of a band, or Cavaliers of Saint George's squadrons. fol. 101.  
Chap. 5 The office of a Captain which hath the guiding of a band of men. fol. 110.  
Chap. 6 The office of a Colonel. fol. 124.    

The Contents of the third Book.  

Chap. 1 THe arming of a Pikeman: fol. 134.  
And Muskettiere. fol. 135.  
Chap. 2 The office of the Muster-master, both necessary and profitable, when a Prince or his General have divers regiments of several Nations under pay. fol. 136.  
Chap. 3 A rule to set Soldiers in array. fol. 137.  
The distance to be observed betwixt rank and rank, man and man, both in marching, and also in main battle. fol. 139.  
How Pikes are to be raised up and abased in closing and opening of a battle. fol. 140.  
How Pikes are to be carried in array, march, or battle, with also their necessary Notes. fol. 141.  
Certain words to be used of the Officers that train. fol. 147.     

THE FIRST BOOK OF MILITARY Directions: In the which is set out how a good Soldier DISNIER and corporal, aught to behave themselves in Wars: Together with the Martial laws of the Field; And other necessary Notes and Offices.  

CHAP. I. And first what is to be required, and necessary to be observed in a private SOLDIER.  
THE platform of a Fortress, by how much more it is planted upon a sure foundation, by so much more it is participant of a firm and forcible perfection: which reason duly considered it ought to lead every man so to rule himself in all his affairs, as he may be both apt to receive, and able to perform all virtuous and valorous actions. therefore he that desires to become a Soldier of assured good quality, to the intent he may be able to persever in each enterprise, bear out every brunt stoutly, and serve sufficiently, he ought to have a strong body, sound, free from sickness, and of a good complexion: So shall he be able to resist the continual toil and travel, which of necessity he must daily take, as continual and extreme cold in the winter, immoderate heat in the summer, in marching in the day, keeping sentinel in the night, and in his cold cabin, in secret ambushes, and in trenches, where perchance he shall stand a number of hours in the water and mire up to the knees: and beside upon bulwarks, breaches in espials, in sentinels, perdues, and such like, when occasion requires and necessity constrains: of all which exploits and discommodities he must perforce be partaker.  
Wherefore that man which is not of such sufficiency in body (to the end he spend not his time in vain) it is very requisite he resolve himself to exercise some other profession, for although some do hold that few men be strong by nature, but many by exercise and industry: yet that notwithstanding strength of body is first to be required, in respect that a Soldier must be aswell acquainted, and as able to bear continual travel, as a bird can endure to fly, yea and to put on a resolute mind, to bear all the miseries and hazards of warlike affairs. A Soldier is generally to be chosen betwixt 18. and 46. years.  
Moreover, I suppose it most necessary, that every man according to the nature of his body, and inclined motion of his mind, make election of his arms and weapons, as of pike, halberd, or hargabuse: Nevertheless respect aught to be had to the proportion of his person, and to take such arms as doth best agree with the same: to a tall man a pike, to a mean stature a halberd, and to a little nimble person a piece. But if he prefer his proper disposition before the quality of his person, it is very necessary he exercise that weapon he makes choice of, to the intent he may attain unto a most perfect practice of the same, for as no man at the first time when he takes any tool or instrument in his hand, grows immediately at that instant to be a perfect artificer: even so it is with a Soldier, until experience hath instructed him: touching which I mean to say somewhat.  
He which seeks to attain and attribute to himself the honourable name of a Soldier, must first employ his time in practice of those arms wherewith he means to serve, and so apply his time, that when any enterprise shall call him forth to make proof thereof, he may be able to handle his piece with due dexterity, and his pike with an assured agility: since those be the weapons wherewith now Mars doth most commonly arm his warlike troop, and try each doubtful fight of bloody battle: for in this our age experience and practice makes apparent that Archers amongst foreign Nations be never used, and the halberd but either amongst few or few in number. The Archer serves to small purpose, but when he is shadowed with some trench or bulwark free from hargabuse or musket-shot: Or that lining a band of Harquebusiers, he doth second them in any invading onset, and then a whole flight of arrows, so that they be light and able to fly above twelvescore, will marvelously gaul any main battle of footmen or Squadron of Horsemen. The Halberd likewise doth only serve in the sack of a town, in a breach, in a sally, or canuisado, to enter a house, or in the throng of a strooken battle to execute slaughter; wherefore touching these two weapons, unless necessity constrain, and that Harquebusiers be wanting, Archers may well be spared: and these great numbers of Halberdiers and Billmen, which are and have been in times past used in England, may well be left off, save a few to guard every Ensign, and to attend upon the Colonel, or Captain, which in an army will amount to a sufficient number to depress the overcome and flying enemy.  
Therefore a Soldier must either accustom himself to bear a piece or Pike: if he bear a piece, then must he first learn to hold the same, to accommodate his match between his two foremost fingers and his thumb, and to plant the great end on his breast with a gallant soldier-like grace: and being ignorant, to the intent he may be more encouraged, let him acquaint himself first with the firing of touch-pouder in his pan, and so by degrees both to shoot off, to bow and bear up his body, and so consequently to attain to the level and practise of an assured and serviceable shot, readily charge, and with a comely couch discharge, making choice at the same instant of his mark with a quick and vigilant eye.  
His flask and touchbox must keep his powder, his purse and mouth his bullets: in skirmish his left hand must hold his match and piece, and the right hand use the office of charging and discharging.  
Being against the enemy, whilst with an indented course he doth travel his plain ground, or else takes advantage of his place and invasion, as under the safeguard of a trench, the back of a ditch, old-wall, tree or such like: let him ever first load his piece with powder out of his flask, then with her bullet, and last with amuring, and touch-pouder, foreseeing ever that the pan be clean, the cover close, and the tutch-hole wide, or else well pruned: so that still observing modest order in his traverse, neither overslow, nor over-speedy, to the intent he become not each man's mark through his sluggishness, nor run himself out of breath through his own rashness, for the most part keeping his side towards his enemy: let him discharge going, but never standing: so shall he the better shun the enemies shot and choose his assured advantage.  
A soldier ought to be careful that his furniture be good, substantial and staunch from rain, the charge of his flask just for his piece, and the spring quick and sharp: The pipe of his touchbox somewhat wide, that the powder may have free passage, which otherwise would choke up.  
In time of marching, and traveling by the way let him keep a paper in the pan and tutch-hole, and in wet weather have a case for his piece somewhat portable, or else of necessity he must keep the same from wet under his armhole or cassock, or by some other invention free from damage of the weather, and his match in his pocket, only that except which he burns: and that likewise so close in the hollow of his hand, or some artificial pipe of pewter hanging at his girdle, as the coal by wet or water go not out.  
It is moreover requisite, that a soldier keep his cock with oil free in falling, and his piece bright without rusting, neither must he want his necessary tools, as a scowrer, tirebale and worm, having every one a vice to turn into the end of the scouring stick, so that if through wet weather or any other accident, his piece will not be discharged, the skilful Soldier may with his tireball pull out his bullet, with the worm, the paper and wet powder, and with his succourer make his piece clean within: His succourer must be trimmed on the end with a linencloth of a sufficient substance, therewith to make clean the cannon of his piece within. The one end of his scouring stick ought to have a round end of bone of just bigness with the mouth of his piece, therewithal at his pleasure to ram in powder and paper, or in steed of paper, such soft hair as they stuff saddles withal, the danger whereof is not like: but this the Soldier must use when time permits. During the time of his service let him ever have a diligent care to keep his piece clean and bright within, and once a fortnight, or at the least once a month take out the breech and throroughly view and wash the barrel within, to see whether it hath any flaws, bracks, chambers, frettings, or ruptures, which would endanger the breaking thereof, especially if before hand the end of his bare succourer have given him any cause to suspect such faults, to the intent he may change the same for a new for fear of spoiling himself.  
He that loves the safety of his own person, and delights in the goodness and beauty of a piece, let him always make choice of one that is double breeched, and if it be possible a milan piece, for they be of a tough and perfect temper, light, square, and big of breech, and very strong where the powder doth lie, and where the violent force of the fire doth consist, and notwithstanding thin at the end.  
Our English pieces approach very near unto them in goodness and beauty (their heaviness only excepted) so that they be made of purpose, and not one of these common sale pieces with round barrels, whereunto a beaten soldier will have great respect, and choose rather to pay double money for a good piece, then to spare his purse and endanger himself.  
But to return to my matter, let a soldier have hanging ever at the strings of his tutch-box, or some other ready part of his garment, a couple of pruning pings at the least, that if by fortune the tutch-hole of his piece be stopped or furred up, he may therewith both make his pan clean, and yield a ready passage that the fire may have her course, by incorporating both the tutch-pouder without, and the corne-pouder within together. But a ready Soldier will always foresee that the touch hole be so wide, as the powder without in the pan may have free concourse to that within the piece, thereby to hasten more speedy discharge, considering a soldier cannot have leisure and commodity to prune his piece at all times, but must of necessity use a great dexterity.  
But since I am fallen into the speech of a quick charge, and nimble discharge, I will by the way declare the opinion of certain nations therein.  
Experience of late days hath taught us, that those Nations which follow the wars, invent every way how they may endamage the enemy in all their enterprises, but especially in skirmish, which for the most part consists in shot, and by such as can with the eye of his mind make an assured level, and with a nimble discharge, both choose out and kill his enemy.  
And therefore those soldiers which in our time have been for the most part levied in the Low-countries, especially, those of Artois and Henault, called by the general name of Wallownes have used to hang about their necks, upon a baldric or border, or at their girdles certain pipes which they call charges, of copper and tin made with covers, which they think in skirmish to be the most ready way. But the Spaniard despising that order, doth altogether use his flask.  
The Frenchman, both charge and flask. But some of our English-nation, their pocket, which in respect of the danger of the sparks of their match, the uncertain charge, the expense and spoil of powder, the discommodity of wet, I account more apt for the show of a triumph and wanton skirmish before Ladies and Gentlewomen, then fit for the field, in a day of service in the face of the enemy: and in like sort the charge which either doth shed and lose his powder whilst a Soldier doth traverse his ground, or else is so cloddered and rammed together, that he shall be forced sometimes to fail of half his charge. Therefore I conclude with the Spaniard, that a good flask is that which is most warlike and ready in service without the curious help of any extraordinary invention.  
One of the greatest helps consists in powder and match: for a Soldier must ever buy his powder sharp in taste, well incorporate with saltpeter, and not full of coole-dust. Let him accustom to dry his powder if he can in the sun, first sprinkled over with Aquavitae or strong Claret-wine etc. Let him make his tutch-pouder, being finely sarsed and sifted, with quick-pale, which is to be bought at the Pouder-makers or Apothecaries: and let his match be so boiled in ashes, lie and powder, that it will both burn well, carry a long coal, and that will not break off with the touch of your finger. The preparations will at the first touch give fire, and procure a violent, speedy, and thundering discharge. Some use brimstone finely powdered in their tutch-pouder, but that furs and stops up your breech and tutch-hole.  
The bullet of a soldiers piece must be of a just bigness with the mouth of the same, so that falling in smoothly, it may drive down, and close up the mouth of the powder. Some contrary to the laws of the field use chain-shot, and quarter-shot, which is good in the defence of a breach, to keep a fortress, or upon shipboard: but being daily used, it will gall a piece within, and put it in hazard to break, specially in a long skirmish when the barrel is hot.  
Note that after his piece is very hot, let the Soldier if he can, give somewhat a less charge for fear of bursting his piece, unless he have good trial thereof. If the stock of his piece be crooked, he ought to place the end just before above his left pap: if long and strait, as the Spaniards use them, then upon the point of his right shoulder, using a stately upright pace in discharge.  
It is not in vain to advertise him, that in skirmish he must hold his piece betwixt his thumb and the ends of his fingers, which I account a sure mean, betwixt gripping of the barrel, and laying the same only upon his foremost finger and thumb, for the one is over dangerous, and the other altogether unsteedy.  
I judge it likewise most convenient for him, to take hold of his piece with his left hand in that part of the wood (wherein the barrel lies) there as the piece is of most equal balance. Although some accustom themselves to hold it just under the cock, by reason whereof he shall be enforced to change his hand if he charge out of a flask, into the midst of the piece, to bring down the mouth to his flask which is great delay and hindrance in skirmish. So to conclude, he that means to be accounted a forward and perfect good shot, by continual exercise must be so ready, that in all particular points touching his piece, powder, match, bullets, and the use of them, that he neither be to seek, nor grow amazed in the furious rage of Bellona's fiery skirmishes, her sudden surprises, and bloody slaughter of dangerous assaults of cruel battles.  
The Musket is to be used in all respects like unto the Hargabuse, save that in respect he carries a double bullet, and is much more weighty. He useth a staff breast-high, in the one end a pike to pitch in the ground, and in the other an iron fork to rest his piece upon, and a hole a little beneath the same in the staff: whereunto he doth add a string, which tied and wrapped about his wrist, yields him commodity to train his fork or staff after him whilst he in skirmish doth charge his Musket afresh with powder and bullet.  
Now to speak somewhat of a Pikemans' charge, a few words shall suffice, because I will not be over-tedious. Let him learn to toss his pike, couch and cross the same, to receive the violent charge of Horsemen, to front the furious shock of footmen, and be able to furnish out his fight both afar-off and near hand: Which Notes with the like will be sufficient, by reason that he is for the most part put to stand in a main and square-battaile. Both the arquebusier and Pikeman must wear a short rapier and a small poinado: for if in the midst of Encounters and Skirmishes, they be driven to use them, their length is an occasion they cannot be drawn, unless he abandon his piece or pike, whereby he shall either lose his pike, or want his rapier, which at the Sera and close is very necessary both for defence and offence: contrary to the careless custom of some, whom I have seen come into the field without rapier or dagger, which was an assured argument, that their heels should be their target, and their shameful flight their safety, when their powder was spent.  
Now as these careless persons far miss the mark with over great security, so some bring in a custom of too much curiosity in arming Harquebusiers, for besides a piece, flask, tutch-box, rapier and dagger: they load them with a heavy shirt of male, and a Burganet: so that by that time they have marched in the heat of the summer or deep of the winter ten or twelve English-miles, they are more apt to rest, then ready to fight, whereby it comes to pass that either the enterprise they go about, which requires celerity, shall become frustrate by reason of the stay they make in refreshing themselves, or else they are in danger to be repulsed for want of lustiness, breath, and agility.  
Wherefore in mine opinion it is not necessary, that this extraordinary arming of shot should be used, but in surprises of Towns, Escalades, and assaults of breaches, to defend the soldiers heads from stones, and such stuff as they besieged have prepared to drive them from their enterprise: Or else in some special set battle against the cut and thrust of weapons: which exploits, for that they be not so ordinary as is the skirmish, so are these arms nothing so necessary, but rather a burden more beautiful than beneficial, and of greater charge than commodity; specially a shirt of male, which is very dangerous, for shot, if a number of those small pieces should be driven into a man's body by a bullet.  
The furniture due to a Pikeman besides his pike, rapier and dagger, consisting of a common corselet, having a collar, curiat, tases, backpart, poldrowes, wambrasses, and burganets for the head, for that they be sufficiently known, because I will not be over prolix upon every particular point, I will only say thus much more touching the Pikeman, that he ought to have his pike at the point and midst trimmed with handsome tassels, and a handle, not so much for ornament as to defend the soldiers body from water, which in rain doth run down alongst the wood.  
Every Soldier ought to carry his Hargabuse, Pike or Halberd, upon that shoulder and side, which is outward in rank, for that side which is discovered inward is more defended by the general order that is kept, than any of the other. Which order of carrying arms, is not only ready and commodious to use at all occasions, but also doth make a gallant show, and a general form of good proportion, and true prospect: a thing most necessary for a man of valour to use in all his doings.  
He ought likewise ever to have good regard to wear his weapon of like length the other soldiers use, which in marching doth make the ranks to be of one just line, and in show of a seemly and straight proportion, causing the whole band to carry a brave and singular grace.  
A Soldier ought ever to retain and keep his arms in safety and forth coming, for he is more to be detested then a Coward, that will lose or play away any part thereof, or refuse it for his ease, or to avoid pains: Wherefore such a one is to be dismissed with punishment, or made some abject Pioneer. Therefore during his service and after his return home, let him still be wedded to his weapons and armour, that when he is called upon again to serve his Prince, he be not enforced to furnish himself again with new Arms, sometimes old, of little value, and less goodness: as some soldiers now adays to their great discommendation do use. A custom altogether different from the true exercise of arms, and varying from the rule of other warlike-nations, which make true profession of arms: amongst the which the Spaniards and Zuitzers at this day are to be commended; the one for observing an apt, sumptuous, and warlike choice therein, and the other for that they bear all sorts of arms with great advantage, both in length and strength, the which unto them becomes very familiar through the ability of body they possess.  
Those Soldiers which cannot endure the toil and travel to bear arms of defence, namely the Pikeman and Halberdier are made subject to receive both blows and death by the hands of their enemies, or through their disadvantage to take a shameful flight, or at the first encounter to remain their prisoners.  
Therefore it is very necessary for a Soldier to take pains in daily practice, & to acquaint himself thoroughly in the exercise and carriage of arms, whereof he ought to use practice, specially of those that be offensive, and in those which ordinarily we are accustomed to carry, as the Rapier, and Dagger, Pike, and Halberd and such like, without making open and apparent profession of the practice thereof, but secret and several from the wide sight of the world, that afterwards he may put the same in practice to his greater advantage and commendation.  
Finally the Halberdier, who is armed either with brigandine or corselet, aught of duty to attend with his halberd when his turn comes about his Ensign, in marching, and set squares, in the captains lodging and tent for his guard, and at the entrance of a house etc. to be the foremost person to force the passage.  
But in a day of battle the old Roman shield and a short sharp-pointed sword, to execute in a throng of men, exceeds the Halberd and brown-bill.  
Besides the Pikeman which is armed all over with a corselet, and is to perform his duty in a main square, stand, or battle, to receive the shock of horsemen, or charge of the enemy's infantry;  
There be yet another sort of light-armed Pikes, which only have the forepart of a corselet, and a headpiece, as is the Almain rivet, or good light-iacke, or plate-coate: these sometimes may be sent amongst the forlornehope of Harquebusiers, to defend them from the invasions of Horsemen.  
But touching shot, I would wish our Nation, being men of strong constitution of body, to bear a Piece betwixt the boar of a Caliver and a Musket, the which with small use they would be able to wield very well at the arms end; which would carry a great advantage in skirmish: the which like unto the Hargabuse, they might (as I said before) exercise, and with a gallant and assured raising-up the crooked end of the stock, to his breast, having beforehand fitted the coal of his match to give quick and just fire, whereof ever he must take the certain measure, must then discharge amidst his modest traverse, to his greatest advantage, and to endamage his enemies: Which done he must first fold-up again the fallen match in a ready and convenient sort betwixt his fingers, having both the ends of his match light at once, that whilst the one is spent, and in kindling again, the other may serve his turn.  
Besides these foresaid weapons I would not think it inconvenient, to have in a Band certain targets of proof to march in the front, which were very necessary to defend a rank of men in a streight-lane, passage, breach or other place from the enemy's shot, they all closely and in a low order marching under the favour and shade of them: as in a skirmish I saw put in practice, when Cassimire did march with the STATE'S army under Louvain, 1578.  
The Captain is to set down by the General's appointment, the sum of all their pays, and the difference therein, according to every man's weapon and quality. But to speak of other directions and military observations;  
A footman that is a Soldier, aught above all things to be obedient to his Captain and officers, and never abandon his Ensign, nor be absent from his company without leave or special let. In his march he ought to be modest, ready in his rank, observe a long distance in his Laumband, and keep an equal stay in his Alta.  
If words of advertisement do pass over from rank to rank alongst the marching band, let him deliver those words plainly and with diligence, which the Captain gives over to be pronounced from mouth to mouth, as to pass Parole appertains.  
If the enemy cause sudden Arm, let his bale en bouche and his match in the cock show his ready goodwill either to receive repulse, or give charge.  
If either for pleasure in a muster, or in any other show in sport or earnest, his Company be commanded to discharge certain volies of shot, or a salva, he must either hold his piece sidelong the ranks, whilst he doth prepare the same, or with the end higher than their heads, and discharge over the tops of the foremost ranks, for fear of hurting his Companions: which rule they ought to observe, and thereunto be constrained, upon pain of severe punishment.  
If any enterprise be made in the night, let him not only keep his match close from open show, or falling sparks, but be vigilant and keep silence, to the intent that through his negligence and noise their actions be not discovered.  
If he keep Sentinel, and have the watchword, let him give ear diligently to all rumours, noises, and view warily all suspected places, to the intent if he hear any trampling, neighing of horses, or approaching enemy (which he may the more easily hear by making a hole in the ground, and laying his ear to the same) or that he doth see the twinkling light of matches, or perceive any other presumption of the enemy, he may either by discharging his piece, and crying Saint George, arm, arm, give warning to the next Corpses of guard, that the enemy doth approach, or else if his sudden invasion require not present advertisement, he may defer the report thereof until the coming of the next round, unto whom he must from point to point declare what he hath seen and heard.  
During the time of his Sentinel, he ought to keep himself very close, wakeful, secret, and without noise or rumour, his match close and sure from seeing, and his piece ready charged, loaden with her bullet, and pruned with tutch-pouder.  
If the Round or any other Officer come to search to watch and Sentinels, when he doth first hear or see them approach, let him so soon as he doth perceive them, demand with a loud voice, Qui va la? Who goes there? to which when answer is made, Friends, and that they draw nearer, then let him call to them and command that all the whole troop, but only one with the watchword, to make present stay, until the word be given. And if at the same instant another Round should come another way, let him cause the one of them to pause and abide still, until he have received the word of the other, that thereby he may avoid the environing snares of foreign or privy enemies, which might by that means surprise him.  
Therefore in this respect let him take great care, especially before a Town besieged, or about the circuit of a Camp, and that he always remember to receive him that gives the word at the end of his piece or pike, and out of danger, having his match ready in his Cock, ready to give fire, thereby to reward him with a bullet as an enemy, if he give a wrong word, or entertain him as a friend if he give the right: for under colour of giving the word, many Sentinels have lost their lives, and sudden surprises and canuisadoes have been given.  
If in the night Arm be given in the Camp, he must make repair immediately with his piece and furniture to his Ensign, where he shall be employed as occasion doth offer.  
That he may be the more ready at any sudden Arm, lying in a town in Garrison, and being furried and lodged in a house, he ought to have all the night burning in his chamber by him a candle or lamp, or at the least his fire so well raked up as he may light a candle at the coals with a match of brimstone, or otherwise: that thereby he may the more speedily not only find his arms (which of purpose he ought to lay readily in an ordinary place) but also be better able to prepare himself, and kindle his match with all speed.  
Note that a Soldier in Garrison being furried in a house, is allowed the best bed and chamber save one, fair sheets, board-clothes, plates, napkins, towels, dressing of his meat, service at the table, oil, vinegar, salt, mustard, candlelight, fire, etc.  
Whilst a Soldier is in the Camp, he ought never to lie out-of his clothes, his piece ready charged must lie by his side, his furniture at his girdle, which is his flask, match and tutch-boxe, his rapier very ready, and his poinado likewise at his girdle, which if they should be so monstrous daggers, or such a Cutler's shop as our English Fencers are accustomed to wear, they would be both cumbrous in carriage, and troublesome to his Companions, and to himself, especially when they lie in their Cabins.  
A Soldier in Camp must make choice of two or three or more Comrades, such as for experience, fidelity, and conditions, do best agree with his nature, that be tried Soldiers and trusty friends, to the intent that like loving brethren, they may support one another in all adverse fortune, and supply each others wants. As for example, having marched all day, and coming at night to the place where they must encamp, one of them chooseth out the driest and warmest plot of ground he can get in the quarter, which is appointed to his band for lodging place, doth keep all their Cloaks, Arms, and Baggage, whilst another makes provision with one of their boys, in some adjoining village (if time and safety from the enemy doth permit) for long straw, both to cover their cabin, and make their bed of: during the time that an other with a little hatchet (which with a leather bottle for drink, a little kettle to seethe meat in, and a bag of salt, which are to be borne of the boys amongst other Baggage, and are most necessary things for encamping) doth cut down forked bows and long poles to frame and rear up their cabin withal, and provide timber, or firewood, if it be in winter, or when need requires, whilst another doth visit uniandiers and victuallers (if any follow the camp) for bread, drink, and other cates, if otherwise they be not provided by forage or picoree, and makes a hole in the earth, wherein having made a fire, strooken two forked stakes at either side, and hanged his kettle to seethe upon a cudgel of wood upon the same, or that for roast-meat he makes a spit, wooden gauberds, etc. And whilst thus every one is occupied about their necessary occasions at one instant, they may in due time make provision for all their wants, and by means of this league of amity amongst them, enjoy a sufficient time to rest their wearied bodies, which otherwise would be hard to be done.  
Therefore I judge it very requisite that the whole number under the charge of a Desnier or chief of a chamber, should link themselves together in perfect friendship, and aswell in skirmish and fight aid one another, as in all other actions, by which invincible knot they should receive wonderful commodity.  
It imports much that a Soldier should be tractable, for a man cannot imagine a thing either more ingenuous or better, then due and convenient civility. Therefore let him accustom himself rather to be of a Saturnine and severe condition than a common Skoffer, and an ordinary makesport, that he may continue in friendship with his companions, and continually remain in their amity.  
Moreover, he is much to be commended, which aptly with facility and great dexterity can be conversant with every one: wherein if a man do not with great judgement very circumspectly govern himself, he shall for the most part incur the evil will of those in whose company he remains. The which dealing is of great importance, aswell for the interest of his life, and proper honour and credit, by which means the one and the other doth hang in balance, as also for that he cannot, being drawn away with debates, apply himself diligently to follow the wars and service of his Captain: the which ought to be his chiefest object and end. For discord amongst men of this Honourable profession, doth hasten, and occasion very much the destruction of their well doing; and altogether hinder whatsoever they take in hand, by reason of the suspicions, discords, despite, and other respects which of necessity are commonly accustomed to grow and ensue.  
Besides, he must be so moderate in spending his wages, that he be not constrained before the midst of his pay, either to follow the spoil, or borrow of others: whereof springeth a naughty reputation and a great discredit: yet notwithstanding he must not suffer himself to be noted for a covetous person, or as some say, the enemy of himself: that is, by sparing niggardly, to find a great want and extremity in necessary things appertaining to his apparel and victuals, whose expenses ought chiefly to be in gallant Armour and furniture.  
Note that the pay and wages which he receives of his Captain and Treasurer, must not be taken or thought to serve or supply for any other use, but to sustain life with victuals, keep him appareled, and maintain his arms. Therefore ought it to be governed discreetly and orderly at all times, in what place soever he shall remain, either in the camp, civil cities, or in his proper house, as well to keep himself in health, as chiefly to make apparent to his Captain the noble motion of his mind: So that pricked forward by this spur of honour, and not for any other extraordinary and base occasion, a good soldier is continually constrained to win credit, despising all other dealing which ariseth from hope of commodity and greedy gain, the way to make a man esteemed to carry a base mind, and almost not disagreeing from brute breasts without reason. For these private Soldiers which seek by such means as be extraordinary, to advance themselves above their proper pay, without doubt give an evil presage of themselves, and so evil that it should be better for them to apply their time in some other sort, as about merchandise and other occupations, rather than follow the honourable exercise of Arms, which is altogether grounded upon a noble mind, valiant courage, and extreme travel of body.  
He must dispose himself to be very diligent in what exercise or enterprise soever he shall be put unto, as to make Sentinel: wherein it is convenient, as I have touched before, that he be very vigilant when it is his lot to be commanded thereunto, that in doing the contrary, there succeed not a most rigorous chastisement by leaving his body dead behind him, as it may very well fall out, and to whom it may be said, I left him as I found him, since sleep is the image of death.  
A good Soldier ought continually to accompany the Ensign, and have special regard, that the same fall not in danger of surprising by the enemy, and that he endeavour himself by all means without any respect of danger to preserve and recover the same: for the loss thereof is a perpetual shame to the whole band. And therefore he ought at no time to abandon the same for any occasion, but lodge himself so near it as he can, to the intent that amongst the rest, if it be possible, he may be one of the first at all rumours of arms, and sudden alarms, aswell by day as night. And being armed with the weapon he carries, having conducted his Ensign to the place appointed, by the head Officers, he may in the sight of his Captain (showing a moderate forwardness and desire) breed an opinion of his courage and valour: so that when occasion doth offer, his Captain amongst the rest may make special choice of him.  
He must for no occasion absent himself, or go to any far distant place about any enterprise or booty of picoree, without the express licence of his Captain: for he that is once become a Soldier is now no more his own man, but his under whose government he is paid: who desiring to serve his turn when occasions be ministered in time of wars, not having his valiant and best Soldiers present and ready about him, shall not only be made frustrate of that he would perform, but sometimes also suffer and sustain damage, and only in respect of those which be absent abroad at their own pleasure, contrary to the consent and knowledge of the Captain.  
He ought sufficiently to eat, rest and sleep, whilst time doth permit, to the end he be not called for unprovided, and that he may the more readily perform all enterprises needful, without any discommodity or want of ability, which commonly do fall out unlooked for, and upon the sudden, for in ordinary and accustomed enterprises, it is an easy thing to find every soldier provided, but in sudden surprises not. Besides, I think it appertains and is proper to a good Soldier, to follow the wars so long as he possibly can, for the increase of his experience. But being constrained to return into his Country, or into any City, fortress or other place of defence, by reason of some truce, seconded by peace, or through any other accident, which doth constrain him to abandon the wars: than it is necessary he fall to exercise that Art, wherein he chief hath been brought up, either in merchandise, handicraft, or husbandry, or else whatsoever, thereby to supply his necessities, to exercise his body, and to live honestly: and by that means fly idleness, a thing most incident to youth: who being altogether ignorant in treading the steps of a stayed life (through the small experience he hath of the world, which by tract of time is obtained, and by long practice, specially in the exercise of arms) persuades himself he shall win credit and commodity through the means of insolent actions, which altogether ought to be abhorred: through rash and prodigal bravery, which oftentimes torments innocent Families and poor Parents: and through gallant garments and sumptuous attire, whereby they grow Bankrupt: so that they are brought in time (being entangled in those sweet traps savest and sharp showers) to run headlong into a thousand and most miserable ruins. Therefore good Soldiers ought specially to endeavour themselves by some commendable industry to gain the good grace of valorous and valiant Captains, and mighty Princes, the true Possessors and fathers of war, through whose authority and commendation they may be preferred: for the faith and assured credit of all warlike and worthy Soldiers doth depend upon men of valour, and not of weak authority, small valour; and great abuse of the ignorant and common-people, called the beast with many heads. Therefore let them ever observe the honour of the good and virtuous: for since that in time of wars every soldier of good conditions doth sharpen his wit, and willingly adventure his life, not respecting toils or travel, expenses or danger, but doth employ his industry to prefer his Prince's profit, by great reason in time of peace he ought to be advanced and maintained by them: and much the more for himself, is to use all his endeavour to compass his own commodity, and thereby make manifest his proper virtue, the which doth not consist in outward appearance of valour and discretion: but in the true action thereof, agreeable to his honourable profession.  
A soldier must apparel himself in the wars with cloth of fresh colour, profitable and commodious: amongst the rest, red, murry, tawny and scarlet makes a gallant show in the field, which he must wear to honour the military profession, and for his most fit and apt wearing, and not to hinder the disposition of his members, as doth our great bombasted and bolstered hose, which not many years since hath been used: but in steed of them a strait brabantie and gascaine is to be worn, together with a close cassock, which may shield both his flask, tutch-box, his match and piece from rain if need be, whereby he may be ready to execute any enterprise he is commanded to perform, and that of necessity he ought to do: and so arm himself in other respects, that he may readily do any service he is assigned unto.  
He must be willing to put in proof all things commanded, without making reply, or denying any one thing, or deferring the matter from one time to another, either for fear of spoiling or spotting his apparel in foule-way, or foulweather, or that he shall not be able to enjoy commodious lodging, store of victuals, and such other respects, not to be esteemed of, but worthy great reprehension. Therefore it is requisite he practise himself first of all to be a perfect private Soldier, before he be drawn to the desire of bearing office, which were to set the cart before the horses, and work by contraries: for first we must learn to obey, and then it is lawful to govern. But it is no new thing, nor to be marveled at, that some men are accustomed to obtain charges by unlawful and indirect means, I will not say, that they use them accordingly. Therefore to merit a charge, it is always far more excellent and more convenient to win them by desert, then to enter theteinto by intrusion: for those that do not beg them do feel in themselves their proper sufficiency: where contrariwise they are a heavy burden to those that know them not, although with great instance they have procured and sought for them. Which want and unwary dealing in this our age, peradventure proceeds of the small need the world seems to have of good Soldiers at this day, and of the little experience most men in our time have of the Art of war or at leastwise our Superiors are blinded with the sweet baits of covetousness, chief cause of such elections. Yet this notwithstanding we ought to retain with all reverence, the honour and credit due to an expert and good Soldier, who with diligence being sought for and selected, as near as is possible, aught to have the most chosen charges, and expeditions given to their government. To the end those affairs may fall out happily, to the honour of their Nation and profit of their Prince. Whilst he doth follow the wars, or is in Camp: let him carry as little baggage with him as is possible, that he may be the more nimble and light of body, speedy in his journey or marching, and the more apt for all enterprises.  
During the wars (or else not) he ought to wear in some convenient place of his garments, that is most apparent to the view of the band, a token, red cross, or scarf, whereby in skirmishes and other attempts he is to be known of what part he is (the imperials use a red scarf, Englishmen Saint George's Cross, the French the White-crosse, etc.) or such a sign as the General of the field shall make choice of, which he ought to do willingly, thereby to remove suspicion out of the mind of his Captain and Cheifteines, that they need not to stand in doubt of him: and for divers other worthy respects, since that by these and like manifest means, the Soldier shows inward faith and loyalty to the Officers and Captains which govern. But if otherwise they carry the said token and mark lose at their neck, breast, arms, or any other place, it gives matter and occasion of doubt touching their fidelity: specially being but newly entertained, since that being not made fast, they may easily cast away or hide the same in time of peril or doubtful fight: Which suspicion ought diligently to be removed by him which carrieth an entire desire and full intent to deal truly and loyally.  
He ought likewise to beware, under pain of great punishment, for running from one camp to another, for what occasion soever shall urge him to it, but is bound to serve that party with which he doth first place himself, even until the end of the wars.  
I have seen it likewise not lawful, that a Captain should receive into his service a Soldier that is departed from another Captain of the same faction, and this was observed, to the end that Soldiers should be kept obedient and steadfast under their Ensign, where first they have placed themselves. Provided always, that their Captains entreat them honestly and well, which is to be decided by the Marshal of the field. Nevertheless, so often as a Soldier is forced of necessity to leave the wars, he ought not to departed out of his service, but by the special licence of his Captain, accompanied with an authentic passport of his good service, so shall he shun many confusions which are great occasions of scandals and infinite troubles, by means whereof he may freely make relation of the good service he hath done, and boldly show himself before any man's face.  
He ought to take special care, that he be not the beginner and occasion of any discords and mutinies, neither consent thereunto, what reason soever should lead him thereunto, since that such perverse proceeding doth not agree with the worthy, noble, and famous Art of war, which is a dangerous discredit to such malefactors, and for the most part without any recovery doth procure the general ruin of many valiant Captains and mighty armies. And therefore Ruffians and common Hackers that live idle in the streets at home, and follow the wars only for spoil, are most unfit to make Soldiers, for experience makes manifest, that they are the only cause of mutinies, so that one such is able to corrupt and disorder a whole band. Wherefore a good Soldier ought rather to apply himself to suffer things impossible, then commit so great an error, for by the one great honour and praise shall redound unto him, and by the other vile act, he shall gain manifest blame and assured death: for such notable errors, without any remission, or any pity (as in part I have before touched, and hereafter in the marshal laws shall set down) are severely to be chastised.  
When the Company doth disband, and every soldier is to go to his lodging or cabin, it is very requisite he stay until such time as he see the Ensign leapt up and lodged, to the intent, if he be of the guard about the same, that night he may attend to do his duty, otherwise he may lawfully departed, and thereby shun the shameful name of a stubborn, licentious and disobedient person. He must learn to understand the assured sound of the drum, thereby to know always whereunto he is appointed, and what thing is to be done and obeyed, which of duty is accustomed to be done, since that with this instrument Soldiers are given to understand, during the wars, what things be necessary to be executed: One thing beside is most necessary for a Soldier, which is, that he learn perfectly to swim, both for that waters cannot always be passed with wading, neither at all times boats and bridges can be conveyed with the camp, by reason of naughty passages, as also in divers enterprises a man is both more safe and more bold, knowing what he can do: whereof young Shelley made a most famous proof, who at the victualling of Midleborow, when their navy was assaulted by the Flushingers, having all his company slain, swum a shore with his arms, being the last man left alive a-shipboard: and as the Spaniards at the passage of the arm of the sea, when they went to besiege Siricke-sea. Besides the notable attempt made at the great river of Alba in Saxony, the year 1547. where the Imperialists had so famous a victory.  
Now therefore let no man persuade himself, that the several and particular experience which belongs to a perfect good Soldier, can be perfectly and duly obtained by any other way, but by a continual delight, exercise, and observation. For no man doth bring any work to perfection, whereof he hath not the Art: every Art doth spring of experience and knowledge, and knowledge doth arise by means of study and continual practice. Military profession being then more perfect and above all other Arts, consequently it is necessary we use in the same greater study, and more continual exercise than is to be used in any other Art: for so much as it is a most ancient and prudent sentence: All arts do consist in exercise: and therefore continually at idle times it is very fit and necessary for a soldier, to practise and exercise himself amongst his Companions in the camp, in running, leaping, throwing the bar, or such like, to make him active, and to avoid such idle pastimes as Soldiers commonly now adays use, contrary to all good order.  
Besides which, as I have partly touched before, every private Soldier ought not only to be well able to use the weapon he serveth withal, but also suddenly to understand all commandments of his Governors, whether it be by voice or sound of drum or otherwise, and to know how to maintain himself in order without breaking array, not only marching, but also turning in a troop or retiring. For that Soldier which knoweth his duty how to behave himself in the camp, in watch, scout etc. and likewise in marching, turning, retiring, and fight or skirmishing to observe the order prescribed by his Captaives, may be called a trained and old Soldier: Whereof if he be ignorant, although he have been twenty years in the wars, he is not to be esteemed a Soldier. But in these exercises the Sergeants and Officers are daily and duly to instruct generally and privately each soldier, which Officers ought of necessity to have knowledge in reading, that both what is written before, and shall be written after in this book, specially touching the Marshal laws of the field, they may ever read as a Lecture to their soldiers, being in corpse de guard, or at other sit and convenient times. For these be things so necessary to be known and observed, that it doth both import very much that each soldier should have them by heart, and if it were possible, sowed upon their garments to be a perpetual glass to look into, whereby they might guide all their actions, that thereby they might see what they ought to shun for fear of punishment, and what to embrace to increase credit.  
To knit up this our first discourse, he that finds himself sufficient and well inclined to exercise this most excellent profession, aught with all modest humility, and good intention, frame himself to a perfect obedience, aswell to observe order, a thing so convenient and necessary in this exercise, as also to execute that which shall be commanded him by his Captain.  
Before a Soldier bind himself to serve in a band, he ought advisedly to consider, and expressly to persuade himself, that under an expert, valorous, and worthy Captain, seldom or never our travail in well doing is forgotten or lost: when as the contrary doth chance under those that be vain, vicious, and of small experience, who through want of perfection and practice, do not know the merit of the valiant and valorous acts of a good Soldier: so that consequently they neglect all toil and travel done in any honourable enterprise. Therefore it behoves a Soldier to make a good choice at the first, for after whatsoever he be, he must still obey him: and likewise always have respect, and carry a reverence to the justice of Marshal law, and the Ministers of the same, though they be of base condition, since both by the law of Nature and Nations, they ought to be obeyed and observed, and particularly known, and had in memory of every private soldier: for thereby both horsemen and footmen are kept in perfect order.  
But above all things a soldier ought not to forget his duty and devotion towards the goodness of our Lord God, and our sacred Christian religion, by which the true gift of virtue, valour and fortitude, and all good things beside, we most certainly receive, and are assured to attain whilst our determinations be lawful and honest. And for that a soldier being subject to a thousand daily dangers, it behoves him continually to live as he dare die, and oftentimes to reconcile himself to God by confession of his sins, and receive the benefit of the most blessed Sacrament.  
I have been somewhat more copious in this first discourse touching a soldier, than perchance I mean to be in any of the rest, by reason this is the first step and degree a man ought to set his feet upon, before he mount the throne of perfect government in Marshal affairs: for if a soldier can obtain tried experience in this first point, he may with more ease ascend the other, since this is only the ground work of all the rest.   

CHAP. II. The Office which appertains to a Corporal, Cape de Squadre, Disnier, or chief of Chamber.  
IT is not to be doubted, but that all notable errors depend only of idleness, and that all worthy and commendable acts spring of vigilant wariness. Therefore a Corporal, Cape de Squadre, Disnier, or chief of Chamber, or how you list to term them, aught to be no less prudent and careful over the government of his people, than a father in ruling of his family: and as every parent doth pass in age his children, even so a Corporal should be such, that he may exceed any soldier, if not by experience and years, at leastwise with diligence and sharpness of wit. Through which endeavour and exercise, joined with a fervent desire and delight, to attain to the perfect tip of this honourable profession, he shall every day become more capable, and of greater experience: wherefore I would as near as is possible, not only have him expressly acquainted with the advertisements and Martial laws following, but also endued with the best of those conditions which I have set out in my former discourse of a private Soldier, since that to mount up to this second degree, it is very necessary and requisite, that he have made long abode in the practice and experience in the first step of service appertaining to a private Soldier. The Captain must select and choose four of the most skilful Soldiers, which be honest, loyal, and perfect religious Christians, out of every hundredth in his band: whereof two are to have charge of the shot, the other two of the pikes, every one guiding 24. a piece, the which ought all of them to be lodged together, and the Corporal himself in the midst of his charge, whereby when any secret service is to be done, they may call and assemble by the appointment of the Superior officers, their whole squadron, or what less number else, without the sound of any drum.  
Now than a Corporal with his squadron of 25. or more, according to the discretion of the Captain, lodging together with his company, must provide generally for all their reasonable wants of wages, match, powder, and other munition, and must instruct them how to handle their weapons. He must likewise remember perfectly how every one is armed and furnished when he receiveth them in charge, and to see that no part thereof be spoiled but preserved neat and trim: and above all things to look well to the behaviour of his company, not suffering them to use unlawful and prohibited gaming, neither to give themselves to drinking and surfeiting, but to spare of their pay to furnish themselves bravely and surely against the enemy, wherein he ought to use his chief endeavour. And if it happen that any fault is committed, his part is not violently to punish the Soldier himself, as hereafter is touched: but to make it known to his Captain, who must not neither, as some rashly do, revenge himself, but communicate the same with the Marshal or his Provost, who only have under the General authority to punish: and this due course of justice shall be more terrible to the Soldier, and breed less evill-will in them to the Captain and Officers: generally in these respects, the Corporal must touching the foresaid causes or such like, or it any Soldier be sick, hurt, or absent, by way of imprisonment or death, immediately make report thereof, finding any thing worthy relation, and spare no man, but deliver over the truth to the Sergeant, the Sergeant from him, or together with the Corporal to the Lieutenant, and he or they all jointly to the Captain, who is to take order in the cause. Thus shall dignity of Officers be maintained, and Officers and faults redressed, to the great example of the evil, and comfort of the good. But somewhat more amply to set down the foresaid respects together with certain other advertisements. A Corporal must always foresee and examine, that the soldiers of his Squadron keep their arms in order, clean and entire: and the Harquebusiers stored with match, bullets and powder, and such like necessaries: a thing worthy to be noted and observed in this profession: the which makes show that the same is of a good soldier not only used in time of war, but in all other times and places, being a known difference betwixt the legitimate, and lewd Professors of arms. He ought of necessity still to instruct and exhort them, that they live together friendly, without discord: that they be modest and sparing in their victuals, profitable in their apparel, and that generally they do shun swearing, and blaspeming upon grievous punishment, by which act of blaspheming and swearing by the holy name of the sacred Trinity, they commit greater villainy and offence before God, then if before the world they did commit most wicked acts, or infinite errors. Likewise let him prohibit all unlawful games, for the performance whereof he ought to proceed with as great dexterity and courtesy as he can, that always in matters of importance, he may have that due obedience which is required, and not through cruelty gain the hate and evill-will of those persons, which in many other things beside are to obey him: for to chastise them, lies neither in his power, neither in the arbitrament of other Officers, although they be of degrees higher than he, but doth justly appertain to the Office of the Master of the Camp, and Marshal of the field. The which point is to be noted and observed, to the discredit of some Captains, which at this day delight to embrew their murdering hands in the blood of soldiers, and men perchance of honest behaviour, being moved thereunto through some hatred, toy, or beastly passion.  
Therefore he must always be mindful to observe this honourable rule of divers good and discreet Officers, who sometimes do oversee and wink at light faults, and proceed with a certain modesty and lenity, although in matters of greater insolency, with severity.  
Notwithstanding these and such like authorities, the Corporal ought to be no less obedient to every least point of the Marshal laws: and in rank and array, or in other places where those of greater government be, he must perform and observe the part and duty of a private Soldier, and retain like order and obedience: for where our betters be, the less give place.  
But when alone with his squadron he is conducted to the place where he is to make watch and ward: then must he take upon him his office, and make provision of wood or coals, that he may always have fire burning in his corpse of guard, aswell in the day as in the night, and aswell in the summer as in the winter: without which he ought never to keep watch, because it is a most necessary munition for the Harquebusiers, to light their match withal, and for other needful respects. Likewise he must provide for oil, for candles for the night time, for lanterns and such like at the Sergeant majors hands, or of some others, who have charge to provide for those things, and are accustomed to distribute the same. If he keep his corpse de guard in an open and plain place or otherwise: he must conform the company of his squadron, according to the order appointed by his betters: and with the most speedy and artificial manner that he can, must arm and fortify with ditches, trenches, and sentinels, the place where he must make his abode with this his small band and troop of soldiers, the better to resist the enemy's fury, or any surprise he might assault him withal, considering that sometimes, yea and that very often, being set upon, the Sentinels and corpse de guard be repulsed and have their throats cut, to the great disturbance and universal damage of the whole Campe. He must ordain his watch in such a place, that in the same at all times he may remain wary and vigilant, placing himself in the most high and eminent seat of all the corpse de guard, to the intent that he may know and discern in due time every particular accident that shall happen or succeed: and thereof immediately advertise his Captain of all, that he may provide remedy with speed, according as the case requires warily and secretly, even at the closing of the night, until the bright spring of the Diana, and fair daylight: he must ordain and place Sentinels, and often search and visit them, with the aid of two of the captains Gentlemen of his company, called of the Italians Lanze Spezzate, or might be termed more aptly, extraordinary Lieutenants, that he may always remain vigilant and assured, to the intent he be not assailed unprovided, to his great damage, and before he can give warning of the enemy to the camp, which doth rest and lie in safety in that quarter where he is, under his charge, care, and diligence. In such cases he ought therefore to employ the best men he hath, that he never rest deceived in a matter of so great importance, since that of those which be but mean Soldiers, or as I may well term them, negligent persons, nothing else is to be looked for at their hands, but error, loss, and danger.  
Moreover he must at the least cause the third part of his squadron to remain and stand continually armed at all points, both night and day, consisting of greater or less quantity of people, according as the suspicion doth argue the need of them to be small or great: the Harquebusiers having their flasks and furniture tied to their girdles, and their pieces ready charged, that upon a sudden they may contend by skirmish, according to needful occasion, and readily resist the enemy without slacking or any remission of time, until all the squadron be put in order.  
He must be very circumspect, that the rest of the soldiers weapons, and principally his own, be laid up and placed in such order, one kind being divided from another, that in one instant they may be speedily and readily armed: the which he must daily put in practice, and enure them withal, by feigned alarms, by special commandment and of set purpose, which be most necessary to be practised before hand for divers honourable and important respects, worthy to be had in good consideration.  
Therefore let him have and carry a continual care, that their arms never remain in any confused order, the which if he should suffer, he should find no doubt to be a great want: but the same may be prevented, and made easy, by accommodating the Harquebusiers in rank one by one, upon a board or bank: the Pikes and corselets, in order reared and hanged upon some wall or other apt place in the corpse de guard, and upon each particular weapon and piece, every soldier should have a proper and special mark before hand made whereby to know the same. He ought daily to instruct his squadron every one apart, how to handle the weapon wherewith they serve: the arquebusier to charge and discharge nimbly, the Pikeman to toss his pike with great dexterity.  
Sentinels ought with great reason to be placed about the corpse of guard, to the intent the same may be defended and kept with more safety and security. He himself at the closing of the night, must place the first Sentinel, and so consequently the rest, instructing them orderly what manner they have to observe, and how they ought to govern themselves in such accidents as might ensue: who are to remain in Sentinel in winter and cold weather, but one hour, or two at the most: but in summer, two or three hours before they be changed: for which respect, that every one may be taxed with equity, let him first make a just division of his number, according to the number of the hours in the night, and following that proportion, let him see the same performed, without favouring or omitting any, the which he may the more certainly perform, if the names of his Soldiers be written in a roll, and when the hour glass hath run their time (which is necessary for him to have in his corpse de guard) then to prick their names, and place new in their rooms, so shall each Soldier be partaker of the travail, and rest marvelously well satisfied. But for that in wars, canuisadoes, surprises, sallies, such like casualties and advertisements be infinite, I will leave the rest to his own vigilant discretion, and suppose it needless to advertise him of every particular point; more than that I have and will touch in this my first book of Military directions, as cases most proper for private Soldiers. I therefore at this present think it sufficient for a Corporal to know, that it is necessary he should so dispose the matter through his provident provision, that all his people may be reduced into order, and already have taken their weapons in their hands, before the enemy give charge upon them. And therefore in time and place of suspicion and danger, he must place lost Sentinels without the watchword, a good distance off, from the corpse de guard, in places most suspect. But in other places not needful so much to be suspected, and that be nearer him, he ought to set Sentinels with the watchword, so far one from an other, as it shall seem unto him reasonable or requisite, and that they may environ the ground one within the sight of an other, or so that the enemy cannot enter, or any espion issue without their knowledge. If great occasion so demand, let him place together one Hargabusier, and one armed Pike, to the intent that the one may keep the enemy far off, and in a certain sort sustain his fury at the point of his pike, whilst the arquebusier with the discharge of his piece, gives Arm to the corpse de guard and camp, which exploit may be the better performed, if a corporall-shippe of Pikemen be joined together with an other of shot. Sometimes without making any noise or rumour, Arm is given to the camp, for one of the two Sentinels may retire, and make relation to the Corporal what hath appeared, been since, heard or happened, whereby he may speedily with great silence give Arm to the guard, without leaving the place of the Sentinel disarmed, which they ought never to abandon, but at such times as the enemy is manifestly discovered, the occasion of the alarm being certain, at which time being retired, they must unite themselves together with the soldiers of the guard, that they may all wholly in one company execute that which shall fall out best for their purpose, which is, to retire fight or skirmishing to the camp, according to ordinary custom, notwithstanding by the order and appointment of those which have authority to command them, as their Captain, Sergeant mayor, etc. but never otherwise.  
He ought moreover to be circumspect, that in the body of the watch a solemn secret silence be kept, without singing, brawling, or any rumour or noise, and specially in the night, both in respect of the enemy, to hear when the alarm is given, and to the intent that those which rest and sleep, and are not yet in Sentinel, may be the more apt to resist and apply themselves to these actions and exercises, which are required of them with vigilant watchfulness, since a man cannot without great difficulty remain without sleep or rest, any much longer time than our nature is accustomed by ordinary course to bear, and therefore at the entrance of the corpse de guard, he ought likewise to keep a proper Sentinel appertaining to the guard, that neither friend nor enemy coming out of the camp or elsewhere, shall be able to enter without yielding the watchword: and in this sort must the Corporal proceed, even until the diava be sounded through all the Campe. For other respects, I finally refer him to my following discourse, which together with that written before, it is requisite he have in perfect memory as well as the private soldier.   

CHAP. III. Six special Points appertaining to SOLDIERS of all sorts.  
IT is written in the history of Pietro Bizari, touching the incredible and marvelous obedience of the Turkish soldiers, that a certain Gentleman at his return from Constantinople did declare unto the Earl of Salma, that he had seen four miracles in the Turkish dominions: Which was, first an infinite army almost without number, consisting of more than four hundred thousand men. Secondly, that amongst so many men, he saw not one woman. Thirdly, that there was no mention made of wine. And last, at night when they had cried with a hie-voice Alla, which is God: there continued so great a silence through the whole camp, that even in the pavilions they did not speak but with a low soft voice, a thing worthy to be admired, to the great shame of Christians: therefore if the Infidels observe such strict discipline, why should not we that be Christians endeavour ourselves to surpass them therein? recommending ourselves and affairs to God, with reverence and silence, which I would wish to be continued until the diana, when together with the sound of the drums, the same might be with a cheerful cry renewed. But together with silence to set down certain other virtues, take them here as I find them written.  

SILENCE.  
In all places of service such silence must be used, that soldiers may hear friends, and not be heard of enemies, as well in watch, ward, ambush, canuisado, or any other exploit: in which point consisteth oftentimes the safety or perdition of the whole camp.   

OBEDIENCE.  
Such obedience must be used, that none regard the persons but the office to them appointed, diligently observing the same: any offending to the contrary, running into the danger of the law, for longer than obedience is used and maintained, there is no hope of good success.   

SECRETNESS.  
soldiers must be secret, and have regard that they disclose nothing, though sometimes they understand the pretence of the higher powers. The Disclosers of such, merit most cruel punishment.   

SOBRIETY.  
In Sobriety consisteth great praise to the soldiers, who using the same are ever in state of preferment, such regard their duties, and reprove the rash Busi-bodies, Drunkards, etc. are ever in danger of punishment.   

HARDINESS.  
The Captains and soldiers that be hardy of courage, be much available in service, specially such as will ponder what may be the end of their enterprise. Some in times past have hardly given the onset, and after repent the same: but the praise of the advised cannot be expressed.   

TRUTH and LOYALTY.  
The virtue of Loyalty and Truth is far exceeding my capacity to write, the Practisers of the contrary are not worthy of life, but to be soon adjudged. Subtle enemies approve to corrupt soldiers with gifts, and the Devil to entrap them with the sweet enticing baits of lewd liberty. But since the reward of truth is everlasting life, and the untrue and dissembler looseth the same in continual darkness, I trust none of our Countrymen will learn the one for the other, will be false to his Sovereign, or flee from the assured pillar of the true faith: from which God keep all good soldiers.    

CHAP. IU. How a Soldier may maintain obedience, and keep himself in the favour and good grace of his Captain.  
A Good Soldier ought to have consideration, that since due orders and laws are the assured foundation and stay of every state: and contrariwise, discord and disobedience the ruin of all Realms: so that above all things a well governed General, and a careful Captain, ought prudently to foresee that their Camp and Soldiers be paid and punished with equal execution of justice, not respecting person: yielding to the Offenders punishment, and reward to the virtuous: depressing vice, and exalting virtue: using commendation to the good, and correction to the evil, joined with admonishments of magnanimity, the which if they prevail not, to chastise them: and as the good husband doth pluck the weeds out of the good corn, to the intent that they by their wicked and pernicious example, do not infect the rest, and consequently doth provide that no fault pass unpunished, nor no valorous act unrewarded: by which means he becomes feared, favoured, obeyed, and beloved of all the army: even so on the other side, the good natured soldier must ever have respect to keep the bonds of modesty towards his Superior, and yield many thanks to God, that he hath given him so just and virtuous a Captain and General, towards whom he must always yield like obedience, that the son doth to the father, being bound so to do by the divine law, without showing himself opposite to the order of general justice, nor ungrateful for his received benefits, but continually by his good guiding in the one and the other, give his Captain just cause to love and like well of him.  
Soldiers be ever bound to obey the justice and commandments of their Superiors: and the Superior likewise to embrace the obedience of his Soldiers, whilst he doth see himself honoured and obeyed of them, either in deeds or words, in earnest or dissembling.  
Although the General or Captain were a right Sardanapalus, so that his laws be obeyed all things fall out well: wherefore a Soldier ought with all his endeavour to be obedient to the law, with his whole heart love his Captain, and fear him with all his force.  
Cyrus' being cruel, covetous, miserable, and an Exacter of taxes, through justice was beloved and obeyed.  
Cambyses, Marcus Cato, and Marcus Antonius, the two first being severe and cruel, yet amongst the Soldiers were marvelously favoured: and the third, although he was drowned in the deep and gaping gulf of Lechery, Gluttony, and riotous gaming, yet was he so beloved of his army, that his Soldiers would have suffered themselves to be crucified, to have done any thing grateful unto him, and that chiefly through his justice: and therefore it behoves a Soldier to keep inviolate the Martial laws of the field. But to touch the chiefest means whereby a Soldier may be drawn to obey, to fear, and love the Captain, and altogether gain his good liking and favour, carry in mind what ensueth.  
First, a Soldier must presume and persuade himself, that whatsoever he doth in secret, that it shall come to the knowledge of the Captain, whether it be good or evil: which fear if he be wise, will restrain him from doing any thing pernicious, or against the Marshal law, or the misliking of the Captain, and so ought to rest in continual doubt, lest his evil deeds come to light, and to the ears of the superior Officers, that with the sword of justice, the rod of revenge, and the sceptre of rule, may and will chastise him. If he remember this, no doubt he will live modestly, in observing those laws which are commanded by the Captain and General: for it behoves a soldier still to live in suspect, that spials and intelligencers be ever present at his elbow, which no doubt will accuse him for his evil behaviour: of which sort a Captain and General have great store to keep the Camp and Soldiers in continual suspicion and fear.  
A Soldier must ever show himself grateful to his Captain in words and deeds, by remaining patiented in his actions, and not to use complaints in his speeches suffering with quiet contentation the penury of victuals, if the Camp should want, either through fault of the General, bareness of the Country, or otherwise by his negligence, or through the malignity of fortune, that neither by water nor land corn and victuals can be brought to them in safety: wherefore we must wear out this want patiently, and not with a melancholic countenance, make appearance of a wrathful and furious person, by charging of the Chieftain openly with those wants: for which proceeding, let him assure himself that he shall be esteemed of every man an insolent, seditious, and impatient soldier. Murmur not against thy Captain with thy tongue, but rather lament in thy heart thy evil fortune, resting content with that portion of victuals his Sergeant shall give thee for that day. Seem joyful whilst thy Captain is merry, and sorrowful when he is grieved, yielding comfort and consolation, together with faithful counsel, as the cause requireth.  
Show not thyself full of wrath and malcontent, for want of thy wont pay, although thou manifestly perceive the same to proceed of the covetousness of thy Captain: but dissemble and show him so grateful a countenance, that he thereby may be moved to pay the band, if not all, at the least part. If these delays proceed not by his fault, and that therefore he laments thy lingering want: make free offer unto him to suffer all lack and discommodity to pleasure him withal: whereby he shall be marvelously moved, and much more bound to love a courteous soldier.  
Do not molest him with demanding more succour and prest-money, than thou hast need of, yea and that when needy force constrains.  
Report not any thing but that which is profitable and beneficial for the public State: for otherwise thou shalt be accounted a malicious Detractor, insolent, and insupportable, making rehearsal of every little trifle, whereby hatred is gained in exchange of gaining favour. fail never in the diligent execution of thy duty, and make show of thy forwardness, even purposely with the first, even in those things that appertain not to thy charge.  
Disobey not the Captains or General's precepts, nor withstand the martial laws: neither affirm that any thing is evil wrought which is done, for it appertains not to a soldier to reprehend: but to a Councillor to admonish. Do not importune thy Captain to reward thy travel and service, but attend his liberality: for if thou become importunate, he will likewise become Marcus Crassus, who at the first using great liberality, being continually and overmuch craved, became at the last extreme covetous.  
Present him never with any thing, specially with any thing of value: for thy captain which hath no need of that which is thine, and perceiving thee to present him that which is not correspondent to the merit of his worthiness will esteem the same to be done in manner of merchandise, as proceeding of craft: but if thy Captain demand any thing under show of praising and commending the same, or the beauty thereof, it is then requisite that the same be liberally bestowed upon him, it being a courteous demand, which he commonly will magnificently recompense, as did Artaxerxes.  
Accept never any thing of thy enemy soldier, neither receive any letter, yea if it should be from thy father, without licence of thy Captain General, as a thing which only appertains to Councillors and Chieftains: for thy Captain would become jealous over thy fidelity, suspecting that thou wert corrupted. There is another note, specially to advertise all soldiers of, that they do not rashly, neither of purpose disdain to be governed and commanded of a Captain, which is perchance of no ancient house, as an infinite number of fond and presumptuous fellows do now adays: who being rude and rustical Clowns, disdain to be guided by Captains, whose valour and virtue, and not whose ancient stock, hath given them that degree, being ascended to so high honour by the steps of virtue: for I have seen some that but lately have left their needles, their hammers, and their spades, having scarce seen a small skirmish, but that they presume themselves to be expert Soldiers, and will say, what is my captains valour more than mine? Is not he of base degree as well as I? not considering that we be all sprung out of one stock, but that our valour and virtue hath made us noble, as hath been verified in divers Princes, Kings and Emperors, as Caius Marius, Lucius Quintus Cincinatus, Attilius Collatinus, Valentinianus, Maximinianus, Francisco Carmognuolo, julian Romero, and Mondragon, besides divers others more, which at this day do live, being exalted by the degrees and way of virtue, to the tip of such praise as is most convenient to worthy Captains: and therefore no soldier ought to disdain to be governed by such, whose virtue hath made noble their minds.  
And moreover, if any such a one that is become Captain, either by means of favour or virtue, be blotted with some vice or defect, yet we ought not to disobey him: for Caesar was ambitious, great Alexander a Drunkard; Hannibal unfaithful, cruel, and without religion; Fabius Maximus by lingering esteemed a Coward; Marcellus rash and unadvised: And therefore although thy Captain be accounted most vicious yet if he know how to govern and guide his charge, a soldier must obey him, and neither calumniously reprehend him, nor corruptly imitate and observe his vices, but duly and directly fulfil his precepts: so that no soldier or Gentleman, of what Great-house soever, aught to disdain to be commanded of such as have risen by virtue, to the height of honour, neither any man, how great of lineage soever he be, to disdain to accept less degrees than a Captain. For those be the steps by the which he must ascend unto higher dignity, as many ancient and noble personages have done, who from inferior degrees by little and little have come to superior, whereof the great Emperor Caius julius Caesar may be example: who being borne of a noble-house amongst the Romans, was first chosen Praetor in Spain (a base office in respect of his worthy parentage) as being reputed unworthy of any greater office.   

CHAP. V martial and Military laws, whereunto Soldiers of all degrees must be sworn, to keep and maintain inviolated at all times and in all places, whether they serve Emperor, King or Prince.  
1 FIrst, he that contrary to the word of God (whom in all our actions we must first have respect unto) doth maintain, persuade, and favour any infidelity, heresy, schism, strange or new religion whatsoever, and doth not cleave to the true Christian faith, shall incur the law appertaining.  
2 Item that those which without the fear of GOD despise and deride his holy word, be punished accordingly.  
3 Item that no man speak against the Christian catholic faith, neither write against the same.  
4 Item that no soldier of whatsoever degree or office he be do break, spoil, abuse or profane any Church.  
5 Item, that no soldier omit or absent himself from divine service, if his Princes urgent affairs will admit him to be present.  
6 Item, that all soldiers observe and keep the precepts of the Church.  
7 Item, that contrariwise, no man be so hardy to outrage any Churchman, either in word, deed, or any other sinister means, but in lieu thereof, carry a reverent respect to all and every of them.  
8 Item, that in like sort no man go about to deflower, commit adultery or fornication, with virgins, wives, or widows, neither by force, neither by other accident (unless the party were consenting, and the matter secret, which nevertheless is not lawful before the face of God) upon pain of death without mercy.  
9 Item, that no man shall destroy, ruinated, endamage, or set onfire any sacred place, without licence of the Captain or General.  
10 Item, together with these foresaid cases, whosoever shall blaspheme, revile or horribly swear by the Almighty name of God, by his divine Word and Sacraments, let such a perverse, impious and blaspheming person be punished openly, and to the terror of the rest let it be executed: for no doubt the plague of the highest will not departed from the tents of blasphemers and despisers of religion: for how should we use justice indifferently unto men, when we are content with silence to suffer such injury to be committed against God? Therefore first the offences done against God must be straightly punished, and he then will give thee wisdom to decide the rest, and triumphant victory over thine enemies.  
11 Item, all soldiers in general, having taken their oath to serve God and advance his word, they shall then next be sworn to be true, just, and dutiful to their Lord and Sovereign, and his grand General, or chief Captain of the field, to be tractable and obedient unto every Officer placed and appointed to rule over him, and to be ready both day and night to serve, whether it be by land or by water, as occasion of service shall fall out and require: and whosoever doth repine or showeth disobedience herein, of what degree or condition soever he be, he must be duly punished by the judgement of the Superiors, appointed for that purpose.  
12 Item, that whensoever any Chieftain or Captain of any band, shall upon urgent causes appoint in his absence any other whom he shall think good, to supply and execute his room of Captainship; every man ought to follow and obey the said Deputy with no less care and diligence, than they would the Captain himself upon pain of such punishment as the General or his assigns shall appoint.  
13 Item, that all Soldiers must content themselves with their places appointed, being joined together in bands, or several without resistance, whether it be in marching, watching, encamping, or besieging, being also commanded thereunto by the Captain or other Officers, upon such pain as shall be thought good by the Captain.  
14 Item, that every Soldier shall for his honour sake, gladly favour, and mercifully forbear unto the uttermost of his power all women lying in childbed, or being with child, or lately delivered from child, to defend and secure them from the rage of the cruel and rude soldiers, or others which follow the camp for spoil. Also it behoveth, as I said before, that all soldiers defend all Priests of godly calling, and all spiritual persons: but now adays they be the first to whom abuse is offered, of what opinion or religion soever they be: but God no doubt will justly plague all such before they be aware, and when they least suspect it.  
15 Item, that every soldier shall serve, and is by the law of arms bound by long custom to serve 30. days for every month, and after that rate he shall receive his months wages.  
16 Item, if that any soldier have received his months wages aforehand, or any part thereof, and departeth without leave or passport from his CAPTAIN, and hath not served for it, he or they apprehended, shall for the said offence be aiudged to die.  
17 Item, if there be any Soldier or Soldiers that in marching, break his or their array without just occasion enforcing them, than the Provost Martial, Lieutenant of the band, or Sergeant, shall compel him or them with violence to keep his or their ranks in order: and if so be that he or they so disordered, do chance in this case to be slain, there shall no man be blamed by his or their deaths, by the law of the field, for by such disordered people the whole army may be in danger of ruinating by the enemy.  
18 Item, if that by the appointment of the chief RULERS of the ARMY, there be a battle fought, and that by the MIGHTY POWER OF GOD, the victory be obtained on your side, the law of arms is such, that if any soldier hath received his months wages aforehand, he shall be discharged of the same, neither shall he serve any longer for the said wages, after the day of victory, neither shall owe any thing for it, but he shall be set free from the month's service.  
19 Item, if it chance that in time of skirmish, or in any other conflict with the enemy, some one do adventure to fly and run away from his Fellows, if in the flying his Captain or any other soldier by shooting at him, or by striking at him do chance to kill him, they shall incur no danger for so doing: and if such a flyer chance to escape at that time, and afterwards be taken, let him according to the law of arms suffer death for the same: for one such a Recreant may be the overthrow of a great multitude.  
20 Item, it standeth with the law of arms, that each common soldier shall be sworn, that they will not have amongst themselves any private counsels, assemblies or conventicles, upon pain of the loss of their lives.  
21 Item, there shall no soldier, neither in time of marching, nor during the time of their encamping, hold or keep any whispering or talk, or secretly convey any letters unto their adversaries, without licence from the chief Captain, upon pain of the loss of his life.  
22 Item, if there be any one, or more number, that shall go about any treason, or any other conspiracy to be committed against the camp or garrison, such a Traitor or conspirator shall be accused unto the Knight Martial, and he that bewrayeth and accuseth such an Offender, shall have for his reward a months wages or more, as the fact is heinous: so the reward is to be increased unto the party that revileth the same, and the Offender to receive the reward of a false Traitor.  
23 Item, that no soldier shall be suffered to be of a Ruffianlike behaviour, either to provoke or to give any blow or thrust, or otherwise wilfully strike with his dagger, to injury any his fellow-soldiers with any weapon, whereby mutinies many times ensue, upon pain of the loss of his life.  
24 Item, if any one beareth hatred or malice, or any evil will for any occasion done unto him, and so striketh him, he looseth his hand, if otherwise he seeketh revenge, then by the law he looseth his life.  
25 Item, if any Soldier be warned to watch and ward, and he do not come, he shall be punished at the discretion of the Captain: but if any soldier be summoned to watch, and he appear, and after the watchword given, and the watch set, he departeth and leaveth the watch, such a one shall without mercy be punished with the loss of his life: neither shall any man set an other to watch in his place without the leave of the Captain, upon pain of his life.  
26 Item, that no soldier or soldiers draw his or their swords, or use any other kind of weapon, with violence to do hurt with, in or without the camp, during the time of the wars, upon pain of death. It hath lately been used with more favour of life, as such an Offender to lose his hand: but it is the discretion of the Lord chief General, in whose hands lieth both the life and death of the Offenders after their arraignment and just condemnation.  
27 Item, the like law is against the Officer and Officers of any band in the camp, if he strike any Soldier without such occasion, as is permitted him in the articles to do, otherwise he may defend himself.  
28 Item, that no person or persons presume to be mustered, or to take wages before he be sworn to be faithful, and truly to serve his Prince in those wars present, upon pain of death.  
29 Item, that the Harold at arms shall proclaim and publish all that the General shall give him in charge, in the place and places where he is commanded, and not to add or diminish any part or parcel thereof upon pain of death.  
30 Item, there shall no Soldiers or other men, procure or stirre-up any quarrel with any stranger, that is of any other nation and such as serve under one head and Lord with them, neither in their gaming or otherwise, upon pain of the loss of his life.  
31 Item, there shall no soldier or other person, being in camp or march, take away any thing from any man being their friend, by violence or deceit, as their victuals or other necessaries, upon pain of the loss of his life.  
32 Item, when there are any victuals carried or brought unto the camp, no man shall run out to take any part of them before they be brought to the appointed place for the purpose: no though they offer for them more than they be worth, upon pain of the loss of his life.  
33 Item, if that the Provost martial have at any time taken an Offender, and according to his office, he carrieth him to be punished: and if that one or more Soldiers seek to rescue the said malefactor, and in this stir the Offender escape, he or they that are the occasion of this escape, shall be punished with the like punishment as the Malefactor should have been, whether it be by life, or otherwise, according as the weight of the crime requireth.  
34 Item, if there be any found, that hath entered his name under two Captains, and hath taken wages, armour and weapons beforehand: such a person shall be taken for a perjured man, and by the law of arms, shall for the same lose his life.  
35 Item, if any man hath a place appointed him by the Harbinger or Officers for his tent or lodging, he must hold himself content withal: neither shall he molest any man lodging within his tent or cabin, or other lodging at any time, for any occasion upon pain of the chief captains displeasure, and such punishment as he shall think most fit for the offence.  
36 Item, that no man shall sound and make any alarm, except it be need, or upon commandment from the higher Officers, upon pain of the loss of his life.  
37 Item, when of necessity the alarm is made, each man must bestir him to be ready for battle, upon pain of the loss of his life.  
38 Item, at the first warning of the drum or secretly, all Soldiers must be in a readiness, and resort to the place appointed, which commonly is the market place (being first of all united with his Ensign) and from thence in order of array to the enemies, as they be commanded, upon the pain of the loss of his life.  
39 Item, all soldiers, being Horsemen or Footmen, must diligently in order of array by sound of drum or trumpet, accompany the Ensign to watch, ward, or relief of the same, being there silently in a readiness to withstand or discover the enemies: and as occasion shall serve to brute the alarm, with the usual word arm, arm, or bows, bows, if numbers or any bands be in pay, upon pain of loss of their lives.  
40 Item, all soldiers must keep their armour and weapons fair, clean and serviceable in a readiness at every sudden, none intermeddling but with his own, every one to help other to arm, and diligently to resort to the place of service, at scrie, and alarm upon pain.  
41 Item; all soldiers must honestly entreat, and truly pay Victuallers and Artificers, allowed for the relief, being friends or enemies, and with courteous words encourage such to victual, and relieve the companies or camps upon pain.  
42 Item, all soldiers, in watch, ward, march, or otherwise, shall have special regard, that if there be man or woman desirous to speak with the Superiors, or being thy enemies for fear do forsake his own power, and resort to thee: let such secretly be conveyed to the Lord chief General, regarding that they view no secrets, lest they be double spies upon pain of the loss of their lives.  
43 Item, Captains and Officers, must oft frequent and resort unto the soldiers lodging to see in what state their armour and munitions be, and to give great charge that their furniture be always in a readiness, the r corselets with all pieces belonging to the same, and their calivers to be made clean and oiled, to have match and powder dry, bullets fit for their pieces, strings whipped for their bows, their bills and halberds to be kept sharp. And often to view every particular upon pain.  
44 Item, he that shall departed out of the place where he shall be put, by his Head or any Officer whatsoever, for a lost Sentinel, Spy, Watchman, Scout, or Warder, aswell by day as by night, as it often happeneth, to discover some dealings of the enemy, without attending and staying for him, that placed him there, to take him away, except he should remove in haste to advertise his head of the success of the enemies assaulting or doing any outrage, shall be punished with death.  
45 Item, whosoever should rashly offend or hurt, either in word or deeds, any man belonging to the Deputies or head Officers of justice or Captain, there being in pay for Sergeants. And they being appointed to carry no other weapon, with steles or staves, but bills or halberds, they may be known for men of justice, and not for Soldiers.  
46 Item▪ whosoever standeth within or without the camp or bars, to watch or scout, and doth his duty so evil, that thorough his negligence, the enemy setteth upon the camp at unawares, he shall die.  
47 Item, he that under colour of doing the duty of a Scout or Spy, perceiving the enemies have assaulted the camp, and he with such feigning lieth still, shall die for it.  
48 Item, he that shall forsake the defence, in general or particular, of the battery, of the breach, of the passage of a bridge, or other like to him committed, but lightly, not forced goeth away, shall be for so offending, punished with death.  
49 Item, whosoever entering into a City taken by force, followeth not his Ensign whither soever it shall go, until the General make Proclamation, that every man shall take booties: And if the General cause no such Proclamation, to be made, and that soldiers make spoil, he shall incur the pain of death, and if proclamation be made that they shall cease from taking preys and booties, and after licence given, if they give not over, they shall fall into the same punishment.  
50 Item, whosoever seeing the Ensign, under the which he warreth in frays or fight, by chance be fallen in the hands of the enemies, if he be there present, and do not his endeavour to recover it, and when it is cowardly lost, to punish the Soldiers which have suffered it to be cowardly lost, with death.  
51 Item, he that shall flee from the battle, being in the face and front of the enemies, or shall go slowly and slackly to join, and affront with them, in case it be to fight a field battle, or in any skirmish whatsoever, shall be punished with death.  
52 Item, he that shall feign himself sick, to avoid the fight of the enemy, or because he would not go to any other enterprise to use his hands, but (I mean) there for to rob, for to such affairs they will be ready enough, shall be cruelly punished.  
53 Item, whosoever seeing his General, or his Captain, or other Colonel, and Officer of the camp, in the hand of the enemies, and succoureth him not with all his power, and may do it, not respecting any danger, shall suffer death.  
54 Item, he that shall rob or spoil the people of the Country, or Subjects, or Vassals of the Prince he serveth, shall die.  
55 Item, he that by theft should steal or rob the armour, weapons or horses, or other thing from any other, serving against the enemies, shall die.  
56 Item, he that should ransom or tax, or otherwise mis-use the people of the Country, except they should be enemies or rebels to the Prince, shall be greatly punished.  
57 Item, he that shall play at any game for his armour, weapons or horses, which are written upon the roll, or through his negligence shall lose them, or lend, give away, or lay them to pawn, let him die.  
58 Item, he that goeth further than two hundred steps or paces from his quarter, without licence of his Captain, specially when the camp looketh or stayeth to be assaulted by the enemies, except he should be sent for by his Heads, shall be punished with death.  
59 Item, he that shall go longer than the hour appointed in the night abroad, in the camp wandering, except he should be sent by his Superiors for a matter of weight, from head Captain to head Captain, by a counter-token, shall be cruelly punished.  
60 Item, he that shall lodge strangers, whether he be of the camp or not, without licence of the General or of his Captain, either in his lodging or under a tent, except he be of his chamber or squadron, or by the Captain appointed for service forth of the camp, shall be punished. But every one ought to be in the night with their comrades and chamber-fellows, and not to be divided from their lodgings, that occasion serving, they may be ready with their weapons in their hands: neither ought they to lodge watch, or scouts, or of the search: for that the Spies having no lodging, any excuse being found out, may the better be apprehended. Also if the Scoutwatch be taken from their quarter, feigning to be a soldier of the camp when they are to spy in the night: they for so offending shall be cruelly punished with death.  
61 Item, whosoever shall make any words, deeds, or questions in the ward, or in an ambush, or in other place, where respect and silence is needful, shall be punished.  
62 Item, he that should be revenged of any injury received, either newly or before time done, by any indirect way: that is traitorously and not by way of reason, or by way of combat, body to body, by the licence of his General, shall suffer death.  
63 Item, he that should dare be so bold as to play with false cards and dice, or should use in play any privy falsehood, theft or deceit in any wise, shall be punished.  
64 Item, he that of presumption should pass out of his place into another, either before the bartell or in marching, should out of order make haste to go before, to be the first that should come to the lodging of the camp, or in marching should go out of his rank from one battle to another, or he that doth not observe the order of marching, shall die.  
65 Item, he that shall task or ransom upon his Host or Lodger, or upon any other that is not his lawful Prisoner by good order of war, and that he is lawfully taken, the ransom excel not the articles of agreement, that there be a just ransom set, upon pain of punishment.  
66 Item, he that shall enter in, or go forth by any other gate, street or way, then that which shall be accustomed, into the City, pales, or list, or fort, where the camp is lodged, that is going over the walls, or under some breach, and not by the ordinary gate, let him fall into the pain of death.  
67 Item, whosoever doth not immediately retire, when he shall hear the trumpet or drum, sound the retreat, either of a set battle, or of a skirmish or battery, or of any other fight, or should go in or come forth of the City, when the assault is given to the walls thereof, shall die.  
68 Item, he that speaketh, or calleth, or crieth aloud, amongst the ordinance, or in battle, or in any place where silence needeth, except he were a Head, or other Officer, or Sergeant, commanding some new order, shall die.  
69 Item, he that shall commit any thing whatsoever it be, whereby it may be conjectured, that it is against the Prince, and damageable to the General and the camp, shall die.  
70 Item, Drums and mischiefs must oft sound and exercise their instruments, warning as the mouth of man, to all points of service: so must soldiers diligently learn and observe the meaning of the same, that none plead ignorance, neglecting their duties to service appertaining. Also sometimes they shall receive from the higher Officers or Captains, secret commandments by word of mouth, the which must with all diligence be observed, and truly executed upon the loss of their lives.  
71 Item, no man in their marching through what place soever they shall pass, shall set any thing on fire, as not their cabins and encamped place at their departing, without commandment from the chief General, upon the pain of the loss of their lives.  
72 Item, if at any time, any man shall in the time of his drunkenness quarrel and fight with his fellow, and in so doing, chance to kill him, he shall in so doing receive as great punishment by death, as if he had been sober.  
73 Item, if any soldier do drink himself drunk, or be found drunk, within the compass of the day and night of his watch and specially if he be unable to stand in Sentinel, or do his duty, such a one must be most severely punished.  
74 Item, note that soldiers shall swear at their first entering into service that they will faithfully and truly serve their Captain for six months together, and when the six months are expired, they shall swear to serve him six months more, if he need them: And if the Captain needeth them not so long, but minds to discharge his band, the Captain shall allow each of them half a months wages at his departing, and so discharge them.  
75 Item, there shall no man make any shout, or other stirring noise in any corner or open place of city, town, castle, fort or camp, whereby any danger or inconvenience may grow unto the company any manner of ways, on pain of the loss of his life.  
76 Item, he that shall disclose the watchword to enemy or friends, except it be to such a one as he shall be appointed by his Governor: or shall be found a sleep in the watch, scout, or ward, shall be punished with death.  
77 Item, if any Captain for corruption sake, shall give licence to his own soldier, or to any other soldier without the licence of the General to departed the camp, shall receive the same punishment that the soldier should receive.  
78 Item, that no soldier should go out of the camp in the night time without the watchword, in danger of his life, for if he be slain so by the watch, there is no blame to be laid upon them that kill him.  
79 Item, there shall no soldier go out of the camp without his armour and other weapons upon the pain of the loss of his life.  
80 Item, every captain shall be sworn, that he shall charge every Corporal upon his oath, that he shall denounce every Soldier that is under his charge, and that is not able and meet to serve.  
81 Item, in like case if the said Corporal shall receive any new or strange soldier into his band, his part and duty is, that he give unto the higher Captain knowledge thereof.  
82 Item, no man of what condition soever he be, shall be so bold as to convey away any Offender upon the pain of the loss of his life.  
83 Item, that every soldier shall have upon his uttermost garment some special sign or token, whereby he may be known, such a one as the higher Captains shall agree upon. As for example, he shall have upon his garment a red-cross, and upon his armour a red-lace or such like, whereby he may the better be known of his fellows: and if there be any shall be found without the said signs and tokens, he shall be used as an Adversary, or enemy.  
84 Item, that all soldiers, entering into battle, assault, skirmish, or other faction of arms, shall have for their common cry and word S. George, S. George, forward or upon them, S. George, whereby the soldier is much comforted, and the enemy dismayed, by calling to mind the ancient valour of England, which with that name hath been so often victorious, and therefore he that shall maliciously omit it shall be severely punished for his obstinacy.  
85 Item, if any Captain or other Officers shall procure skirmish, or fight the battle without commandment from the higher Officers, for so offending, they shall receive death.  
86 Item, if that any number of soldiers be commanded, and placed by the head Captains; to defend or keep any city, tower, castle or fort, or any other place, and they being sharply assaulted by the enemy, once, twice, or thrice, or oftener, in this case the law of Arms is, that the Lord General shall allow, and pay unto such a number of Soldiers but ordinary wages: neither is there by law of arms any thing more due unto them: And if the said castles, towers, or fortress, shall be sold or be betrayed by the said Captain, Officers, or soldiers, or otherwise yielded, without the commandment of the Prince, or at the appointment of the General: shall be as false Traitors used.  
87 Item, if any Captain, Lieutenant, Sergeant, corporal, or other Officer, or soldiers, give into the hands of the enemy, any city, fortress, tower, or place of defence, doth incur, as I have said, the danger of death, if he by chance be not more then constrained to deliver up the same, or that it is like a man of valour would have done so: and therefore they ought never to abandon the place, for words or letters of the enemy, neither at the sight of the environging camp: for it is not lawful for the Castellane to leave his Castle, if he have victuals, men, and munition, or doth hope for succours. Therefore respect is to be had, which must be holden as a Maxim, that where the place may be defended by assault without battery, that at least one assault is to be abidden, and more to be aspected if it be possible: and if it can suffer battery, they must abide at the least a volley of Canons: and if the place be so weak that it cannot sustain, neither the one nor the other, and that it be far distant from succours: to yield doth merit neither punishment of the Prince, nor of the enemy: but otherwise being of force, able to sustain the enemy's fury, and cowardly or traitorously to deliver the same, merits death of the one and the other.  
88 Item, if there be any city, castle or other sort, yielded up by the enemy, without expugnation: there shall no man be so bold to enter into the said place, to spoil or otherwise to kill or do any outrage, without leave of the General, upon pain of the loss of his life.  
89 Item, there shall no man departed out from the precinct of the camp, with any booty or spoil, without leave of the chiefest Officers or head Captain, upon the pain of the loss of his life.  
90 Item, if any man for fear forsaketh the place appointed him to fight in, and for fear throweth down his weapon, the Officers or Soldiers may kill him without any danger.  
91 Item, if any man saying that he hath done some wrothy thing in fight, and it be proved contrary, he shall be punished.  
92 Item, if a Regiment, or Band, shall by mutinies or otherwise incur the laws of the field, it is requisite and necessary, for that all shall not be put to death, that every man's name be taken and put into a bag, and that the tenth Lot should be executed: The which although every man do not feel, yet nevertheless he shall fear the event.  
93 Item, at such times as the General or Captain doth muster, train, or feign any battle, skirmish, assault, or other warlike encounter, if any soldier doth either negligently or wittingly, hurt, maim, or kill his companion with powder, bullet, or by what means soever, such a one shall severely, and exemplarly be punished accordingly.  
94 Item, that each Corporal, and other Officer, shall have either in written hand or print, these Martial laws, and this book, wherein a private Soldier is instructed, bought and provided at the charges of the whole squadron out of their pay, to the end that it being continually repeated to the Soldiers, no man may plead ignorance, but receive condign punishment according to his offence.  
95 Item, that every Captain, Lieutenant, ensign-baerer, Sergeant or corporal, so often as their bands, squadrons, and soldiers enter into ward, shall appoint the Clerk of the band or some one that can read, once in the day or in the night, to read unto the company (that must attentively give ear) not only these Martial laws here set down, but also all the course of these directions belonging to a private soldier, Corporal, etc. contained in this book, for their instructions, under pain of open punishment by the General, or Martial.  
96 Item, that the foresaid Officers after one twelve months service, wherein the soldier hath had sufficient experience, and is enured in these precepts and directions, they shall even as the Schoolmaster doth the children, call every one particularly to account, and examine them severely herein, and to esteem those for old and perfect soldiers, that know these laws and their duty by heart, and at their finger's ends, and the rest Bisonians and fresh water-souldiers, that are ignorant, although they have served seven years, yea and to place them in the most servile services. And if there be any that maliciously or disdainfully persist in their blunt ignorance, either to disarm them, and discharge them, or else to punish them with open shame and infamy.  
97 Item, if there be any man that shall infringe, and not maintain, confirm, and to his power diligently and dutifully keep and observe these articles aforesaid, such shall as perjured persons with all severity be punished: And if any soldier or soldiers shall offend in any manner of thing that doth belong and appertain to the duty of a soldier, whereof there is no mention made in these articles, such an Offender shall be punished at the discretion of the Marshal of the field and General.  
These articles must be openly read in the presence of the chief Captains, by the Notary or Scribe of the Court, and after that they be read, the Oath shall be ministered unto every man by the Praetor in this wise, or the like words, to the same end and purpose: speaking unto the whole company, and saying; my brethren and friends, that are here present, you have heard the articles of our Sovereign, containing the chief and principal points of our rights and laws of the field, and of the Oath, and the manner thereof, which every Soldier ought to take. All you that do mean faithfully and valiantly to observe, maintain, fulfil, confirm, and keep the foresaid Articles, let him here now either openly refuse to be a Soldier, or with me hold up his finger, and say after me.  
All these Articles which have been openly red unto us, we hold and allow as sacred and good, and those will we truly and stoutly confirm, fulfil, maintain, and keep so help us GOD, and his divine word, Amen.  
These Articles with others, which for tediousness I omit, would be published, some upon pain of death, some with greater, and some with less punishment, to every one that doth offend, without any remission or forgiveness, or regard of blood, degree, kindred, or friendship: specially at the beginning to lie in camp, whereby the army may the better be set in good order, and to make it fearful of God, of justice, and of the General, with love and fear.  
The execution hereof only appertaineth to the master of the Camp, for the hearing, ordering, and determining of the causes of justice under the General, as the Lieutenant of a city or town, Deputy for the Prince. For the master of the camp is the chief of the orders, who hath place in the field in many things as principal next to the General who hath the chief government in pitching the camp, and dislodging.  
Briefly from the General downward, it is the greatest charge and burden that is in the army, and therefore it is requisite that he have good knowledge and remembrance of all the Orders whereby the wars is to be governed, and that he be of good practice and experience, and duly obeyed.  
But such cases as are capital and of great importance, should be heard and determined by the General and his judges: It sufficeth that God is the knower and determiner, of all things, and next unto him his Deputies upon earth: who failing to do justice, either for love, or hatred, shall yield account thereof before the divine judge, and this law cannot be avoided by us, but we shall be cited and called without appeal.   

CHAP. VI Brief Notes of other mean offices, as Drums, mischiefs, Surgeons, and the Clerk of the Band.  
Drums and mischiefs must be chosen of able qualities and parsonage, secret and ingenious, skilful in the sound and using of their instruments, which must warn as the mouth of a man to all intents of service, diligent in times convenient to instruct Soldiers in the same, that none by ignorance neglect their duties. These be oftentimes sent on messages, importing charge, which of necessity require languages, sometimes to summon or command the enemies to render, sometimes carry ransoms, or redeem, or conduct Prisoners. Many other things to them do appertain, as before is rehearsed etc.  
A Chirurgeon is necessary to be had in every band, who ought to be an honest man, sober, and of good counsel, skill in his science, able to heal and cure all kind of sores, wounds, and griefs: to take a bullet out of the flesh and bone, and to slake the fire of the same, and that he have all his tools and instruments with other necessary stuff, as oils, balms, salves, stepres, roulers, bolsters, splenters, and all other things to the science belonging, which also ought to have courage for his patient, and allowed stuff, he shall readily employ his industry upon the sore and wounded, and not intermeddling with others, to his own charge noisome. Such be placed with the Ensign, and lodged near to the Captain, and near their baldrickes in time of fight, which by law of the field is their charter.  
The Clerk of a band would be a man chosen of a discreet behaviour, such a one as hath the use of his pen and skilful in Arithmetic, who must have a book in the which he must write all the names of the Soldiers appertaining to the band, dividing every weapon by themselves, that they may be the readier to be mustered, and otherwise to be placed in order of march, at watch and ward the clerk must be attentive with his book, to call very man's name, to see who is absent, and that certificate thereof be made unto the Captain, who must as before is rehearsed, without sickness or some licence of the head Officers see him or them punished to the example of all others. He must sometimes in the watch and ward read unto the soldiers, the Military laws and directions, causing first a solemn silence to be made, and then proceed in reading, examining, and conferring with every particular and common soldier, touching his memory of these things, for his full instruction. Also the Clerk is to take charge of the captains munition, who seeing it delivered unto the soldiers, must take note how much is delivered, unto whom, and what day of the month it is delivered, with the prize. Likewise he must repair to the Clerk of the victuals, and by the Captains warrant receive such bread, beer and other victuals, as is to be had, and to deliver it to those that shall be thought by the Captain to be of credit, to victual the band by the Prince's price, and to take tickets of them as well for that it is delivered unto them, as what they do deliver unto soldiers. Also he must in the captains name and by his warrant repair unto the Merchants and other Artificers, and take such wares as the Officers and soldiers have need of, who must at the pay day by the Captain be answered. Also provided that the Victualler alloweth but the Soldier sixpence a day, the overplus goeth to their payment of furniture and apparel.  
The Clerk must oft peruse the tickets to see that no more be delivered then their wages come to, that the Captains thereby receive no loss. The Clerk ought to inquire when any be departed this world, also when any be slain, and discharged the band, and to make a just note thereof, whereby certificate may be made to the Muster-master, that the Prince in no ways may be hindered, neither the Captains by the Victuallers receive any detriment or loss. Finally, he must upon the report of the Corporals or other Officers, find and procure of the Captains, relief for the sick, and wounded Soldiers and Prisoners, which ought to be redeemed out of the enemy's hand.   

CHAP. VII. The Prelate's charge that takes care of SOLDIERS of the BAND.  
TO knit up this first discourse of Military Directions, and Martial laws, special care must be had to provide one man amongst the many scores of Soldiers, that may govern and direct in spiritual causes, who ought to be wise, learned, honest, sober, patiented, and of exemplar life: who must offer up daily prayers for his whole company, must instruct them to be penitent and to restore to every man his right: to communicate in Catholic and Christian manner, so often as they can, chief at special times appointed by the Church, and before any dangerous attempt, to feed them with wholesome food of learned instructions, wherein they may learn how to live, and so consequently to teach their companies their duties towards God and their Prince, and to give ghostly counsel and spiritual relief unto the sick wounded, weak in body or in conscience, and that such be well armed with spiritual armour, that is, with good knowledge and good living, ready to persuade them manfully to withstand their enemies, the flesh, the devil, the world and desperation, putting them in sure hope through the equity of their cause, their conformity to the Church, and their firm faith in our Saviour jesus Christ, to enter into the camp of everlasting life, where they shall ride amongst the Soldiers on white Horses, clothed in white and pure silk, crowned with bright triumphant garlands, as the Scriptures do witness. This and such like belongs unto such personages as take care of the soldiers in a warlike band.  
Now then to conclude, and to make an end of my first discourse, I would wish all valiant minded soldiers, carefully to carry in mind those precepts which are proper and due unto a private Soldier, which I partly have collected and set down in this short pamphlet, that when he shall be called unto an higher office, he may deservedly ascend the third step of Martial office, and so by degrees rise to the height of supreme government.   

CHAP. VIII. How Pikes are to be carried in array, march or battle.  
THose that are appointed to carry Pikes in array of ranks or battle, must know that Pikes amongst all other weapons that belongs to Soldiers, is of greatest honour and credit: and truly, whosoever doth carry and manage the same weapon well and with good grace, doth make a very beautiful and pleasant show to the Beholders, and chief when it is carried upon the shoulder, sustained and supported with a good grace, and the hand that doth sustain it be on that side the shoulder where it is placed, and with ill Gombedo alto.  
They must likewise be advertised which march in the foremost ranks, if they be upon the right side, to hold their Pikes continually in marching in the right hand, and upon the right shoulder without ever changing it: and so likewise being upon the left side of the rank, to hold it always upon the left shoulder: those that be in the midst of the ranks have liberty to use that side that is best for their commodity, either upon the right or left hand, and to move their Pikes from shoulder to shoulder at their choice and pleasure: It is true that the just carrying of the Pike of those that march in the midst of the ranks, is to hold it upon the left shoulder, and to carry their right hand behind upon their dagger, or upon their side, and so generally all, as well they that be in the midst, as those that be in the head of the ranks are to observe this order, to carry that hand which is at liberty behind them, or upon their sides. Let him march then with a good grace, holding up his head gallantly, his pace full of gravity and state, and such as is fit for his person, and let his body be strait and as much upright as is possible, and that which most imports, is that they have always their eyes upon their companions which are in rank with them, and before them going just one with the other, and keeping perfect distance without committing error in the least pace or step, and every pace and motion with one accord and consent, they ought to make at one instant time. And in this sort all the ranks entirely are to go, sometimes softly, sometimes fast, according to the stroke of the drum. The heel and tip of their pikes would be equally holden, both of length and height, as near as is possible, to avoid that they fall not out to be by bearing them otherwise, like unto organ-pipes, some long, some short. The measure and proportion thereof, to hold the heel of the Pike is this: It is necessary for him to have an eye to the rank that doth march before him, and so carry the Butt-end or heel of his pike, that it may be just over against the joint of the ham of the soldier, that in march shall be strait before him: and so every one from hand to hand must observe the proportion of that height, that is right behind upon the joint of the knee, for by doing so they cannot commit error, carrying in their march that leg that is under that arm that sustains and carries the Pike of just and even proportion, by moving their pace right under the staff of the Pike, going in their march, as I have said before, just and even, with a gallant and stately, and sumptuous pace: for by doing so, they shall be esteemed, honoured, and commended of the Looker's on, who shall take wonderful delight to behold them march in that order.    

THE SECOND BOOK OF MILITARY Directions: Wherein is set down the office of a Sergeant, ensign-baerer, Lieutenant, the Gentlemen of a band, and how to skirmish, and discover.  

CHAP. I. And first, the Office of the Sergeant of a Band.  
SInce every Officer through his continual exercise and daily diligence in executing his charge, doth attain unto perfect experience by daily practice, which is as it were converted into nature: therefore he which determines with himself to be accounted sufficient and of ability, to discharge the place of a good Sergeant of a band, with a forward intent to learn and be thoroughly instructed, ought first to be a Soldier that hath seen much, and a Corporal of good experience, according to the directions of my first book: In which two rooms it is very convenient, that he have tasted and been present at great diversity of service, and warlike enterprises, and to carry a resolute mind to delight in the exercise of this office, to the end he be not found therein irresolute and ignorant: and that likewise he fail not in the ready performing of any enterprise, when Martial affairs do call him forth to put the same in execution.  
First of all it is very requisite that he have most perfectly in memory, the number of all the soldiers of the band, and distinctly with what weapons they are armed, what quantity of corselets and Pikes, how many armed and disarmed carry short weapons, what number of Harquebusiers with morions and without, how many musketeares, how many light armed pikes and targets of proof, that the better and more readily upon a sudden, he may put the company in order.  
He must ever plant the best armed in places most necessary, as at the front and back, the right and left side of a square. The first rank in ordinary long marching, the targets of proof must go in as a ready cover and bulwark against the enemy's shot: next to them the musketeares, than the Harquebusiers, and after them the armed and light pikes: amidst whose ranks he must at all times place the Ensign, guarded with Halberds or bills, and then again the light armed and armed pikes, hargabuse and musketeares, and last of all targets of proof: by this equality of division, the whole band at one instant shall be ready to receive any sudden surprise of the enemy. The Sergeant carrying these things in his mind, having laid a distinct plat, he may very easily vary their form and order as he shall be appointed, and as the situation of the place doth require, or the accidents of war do constrain.  
He must never work unwarily, or at all adventures, and tending to no determined purpose, as those that do not remember the perfect rules and reckonings of their office, whereof there be now adays over many, for when it is necessary for them to alter their order, and that perforce they must quite change the form and fashion that then they observe, they know not which way to begin. Therefore to the end his order and ranks may be to the purpose duly and directly changed, and with facility disposed: let him ever dissever and divide one part of his weapons from an other, causing every one to turn and enter into their ranks and order by themselves, so shall he proceed in taking away, setting forward, and intermixing one sort of ranks within another very orderly. And thereby the full proportion of his band shall be framed, as he hath determined, or as it is devised by him that commands, either in marching forward and backward, or in turning without disorder, by 3. 5. 7. or 9 in a rank, as the Lieutenant, Captain, or Sergeant mayor appoints.  
He ought ever to beware that in ordering the ranks, and appointing the soldiers their places, that they begin not to make debate, or stomach one another for dignity of place; the which doth oftentimes fall out to their great annoy and damage, and the Officers tedious toil: For in enterprises of great importance, even in the presence of the invading enemy, some vainglorious fellows are accustomed to strive for the chiefest places: the which rooms by all reason, and of duty appertain to the best armed, and not to any others, whose unruly rashness may be the ruin of the whole band. Therefore fit and convenient places are to be observed with humility, the naked in their places, and the armed in theirs: But to touch one point, which we have already spoken of, I judge it most convenient that the armed (those for skirmish excepted) must remain in main stands and battles, as some say, to abide by the stake, who ought to be so well armed, as they may bear and support the blows of their enemies, and resist any furious charge, either of horsemen or footmen: whereas beside their well ordered ranks, by reason they be armed, they make a more gallant show; giving courage to thy own people, and discourage to the enemy, and in proof are more profitable than the disarmed, who remaining in their rooms, the contrary succeeds.  
The Sergeant of the Company must have special regard when victuals cannot be had for money, by forage or otherwise, to make repair together with the Clerk of the Band, to the principal munitions, that his company taste not of famine; and from thence procure to have so much as he well can, or as is convenient, and according to his received order, so must he departed and distribute all manner of munitions amongst the Corporals, that every one of them may give to their soldiers their portions.  
The like aught he to use, touching powder for the arquebusiers and musketeers, lead for bullets, match for them to burn, and each thing else whereof they have need, to the end they may always remain in order, and be very well provided and stored, as near as is possible, and as is most convenient; and to persuade the soldier that to gain a place of more account, he will spare his pay to arm himself the more bravely. He must likewise have diligent eye, that the said munition of match and powder be conserved warily from wetting, and kept with a special spare from untimely spending: for this provident precept doth import very much in all enterprises, by reason that the negligence of the Sergeant, touching this necessary foresight and care, hath been the cause that the shot have not been able readily to perform their duties according to the appointed determinations, or as necessity did require, by reason of their unwary keeping their munition in wet weather, or their general want through vain mispence, by which means many and most notable errors have succeeded of great loss & moment, and to the hindrance, shame, and total ruin of a whole company or camp.  
Therefore it is most expedient that the Sergeant, together with the several Corporals, do diligently and narrowly examine, visit, search, and view the proper flasks, tuch-boxes, pockets, and other places where the soldiers are accustomed to carry and keep their powder and match, and peruse diligently all those things without negligence, feigning, or favouring: divers have received great ignominy and shame in their office, for want of the performance thereof: whereas by carrying a contrary care, they have been universally well thought of, and commended of all good soldiers and valiant Captains. Therefore as occasion doth serve and offer, he may admonish, put in mind, and reprehend with dexterity the soldiers under his charge and guiding. To him it appertains to lay his helping hands about all things necessary for his company, as well in providing for them, as dispensing, or deferring necessary charges, except for the provision and dividing of lodgings, which is the office of the Furrier or Harbinger, who ought to be very tractable, diligent, and altogether officious, not being partial to any one for peculiar profit or pleasure, and therefore it is necessary a Sergeant should know how to write, for it is hard by memory to discharge his charge.  
The Sergeant must be careful to accompany, at the hour appointed, the guard to the place of the watch, in going up and down alongst their flanks when he hath placed them in order, to see them keep due distance, make the Laumband, march in strait line with their ranks, carry their arms in conformable proportion; and if upon pleasure they give a volley of shot in passing, to advertise them to do it orderly with due form, one rank after another, as they pass over against the General, or other great officer or parsonage and not in a confused sort altogether, or by pieces. When he is arrived at the Corpse of guard, and hath placed every one in order, and provided for all things necessary for the watch of that night, he must then give his advise and counsel to the Corporals, that they keep good order in their Sentinels; yea sometimes and very often, it is good that he himself aid them to choose out the most fit places for them to stand in, to the end that the circuit of ground, which for all their safeties is to be kept, may be conveniently guarded.  
At the joining of the day and the night, or somewhat later, he shall secretly give the Corporals the watchword, with the which they are to govern the guard as well by night as day: the which word by the commandment of his Captain, he must procure the Sergeant mayor to give him, or of some other that shall have the charge to give the same for want of his presence, or in place of this great officer.  
He must arm himself in such sort, that he be no less apt than any other soldier to be able at time of need, both to defend himself, and offend the enemy: touching which effect, Duke Octavio Farnese in the expedition of 12000 footmen, and 600 horsemen, which Paul the third, Pope of Rome, sent into Germany against the Religion, did dispose that all the sergeant of his bands should arm themselves with Harquebuses and morions; saying, that so great a number of valiant men being sergeant, as was in so great an assembly and expedition of such importance, it was neither good nor commendable, that they should only be armed with their Halberds, and therefore he ought to have his page or Muchacho second him with those furnitures: neither seems it inconvenient, but having placed in order all things pertaining to his office, that he place himself in rank with the rest of the soldiers, yet in such a place as he may easily departed from thence when necessity calls him away, to reform or use remedy to any disorder he understands of.  
He must with dexterity proceed in reprehending and exhorting the soldiers to keep their due order, and not to disband and stray abroad, but upon needful and lawful occasions, and to take order in all other particular points, which are requisite to be observed for the honour and profit of the Company, which things are chief to be procured and observed by other officers.  
Let him beware and abstain from beating of soldiers at any time, that thereby he grow not odious: for it is not convenient nor comely for an officer to strike a soldier, for thereby he so offends, that he doth incur the pain to receive punishment for so doing, of his Captain or the Master of the Campe.  
He must be diligent, careful, and vigilant in all his affairs; for in this office, diligence and dexterity is both to the purpose and most necessary.  
It is necessary he be always conformable unto the Sergeant mayor, by imitation and obedience in action, and like his shadow, to second him in all his doings; of whom he may always receive information and order of all such things as be necessary for service of his band: and of him he may learn to proceed by conformity, in that which is convenient for his office. For he that is in company with men of virtue and valour, that be of more excellent quality than he himself, shall ever reap some profit; and the rather for that he is bound to be in the sight, and near about the Sergeant mayor, at all such times as any thing is to be done, where he ought with a good ear, and diligent eye, give ready attendance, to execute such commission as shall be given him; especially those which appertains to the ordering of the ranks, and every thing else whatsoever, without doing any thing upon his own judgement, but confer with that great officer, towards whom he must always be courteous and conformable; and with an obedient and benevolent mind diligently imitate him.  
I suppose it moreover necessary, as I said before, that he be able to write and read, considering the infinite number of things which are to pass through his hands, and which he ought to execute for the benefit of his company, which cannot be always ordered, disposed, and guided only by memory: So consequently the Sergeant is to take diligent heed and care of all the foresaid things to execute the points of his office speedily, and to rebuke and teach such as do amiss with lenity; and although he cannot violently strike and hurt any man, yet nevertheless no man can resist his authority, but observe the same as to the Captains own person, if he were present.  
He is not to hear any mutinous or rebellious words amongst the company, but immediately to reveal the same, that speedy reformation may be had, and faults amended. And thus must he be still occupied to reform men's manners, mispence of munition, broken arrays, and to be ready day and night to service, by the Captain or Lieutenant's commandment, and to instruct the Company, to march, train, and travail, as well by signs from him framed, as otherwise by words spoken, and to have special regard to the company, to see that their armour and weapons be in a readiness always for service: for the diligent and skilful usage of this office, is of no small moment to any good order throughout the whole band; no less than the Centurion amongst the Romans, who was Captain over a hundredth; and so likewise every hundredth in each band ought to have a several Sergeant to direct and govern.   

CHAP. II. The Office of an Alfierus or ensign-baerer.  
IF it be a thing most requisite that a private soldier should have a special zeal over his proper honour and credit; how much more is the same necessary for a valiant Alfierus or ensign-baerer. Therefore he must with all careful diligence, due discretion, ascend the 4th degree of this honourable discipline, being already trained up in the three first degrees, which is, of a private soldier, a Corporal, and a Sergeant, whereby to his great commendation he may sufficiently merit the sway of this office.  
Having solemnly received the Ensign of his Captain, like a noble and expert soldier, he ought carefully to keep the same, and bear a certain reverent respect to it, as to a holy thing, yea & to be jealous over the safety thereof, no less than an amorous person over his loving mistress: since that only with the sacred shade of the Ensign, being well guided, the general reputation of all the band and company is conserved.  
Therefore the Alfierus ought to be endowed with such custom, and use himself with such courtesy and civility, that he may not only procure the love of his confederates, and friends, but of all the entire company.  
Besides, it is necessary to have near unto him a couple of assistants at the least, that be practised and good soldiers, which may be of the number of the Halberdiers that go next his Ensign, to the end that when he is constrained to absent himself from the same, through some urgent and necessary occasion (for otherwise it is not to be permitted) he may cause one of them take care and charge of his Ensign, in what accident soever might fall out during that time: for that thing ought never to be left alone or abandoned to a slender and lose guard, which is of such a great importance, whereupon every man's honour and estimation dependeth; wherefore it ought of all to be carefully kept, and well accompanied.  
Note that the Alfierus, to defend his Ensign and himself at one instant, must have in his one hand his drawn sword, and in the other the Ensign: which thing is convenient of him particularly to be performed, when it is time to assault the enemies upon a wall, Trench, Scalade, Bulwark, Breach, or in any straight passage or enterprise, since that with the point of iron of the Ensign staff small defence can be made, as well for the weakness of the staff, as through the trouble and continual wavering of the silk which is about it, so that in bearing the same displayed he ought rather to have regard where he shall set his foot, than to the top of the staff, or any other place less necessary, as well thereby to fly affectation, which in carrying thereof is made manifest, as also to conduct the same with more assured courage.  
Moreover, note that the most honourable place of the thread or rank is the right hand, and the second the left hand; which degrees likewise be observed in all the ranks of other soldiers, aswell as when divers Ensigns do march together in one rank: for amongst the bands and squares of soldiers, the flanks do always resist the assaults and fury of the enemy; as the sides which be nearest to them, be always guarded of those that be most practised, and the middle part not, only except the first and last rank of the ordinance or battle, where the midst is the place of greatest estimation; for the head or back of the square being assaulted, they then withstand the greatest fury. And by good reason, for this place of the midst is ever much more broken and endamaged of the enemy's arms and force, than any other part: wherefore amongst expert and valiant soldiers, this room is of greatest honour, and of most estimation, as the place that hath greatest need of defence, which being subject to more open and manifest peril than the rest be, is of greatest dignity. For Captains are accustomed to show notable and singular favour to that soldier, which they prefer to an enterprise of peril and danger, so that it be capable of issue and altogether desperate.  
Neither is this to be accounted for a marvel; for as this profession is altogether different from others, so likewise the orders, and ceremonies are diversly managed, if a man may term those things ceremonies, which of necessity ought with diligence to be governed with great care, art, and industry: It behoves the Alfierus, whilst he doth march in ordinance amidst the band, to go with a grave and stately pace, advisedly and courageously joined with modesty, and without affectation or vain bravery: neither ought he to bow or decline his body at any time to any person, that thereby he may represent and maintain the reputation and excellency of arms, and the Ensign before his Prince, chief Ruler, Lord General, Colonel, Captain, Governor etc. As he passeth before them, he ought to abase the points and tip of the Ensign, or rather with his arm bow down near-hand all the staff of the Ensign, and so much more, by how much he is of greater dignity and authority. In this sort shall he make sign of reverence, and not pull off his cap or hat, neither bend his knee, nor move any one part of his person, thereby to retain that dignity due to the Ensign and his office.  
The Alfierus being in square, rank, or ordinance, with the Ensign displayed, doth change (almost never) the place where he is planted to march, which is in the midst of the footmen, as a place most safe and best defended. Therefore those that otherwise would use it, do ground their opinion upon some ancient order of the Romans or Grecians, wherein they are deceived, because at this day we are constrained to vary our order, considering our arms be varied, which do now fetch and wound much more and further of, and are more piercing than those of ancient time.  
Neither is it expedient to put this officer, which is of such great respect, always in hazard, as well for the good quality of his person, the which we must always presuppose him to be of, as also for the office of great importance he supplies, since he doth sustain the displayed Ensign, wherein the reputation and honour of all the company consists. But at such time as he shall march to a Scalade, breach and battery, the valiant Alfierus with his Ensign in one hand, and his sword in another, as is before said, aught to enforce himself to be the first, and by all means to mount up, to enter amongst the enemies, and to advance and invite the rest forward, both his inferiors, companions, and betters: for in effect at such times the particular guiding of the band appertains to him. Now to the intent that the soldiers at the instant time of a dangerous enterprise, and in a cumbersome and perilous time and place, may be invited, and fervently stirred up to follow the Ensign: He must therefore use such courtesy to all men, that in all hazards and great exploits, he being beloved of the soldiers, may be very much aided and defended by them; whereas otherwise they do either suffer open ignominy, or danger of death, when as they be either abandoned at the point of extremity, or traitorously slain or wounded by their own companions and followers, as at the assault of Dalahavi, and a skirmish of bravery at Louvain, chanced unto two several ensign-bearers of the Baron of Sheveran, Colonel over ten Ensigns of shot: therefore since he is the shadow of the valour and good condition of his Captain and company, let him be careful of his duty.  
The ensign-baerer may of his discretion and authority, espying the company travail, or follow enemies to their discommodity and peril, losing the wind, hill, or ground of advantage, disordering the array, may stand still, and cause the drums and mischiefs to stand and sound the retreat, that the company may resort and come to the Ensign, and order the array by the advantage of the ground, rather than abide the coming of the enemy.  
He ought always to have about him, and to lodge where he doth himself, so many good drums, as there be hundreds in his band; that at all times he may make Raccolte, and gather his soldiers together, and for such like necessary respects.  
He ought never crave licence to go to any enterprise whatsoever, for any desire he hath to make himself known, or to win fame, but aught to remain steadfast and firm, when his turn of service comes, in respect of the great charge he doth carry in the manage of the Ensign.  
It is necessary to have a horse for his own use, the which whilst he marcheth aught to go near the Ensign, whether he be in square battle or long march: for by taking his ease on horseback, he may keep himself continually lusty and fresh, and therewithal may accommodate his carriage, or baggage; as some soldiers may likewise do among the ordinary carriage, provided for by the Captain.  
Note that the Ensign which he received of his Captain, must by him be restored again at such times as he is discharged out of the company; if during the time of his service, there hath not chanced a battle, assault, or other enterprise, wherein the Alfierus being present, hath made manifest appearance, that he hath merited and deserved the same. For in such cases it is to be understood, that he hath won and gained the same, and not otherwise, unless the Captain of his free will doth give it him, which is a very ancient custom, especially amongst the Italians.  
It is very requisite the Alfierus have beside his two Assistants, a valiant and courageous servant, who is a practised soldier, and not a novice, or youngling, as some very fond and unadvisedly do entertain nowadays, that continually being near him, as well in the main square battle, or elsewhere, to second him with a piece, pike, or target of proof; and may have in such a one that entire faith and assured credit, that he should have of a faithful companion, whom he must not keep, as an abject servant, but he ought to maintain him, apparel him, and arm him with convenient arms of defence; for sometimes it shall fall out in the day of a fought battle of a whole army, that those deputed servants may have the custody of all the Ensigns in the main square battle, and the Alfierus of each company, as men well armed be placed in the head of the battle, or in some other principal or necessary places, which are to be governed and defended by practised and valiant soldiers; as particularly fell out at such time as the Marquis of Vasto, fought at Cresola in Lombardie against the Frenchmen, which journey was lost by the Emperialists, although that day they fought valiantly; and beside in other enterprises, such men have executed gallant service.  
He must always provide a sufficient corpse de guard about his Ensign, as well by day as night, in what place soever he shall be, although no suspicion were to be had of the enemy, that thereby he may remain safe from all sudden surprises, or unprovided casualties, and the rather to maintain the honour and reputation due to the Ensign, whereby all sinister inconvenience may be avoided, and the majesty and office of the same generally well respected; especially when time and place of suspect ministers occasion. The Alfierus must march to the guard, either armed with a Cuirass of proof, or some other convenient garment of defence, being still seconded with his servant, who is to carry either target, halberd, piece, or pike, or such weapon as he doth delight in, which at the seat of the guard, taking his Ensign in his hand, he must let rest in the keeping of his servant. Neither is it requisite in going or marching, that he unlose and display the Ensign, without some special occasion, but aught to reserve the advancing, and displaying of the same at full, until he come in the sight of the Cheiftaine or Prince, or in the sight of the enemy, or other places of service.  
It is necessary his Ensign have certain special countersignes and marks, that it may easily be known of his soldiers, both near hand and far off, to the intent that in all exploits, and at unknown suddaines, his soldiers may perfectly perceive the same amongst the other Ensigns, different from the rest, wherein the Alfierus must use an exquisite manage, that by his wise and valorous actions without any other man's relation, may be discerned his virtuous actions and forward proceed, which he ought to make apparent by some notable enterprise.  
The Alfierus must be a man of good account, of a good race, honest and virtuous, brave in apparel, thereby to honour his office, and continually armed as well when no peril is feared, as in time of danger, to give example to the rest of the soldiers not to think their armour burdenous, but by use to make it as familiar to him as his skin. Finally, he must be a man skilful, hardy, and courageous, of able courage to advance and bear up the Ensign in all extremities, secret, silent, and zealous, able often to comfort, animate and encourage the company to take in hand, & maintain such extremities, & enterprises, as they are appointed unto, and never to retire, but when of noble policy, the higher Officers command the same. Unto this Officer there should be certain ceremonies used in delivery of the Ensign, receiving it by oath in the presence of his band, at which time he must make vow and profess the same rather to be his winding sheet, and therein to lose his life, then through his default to lose the same: whereunto every private soldier should likewise be sworn, as among the Romans it was used, when he was not accounted a soldier, but a thief, or robber, till he had taken his oath. And therefore their war was called Militia Sacrata.   

CHAP. III. The office of the Lieutenant of a Company.  
THat person upon whom any charge doth depend, and doth deservedly manage any affair, must frame himself to use due diligence, and with dexterity suffer such tedious toil, as in these serious affairs succeed, since that charge (as I have already said) signifieth nothing else but a burden of affairs.  
Therefore that a soldier may deservedly mount up to this degree of worthy honour and martial dignity, he must use all circumspect care to perform his office like an expert Lieutenant, that the company be well governed, which he must accomplish with a forward and willing mind (though of duty he is bound to perform the same) aswell to content the mind of his Captain, as to augment his own honour and reputation. He must never appropriate unto himself any one point of authority, but diligently decipher and understand all things, and make relation thereof to his Captain, of whom it is necessary he take all his commissions and directions. His part is to give willingly and readily counsel and advise to his Captain, as often as he is demanded, and otherwise never, unless he see that the same may do manifest good, or in case of present peril.  
The Lieutenant ought to carry with him a diligent care of concord, for that particularly the pacification of discords and difference amongst the soldiers of his company, appertains unto him, which must be done without choler or passion, and must still handle them very indifferently and courteously. For his indifferency, besides the gaining of him trusty credit, doth make easy the desciding of any difference or disagreement, and is one point which of necessity is most convenient to an honourable Peacemaker, although it be a very difficile thing to procure peace in points of honour, specially amongst soldiers that stand much upon their punctos, and for that respect is it very hard to use a just balance. Therefore in such cases it is most requisite that every one of the interessed, show at the full his entire cause, the which is a thing not vulgar, neither of small importance. And although the Pacifier ought never to hang more upon the one side then the other, yet it is convenient he have some small respect to him that is wronged against reason, rather than to him that is the unlawful worker of the injury. But if he find any difficulty in resolving these differences, let him confer with the Captain, to the end that he, who is known to be the occasion, and will not agree to an honest end, may be immediately discharged: but if it be thought good that he remain to serve a time, for the execution of some special enterprise, than the word both of the one and the other aught to be taken, until the same be performed or the pay past, and then may discharge him, as is said, to shun a greater scandal: for to enter into unquiet quarreling and discord, one equal with an other, and with one that receives the like stipend, is not the part and quality of a subject Soldier, but of a free careless Cutter, and band-Buckler, and of an insolent and importunate person, whose nature doth argue in him that his doings tend to an other end, then to become excellent in the honourable exercise of arms. Put the case that one of them should valiantly overcome the other, yet unto the Captain doth arise no other than want, loss, and evil satisfaction: for when first he did receive them into his service, he did presume that they were both of them equally to be esteemed, men of good credit and behaviour, and that for such they were conducted and received stipend. So that quarreling and killing one the other, as often it falls out in resolute persons, or putting him to a dishonour or open foil: such a one doth not only deprive the Captain of a Soldier, but also of himself likewise: for the law of reason doth bind the Captain not to maintain an importunate person, a malefactor, and an homicide, in one band no less than a well ordered city: Considering it is requisite and convenient his Soldiers, rather than to employ themselves in such quarrels, should endeavour and adventure their bodies to overthrow and kill the enemy, thereby to procure his own proper praise and peculiar profit. Always provided, that the occasion of the wars be concluded and published to be lawful and honest, which easily in this respect doth remove all difficulties, whilst a man doth place himself in the service of a Prince that is religious, prudent, and just, and that have express and lawful power to levy arms, and not with those which are of small authority, or tyrannous Usurpers of other men's states, and wicked blood suckers.  
Therefore when the Lieutenant cannot by his own dealings supply these wants, or pacify and accord them, in such causes he may remit the care thereof unto his Superior and Captain. And thus let him have special care that by his means no quarrels do grow, neither that he suffer any faction or dissension, to take deep root, for fear of banding and mutinies.  
He ought to have special respect that the Corporals and Sergeants be able duly to execute their office with due diligence for the better performance of service, and personally aid them in setting the watch.  
Likewise, to the intent that the Sergeant persist not ignorantly, or fail in any one point of his office: it behoves the Lieutenant in many particular points to aid him, both in respect of his own credit, and for the general benefit of the whole band: as in using divers directions, disciplines, inventions, putting the band in order, rank, square, in accompanying them to the watch, and in executing such like enterprises which commonly are to be performed.  
So ought he likewise to delight himself extraordinarily (besides the other necessary parts of his office) in taking view of the Corpse de guard, and the Sentinels of his proper company, to the intent they may remain continually vigilant and ready, and each man's duty duly executed, the martial laws read and examined, and a solemn silence generally maintained.  
He must observe great affability and fraternity with the Alfierus, and friendly consult with him (specially if the Lieutenant doth not manage both the one and the other office, as the Spaniards and other nations do use, and might very well be used of us, if the General or Colonel think good, both for avoiding of emulation and charge of pay) but if they be two particular Officers, and bear distinct sway in the band, then let the Lieutenant be very careful (as he that is the chief) to avoid all stomaching and strife that might arise betwixt him and the Alfierus, for thereby oftentimes great scandals have fallen out, and the division of the company, a thing above all other to be carefully foreseen and shunned. He ought to use a gracious gesture, and a courteous entertainment to all his soldiers, countenance every one joyfully, and solicit their causes carefully towards the Captain and the other Officers, as the Treasurers, Paymasters, Commissaries and such like, yet ever by the captains consent, yea and to the Captain himself, by whose friendly favour inferior Officers may be relieved for their pay or other wants. Besides he ought to give order and direction to all the company, dividing and distributing the squadres indifferently and discretely, to the intent the Corporals and other Officers may be obeyed, and that each enterprise may be performed without reply or contradiction.  
It is necessary that he put in every Squadre an equal number of every sort of arms, and that each weapon be sorted in a readiness, to the intent that in what place and time soever occasion doth require, every one of them may to his great advantage, proceed and front the invading enemy with a forcible strength.  
Likewise it is good sometimes not to suffer a squader or rather a whole Corpse de guard to consist of soldiers all of one Country and nation, but ought rather to be artificially mixed, and to separate them, thereby to avoid quarrel and generality of factions, which by reason of their being together may the rather arise amongst consorts of one native Country, and that more commodiously than if they were separated.  
The Captain being absent, the Lieutenant possesseth the principal and chief place, and aught to be obeyed as Captain Nevertheless in his presence, it is requisite he use a certain brotherly friendship and familiarity towards all, yet that notwithstanding, he must proceed in all things with such modesty and gravity, as he may retain such authority and reputation, as the office he doth hold, doth most worthily invest him withal.  
There aught to be in him a reasonable good knowledge and facility in expressing his conceit and meaning sensibly, that the soldiers may understand what they have to do, to the intent he may the more easily imprint in the hearts and minds of his Soldiers all such things as he determines, and that be necessary for the better service of his Prince, and the benefit of his Country and company, whereunto he ought to apply himself with all possible diligence, since that of the Prince he is liberally paid, hath his being of his Country, and is diligently obeyed of his Band, where he sways his present office and charge, which is truly of great credit and no less commodity.  
Let him provide himself of a horse to bear him, to the intent he may be lusty and fresh in all enterprises, and that he may continually take the view and diligently survey the order which they are to keep in marching, or in making Alta, and at all other times beside in what enterprise soever.  
He must take order that his baggage or carriage, which ought to be as little as may be (which rule the common Soldiers ought likewise observe) be borne and conveyed amongst the common carriage, which the Captain hath ordained and provided for the use of the whole band.  
He must take diligent care to the redeeming of priest or lent money, which the Captain shall make according to occasion or need amongst the company, and to distribute the same conveniently amongst the Soldiers, and thereof to render and yield good account to the Captain, by doing whereof he shall pleasure the Soldiers much, in which time of pay, he hath very good opportunity to put the Soldiers in mind, and to teach them to proceed in well doing, and to desist from evil.  
It appertains generally to every Lieutenant of a band to be of great experience and ripeness of service, whose authority in the absence of the Captain (as partly I touched before) extendeth to examine, try, reform, correct, and amend any offence committed within the band, and also day and night to bring the company with the Ensign to the place of assembly, there in order train and exercise the same, as to the necessity of service doth appertain, and being commanded by the higher powers to march towards the enemy, must encounter and fight with them, as if the Captain were in presence, who upon impediment, must sometimes be absent.  
Finally, it appertains to the Lieutenant to watch, ward, approach, conduct, advance against the enemies, and to encounter, animate, comfort, and also to encourage the company by word and deed as need serveth: to retire continually maintaining skirmish, until he have recovered some place of safeguard.   

CHAP. IU. The office and duty that appertains to Lanze-spezzate, voluntary Lieutenants, the Gentlemen of a Band, or Cavaliers of S. George's squadrons.  
THe sundry degrees whereunto valiant Soldiers with aspiring minds seek to ascend, for that they be many, and for that those which have attained and served in those rooms and other great offices, by divers sinister means and accidents, be now and then dissevered and made frustrate from their charge, as experience hath made many times apparent, who yet nevertheless being naturally desirous to continue in service, and perchance through foreign necessity are driven to remain in pay, in attending further preferment: Therefore this place was first invented for such persons, as a special seat wherein the flower of warlike soldiers do sit, like a green Laurel garland that doth environ the martial head of a mighty Army, whose order for warlike force or fame, gives not place to the Grecian Phalanges, the chiefest of the Roman Legions, or to the knightly constitution or courageous enterprises of those of Arthur's round table. For there neither hath been, nor can be found any place of honour or reputation, as to be a Gentleman of a Band, whether we serve for pleasure or for profit, or have attained thereunto by merit: or whether we have been Corporal, sergeant, Alfierus, or Lieutenant, wherein Captains sometimes do plant themselves, specially in the Colonel's Squadre, and temporize the time, until preferment do fall: for thereby their former reputation is nothing disgraced, nor their charge had, in or of any other company, nothing derogated: Considering that those in these Squadrons, either are or aught to be soldiers of such policy and perfect experience, that they be capable of any office under the degree of a Colonel, and may supply any of those foresaid offices, or perform any other enterprise of great importance commanded by the Captain, Colonel, or General.  
And for that many youths of noble parentage, and Gentlemen of ancient houses do likewise follow the wars, I would that upon due trial of their merit, they should enter into these Squadrons, which the Prince or General is to confirm, and make a distinct order of valiant adventurous soldiers, and call them Cavaliers of S. George's Squadrons, or some such other title; at whose entrance thereinto, they shall take a solemn oath appertaining to their order, and their corporal shall invest them with some Bandroll, Medal or Scarf, whereupon is portrayed S. George his arms, which they must be bound to wear openly at all times, and in all places, enterprises, skirmishes, battles, and assaults. I do not put this title for a general rule, but only as an example for instance, the title may be as authority shall think fit.  
It is requisite that a singular good soldier, being the Gentleman of a band, and Cavallier of S. George his squadron, if he mean to gain the grace and favour of his Captain and Colonel, that not only he be sufficiently valiant and wise, as of necessity is required at his hands: but it is also convenient for him to be reasonable well horsed, and to have in store all sorts of arms, as a Halberd, arquebus for the match or firelocke, Armour and Target of proof, his Lance and case of Pistolets, his Pike, his Pertisan or Epien to go the Round withal, that he may both day and night vary and change his arms at the offer of all enterprises, and as change of service doth call him forth.  
He must always of necessity have more than one servant, and aught to apparel him in gallant order: these are to be near his elbow to follow him with his arms. He ought always to lodge himself as near as is possible, to the lodging of his Colonel or Captain, to the intent that either armed, or without arms, he may always, according as the cause doth require, be about his person, either on horseback or on foot; for that the principal guard of this singular parsonage, that is to say, the Colonel or Captain, doth consist in the diligence and custody of the Cavaliers of S. George his squadrons: for so I will be bold to call them, though the title be to be varied. These things notwithstanding, day and night when it falls to his lot, or that he shall be commanded by his Corporal to watch, he must dispose himself to be able to make particular guard, and that after a most exquisite order: wherein he must have special care (without making refusal at any time) to perform that which shall be appointed him by his Corporal, or by any other that shall command in the name of his Colonel or Captain. His office in time of watch, for the most part, consists in going the Round, searching the watch, keeping good order in the Corpse of Guard, in being a coadjutor to the officer that guides the company, or rules the watch, and is for the most part exempted from standing Sentinel, and such like duties of a common soldier, unless great necessity or special service constrain. It appertains to him to have good experience in going the Round, that in performing the same, he may discreetly govern in the oversight of the watch, called the Sopraguardia: for in this point doth very much consist the provident good order and form that is to be observed, in avoiding the stratagems, surprises, sallies, and deceits of the enemy. Approaching near to the Sentinel, he must give eye and diligent regard in what order and sort he doth find him vigilant, how ready he is in demanding and taking the word, and after coming nearer him, he must examine all that hath passed or fallen out whilst he hath been in Sentinel, and the order he doth observe, and what hath been appointed him to do: the which if it be good he must confirm, and when he doth find it to be otherwise, he must rehearse and refer the same to the Corporal of the Sentinel, that he may use diligent redress.  
Arriving in any Corpse de guard, he must above all things advertise them, that they always keep fire light for the necessary commodity of the arquebusiers, and for light in the night, taking order with the soldiers that they and their arms may remain in a forcible readiness: through which his good instruction, there may grow to be no want, and so consequently he must in like cases proceed with like provident diligence.  
After this he must with great consideration and modesty, examine every particular thing, carrying a mind with himself to continue and increase the same from better to better, and both in himself and to them use necessary advertisements, and in such sort shall he pass through all the Corpse de guards, and sentines.  
If it chance him to encounter another Sopraguardia or Round, to shun the occasion of dangerous difference, which sometimes is accustomed to follow: or for policy, in fearing to give the watchword to him that purposely comes to rob the same, that coming from the enemy secretly, counterfeits the Sentinel, or by some other practice, as it sometimes hath caused damage to the grievous loss and total prejudice of the Army: to prevent such inconvenience, let that Sopraguardia which shall be nearest to the next adjoining Sentinel, turn back, giving the word after a due accustomed sort unto the said Sentinel, to the intent the foresaid Sopraguardia may do the like, and when they are of accord, every one may follow his own path; but if otherwise they do disagree, the deceit remains discovered, not only in that counterfeit Round, but also in the feigned Sentinel, whom the Sopraguardia must examine, and demand at his hand some special countersigne or double word, that thereby he may know him for an assured friend, or find him an enemy or negligent person, the which of all men is very well known to merit sharp and extreme chastisement, which at no time, so near as is possible, is to be omitted.  
This former rule is to be observed of those soldiers that be of one self nation: but when the Rounds or Sopraguards be many and of sundry Nations, and the Corpse of guards likewise; then the Sopraguard coming into a quarter that is stranger unto him, is bound to give the word to the Sopraguard of that nation, and of that quarter; so that by such means as well the suspicion of deceit, as the occasion of discord shall be avoided.  
And if in case the said ordinary Round or Sopraguard, do encounter in their own quarter, with the extraordinary, those that be ordinary shall endeavour themselves to take the word of those that be extraordinary: for so it is convenient, and most conformable to that order beforesaid, wherein I have set down what is necessary for a Sopraguard or Round to do in a strange quarter. And for that it is requisite, as I have already touched, that the Cavaliers be always about the person of his chief Captain, without either being bound to Standard, Guidon, or other Ensign whatsoever, he must endeavour himself, when any enterprise or warlike affairs is committed to his charge, to be apt and ready to use practised experience in directing and guiding a skirmish, in taking the view of a battery, in discovering of the enemy, in marching or making Alta, in Passa pard in the valiant repulse of a sudden invading enemy by Bawl en bouche, in taking view of the situation of a place, in guiding a Road, or troop of horsemen, in giving alarm to the enemy, in plucking advertisements from the enemy, in placing Imbascades, in giving Canvasadoes, and to know very well how to execute with sound judgement these and such like important affairs, the which for the most part appertain to the Cavaliers of this Squadron to perform. As likewise it hath been the custom to give them the charge for to plant Gabiones for the defence of the Artillery, to batter and endamage the walls, the trenches, the lodgings, and the enemy's Squadrons.  
Let him remember when he hath been at any exploit, to bring back again into his quarter, those soldiers he hath led forth to any enterprise, united and in rank, marching together behind him, and never suffer them to return disbanded one by one out of order, which is an occasion of great confusion, and brings but small reputation to the Captain and conductor of them.  
Moreover, it is very necessary he know how to make a road and destroy the enemy's country; the which likewise doth oftentimes appertain to him to perform: in which exploit he must beware above all things, that no soldier in those enterprises disperse or disband themselves, but with an assured good order, for the most part conformable to my following discourse, wherein I set down directions, how to conduct soldiers to the skirmish: and particularly where I declare that he ought to keep and maintain for his people the strongest place of situation, wherein he must skirmish; for that commonly soldiers being in disorder, wearied and laden with spoil, may be easily put to flight, broken and oppressed of the enemies, unless they be seconded or shaded by some forcible succour.  
I suppose it likewise most necessary, that he endeavour himself to be apt and sufficient at all times, and in all places to solicit and negotiate for his Prince or Chieftain, any cause of what weight or moment soever, considering that most men are not fit to attempt the performance of such doubtful and difficile causes: for although many make great estimation of themselves, and presume much by their daily reading and Theoric of those weighty affairs, yet do they want and come far short of that bold and ready practice, which plainly appears, that the worthy professors of Arms possess; and specially in the presence of great Princes, whose majesty and reverence for the most part, doth make cold and bring out of countenance the hottest & most resolute determination: as Demosthenes before Philip of Macedon made apparent, when he was not able to pronounce three words of a long premeditated Oration, in behalf of the Athenians.  
This worthy Gentleman of a band, this Cavalier of S. George's squader, and likewise all other professors of warlike arms, aught to carry in mind, that of him and his equals the exercise of Arms is to be applied, and diligently to practise the same, to the intent he be not for want of knowledge despised of others; and not ignorantly to despise them that deserve due commendations, but rather to carry and use the countenance of authority to those persons that merit not to bear sway and government, than towards forward soldiers: Yet for all that towards the rest in some other respects, he ought to gratify them and help them to his power, and so courteously win the goodwills and friendly favour of all soldiers his equals, to instruct and courteously to admonish every Soldier privately and apart, what appertains to his duty. This Cavalliere must be able also to train soldiers, to make them march in orderly proportions, to cast them in rings, esses, snails, hearses, squadres, to receive and give charge, to feign skirmishes, onsets, retraites, and how to order any number of soldiers, from a hundredth to five hundredth, for so many may be in a Band, and under one Ensign, as the Switzers and Germans yet use at this day, and as in former ages our Countrymen have used, which in some respects may pass without reprehension. If a Captain be disposed to have so many under his Ensign, when he is not able to bring the number unto a whole Colloniship, together with the knowledge of the order how to train, he must endeavour himself to be perfect in drawing platforms, in the Mathematics, in the martial Laws, in besieging of towns, batteries, mines, and each thing else belonging to martial discipline.  
Let this worthy Cavalier of Saint George's squader have then before his eyes such like precepts, and manage of martial affairs, that he may increase his own credit, win his country fame, favour of his Prince, and honour of his house and friends, rather than for the regard of riches, stately houses, livings, and such like, but rather prefer prudent policy, courage, valour and approved experience before such base benefits, whereby he may attain to the Laurel crown, wherewith divers mighty Conquerors have their heads adorned: that he may be an example to the reproach of such as lewdly spend their days in idleness, prodigality, lust and obloquy.   

CHAP. V The office of a Captain which hath the guiding of a Band of men.  
THat person which hath the charge to govern other men, specially in matters of weight and of great importance, the lives of men being committed to his hands, under whose conduct if any quail through rashness or want of knowledge, he is bound to render account before God: and therefore he ought to be of notable capacity, experience, and exemplar in all his actions and enterprises, since it is a general note that the eyes of all those that be subjects, be turned towards their principal head and chief, in whom as it were in a glass, they retain an assured hope to behold most ready rules and perfect examples, whereby they may guide and govern themselves.  
In this particular charge of a Captain, the quality of his Officers, make almost a manifest show of his valour and experience: Therefore like an old and expert Soldier, as one that hath passed through all those degrees and offices set down in my two former books, he must use a circumspect care in levying and making choice of his company, that is, to make election of a politic and practised Lieutenant, of a courageous Alfierus, of a careful Sergeant, of gallant and valiant Cavaliers of his squader, of valiant Corporals, of a diligent Chancellor, Secretary, or Clerk of the Band, of a faithful Furrier or Harbinger, being of good judgement and consideration, and of a Surgeon provided of all things necessary to minister according to his art. But above all things let him provide to retain in his Band a Preacher, or such a person which may take care to minister the Communion to the Soldiers, and specially to root obedience in their hearts: who likewise every day may celebrate divine service, which even from the beginning hath been used of the Church. And finally must have for every hundredth a practised Drummer of good understanding.  
When he hath gathered and united his company, the whole Band being present, his Minister must devoutly read certain prayers, and afterward the Ensign shall be publicly placed in the hands, and recommended to the custody of the Alfierus, and as in my former discourse of this point, command him to have as much care thereof, as of his proper life, honour and credit, which he ought courageously to advance and display, to prefer his party in a rightful quarrel, according to my speech where I set down his duty. This done he must privately make election amongst his chiefest Soldiers of so many Cavaliers or Lancia Spezzata, that is to say, Gentlemen of his Band, as may amount to the number of two out of every squader. Some nations use 50. to a squader, as the Suitzers and Germans, some others less, according to their discretion: but in my opinion 25. is a more convenient number, both for that the Corporal may the more often and with greater diligent care instruct and see to his charge, then if they were 50. Besides 25. soldiers divided into 5. ranks makes a just square, so that by the same account 300. may contain 12. squadres, and every one have a Corporal of the same number: whereof 10. Corporals have the leading of mixed weapons, the 11. charge over the Halberdiers, and the 12. to consist of Gentlemen, old and expert Soldiers, amongst whom the targets of proof ought to be in number. The Captain at the same time, when he appoints his Ensign, must likewise solemnly constitute and confirm a Corporal over the Cavaliers of his squader, which he may entitle of Saint George, and enrol their names by this title, the Corporal and Cavaliers of of S. George his squader. He may invest and bestow upon the Corporal a scarf of red and white sarsenet, and a Medal or jewel of gold or silver double gilt, wherein the portraiture of S. George is lively wrought, to hang about his neck, at his scarf or otherwise: and moreover to him and all the rest of the squader he may give a little Fane or Penon of silk upon a wire, whereof the Cross must be of red, and the rest of the square white, the other part of the sarsenet of the captains colours, or with what words, or devise therein shall please him best: They must wear this behind, either upon their burganets, or upon their hats if they will in a plume of red and white feathers, specially in all enterprises and warlike attempts: Besides this upon their cassocks or mandilions towards their right breast a red cross of velvet, satin or scarlet, imbrothered or comely stitched, that they may appear manifestly and be known from the rest of the Soldiers, like worthy Guides and Leaders, whose courage and valour may incite others to ascend to their dignity and degree.  
They must solemnly promise, vow and swear to their possibility, not only to be the first to force the breach of a battered town, trench, or fortress, to give the first courageous onset upon the main battle, or the enemy's squadrons, to pierce a passage, and gallantly guide the Soldiers to the skirmish, to sudden sallies, surprises, escalados, canuasadoes, and such like, but also to observe, maintain, and instruct the ignorant in all military directions, observations, and martial laws of the field.  
In respect hereof those that be Cavaliers and Gentlemen of this squader, must be entertained with a stipend and greater pay than the common Soldier, and with other notable signs of manifest difference, by reason they either are or aught to be the best and most practised Soldiers in his whole band: for this word Lancia spezzata amongst the Italians, is of no other signification, than a tried experience in the wars. To which Cavaliers he may freely and faithfully with great confidence and trust, commit the charge of any office in his company that is vacant, or the performance of any other enterprise or accident, and may if he will term them extraordinary Lieutenants, which he must always have about him upon any sudden to execute his commandment, and supply other offices when time shall serve.  
A Captain ought to have special and particular knowledge of all those things that appertain to the office of a Lieutenant, and the office of an Alfierus, which if he think good he may link both in one, for amongst divers nations now a days, one man commonly supplies both their offices.  
The office and duty of the Sergeants of the Cavaliers of S. George's squader, whom he must esteem as extraordinary Lieutenants of the Corporals, Clerk of the Band, Harbinger, Drums and mischiefs: and finally, the duty of every particular and common Soldier, that he may presently redress any thing amiss, and upon any new accident to instruct them either in marching, encamping, or fight, so that he may be able to command them, according as time, place, and reason doth require, without contradiction or appointing that to be done of one Officer, which ought to be done of an other: or that he doth command them to do things not convenient, and much less that which is not lawful or not honourable. Which order of proceeding doth very much displease and bring men of war in mislike of such undirect dealings. Since the principal point and practise whereunto their exercise in arms doth tend, is to attain reputation, honour, and credit, he must continually court his Colonel and Cheiftaine, forcing himself to be one of the first that doth salute him in the morning, and of the last to departed from him in the evening, that thereby he may be sufficiently instructed and informed in every particular act and practise, which is to be put in execution, touching the performance of any enterprise or warlike act, since that in those cases a wary man may best take hold of occasion, whereof he ought to make trial in time of war, the which he is likewise to accomplish, aswell for the service of his chief and Prince, as also for his own satisfaction, and the honour, benefit, and reputation of his Soldiers.  
Let him in some sort provide with as much advantage and commodity as he can, that his soldiers baggage be always conducted from place to place, always prohibiting superfluity, and in long voyages their corselets and arms of heavy burden: provided that he march not in suspected places, and in the enemy's country, but not otherwise.  
Let him take order that his Soldiers be light in apparel, so that it be warm, and have as little baggage and otherwise loaden as may be, to the intent they may use all their diligence about their weapons, and not to hale back for fear of losing the same, but rather have respect to the wary keeping of their arms, and that they may rather be more bend and determined to fight, in hope of gain and honour, then suspected through the doubt of losing that which they already possess.  
He must not be covetous, neither retain one penny of pay from his Soldiers, but rather distribute amongst them, all the advantages, dead pays, and capisoldi: to the intent they may be well paid and rewarded which merit the same, so shall he gain honour and make them assured in perilous service.  
Let him restrain soldiers from having horses, thereby to avoid confusion, for that commonly every one must march about the Ensign, to the intent the ranks be not broken and disturbed by horses: And that Soldiers be not occupied in going abroad for forage for their horses, as of necessity they must, which is proper to Horsemen and not to footmen, but only those which are to be permitted with the Lieutenant, the Alfierus, and some of the Cavaliers of Saint George's squader, that are Gentlemen of greatest experience, for that they may serve in steed and place of light horsemen, to view, discover, conduct and carry a message or commandment with great speed, when and where need doth require.  
It is necessary for him to have some knowledge and sight in making bulwarks, trenches, platforms, sconces, fortresses, and such like, and to know the nature and quality of them, aswell that with advantage he may be able to know how to assault, as also to make them with facility, in times and places most necessary: which understanding and Art, is particularly convenient for him, considering the defence of men of war in the field, for the most part consists aswell in trenches, bulwarks, and perfect platforms, as in good and well governed squader and in main battle.  
He must have with him a pair of lanterns for the camp, some cressets, links, or torches that blow not out with the wind, and such like to use in the night, and in storms and tempests for service of the company, as in rounds, alarms etc. And for his proper commodity and ornament a pavilion or tent of sufficient capacity, vessels to accommodate his victuals, and furniment for the fire and kitchen, of small weight and disturbance in carriage, and certain household stuff necessary for himself and his train, to the intent he may so near as is possible commodiously make supply to the continuation of things requisite for victuals. He ought always to lodge with his Band, and remain with the same both in good and evil, and continually show himself loving and courteous, and take such part as the Soldiers do: for contrariwise, taking his ease, and suffering them to be lodged or fed miserably, breedeth him hatred or contempt.  
Neither ought he to shun toil and travail, but carefully take delight and liking to be always the first, that with provident prudence doth lay his hand to any work, or perform any enterprise which is convenient to be done: for that for the most part the rude stubborn multitude of Soldiers is not constrained and forced so much, to do his duty by compulsion, as they be voluntary moved thereunto through shame, and a reverent respect they have to the example of their Superior. Neither let the practice of the same be painful unto him, for that to live at ease and to be curious of his own commodious being, and suffer his Soldiers taste the toils of travail, is rather the order of a delicate Prince, then of a careful and courageous Captain.  
Let him not fail every night that he is of the watch, to send his Sergeant to take the word secretly of the Sergeant mayor, (wherewith the watch of that night ought to be governed) or of some other that shall be appointed to give it, which he must use wisely and warily, since that negligence in like cases may be the ruin of him and his company, and consequently of a whole army. He must have tried experience, and full practice in all the points noted of me in my first book, and be perfect in the conduct of martial affairs, that with great facility he may be able to know, and with great advise to deal in all the particulars belonging to all the degrees of soldiers under his estate, and of less estimation than a Captain.  
It behoves him to carry a valiant and courageous heart, that upon all suddaines he may be able to execute all enterprises, and that having over-viewed, ordered and disposed those things that be necessary, he may be able to execute the same with such prompt and ready dexterity, as appertains to the terrible and bloody accidents of arms. And although there be very few who have such happy success, as they may be accounted fortunate and politic both together: Nevertheless it is requisite he be prudent, and decipher and look before hand into such things as are like to fall out, that he may with discreet modesty use either good or evil fortune, whether soever shall arise: for the life of man is to be compared to the play at Tables, in the which the player may desire and devise which is the best cast, but yet which way soever the dice turn, either good or evil, he ought with as great discretion and art as he can, accommodate himself and serve his turn withal. He should possess and be endued with a noble mind, that he may always have the same inclined to discreet liberality, and not to niggardly covetousness, by which vice we see many incur and fall into most opprobrious chances, into treasons and pernicious rebellions, which are men worthy of most shameful corrections.  
I judge it likewise very necessary for him to be eloquent, since that quality hath great efficacy in persuading of men's minds, which oftentimes have much need to be wakened and pricked forward with a spur, specially in those terrible accidents that fall out in the exercise of arms, which in painful perilous actions would otherwise languish, faint, and become fearful. Therefore let the love towards God, the care of their Country, their present peril, the example of magnanimity in their forefathers, the quarrel, cause, and benefits to soul & body, be means to make them valiantly accomplish their acts. He ought never to make conference, concerning that which he is to put in execution, neither of any one thought imagination, or invention appertaining to the state of those warlike attempts and affairs, but with those persons, of whom he may assuredly reserve faithful and friendly counsel; for that the importance of such and so great dealings, ought ever to be had in suspicion of discovery. Therefore a wise and careful man will ever have a wary and jealous eye over such weighty affairs.  
Now the order for him to punish his soldiers in cases wherein they are not guilty of death, I think the most important punishment which appertains to the Captain to give them, is openly amidst the whole company and band, shamefully to disarm them, to take away their money and chiefest garments, and so to banish them and send them packing: for to put them to death, or furiously to beat them, belongs to the office of the Master of the Camp and Marshal of the field, and not to the Captain; for if he should beat his soldiers, he should make himself hated and embase himself, and bring his soldiers either to become mutinous or abjects. Note, that it is not sufficient only for a Captain to have ordained his Company discreetly, and therein to have great numbers of good men, which is to say, in warlike affairs valiant men: but above all things it is very necessary when he shall come to blows and fight, he should adventure and perform the same to his manifest advantage, or else constrained thereunto by pure necessity, although he ought to fly the last so much as he is able, observing this for a general rule, not to fight either by chance, either for pleasure, or for ambition, as many times we see done by rash and ambitious Chiefs and Captains.  
Moreover, he must work in such sort, that his soldiers have very good occasion and apt means to win the victory, and that they be fresh and lusty, to the intent that in fight they may overcome: for without these and like advertisements by tempting fortune, men for the most part both lose, and are overthrown.  
It is very convenient he procure the having of an ample and authentic Patent of his Colonel, with as large words of favour as may be, wherein must be declared at the instance and appointment of what Prince the expedition is made, and so with modesty and prudence he shall use the authority that is given him, but nevertheless there, as it behoves him so to do.  
It is not requisite that in all places he suffer his Ensign to be displayed; the manner and doing whereof shows force and authority, the which many times is not to be used, neither in each place: when a man is inferior to others, he ought to use great dexterity and modesty, which ever falls out both to be commodious and commendable.  
And moreover according to the order of Passa parole, of advertisements from mouth to mouth, he ought ever to observe a silent and assured plain information to his whole band, whereby they may upon the sudden alter array, make alta, march slow or fast, close or in wide ranks, or prepare their piece, match and bullet for a sudden Alarm, invasion, skirmish, or defence.  
A Captain that must levy a band is to make his election and choice of his officers and soldiers, not only approved and sufficiently experienced, but also use such speedy march in his expedition and journey, that he may join his company to the rest of the Army, at or before the appointed day and place.  
When he may march by land with his company, let him never desire to go by sea, hoping to spare cost and shorten time; for by becoming subject to the indiscretion of the wind, either through long abode, or some accident by shipwreck or tempests, there hath risen many times great disturbance and ruin without remedy, since by this defect many good occasions, and of great importance have been lost and made frustrate.  
He ought never to take journey in hand without a guide, the which he must procure to be given him by the Chief that doth command him, to the intent he may always remain excused and faultless from those errors, that by such defects may or do commonly arise; which diligence is not only particularly to be used, when any journey of small length is to be guided, but if any long journey is to be made (not being able to do better) he must circumspectly have him always by his side, neither aught to have him slip away from him or absent, since that every small error or going out of the way in a journey and marching, doth displease soldiers and warlike persons, and yields less reputation to the Captain, who ought always to march with them, and to provide and procure through his authority all things necessary, with the greatest favour and advantage possible.  
He ought always to keep his soldiers exercised, by often view and muster of them, marching sometimes along in ranks by 3.5.7. and 9 etc. in a rank: sometime in training them in Rings, Esses, Dees, Battles, Squadrons, turning one rank through an other, in leading them to skirmish, & in such sort practise them daily. And also he must cause his soldiers to shoot vollees of shot, sometimes all at once, sometimes by ranks, and sometimes mixed: the which vollees upon the sign or sound of drum, or word of mouth by the Captain must be accomplished with celerity, and closely together and cunningly, and not out of disorder or by pieces, a great while one after another, but upon their discharge, jointly together; without rumour, noise or tumult they must all charge again, and upon a sign given by the Captain, give a fresh volley etc.  
He must likewise delight to see them well armed with all sorts of arms, every one according to the weapon he bears: and sometimes likewise exercise them in running, leaping, wrestling, throwing the bar, and ordinarily cause them to be wakened in the morning betimes, charging the drums to strike the Diana throughout the whole quarter.  
A Captain may at all times accompany his band with the sound of drum and fife, which must give order to their continual march, and directs all their other enterprises, unless to accompany prisoners, to entrench, make plain the way, to make and carry faggots, baskets, or gabions from the wood, and such like servile and pesantly service, hardly digested of honourable soldiers.  
He to the intent he may be both loved and obeyed of his soldiers, must apply himself to be provident and politic in pacifying discords, and all such difference as shall arise amongst them, wherein if he find any obstinate, so soon as he hath performed his endeavour, and that thereby they will not agree and become friands, so soon as their pay is ended, he ought to discharge them. In times past it hath been used of notable Colonels to permit the combat, and cause them to fight it out, thereby to extinguish their obstination, to bridle their fury, and give notable example to the rest: the which order although it hath been tried to avail very much for their good government, yet it is not to be used amongst Christians, councils of Divines having forbidden the same; unless to fear the parties he feign that the same shall be performed of them to the uttermost, and at the joining in fight to cause them stay, and take other order of punishment, except they accord, and to discharge them.  
A Captain ought to use all art and industry to invade, endamage, and overthrow the enemy, specially infidels: and above all things to be frank of mind, and to fear nothing but dishonest fame: likewise that he purchase authority amongst his soldiers by means of virtue and valour; let him procure by practice and effectual experience to be accounted a wise and a worthy valiant Captain, rather than to bear the name of a simple, weak, and undiscreet Colonel: for the name of a Captain is a type and title of special honour.  
He must likewise in respect of a certain inward desire of emulation, not carry a base and abject mind, but still aspiring with great subtlety, by good invention and industry, of a firm and faithful disposition, and never subject to forgetfulness, to the intent he may retain in memory those things that be well done, and all commendable enterprises, the which do marvelously and incredibly delight and feed men's minds and dispositions.  
A Captain must ever take care that his whole charge be still furnished with men, armour, weapons and munitions, with all things needful, and distributed at convenient times.  
He must suffer none through idleness to neglect his armour, weapons and other furniture, whereby he shall grow unready to service at need, but give his officers commandment circumspectly to look to the same.  
Soldiers should be prohibited from overmuch liberty, neither to use whorehunting, drunkenness, common swearing, quarreling, fight, cozening, or such like, but speedy correction to be used.  
Provision of victuals, armour & munition being made, it must discreetly be used in due time by victuallers appointed, and to be distributed unto the soldiers, and to see that the victuallers and other artificers, lending unto soldiers upon their credit at need, until their pay day, may be truly satisfied.  
If any soldiers be taken prisoners, to be ransomed home in due time, that his bands remain not unfurnished.  
divers points of service are committed to the Captain, wherein great discretion and service is to be used, as in a Convoy, Canuisado, Ambush, Skirmish, Approach, Assault, retreat, surprise, passage of rivers, straits, sudden fortifications, discoveries, etc. As in these and such like occurrences, it is necessary to use the advise of expert soldiers, whose opinions are worthy to be observed, gratifying and rewarding them according to the value of their counsels. So likewise a Captain must sometimes prove, and circumspectly try by feigned pretences, affirming that he means to perform certain exploits, and will march to some place, nothing intending the same, to the intent to decipher those that be busy-bodies, rash and unsecret in counsel, and such as presume without knowledge or experience; afterward revealing the same, may try the truth and punish the offenders, as to his duty and office is convenient.   

CHAP. VI The Office of a Colonel.  
A Valiant and worthy Colonel, after he hath a lawful dispatch of his Prince, and hath obtained his patent and priest money, to conduct that number of soldiers his charge and expedition shall contain, with all convenient diligence, and according as he is appointed, he must make election of as many Captains as be needful, distributing to every one 300 for a band, which number is of most convenient quantity: for by reducing companies to a less number, as in our time is used, specially amongst the Spaniards and Italians, and followed by the French and English, they may rather carry the name of Lieutenants and Centurions, than bear the title of Captains. Besides a band being made of a small number, the Treasurers consume much more money amongst the great store of officers, the which ought to be by all means possible avoided of a politic General, and of a prudent Prince, to avoid extraordinary expense and confusion, which doth easily arise amongst the multitude of officers.  
He must be provident to entertain those that be old Captains, practised, and bearing a good port, and that be loved and desired of the soldiers, whom he ought to accompany and prefer with the greatest authority he can give, with ample, sealed, and authentic Patents, thereby more speedily and more easily he may accomplish his affairs.  
It is requisite he equally impart to every one, the quantity of that priest money he hath received, to the intent the Captain and the officers arise not to be burdened, taxed, and consumed by ordinary and extraordinary means, and other manifest ways about those affairs; and to the intent the soldiers may taste of benevolence of their Colonel: for by that means credit is sustained, and his train augmented, a thing most necessary to personages that supply so great a place. For it is requisite that men in the beginning be not discouraged for want of necessary provision, yea rather to lend of his own (considering he is to be paid again) than his soldiers should be brought to any extremity.  
The distribution of the prest-money ought to be preferred with great prudence, for afterwards at the bank, the same otherwise may be retained, and substraction made of all the whole money, either in the first pay or those that follow, more or less as it seems expedient, principally for the use and commodity of the soldiers, considering (that according to the Proverb) a man can hardly at any time serve two masters, and therefore he must stand upon this special point, to be more careful not to do any thing prejudicial to the honourable exercise of arms, then to please the covetous and insatiable humour of some Captains, whom in effect it pleasures but little, in respect their greedy desire is never satisfied: Nevertheless it falls out to be a marvelous loss and hindrance to the enterprise, specially to men of valour and soldiers, without whose aid a Colonel is but of small force and value: And to conclude, money must always be procured, dispersed and spent with great discretion, order, and consideration, since the same is so necessary to man, as it is called the sinews of wars.  
It is a thing most requisite that he carry with him at the least, one Minister, a man of good life, who may exemplarly attend about the care of Ecclesiastical matters, wherein above all other things we ought thoroughly to be stayed and instructed.  
He must likewise have in his regiment besides the ordinary Surgeons, an excellent and tried Physician, well provided of all drugs and spiceries, and of other things necessary to be ministered to those that be sick.  
His Lieutenant for his regiment must be of a singular quality and excellent experience, who not only must particularly govern his own band and company, but also with great prudence and policy take care and charge over all the people which are in the bands under his Colonel, wherein the Lieutenant must proceed according to my rules for the Lieutenant of a private band, and the notes in my second and third book. His own Alfierus as General and Superior to the rest of the ensign-bearers under his Collonnelship, must be guided and governed by a singular and substantial soldier, a Gentleman of an ancient house, courteous, wise and endowed with good conditions.  
The same order he ought likewise to observe, in the election of his Cavaliers of the squader, of his Sergeants, of his Corporals, of his Drummers, and every other Officer. It is a thing most necessary and convenient, as in my second book, and the office of a Captain I have touched, that a Colonel should retain in his regiment, and specially in his own band about him, a number of wise and worthy soldiers, to be the Gentlemen of his company, Launce Spezzate, or serve for extraordinary Lieutenants, whom the Colonel must not only use and entreat well with an advantage in their pay, but also feast them, cherish them, and set them oftentimes by course at his own table, and always show them a courteous countenance, with which show of friendly courtesy, soldiers be incredibly fed, and contrariwise marvelously displeased with the haughty looks of proud disdain. For all those that make profession of this worthy Art, are of great curiosity and courage, and therefore men of war ought never (against right) be villainously handled, either in word, deed or countenance.  
He must create a Sergeant Maior, that is a soldier of great experience, and that particularly is a professor of that office, to the end he know precisely what is to be preferred in every practice: such a one as can yield thereof a perfect account and discourse, and that consequently can much better by deed then by word execute any enterprise. And for that in his office it is necessary for him to vary and change purpose, with infinite advertisements and considerations, as the shortness of time now and then requires, the discommodity of the place and seat thereof doth enforce, the order of the enemies doth constrain, or according to his own proper policy, or the provident prudence of his Colonel: but for that this place doth not permit to speak particularly of every point, I will pass over the same, and only refer all to the providence of his long and approved experience, which of necessity is required unto him, which I further refer to my following discourse of the Sergeant Maior general.  
He ought to make a Marshal of his lodgings, who must be his principal Furrier and Harbinger, that must attend with great diligence, to procure lodging for all, without pleasing any one particular person for any private commodity whatsoever, but must equally distribute, and departed the quarters and lodgings according as need requires: neither is it to be borne withal, that he do make free any houses or lodgings, neither go about any such like gain, a most dishonest and unlawful robbery, which oftentimes doth cause great loss & discommodity to men of war, small reputation to their conductor, and great vexation and disturbance to the poor people, who for the most part are innocent. The Colonels Harbinger having allotted out lodgings to every band he must prefer the particular distribution to the under Harbingers.  
A general Drummer ought likewise to be created and appointed, who may take charge and care over all the rest of the Drummers, whose office and custom amongst them is to conserve and keep orders, to the intent they may be obeyed, and that every one perform his duty appertaining to his office, as to strike the battery in marching in battle, or dissevered, to make general bands and cries, in the morning, in the evening at the closing of the night, and in sounding the march, the call, the charge, the battle, the retreat, with such other like observations and necessary things to be done.  
He must procure to have part of every munition for his regiment, out of the principal and general munition, as corselets, pikes, halberds, hargabuses with their furniture, match, lead, powder, of all sort of victual, and each thing else as occasion and necessity requires, which he must cause his Sergeant mayor to distribute amongst his bands, that his soldiers be not exacted on the prize. The like division he must cause him to make by money itself, but never more then that which rests as due to them, as many very maliciously have accustomed to do, making merchandise thereof to the loss and ruin of their soldiers: towards whom they are bound continually to procure manifest commodity and profit. The like is to be observed in all other things necessary and conformable to this before said, without selling of furniture to them of excessive prize, for nothing is more dishonourable or more miserable, then to extort upon soldiers.  
It is very requisite that he examine the election▪ and choice, that every Captain hath made of his Officers in every band, and whether they do thoroughly possess or approach very near to the perfect experience they ought to do, of whom and not otherwise he shall like and allow. Note that these advertisements, make manifest appearance, and sets forth to the view of the world, the inward valour of the conductor and Colonel: for if he neglect these observations, the contrary doth easily ensue. I judge it a thing not out of square, but rather most expedient that the one half of the Cavaliers of the choice squader should be Harquebusiers on horseback, specially when wars be made in large and open countries, or else howsoever it be situate: for being men of valour, they may both on horseback and foot do great service, as often hath been tried by manifest experience in our time, specially in the late wars of Flaunders, under my Colonel the Baron of Sheveran, in service of Don john of Austria, and the Prince of Parma, where I being of the number of the Gentlemen of his own band, have seen daily excellent good service done by them, as well by discovering the enemy's ambuscades, as to draw them into the danger of our footmen. And likewise in the speedy taking and keeping a passage of importance, in winning advertisements and the watchword from the enemy, in taking Prisoners, in breaking the way for free passage, in clearing and beating the highways, and scouring them free from the enemy and Freebooters, in making roads, courses and incursions, in discovering the Country and taking view thereof like to light horsemen, specially in the absence of the Cavalry of the camp. And therefore I conclude that they shall be found to be a knot and kind of necessary soldiers, provided that they be practised, and above all full of valour and aspiring minds, and not to be common soldiers, taken at unawares out of ordinary bands of footmen, neither such as carry a dull, base and abject mind or disposition.  
If the Colonel had the authority to be able to keep together a band with a Standard or Guidon, & a trumpet to them, they would do singular good service, which nevertheless when service on foot did call them forth, might deliver up their horses, lances, and hargabushes with firelocks unto their servants, kept and maintained for that purpose, and enter into rank or battle amongst the rest of the Cavaliers squadre, and so should the ordinary and common custom of having horses amongst private soldiers be avoided, save such as are permitted and granted to some Officers, as in my former discourses I have already declared. The which observation shall bring to pass that the soldiers in marching and in other enterprises shall go together, and be united about the Ensign, which is a thing most convenient and necessary, and ought greatly to be shunned, for that horses by overthwart traversing are accustomed to deface the squares, and break the ranks of the footman's battles, which truly is very odious and of great disturbance and discommodity: but that which I speak of this extraordinary band is to be understood and taken, when there is no ordinary bands of horsemen joined to a Colonel's regiment. He ought to take vigilant care that the Gentlemen of his band and Cavaliers of his squader, being continually about his person do diligently perform, that which they are appointed of him to do by commission or otherwise, and that they make faithful and true relation to him of every particular thing, that he may be ever fully informed of all things, and chief of that which doth pass in the watch worthy and necessary to be noted, as well by day as by night, since that by going the round, which doth appertain principally to these Cavaliers, many things of moment and importance may very well be observed, being able to execute any of the inferior offices, and both quickly conceive and sensibly utter any new accident.  
The Colonel must most carefully with humble courtesy court his Captain general, use great respect towards him, obey him, and give him faithful counsel: and to the end he may perform this thorough well, he must never refuse toil or travel, since that to take pain about matters of like importance, is agreeable and convenient to honourable personages his equals, whereas easy delicacy and curiosity appertains to women, or other effeminate persons, who esteem more of belly-cheer, gallant attire and riches, then of the peerless prize of valour and virtue, and that prefer a frail body before an immortal soul.  
Some hold opinion that a Colonel having to allot out what number of pikes, short weapons, and shot is to be in every band, that it is far better to have but one sort of weapons, so shall the Captain ever accompany his own soldiers, whereas otherwise they being dissevered in a stand-battaile, he must either lose the company of his shot or pikes, the one of them being committed to a Second, and the short weapons to a Third, which doth nothing so much encourage the Soldier, as to see his Captain companion of his perils, and the contrary no less dismayeth him: but for that fought fields chance seldom in our time, I cease to wade further therein, only advertising that amongst the rest of his soldiers, the armed pikes must be gently used, showing them a cheerful and good countenance, who must be chosen men, very hardy and valiant.  
He must procure that his Officers diligently perform his commissions, and that faithfully they make relation of every particular thing, that he may be informed of all, and especially that which happens inwards, as well in the day as in the night, for they going in circuit, as appertains unto them, may well perceive what chanceth of any great importance. So that by observing these advertisements, the industry of the Leader doth appear, whereas not being well looked unto great ruin doth arise.  
To conclude, when his regiment is discharged, either at the end of the wars or otherwise, he ought to take care that he in any wise procure, that they may be conducted wholly together, and afterwards disband them in such a place, as from thence every soldier may easily and without fear transport himself into his own country, and if it be possible, having his health, his arms, and his apparel entire: for otherwise if soldiers be dissevered in far countries, they suffer great inconvenience, in hard and difficile passages, in victuals and lodgings, the which doth cause their destruction, the discredit and dishonour of their conductor, and is a great blot in the fame of our nation, as those that have seen Holland and the Low-countries can witness: wherefore it is a thing to be reform for the increase of our credit and old natural valour.    

THE THIRD BOOK OF MILITARY Directions: Containing the exercise of training or Drilling: and also the manner of arming both Pike and Musket, according to the custom allowed in these days within this Realm of England, with certain other Observations.  

CHAP. I. First for the arming of a Pikeman.  
IT is necessary that his corselet and gorget be fit for his body, as also that his Tasses and powdrels or arme-pipes be large and suitable, all these to be strongly buckled and riveted, well oiled and bright, than a murrain or headpiece well lined, and fringed, agreeable to the same: then a strait pike of a middle size, of 15 foot of length, with a sharp iron pike or point at the end, of the right Spanish fashion, well oiled and bright.  
Then that he have a good backsword with an Irish basket hilt, and hanged in a strong belt.  
Note that all Pikes of the same company ought to be of one length, otherwise if they disagree, they will be uncomely, and seem to the beholders like unto Organ-pipes, which be of different lengths. Moreover, they are very unprofitable for service, for they will greatly trouble each other, and especially the huge and long pikes, and therefore are to be refused. Likewise a short pike is not good in a main square, neither in camp or battle, except it be in straight and narrow places.  

Secondly, for the ordering and arming of a Musketeere.  
IT is convenient that the barrel or canon of his piece be in length four foot at the least, clean and sound, with a strait and right bore, having a close stock and well joined thereunto, of a right Spanish making: Then that the cock of his piece be swift and well oiled, bearing a true deliverance to the midst of the pan, the touchhole neither too great or too narrow, the pan close, the eyesight true, and then having a strong breech-peece, look that all these instruments be well screwed, and especially the breech-peece: A charging rod or stick of a meet length to the barrel of the piece, the same to have a worm or a scowrer at the one end, the other end thereof tipped with a horn.  
Then foresee that he have a Bandoleer with 16 or 18 chargers or mates at the least, hanged thereunto, with strong laces, with a priming charger or mate, and also a bullet bag and priming wire: then a Rest of a fit size and length breast or chin high, with a trail lace fastened thereat, together with a headpiece or murrain, and sword in all points provided as is aforesaid.    

CHAP. II. The Office of the Muster-Master, both necessary and profitable, when a Prince or his General have divers Regiments of several Nations under pay.  
THe Muster-Master also may be accounted an Officer as it were dependent on the Treasurer, for that his duty is nothing else, but by often reviewing of the bands, to see how every captains band is furnished (according to my former directions for the arming both pike and musket) noting the defaults from time to time, and the supplies; and thereof to make a perfect book, exhibiting the same at the pay day to the Treasurer, that allowance may be made to the Colonels and Captains accordingly. When he first takes the view and muster of any band, he must not only write down the name of the soldier and his weapon, but also of what Country he is, the towns name where he was borne, and his father's name, and what years he is of: and finally shall take special care to set down, some special mark or cicatrice upon his face, together with the colour of his hair and beard: to the intent, his Prince be not charged with paying of dead pays, to such as be hired but for that day, as many Captains use to fill their purses with unlawful gains.   

CHAP. III. A Rule to set Soldiers in array.  
THe Footmen being assembled at the place where they are to be set in array: First, you must foresee, that the ground be fit and capable for the purpose, that the array may commodiously turn to the right or left hand, as much as may be nevertheless, according to the number of soldiers you have, you are to proceed in this sort as followeth.  
First, to wit that all the soldiers of a band of footmen are bound by the law of Arms, forthwith and as soon as they shall hear the Drum beat a Call to repair to the Colours, under pain etc. except that sickness be the cause thereof; or that having a licence or forelofe they may thereby excuse themselves. But to return: you are to begin in this order following: First, you are to draw the pikes by themselves on the one side, together with the Ensign: and upon the other side all the musketeers, somewhat aloof distant from the pikes, beginning to make the musketeers march so many in a rank as you list, parting them nevertheless according to their number: you may put them from 3 to 12 in a rank; for it is not often seen that more than 11 is put in a rank, how great soever the number of the footmen be: neither in troth ought they to be any more than 11 in a rank: for when they pass 11 or 12 they are not to be accounted an array, but rather a battle: I have omitted to write herein of the placing of my officers belonging to a company of footmen, you shall find it plainly set down in the march, and at the beginning of the exercise of training: so to return, having then placed the number of musketeers you shall think good of to be in a rank, you shall cause them to march in good proportion, sending forth one rank after an other; the Sergeant standing still on the one side, causing them to pass before him, judging by the eyesight from Rank to Rank of all the soldiers, one by one, whether they be right in line, observing true distance: and also that they carry their Arms in warlike order; for this is the beauty of an array. Moreover the Sergeant having special respect to accommodate and place at the head of the array, the Gentlemen of the company, and also the Corporals which carry muskets; placing next unto them the best men, and the best furnished soldiers; and placing also at the Rear of the battle your best men, and the rest of your best armed; to the intent the array may show the better: forasmuch as when they are divided into array, the musketeers from the pikemen, and that they turn their faces; then the back part or Rear is made the front: therefore the Rear ought to be as well furnished as the front, as I have said before in the duty of a Sergeant: the which if you desire to do, it is necessary you put in the midst of the Ranks the weakest and worst furnished; advertising the Sergeant that the soldiers are best furnished, when they have all sorts of Arms and furniture that be necessary for them: and there appertains to a musketier good match, fire-cole, powder and bullet, and moreover l'assine. And this is to be observed with all speed and diligence that the time or occasion doth carry, and the suspicion of the enemy doth import.  

Here next is demonstrated the distance observed betwixt Rank and rank, man and man, both in marching, and also in main battle.  
FIrst both pikes and muskets are to be ordered into files of 10 deep, the musketeers in marching are sometimes placed in the front, sometimes in the front and sometimes in the Rear of the pikes, but most commonly being in single array they are to march both in the Front and Rear: In main battle the soldiers are placed sometimes in the right flank, sometimes in both the flanks; and sometimes it will be commanded that they be brought in the Front of the battle, and also in the Rear.  
In exercising the motions there are two distances to be kept.  
The first is when every one is distant from his fellow 6 foot square; that is, in File and rank 6 foot.  
The second is when every soldier is 3 foot distant one from another, as well in File as in Rank: And in respect the measure of such distances cannot always be taken evenly by the rack of the eye; the distance of 6 foot between the files is measured, when the soldiers stretching out their arms, do touch one another's hands: and betwixt the Ranks, when that the ends of their pikes come very near to the hams of them that march before them: And the distance of 3 foot betwixt the Files is when their elbows touch one another: and betwixt their Ranks when they come to touch the ends of one another's Rapiers or swords. In marching in the field the distance of 3 foot from File to File is kept, and of 6 foot from Rank to Rank, when the soldiers order themselves in battle; and also when they march towards the enemy, the distance of 3 foot both in File and rank is to be observed. And likewise in conversion or wheeling. The musketeers making ready to shoot by ranks keep the same distance of 3 foot, but going to skirmish they go a la disabande, that is, out of order.  
There is also used another order of distance; which is seldom observed but for to receive the enemy with a firm stand, and serveth for the pikes only: for the musketeers cannot stand so close in files, because they must have their arms at liberty, and that is, when every distance from file to file is a foot and a half, and 3 foot from Rank to Rank: and this last distance is thus commanded: Close yourselves thoroughly. But it is not to be taught the soldiers: for that when necessity shall require it, they will close themselves too much of their own accord without command.   

How Pikes are to be raised up and abased in closing and opening of a battle.  
I Will not omit to put in memory unto them that know not of the particulars of those things and order that are required in making a battle of footmen. Therefore those which would make a battle of footmen, must be advertised that in shutting up the said battle, the ranks of pikes as well armed as unarmed, must not raise up confusedly, but with order; that is, when the Sergeant mayor, Captain, or Lieutenant shall say: Raise or right up your Pikes, than it is requisite that the first and foremost Rank must begin to raise up itself: and that the second do not move to raise up itself till the first be raised up: and so the third and fourth: the same order is to be observed in all the other Ranks, from one Rank to an other.  
The like Rule is to be observed by them in laying down of their pikes upon their shoulders: for so much as Rank by Rank, in order and without confusion they ought to let fall their pikes; appointing the first Rank to fall after the second, the third after the fourth: and so is all the rest of the Ranks to follow the same order, till the hindermost Rank of all: And by observing that order, they cannot commit disorder, but rather make a gallant show, and prevent many confusions.   

How Pikes are to be carried in array, march, or battle, with also other necessary notes.  
THose that are appointed to carry pikes in array of Ranks or battle, must know that pikes amongst all other weapons that belong to soldiers is of greatest honour and credit: And truly whosoever doth carry and manage the same weapon well, and with good grace, doth make a very beautiful and pleasant show to the beholders; and chief when it is carried with a good grace, as I have said before, and with il combedo alto. And as touching the observation of shouldering of pikes, to wit, that there is a new order observed in the Low Countries now of late; the Commanders there will have the pikes to be carried upon the right shoulder, and not to remove or change to the left shoulder at all.  
Note also that the Pikeman do march then with a good grace holding up his head gallantly: his pace full of gravity and estate, and such as is fit for his person: And let his body be strait and as much upright as is possible: And that which most imports is that they have always their eyes upon their companions which are in rank with them; and before them: going just one with the other: and keeping perfect distance without committing error in the least pace or step: and every pace and motion with one accord and consent; they ought to make at one instant time: And in this sort all the ranks entirely are to march sometimes softly sometimes fast according to the strokes of the drum: the heel and the tip of their pikes would be equally holden: both of length and height as near as is possible: to avoid that they fall not out to be seem by bearing them otherwise like unto Organ-pipes some long some short. The measure and property thereof: to hold the heel of the pike is this; it is necessary for him to have an eye to the rank that doth march before him: and so carry the Butt-end or heel of his pike that it may be just over against the joint of the ham of the soldier that in march shall be strait before him: And so every one from hand to hand must observe the proportion of that height: And that is, right behind upon the joint of the knee: for by doing so they cannot commit error; carrying in their march that leg that is under that arm that sustains and carries the Pike of just and even proportion: by moving their pace right-under the staff of the pike: going in their march as I have said before: just and even with a stately and sumptuous pace, for by doing so they shall be esteemed, honoured and commended of all the Looker's on, and they will take wonderful delight to behold them march in that order: And whereas I have said before that the Soldiers should march forward with one consent: I mean not only that the Pike men ought to observe that order: but also that the musketeares are to follow the same rule of order: because that the whole company must be ready to march forward at one instant time observing the true strokes or battery of the drum, which active observation may well be compared to a Dancer; for the one by hearing his music is prepared to tread the measure answerable to the time: And the other by hearing the warlike and comfortable stroke of the drum: is ready to advance his pace and march forward.  
The Officer is to pace towards his people, so to give the word, and so to lead march, and also observing the strokes of the drum, the first rank being the file leaders it to follow their Leader: The second rank every one to follow his pile-leader also: The third, fourth and fift ranks; and so the rest with one consent.  
I hold it therefore both convenient and needful for all men that follow the wars, to learn all the warlike sounds that the Drummer beats, as the call, the march, to draw up maine-battell, the charge, the retire, to troop, to wheel about which is also a charge, then and lastly the diana. And whereas every nation do differ the one from the other in the battery of their drums, and chief in the sound of their march every nation or Province do also differ in the mark of their colours, for that they bear in their colours the proper Arms or Scutcheon of the Nation under which they do serve. But to return, let a soldier be diligent to learn, as I said before, the strokes of the drum: And chief to understand the usual strokes of march which the drum beat in the regiment wherein he beareth arms: he must also take notice of the marks that are upon the colours; especially of the Ensign which he serveth under, the knowledge whereof may serve his turn so well that it may save his life, for by night being in fight with the enemy, and being also ignorant of the sound of drum, he may aswell fall into the hands of his enemies as otherwise, which may cost him his life: Then as touching his Ensign the soldier being scattered from his company in marching, or otherwise in fight, and if it be by daylight he may perceive his own colours far off. To wit, that both drums and mischiefs were first invented by the Swissers, wherewith they will even live and die in all manner of fight. The Almains also invented a pipe which is called by them Schalmeyen. Some nations when they do fight a pitched field by reason of the tumult, and rumour that will grow amongst the soldiers, they have trumpets to give the charge, which yieldeth great comfort to the soldiers in regard that they hear the echo and sound of the trumpets so plain, that in all distress they do not only keep together, but also know their charge. Therefore in foreign Countries the footmen are as well acquainted in all points of war which the said trumpets do use to sound that they know their charge even as well as horsemen do. But to return to the matter aforesaid: the Turk when he doth either expect the charge given him by his enemies, or when he will give a charge etc. it will be commanded that a Drummer shall ride from rank to rank to give the soldiers notice by a soft sound: And as touching marching, it is to be understood that some kind of march is a right induction; other some a deduction on the right or left hand; and that in single, double, triple, or quadruple sided battle: in a single when one enemy is feared; in a double when two; in a triple when three; and in a quadruble when the enemy purposeth to invade on all sides: Therefore the march is undertaken sometimes in a single challenge, and sometimes in a twofold challenge, or else in a threefold challenge, or in a fourfold challenge. The soldiers, both Pikemen and Musketeares are to be divided into companies, and every company is to consist half of pikes, and half of musketeares.  
The companies happen and fall out sometimes to be more in number, and sometimes less; some extend to 100 men, some 200. some 300. some 400. and so forth till 800 men or more. Every company ought to have these Officers following: a Captain, a Lieutenant, an Ensign, two Sergeants, three Corporals, two Drums; but by the opinion of many worthy soldiers, every hundredth men ought to have a Drum; the reason whereof I omit to speak thereof in this place, and return to the matter: it will be needful for a Captain to have in his company for necessary uses a Clerk, a Surgeon, and a Provost. Companies are drawn into Regiments, and the Regiments are ever to be commanded by Colonels: Regiments do sometimes likewise differ in the number of companies, some consist of 6. some of 7. some of 8. or 10. some 15. etc. In the ordering, and managing of every regiment is to be required a Colonel etc.   

Certain words to be used of the Officers that train.  
WHen any Officer determines to exercise his company to train, or drill them, he must cast them into a ring, the double or single bissa, the Roman S or such like necessary form, and use these or the like words as hear followeth: My loving friends, fellows, and companions in arms, we be gathered together for the service of God, his holy Church, our Prince and Country; and for that none through ignorance shall perish or run in danger of the Laws of the Field, you shall from time to time, by me or other Officers of the Band be instructed by words or deeds in such sort, and points, as to your calling and the necessity of service shall require, the which you must diligently observe, and follow, though the same shall seem unto you many times, both dangerous and painful: also if any of you, my fellows shall find an occasion convenient to declare to me, or any other Officer, his mind and opinion in any thing beneficial touching service, we shall diligently hear, and gratify the party the double value thereof; and God willing Equity and justice shall be ministered; also regard that all Soldiers know, and obey their Officers in their place, according to their calling.  
The first thing of moment in the motion of a Company is how they should orderly march, and how their Officers should be rightly placed, the which I have demonstrated in the figure on the other side, according as it is practised in the Low-countries, the school of war: First the Captain, marcheth in the Front, and leads the company, whose place is marked with C: which is six foot distant before the first division of muketeares. The Lieutenant is to march in the Rear of the second division of Musketeares, marked with L: six foot distant behind the same. The Ensign is to march with the colours six foot behind the first division of Musketeares, and six foot before the first division of pikes, marked with the letter E. The eldest Sergeant is to march six foot behind the first division of pikes, and six foot before the second division of pikes, marked with S. 1. The second Sergeant is to march six foot behind the second division of pikes, and six foot before the second division of musketeares, marked with S. 2. the drums beat between the third and fourth ranks, marked with D: The chiefest beats in the first division of pikes; The second in the first division of musketeares; And the third drum beats in the second division of musketeares: The pikes and muskets march six foot in file, and three in rank, every division consists of ten ranks and five files, all which is made plain in the next figure following.  

The order how a Company should march.  

Leaders.  
First division of Musketieres'.  
Bringers up.  
Leaders.  
First division of Pikes.  
Bringers up.  
Leaders.  
Second division of Pikes.  
Bringers up.  
Leaders.  
Second division of Muskets.  
Bringers up.   
AFter that the company hath marched in such order as aforesaid in the former figure, than the first division of shot (when they are come to the place where they should exercise, train, or drill) makes a stand; and the first division of the pikes marcheth up to the front with them, on the left hand: Then the second division of the pikes marcheth up to the front with the first division of pikes, on the left hand of them also: lastly, the second division of musketeers marcheth up on the left hand of the second division of pikes: which done they are commanded to stand right in their files, and right in their ranks, at 6 foot distance, and commanded, silence, that every one may hear the words of command, and be ready to execute the same. The figure on the other side pag. 149 showeth the form and station of the company, all things performed as aforesaid: note the distance is reckoned from the middle part of a man.  

Front  
left flank  
〈…〉  
Rear    

To the right hand.  
The Company standing right in their files and ranks, at six foot distance (as in the figure before) unto which the Captain hath an eye in the front, and the Lieutenant in the Rear, and the sergeant in the flanks; the sergeant having an ear to the Captain are ready to inform the company what he commands: then the Captain commands them to turn to the right hand; and then they move all together, keeping their left foot fixed, and moving with the right foot only; and having performed it; the front is where the right hand flank was; as in the figure pag. 151 is plainly demonstrated.  
Note that in or at their facing to any quarter, the pikes are (to avoid weariness) ordered; and the muskets shouldered for ease and fitness. The reason of this motion is to make the company perfect to be suddenly prepared for a charge in the right hand, flank or wing.   

As you were.  
Having stood a while according to the form in the former figure, the Captain commands, As you were, and then they move all towards the left hand, till their faces are turned to the first Front, according to the demonstration, pag. 153.  
  

To the left hand.  
BEcause the enemy may sometimes charge on the left hand flank, therefore that you may suddenly be ready to defend yourselves, and for divers other reasons this motion is used, to turn to the left hand, which is done by moving the right foot, the left foot standing still till your faces front towards the left hand flank, according to the demonstration, pag. 155.  
  

As you were.  
THen having performed the aforesaid motion, the Captain Commands; As you were: and then they move all towards the right hand, till they are turned to the first Front, according to the demonstration pag. 157.  
  

To the right hand about.  
BEcause there may be a charge given in the Rear, therefore is this Motion to be practised, to turn towards the right hand (the left foot remaining fixed) till your faces front to that Quarter which was before the Rear; and then will they be ready to receive the Enemy and defend themselves: this form is demonstrated in the next side, marked with the number of 159.  
  

To the left hand as you were.  
Having performed the former Motion, the Captain commands them, To the left hand as you were; and then they move all towards the left hand, the left foot remaining fixed, until their faces are turned to the former front: according to that of pag. 161.  
  

To the left hand about.  
BEcause it is sometimes more convenient to turn to the left hand, then to the right, therefore this Motion is also used; which is to turn towards the left hand, till their faces front to the Rear: according to the figure in the pag. 163.  
  

To the right hand as you were.  
Having performed the former Motion, the Captain command's them, To the right hand as you were; and then they turn all towards the right hand, until their faces are towards the first Front, as in the figure pag. 165.  
  

To the right hand double your Ranks.  
BEcause there will be an occasion sometimes to strengthen the Front; it may one way be done thus: when all in the second Rank march up into the first Rank, to the right or left hand, according to the command (as here to the right hand) and all in the fourth Rank march up into the third, and so of the rest, as in the Example or Figure, pag. 167. Where you may perceive by the letters marked with a Star, that the motion is to the right hand: and the Stars in the second, fourth, sixth, eighth, and tenth Ranks show the places from whence they moved: and the figures in the  flank demonstrating the number of your Ranks which did move, being ten Ranks, as you may perceive thereby.  
  

Ranks as you were.  
Having performed the former motion, the Captain commands, Ranks as you were; and then every one marcheth into his own place, all at one instant, and so are again like the form in the figure, pag. 169.  
  

To the left hand double your Ranks.  
THis Motion differeth nothing in effect from that pag. 167. but that there those that doubled, did it to the right hand of their Leaders, and here they do it to the left hand: which is plain by the Stars in the Figure, pag. 171.  
  

Ranks as you were.  
THe former motion performed, the Captain commands, Ranks as you were; and then every one that doubled, marcheth into his own place or Rank, and so are in form again, according to the figure, pag. 173.  
  

BEcause that there was an odd file of musketeares, in either flank and wing of my former figures, and being desirous to make the double files perfect without intermixing the pikes with the shot, I was forced therefore to change the form of the Company, and to place all the Musketeares in the Right hand flank of the Pikes, according to the demonstration in the other side marked with the number of 175.  
Note then to alter the form of the former station, and to bring the Company into the form, set down in the other side, (as I said before) you are to do as followeth. First you are to lead forth the Right wing of shot, than the first division of Pikes, which be in the right hand flank of the second division of pikes, and march with them to stand just against the first division of musketeares, on the left hand of them, leaving a space to place the second division of shot between them both; than you are to march up with the second division of Pikes to stand on the left hand of the first division of Pikes: Lastly, the second division of Musketeares, marcheth up to stand on the left hand of the first division of Musketeares, which will be on the right hand of the first division of Pikes: which done, they are commanded to stand right in their Files, and right in their Ranks, at six foot distance, and commanded silence, that so every one may hear the words of Command, and to be ready to execute the same. etc.  
Front.  
Rear.   

To the right hand double your files.  
BEcause there may be occasion of strengthening the Flanks, as also for other purposes, these words of Command are used, To the right hand double your Files; which is thus performed: All the second file, from the right hand, march every one behind his side-man, into the first (or right hand) File, and so the fourth File into the third, and the sixth into the fift, etc. which is done of all at one instant after the command is given. The order whereof is plainly demonstrated in the Figure marked with 177. In which you may perceive by the Stars, from, and to what place each man marcheth. The Stars are only set down in the first and second Files, but you are to understand the same order in the third and fourth Files, and so of all the rest. etc.  
  

Files as you were.  
Having performed the former Motion, the Captain commands them, Files as you were; and then all those which doubled, return unto their own proper places: the which is plainly demonstrated in the Figure marked with 179. by the Stars in the first and second Files, the which order you must conceive in the third and fourth, fift and sixth, etc.  
  

To the left hand double your files.  
THis Motion differeth little from that marked with 177. but that here the Motion is to the left hand, as there it was to the right hand: so that those Files which moved then, stand still now; and those which stood still then, move now: all which is so plainly demonstrated by the Stars in the figure marked with 181. that it needs no further explanation.  
  

Files as you were.  
THe former Motion orderly performed, the Captain commands, Files as you were; and then those which doubled, return into their proper places: according as you may plainly understand by the figure pag 183. in which the Stars demonstrate both from what place they come, and whither they march.  
  

Having performed the doubling of Files in all points and orders demonstrated in my figures before this, which was done with the shot in the right hand flank of the pikes: hereafter followeth the exercise in the very same form and station of the Company where with I began the exercise of training: the which Musketeers are divided and placed in both the flanks of the pikes, according to the figure in the next side, pag. 185.  
  

Half Files to the right hand double your Ranks.  
IN the figure, pag. 166. was showed one way how that upon occasion the Front might be strengthened: here is another form of strengthening the same; which requireth two demonstrations or Figures for explanation. In the first marked with D. is showed the manner of acting this Motion; and in the second marked with E. is demonstrated the action performed: wherein you may perceive how the sixth Rank, or as some improperly call them, middle men, doubleth the first Rank, the seventh the second Rank, the eight the third Rank, the ninth the fourth Rank, and the tenth the fift Rank. Note that in performing this motion, the half files of Pikes that doubled, advance their Pikes till they have doubled, and then order them.  

D  
E    

Half Files as you were.  
WHen they have performed the former Motion, according to the direction, the Captain commands, Half Files as you were; and then the half Files advance their Pikes, and fall back with their right leg, and so march into their proper places: and then they are again ten deep at six foot distance; according to the demonstration pag. 189. Note that in turning into their places, every one ought to turn to the right hand, which is both easier, and more pleasing to the eye, then turning to the left hand.  
  

Half Files to the left hand double your Ranks.  
THis Motion differeth nothing in effect from that before demonstrated in the 187. Figure: the difference only is, that here the half Files which move, march up to the left hand of the half Files that stand, whereas according to those Figures they marched up to the right hand of them. The Figures marked pag. 191. make this very plain.  
  

Half Files as you were.  
Having performed the former Motion, the Captain commands, Half Files as you were; and then the Half Files which doubled, advance their Pikes, and fall back with their right leg, to be clear, of their Sidemen, and so march into their proper places, turning into the same towards the left hand: which done, they will be in the form marked with 193.  
  

Files to the Right hand Countermarch.  
WHen a charge is expected in the Rear, and it being thought convenient, to have the Leaders of files to be in the places of the bringers up, because they are men best able to receive the enemy, it may be performed in this manner: The Captain commands, Files to the right hand Countermarch, and then the Leaders of Files advancing with their right leg, turn to the right hand, and march down towards the Rear, all the body of the company moving together; and so the second rank, turning as the Front or Leaders of the files did, when they have marched up to the place where the front was; and so doth the third, fourth, and fift ranks, etc. The manner whereof is plainly demonstrated in the figure marked with B. and the figure marked with C. showeth the motion performed.  

B  
C    

Files to the left hand Countermarch.  
THis Motion differeth nothing in use from the former; the difference of acting it is only, that there they advance with the right leg, and turn to the right hand: and here they advance with the left leg and turn to the left hand: The manner of doing this is demonstrated in the next page marked with G. And the thing done in that marked with H. And therefore needs no further explanation.  

G  
H    


The Postures of the Pike.  
HAndle your Pike.  
Advance your Pike.  
Shoulder your Pike.  
To the right hand charge.  
As you were.  
To the left hand charge.  
As you were.  
To the Front charge.  
As you were.  
To the Rear charge.  
As you were.  
Advance your Pike.  
port your Pike.  
Comport your Pike.  
Trail your Pike.  
Cheek your Pike.  
Advance your Pike.  
To your funeral posture trail your Pike.  
Recover your Pike.  
Order your Pike.  
Your open order at foot.  
Your close order at foot.  
To the Front charge.  
To the right hand charge.  
To the right hand charge.  
To the right hand charge.  
To the right hand charge.  
Order your Pike.  
Advance your Pike.  
Lay down your Pike.  
Take up your Pike.  
Shoulder your Pike.  
Slope your Pike.  
Level your Pike.  
Trail your Pike.  
Recover your Pike.  
Charge your Pike, and advance your ground.  
Retreat charging.  
Advance your Pike.  
Lay down your Pike.    


The Postures of the Musket.  
HAndle your Musket.  
Lay down your Musket.  
Lay down your bandeleers.  
Hold your Rest in your left hand.  
Take up your bandeleers with your right hand.  
Put on your bandeleers.  
Take up your Musket.  
Bring your Rest to your Musket.  
Open your pann.  
Prime your pann.  
Shut your pann.  
Cast off your lose powder.  
Bear over your Musket into your left hand.  
Trail your Rest.  
Charge your Musket.  
Draw forth your scouring stick.  
Short your scouring flick against your right side.  
Ram down your powder.  
Draw forth your scouring stick.  
Short your scouring stick.  
Return your scouring stick.  
Bring forward your Musket into your right hand.  
Recover your Rest.  
poised your Musket.  
Bring your Rest to the right side of your Musket.  
Bear your Rest and Musket in your left hand.  
Draw your match.  
Blow your match.  
Cock your match.  
Try your match.  
Guard your pann.  
Blow your match.  
Present to the Front.  
Give fire.  
Take down your Musket.  
Vncock your match.  
Return your match.  
Blow your pann.  
Prime your pann.  
Shut your pann.  
Shoulder your Musket carrying your Rest in your left hand.  
Slope your Musket.  
unshoulder your Musket.  
Rest your Musket.  
Stand to your saluting Posture.  
Lay down your Musket.    

The first order of exercising Musketeers.  
FIrst understand that they are three foot in File and three foot in Rank, having a division in the midst of six foot; then the Captain bids the two first Ranks, Make ready, and marcheth with them some five or six paces before the rest of the Company, and bids the first Rank Give fire; which it doth, and then marcheth away, turning to the right hand, the one half marching by the right hand flank, and the other half through the midst of the body, and so fall every one into his own File in the Rear: and then the Captain commands the second Rank to give fire, which performs all as aforesaid; and then two Ranks more advance in the former order, and so they may continue discharging with ten Ranks a long time. The Demonstration pag. 201. makes this very plain, to which I refer you for speculation. This order is of great use to win ground upon an enemy.  
  

The second Order of Exercising Musketeers.  
IN the former Demonstration was showed an Order of winning ground upon an enemy; in this the contrary of losing ground, or retraiting is showed, and yet to offend the enemy. The distances and division being observed as in the former Figure, the Captain in the Rear commands, To the right hand about and give fire; and then the Rank in the Rear performs the same, and presently after they march into the Front, every man into his own File; the one half march on the left hand File, and the other half through the midst of the body. Then the Captain commands again, To the right hand about, and give fire; which the Rank then in the Rear performs, as aforesaid, and so forth infinitely: all which in the Demonstration pag. 203. is made plain and easy.  
  

The third Order of exercising Musketeers.  
THe whole Company being three foot distant in Files and Ranks (without any division as aforesaid) the Captain marching in the Front, commands, Right Flank to the right hand & give fire; & then the right hand File turneth towards the right hand, and performs the same, and the rest of the body continues marching till they be clear of that File which gave fire: and then the Captain commands again as before; which the then right File performs, the rest of the body marching: and so in like manner, till all the Files have discharged. The order hereof is demonstrated pag. 205. If there be occasion to discharge on the left hand flank, the same order is to be observed as on the right hand flank. Note that when the second File hath discharged, that then the first File marcheth up to Front with it: and both those with the third File when it hath discharged, and so forth till all front with the last File: and then they are ready to discharge again, if occasion require.  
  

The fourth Order of Exercising Muskettieres.  
THis fourth way in use, is all one with the third order; the difference is only in the manner of performing the same; for according to this order the depth of the Company is divided by making the fift and sixth Ranks six foot distance each from other. The Captain marching in the Front, commands, Right Flank to the right hand and give fire, which the right File doth; and then half thereof march through the Division, and the other half in the Rear, and so march on the left hand of the left hand flank, every man into his own Rank: the order whereof is plainly demonstrated in the Figure marked pag. 207.  
  

The fift Order of Exercising Muskettieres.  
THis Order is another kind of losing ground; the Captain in the Front commands, Make ready altogether, and then saith to the first Rank, give fire: which done, the one half of that Rank marcheth down into the Rear, on the right hand of the right hand flank, and the other half through the midst of the body (which for that end is divided) every man falling into his own File. Then the Captain saith likewise to the second Rank, Give fire, which it doth, and falls into the Rear, as the first did, and so the third, fourth, fift, etc. The manner whereof is demonstrated in the Figure marked with 209. Note that here the whole body stands still, and are only in motion by particular Ranks, when they have discharged, till they come again into their proper Files in the Rear, and then stand still again, till they have redischarged.  
  

Close your Files both ways at a foot and half.  
IF a charge of Horse be expected, than the foot are to be in the closest order; which is one foot and a half in Rank, and three foot in File. The words of command for closing Files are divers; as Close your Files to the right hand: or, Close your Files to the left hand: or, Close your Files both ways: the last whereof is most commonly used, and therefore I have demonstrated that order, as you may perceive in the Figure marked pag. 211.  
Note also, that because I desired to observe the distances precisely in all the Figures, that therefore the Printer was forced to change the Letters in this and some other Figures, and in steed of M. for Muskettiere, hath placed S. for Shot: which I thought good to give notice of for thy better understanding.   

Close your Ranks at three foot.  
THe Files being closed, at a foot and half demonstrated in the Figure marked in pag. 211 the Captain than commands, Close your Ranks at three foot, or, at Sword's point; which is the closest order for Ranks: the which is plainly demonstrated in the Figure marked in pag. 213.  
  

To the right hand, wheel.  
Upon occasion of the Enemies charge on the right hand flank, to receive him with the most able men, which are usually in the Front; it may be performed by commanding them, To the right hand wheel; and then the Leader of the right hand File standeth fixed, only turning his body, and all the rest move upon him as the centre: according to the Demonstration pag. 215. Note that the Officers must be very careful to command and see them to keep their distances in Rank and File, without which, this Motion will not be gracefully acted.  
  

To the left hand, wheel.  
THis Motion differeth from the former pag. 215 only in this; that here the Leader of the left hand File standeth fixed, as there the Leader of the right hand File did: which by the form of the Demonstration marked with A. you may easily understand.  
THere is another way which I have seen Grave Maurice his guard to wheel, viz. to move upon the middle of the Front, and then if they wheel to the right hand, All to the right hand of the middle of the Front go backwards, and the rest forward: and if they wheel to the left hand, than all to the left hand of the middle of the Front go backwards, and the rest forwards. All which is most plainly understood by observing the Demonstration marked with B. In which and the two former Figures is a Star placed near the centre, on which the Company moves.  
A  
B   

Open your Ranks backwards.  
TO open the Ranks, understand that the Front or first Rank standeth still, and the other nine Ranks fall backwards altogether, till the second Rank be six foot distant from the Front, and then it stands still, and the rest of the body moves till the third Rank be six foot distant from the second Rank, and so till the fourth Rank be distant six foot from the third, and all the rest of the Ranks in order. The manner whereof I have demonstrated in the Figure marked M. and the thing done in the Figure marked N.  

M  
N    

Open your Files both ways.  
IN opening the Files, half the body moves towards the right hand, and the other half towards the left hand, in gross; and then the two middlemost Files when they are 6 foot distant, stand still, & the rest of the body continues moving both ways, till the next two Files are distant six foot from the former which stood still: and so the Motion continues in this order till all the Files have taken their distance of six foot each from other. The manner whereof is demonstrated in the Figure marked with E. and the thing done in the Figure marked with F.  
Thus much for the manner of exercising footmen, fully performed, after the right order and modern use of Theoric Rules, accustomed in these days.  
Now lastly you are to lead forth your soldiers by five and five in Rank, in like order as is set down in the Figure of the order how a Company should march. Note that the Captain marching out of the field, most commonly doth march in the Rear of his Company, and his Lieutenant in the Front, the rest of the Officers are to march in like order as is demonstrated in the order of march, except you do troup out of the Field; for than you are to alter etc. howsoever you are to conduct the Colours to the place where they are to be laid up, where having made a guard, the Captain and his Officers repairing to the Colours, being within the said guard, and towards the Front, he saith to the Drum or Drums, Beat up a discharge, which being done, (with sometimes a volley of shot given) and the Colours wrapped and folded up, every man departs to his home. etc.  
E  
F     
FINIS.