IT is free from all doubt or suspicion that multitudes may coniecture me to haue suffe­red more then sufficient trauaile in this en­terp ise: To wit, This description of Warres & Martiall affaires, primarily in regard that they haue euer had the estimation of plagues and punishments, and to the Palats of some persons apprehension are so distastfull, that it is the most perni­cious, superlatiue, and malignant of all mischiefes, being aswell accompted an affliction to the harmelesse as to the hurtfull, to the innocent as to the iniurious: for by it wholesome lawes and salutiferous Precepts are violated, Humanity defaced, Iustice peruerted and suppressed, Pious places are prophaned, Horryd murthers committed, vndefiled Virgins desloured, chast modest Matrons defiled, spacious Kingdomes subuerted, great Cities subdued and ruinated. As Numace admired for the valour, Co­rinth famous for the magnificence, Thebes vnparalleld for the [Page 2]statelinesse of the building and edifices. delicate Tyre accom­plisht, Athens, holy Ierusalem, Contentious Carthage, Antwerp, and in this our moderne and miserable age, Prague the Palati­nate, and Breda now languishing in the like misery, the which with diuers of her companyons by the meanes of warres haue bin sacked and spoyled, robbed and ruinated, & oftentimes layd wast and desolate, and therefore it is but meerely a punishment inslicted by God, vpon some place for some notable sinne and heauy affliction, being vsed of him as a corasiue to eate out the dead flesh of security, the onely meanes to humble vs for our owne sinnes, and to reduce vs from the following of our owne corruptions to the fauouring of Christian religion.

A Secondary cause which induceth me to suspect, that this my work is likely to be rackt with many a rash censure, is this, viz. That as it is obuious in it selfe: so it is odious in respect of the instruments which are vsed in it, as the professors and fol­lowers of it are in such meane respect and estimation, as they are rather deemed sit for Ruffians, Roy sters, and people of a vile abiect condition, rather then an exercise for honest holy men of conscionable conuersation: who neyther beare any zeale to Gods glory, nor any affection to theyr brothers good: in so much as it is Cornelius Agrippas assertion, that if you desire to see a true Tyrant, a Prophaner, or a Murtherer, a Robber, a Ra­uisher, a Desiourer, if you would haue all these seuerall conditi­ons in one singular person, and if you desire to include all this matter in one word, it is comprehended in this one name Soul­dier.

But to the end we may addresse our Treatie to our intended Subiect, viz. WARR, because I know many be so scrupulous and tender consciences, as they deeme them absolutely vnlaw­full. I held it not fruitelesse and of no small import and conse­quence to produce some proofe, aswell out of Scripture as other wryters, to shew the lawfullnesse and good approbation of Military proceedings euen by God himselfe.

I could here produce whole cloudes of Testymonies out of Scripture for the confirmation of the trneth of this position: to [Page 3]proue that warres haue beene acceptable before the Maiesty of God, and sometimes of more preuailence then peace, as it appea­reth more cleerely, then the Meridian light, in the second Chap­ter of the Booke of the Iudges, where the children of Israel were reproued, for concluding a peace with the Cananites, neither hath onely approbation by the Scriptures, but is also receiued as a lawfull proceeding by diuers other famous Authours, and that it is not onely conuenient, but necessary for Princes to make a breach of amity, that they might better make a confirmation of inuiolable friendship, that their loue might be like a limme which being broken and well set, becomes more strong and stable; and it is a Warre most worthily initiated, whereby the security and safety of the States effected, and on the contrary that peace is not well permitted, but most pernicious, which is the mother and causer of the peoples perill, and the Countries hazard: And that true mirror of eloquence, Cicero, telles vs; Ad hunc finem bella suscipimus vt cum pace & sine iniuria viuimus, To this end wee vndertake warres, that we may enioy peace without iniury: and in another place of the same Booke, writing to the same pur­pose; We must in matters of aduice not so denie warre, as to neglect our owne welfare: And one saith no lesse pithily then prettily, Bellum bello susceptum bellum est; Warres well vnderta­ken, are good and lawfull, for as we must be cautelous not vpon euery light occasion to vndertake it, so wee must not be cowards vpon iust cause to refuse it, for both of them are the extreames of fortitude, as well a rash attempt, as a base refusall: From hence Demosthenes that King of Orators, in a inuectiue Oration against King Philip, for his insatiable ambitious desire of gonernement, as he already had besieged the Olinthians, vpon the conquest of whom he had a free passage into Athens, which to preuent, De­mosthenes exhorts them not onely to aide the Olinthians, but also to raise an Army to send into Macedonia, that so being woun­ded at home, hee might haue the lesse liberty to hurt abroad, al­leaging that aide to their Neighbours is very requisite, since as their safety was founded vpon their good successe, for whosoe­uer withdraweth his helping hand, when as his neighbours house [Page 4]is on fire, may want assistance to quench his owne, according to that old and vsuall verse, I am mea res agitur paries cum proximus audet; It is my case: so when the next walles burned, either for the subuersion of any tyrant, which doth wrongfully vsurpe more by might then right any others dominions: in so much that in former times, it was held a thing conuenient in former times, that if any Prince did tyrannically abuse any of his Sub­iects, either with cruelty, murther, rape, rauine, or such like op­pressions, wherein he might offer his subiects opprobrious iniu­rie, the which (in regard they cannot redresse themselues, for what subiect dares lift vp his hand against Gods Annointed, or to stand vp in Armes against his Soueraigne) it was requisite that the next adioyning Prince, who was a borderer vpon the con­fines of his Dominions, should assume armes against him, to cha­stise, correct, and reforme so great enormities, to the end that the name of a King might not seeme odious, and be hatefull vn­to the people, as was Nero, Heligabulus. Dionysius, and too many others of that barbarous disposition and horrid cruel­tie.

From whence he purchased vnto himselfe such an immortall name, and neuer dying memory, as they did diefie him for vile­fying such monsters, and exercising his prowesse vpon such ty­rants.

But for the better satisfaction of those, whose precise conscien­ces, will not allow any Warres or dissentions, to keepe any har­monicall consent either with goodnesse or godlinesse, giue but an attentiue and patient eare vnto the words of Hieronymus O­sorius, as they be recorded and written in his Booke entituled True Christian Nobility.

Neither hath this allowance of Wartes onely approbation from him, but is receiued as a lawfull practise by the common consent of the most, or at least the best part of Doctors; Diuine Plato extolleth this art of Armes, and commandeth that children should be instructed in it, so soone as they came to ability of bo­die, or any aptitude to discharge the Offices of Souldiers, and it was Cyrus his opinion, that it was as necessary as agriculture [Page 5]or husbrandy, neither is it denyed by Augustine and Bernards those two famous Fathers.

The Romanes also who were of matchlesse worth in marshall affaires, being no lesse to be admited for their carriage abroade, then for their counsell at home, appointed for their chiefe Com­manders two Consuls, the one to determine City affaires, the o­ther to be occupied in marshall discipline, being assured that they could neuer haue peace within their walles, except they had wartes abroade; to omit the iudgement of Hipodam us Milesius, a man so expert in all learning, who thought it conuenient for that City or Countrey which coueted quietnesse, and sought for safetie, to diuide their people into three parts, the one of which were to be appointed to be Artificers, the other for Husbandry, and the third sort set apart to bee imployed in martiall exer­cises.

Indeede peace is a precious pearle, and is chiefly to be desired, but oftentimes Warres must be performed, that peace may be maintained: euen like a shippe which being in her quiet Har­bour, is constrained to loose Anchor, and to seeke for safety in the vaste and raging Sea: if a man cannot attaine his right with­out violence, hee may lawfully take vp Armes, and get it by force, for some men are like a nettle, the more kindly they vse them, the worse they will sting them, the fairer they intreate them, the fouler they intertaine them.

Salomon likewise prescribeth a time for peace, and a time for Warre, a day of mirth, and a day of mourning, and there­fore to vse time when oceasion serueth, is a maine pont of prin­cipall wisedome, and to assume Armes vpon due premedita­tion, not incensiderately to enter into conslict and skir­mish, for that faucurs of sauage beastlinesse, and not of sage humanitie: but when time permitteth, and necessitie re­quireth, then on with your Armour, fight manfully, prefer­ring an happie and honourable death, before a disgracefull and miserable death.

There is a double kinde of Iniustice, the one in offering, the o­ther in suffering Iniustice: the one is actiuely, the other passiuely vniust, wittingly to offend against a neighbour, is a sinne against our brother, and wilfully to beare an iniury, is an offence against ones selfe, and therefore I will not be a foe to my Neighbour, in wronging of him, neither will I bee an enemy to my selfe, in permitting him to offend me, when I am of ability to defend my selfe: But me thinkes I heare some obiect against the former resolution, saying, that Truth it selfe hath prohibited the rendring of euill for euill to any man, and hath inioyned, that if one hath receiued a blow of one eare, hee ought to turne the other: It is true that he hath said; I beleeue that vengeance is the Lords, and hee will repay it, yet notwithstanding a Christian doth not goe about to reuenge it, as it is an iniury done to himselfe, but as an offence committed against God, who hath forbidden all iniu­stice, and commanded to giue vnto Caesar that which belongeth vnto Caesar, and I trust that no man will be so foolishly opinio­nated, that when he is oppressed by any Tyrant, should willingly surrender into his hands his possessions, his Crowne, and Sig­niory, or that it should not be a legall honest course, and not dis­sentane either from reason or religion, for a Prince to defend and maintaine his right, or that it should not bee lawfull for him to warre vpon him either for it, in the defence of true Religion, or the maintenance of their freedome and liberty, as the Athenians against King Philip.

And howsoeuer in this our Pilgrimage, fortitudes estimation is in the wayne, yet in ancient times prowesse was of such price and valour, of so great accompt, as no glory was counted so great, no renowne so honourable, as that which hath beene wonne in the field by the force of martiall prowesse, and to make men more greedy of such gain, and more thirsty of such atchieue­ments, great meedes and rich rewards were conferred vpon such as had deserued worthily, and behaued themselues brauely in the warres.

The noble Caleb, who by a constant courage and couragious constancy of minde, had reperswaded the children of Israel, that [Page 7]had a determinate inclination to make a returne into the Land of Egypt, to continue still in their courage, their former manhood and vertue: and therefore the Lord promised to be his rewarder, who hauing a Daughter of incomparable matchlesse beauty, whose name Achsat, would espouse or giue her in marriage vpon none but hee that by his valour could take the City Ca­riath, which in the end was taken by Othniel his brothers sonne.

And did not Dauid receiue great riches with the Daughter of King Saul, for ouerthrowing Goliah? who also promised a great reward to those which would worke the destruction of the le­busites: The Carthaginians rewarded the Souldiers with so ma­ny rings as they had beene in battels: The Scithians permitted none to drinke in a great cup of gold, that was carried about, ex­cept they had wrought the ouerthrow, or brought an Enemy to destruction.

The Romanes the more to accend mens mindes, and to set their breasts on fire with the desire of honour, and to pricke them on to prowesse, inuented stately triumphs, whereby his name might mount on the wings of Fame, which had deserued wor­thily, but on the contrary, such as had beene of cowardly car­riage, or had any affinitie with our carpet Knights, were in a most shamefull manner disgraced.

The Macedonians did constitute a Law, that whosoeuer had not got the conquest of some one in fight or battaile, because hee had not striuen like a man for victory, he should be hanged like a dogge in a halter.

The Women of Cimbria beyond the valour of their See, slew all such that being so followed with feare, forsooke the Field, although they were of their neuer so neere alliance, and were conioyned neuer so vnto them in the bond of consangui­nitie,

The Women of Sparta would goe into the Field, the battaile being ended, to see in what places their Husbands had receiued their wounds, the which if they found them to be before, (from whence they might coniecture hee had fought manfully) they [Page 8]would with great solemnitie performe his; but if behind, they left him as being ashamed of such a coward, and would not a­foord his carcasse so much as buriall.

Tierias a certain woman of Lacedemonia, hauing intelligence that her sonne had receiued a fatall wound in the warres, and had shaken hands and taken his farewell of this world, replied, was it not necessary that my sonne, going vnto the warres, should be the death of others, then wherefore should I lament if others haue beene the death of him, surely with lesse sorrow and more solace I remember him, supposing him no whit vn­worthy of me or his predecessours in that he liued not in shame and idlenesse, but died with honour: let cowardly hearts lament such a losse, as for my part, I will intombe my sonne and neuer weepe vpon his vrne.

Another woman of Lacedemonia bereaued her sonne of his vitall breath, to whom her wombe had giuen life, because he had basely fied from the warres, in whose reproch this epitaph was written.

Solon that wise and worthy Phylosopher, whom wee all ad­mire, but scarce imitate for his wisdome; being demaunded of Crasus the King, of who in his conceit was most fortunate, re­plyed, Tellus an Athenian from whose loines was sprung (in a countrey flowing with milke and honey, and abounding with all good commodities) a great many of children, both for the indowments of the minde, and beautie of the body, absolute­ly [Page 9]accomplisht, who defended his countrey manfully, liued with honour, died with glory.

Here then you may perceiue the great estimation that va­lour was in former times when as it was so worthily reputed the exercisers of it so much encouraged, and the neglecters of it so much contemned, now what incommodity hath insued v­pon them, who haue placed there sole and whole selicity in peace that they haue not onely despised warre, but haue vtter­ly refused to learne all Marshall discipline, hereafter I will de­monstrate vnto you.

But still me thinkes there remaines a ribble rabble of sec­ming religious people, whose queasie consciences strayne at a Gnat, but swallow a Camell, whose warie minds stumble at a straw, but leap ouer a block, which still doe oppose and make assault against our position, in regard that murther spoyles, and sundry other inconueniences are the effects of them: but it is not inough to reproue an opinion as erronious, except they proue it false, neither doth this there meere assertion sufficient to infringe the verity of this position. Suppose Warre to be the mother of Murther, yet it is oftentimes such as is by God allowed, nay more commaunded: Did not Iosuah, fearing the day would haue imposed too speedy and present a period to his slaughter, commaund the Sunne to stay in Gideon, and the Moone in the Aialon, and the Lord did countenance his com­maundement, for there succecded an immediate Solstyne, and the Moone continued not her course, nay oftentimes the too much fauouring of ours and Gods enemies, hath beene the onely meanes to roote vs out of Gods fauour: For what was the originall of Sauls destruction? but the not destroying of the Amalekites, neither doe I produce these examples, to proue warres alwayes necessary: but sometimes lawfull, and I can not choose but admire the foolish frensie of some fantastique Coxcombes, who doe so much misconceiue of warres as they hold them directly displeasing to God, because [Page 10]murther, and diuers other misdemeanors are committed in them.

But by these arguments they kill themselues with their owne weapons, and seeking to maintaine the prerogatiue of peace, doe quite cuert it, for by that argument it is the most to bee euited en­ormity that can be imagined: for is it not the nurse of vices, the roote of ruine, the prop of pride, to be short, the mother of all mischiefe: for in the time of peace wee fixe our fancie onely vpon vncertaine riches, for the satisfying of which sacred hunger of gold, what offence will wee not perpetrate, what sinne will wee leaue vnacted, who will not become an Vsurer, or an Extortio­ner, nay, that which is something better, a hangman, or an Exe­cutioner, a parasite, nay, a paracide, to purchase them? And when they haue attained them, they are but the irratamenta malorum, the ingines of iniquitie, the instruments of vanitie, the stirrers vp of strife and contention, making the possessor of them proude, presumptuous, vain-glorious, and like leauen sowring the whole lumpe. This Augustine perceiuing, writeth in a Booke of his entituled De Ciuitate Dei, The City of Carthage was more hurtfull to the Citie of Rome after her destruction, then in the time of the warres which the Romanes had with her, for whilest they had enemies in Affticke, they knew not what vices meant at Rome.

Yet is it not my drift to preferre Warres before Peace, but to intimate, that as Peace is the great blessing of God, so Warres vndertaken vpon due consideration, doe nothing offend him: and although in the time of peace there is plentie of vice, yet notwithstanding it is not absolutely to be condemned, so though in the Warres there be many outrages committed, yet it is not wholly therefore to be neglected: the Sunne shining vpon some pleasant Garden, makes the flowres haue a more fragrant and de­lightfull smell, but displaying his most radiant beames vpon a dunghill, maketh the stinke greater, and the sent more noy some: The sicke mans stomacke turneth all his meate into bad humors, Peace may be prosperous, and Warre lawfull, yet both of them may be abused.

Moreouer, if I should speake of the particular commodities that seuerall countries haue reaped by warres, I could be infi­nite, and to the intent I may not range farre abrode for exam­ple, let thy consideration make but a step into our neighbou­ring nations, and let vs looke into the Low Countries, these you shall see the Prince of Orange, that treasury of all vertue and goodnesse, though with meane forces, withstanding a mighty nation, that his libertie might not be infringed, of his country iniured; neither hath he maintained his owne case on­ly valiantly, but hath afforded his neighbouring friends aide and assistance. Let Spaine speake how often she hath receiued a repulse and a non visitauit from him? how often in vaine shee hath attempted his ouerthrow, but be like a well built fort hath valiantly withstood all their assaults? and though he hath hap­pily beene moued, yet could not be remoued by their attempts: whereby as all men sufficiently vnderstand, hee is now growne potent and powerfull, rich and renowned: whereas on the con­trary, if Asse-like he would haue borne the king of Spaines heauy burthen, submitted to the yoke of his obedience, he had lost his libertie, nouer attained the honor with which his name is now crowned, for he remaineth as a mirrour and terrour to all nations, for as his Excellency did iustly, and with due con­sideration vndertake, so hee hath nobly and with true valour maintained his quarrell against the King of Spaine. Surely an act well beseeming so worthy and noble a Prince, who as hee should not be like a raw wound ouer-apprehensiue of iniuries, so he should be vnlike dead flesh, not too senslesse of wrongs done vnto: the one shewes folly the other fea [...]e. Neither would it ill befeeme any Potentate to treade in the steps of so excel­lent a Prince, and not so much to respect peace as to neglect a iust occasion of warre, for doth it stand with reason or reli­gion that a Prince hauing sufficient power to make resistance to an open enemy, should expose his open brest to his threat­ning sword, nay when he sees he hath already cut off some of his lims to trust him with his whole body. Hath he any great good meaning to the tree that hackes and hewes downe the [Page 12]branches: doth he beare any good affection to the father that striueth to iniure the child? or doth not he that oppresseth the child, expresse his hatred to the father? can one which loathes the effect loue the cause? will not hee which cannot tollerate the heate, labour to quench the fire? yes surely, and it was for­merly lawfull for Kings to seeke to depose a Tyrant though he had no interest in those which were iniured. Then how much more forcible a motiue hath hee if his posteritie bee abused, and he be wounded in his owne bowels: Surely his sword ought not to rest in his sheath when he hath such iust cause to draw it, but his angry canons to thunder in the eares of his enemies, and tell them they haue iniured him. And is not this the cause of our Soueraigne, if euer Prince had iust cause of warre, it is he, for they haue exiled out of his inheritance the Palsgraue, a Prince so hopefull; they haue layd wast his countrey which was the Paradise of the world, a land so fruitfull, they doe vn­iustly vsurpe his Diadem, they haue falsely promised the re­storing of it, when as the pulses of their promises did not beat according to the motion of their hearts. Certes it did not be­seeme Princely pietie in them to offer, neither doth it consent with kingly courage in him to suffer, that me thinkes this voyce of the Souldier is but as an echo to the voyce of heauen, which sayes the cause is iust, and counselleth all Christan Prote­stant Princes ioyntly to assume armes to driue this Boare out of the Vineyard, and to re-seate this royall Prince in his Throne and dignitie.

Heare oh you braue English Spirits which once were admi­red, I had almost sayd adored for your valour when you had imployment; how can you any longer desist from the pur­suit of honour in so iust a cause? doe you not long to fight for the safetie of a limme, nay the halfe part of your Soueraigne. But why should I vse these needlesse perswasions, or spurre a free horse, I dare say you are easily intreated, nay hardly perswaded from it, and you are as restlesse being staued from the combat, as the Stone violently detained from the Cen­ter.

Neuer was Beare robbed of her whelpes more angrie of re­uenge then you of this enterprise; it may be indeed there bee some Spanish English (as they terme them) who are neither true to God, their King, or countrey, which haue not the least drop of loyall blood lodged in their hearts, that would be some­what vnwilling to act a part in this matter: perhaps likewise there be others who be guilty of so little valour, that they had rather liue like drones in this hiue of our commonwealth, and be loitring lubbers at home, then any waies to offer there ser­uice for their Soueraignes welfare, or spend a dram, nay a drop of blood in the defence of the truth, who are very well content to enioy the warmth they haue vnder the wings of their Soue­raigne, but will not do any seruice in the requital of this benefit being not much vnlike to vngratefull curs which will fawne vpon their master so long as he feeds them, but when hee hath any futther imployments for them, they bid him adue, and ha­sten to their kennels: So these men, or rather beasts indeeed, that are borne, bred, fostered, sed, in their countrey, and yet can suffer an indignitie done to their Prince, and when their coun­trey standeth in need of their aid or assistance, to slip their col­ler & come to combat in the defence of it as willingly as Bears to the stake: that argueth an vngratefull mind, free from all ver­tue as well as vallour, and indeed are no more worthy to en­ioy the commodities and benefits of their countrey then a Swine deserues a pearle.

But as Plutarque maketh mention of an Iland in Greece cal­led Cobde, in which there was a linage descended from that no­ble valiant captaiue called Agis the good, amongst which A­gitas this law especially was most strictly obserued, that none durst presume to stile himselfe naturally borne in the Ile, vnlesse he had performed some memorable valiant act: or at the least, shewed himselfe forward and willing in the defence of his King and Countrie, and I dare truely say, though he dare style himselfe one of the Countrie naturally borne, yet he is not so, for a true English man hath a heart more full of Celestiall fire, and a bosome better furnisht with noble thoughts, then to be a [Page 14]Porter of iniuries done to his Soueraigne, or any of those which belong vnto him: And I do speake, ex animo, there neuer went a hungry man with a greater or better appetyte to a feast, then they would to this fray. They know the Prince so worchy, the cause so iust, the successe so certaine: I doubt not, but it hath bin so sufficiently proued, that warres are lawfull, that a blind man may apparantly see it: but still there are some, who though they can not disallow of the action, yet they seeme to dislike of the Agents, and perhaps they will say, a Soldiour can not be an ho­nest man, because in warres they be ministers of so much mis­chiefe: this is their reason. But in this place I will but reason of souldiours, as I haue already done or warres: that is, but to shew what maner of people souldiours haue beene: As for such as doe but vsurpe the name of souldiours, I leaue them tyll ano­ther occasion.

We finde in the 14 Chapter of the booke of Genesis, Genesis. 14. that A­braham was a captaine and leader of men, vnto whom Mel­chizedech the King of Salem brought foorth bread and wyne: albeit he wore a Priest of the most high God. And S. Paule in his Epistle to the Hebrues the 6. Chapter, speaking of our Saui­our Christ, saith, That he was made a high Friest for euer after the order of Melch zedech: and all the Diuine & ancient Doctors by generall consent do agree, that the first true figure of Christ, was here offered to souldiers, that were returned from the flaughter and spoyle of their enemies.

A speciall cause wherein souldiers may worthily triumph, & a choake peare sufficient, to stop their mouthes, that would so absolutely condemne them.

Moses, Exod. 18.21. Deut. 1.13.15. though he were otherwise a Prophet, yet he was like­wife a captaine, to whom Jethro his father in law, by the moti­on of Gods spirit, gaue counsell to prouide such to be iudges o­uer the rest, which should be found to bee men of courage, to feare God, to be louers of trueth, and hating couetousnesse, &c. and that of them he should make some Mil [...]enaries to rule ouer thousands; and that he should cre [...]te others C [...]nteniers, to rule ouer hundreds: other Conquest [...]iers to beare authority ouer fif­ties: [Page 15]and Disniers to commaund our tennes.

Iosua, at whose commandement the sonne was obedient, Iudges. 7. was a souldier and a leader of an armie.

When the whole host of the children of Israel was vtterly dis­maide for the multitude of their enemies, whose number was like the sandes of the sea, the Lord commanded Gedeon to make his choyse of such to serue for souldiers to encounter them, as were most faythfull, that doubted not of his promises made vn­to them, which were in number but 300. and were chosen by lapping of water.

Who euer stood more in the good grace and fauour of God, then that noble King and captaine Dauid, whom the Lord ter­med to be a man after his owne hart [...]s d [...]sire?

What should I here speake of J [...]ph [...]heth, of Jehu, of Judas Macchabaeus, and of many other, which were notable souldi­ers? shall they be condemned to be wicked and euill, because they were warriours? or shall we thinke of them, that in that vocation they offended God?

When the s [...]uldiers demaunded of John Baptist, Luke. 3. what they ought to doe, he willed them to hurt no man wrongfully, but to liue by their wages: he sayd not vnto them, Forsake your vyle profession, you can not be the children of God, to follow any such manner of e [...]cys [...]: the which questionlesse he would haue done, if he had so thought.

And when the Captaine, who had sent vnto lesus for the healing of his seruant that lay sick, as Iesus was going towards his house: Luke. 7. (Nay Lord quoth the Captaine) I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter into my roose, doe but speake the word onely, and my seruant shall be safe: for I also am a man set vnder power, and haue vnder me souldiers: and I say vnto one go [...], and he goeth: and to another come, and he commeth: and to myseruant doe this, and he doth it. Iesus maruelling at his words, turning him about to those that followed, sayd: I haue not found so great faith, no not in Jsrael.

And what godlyer commendation may be giuen to any man then we finde in the 10. Chapter of the Actes of the Apostles, Actes. 10. [Page 16]where it is written as followeth.

There was a certaine man in Caesarea, whose name was Cor­nelius, a captaine of the souldiers of Italy, a deuout man, and one that feared God with all his houshold, &c. To this Cornelius the Angell of the Lord appeared, and willed him to send into Joppa, and to inquire for one Simon Peter, who should instruct him and baptise him in the name of Iesus, and when the Angell was departed, thus sayth the text: He called to him two of his houshold seruants, and a deuout souldier, that wayted on him, & told them all the matter, and sent them to Ioppa, &c. This may seeme sufficient to proue, that not onely Captaynes, but also priuate souldiers, haue beene found to be both zealous and feruent in the loue and feare of God, and that he hath likewyse accepted them into his speciall grace and fauour.

But what should I stand here to manifest the vertues, where­with a number of noble captaines haue beene most plenteously indued: as the bountie and liberality of Alexander, the conti­nencie of Scipio; the iustice and equity of Iultus Caesar, the pati­ence and humility of Agathocles, the mercy and pitie of Age­silaus, the faith and fidelity of Regulus to his very enemies. Here might (I say) euen of this onely matter a huge volume be written, onely of the vertuous dispositions of noble souldiers: in so much that this oath, By the faith of a Souldier, hath beene so inuiolably kept, that a souldier hath beene better to haue beene credited by that oath, then some merchants now by their obligations.

But here if any will coniecture, that in tyme past souldiers haue so exceeded in vertues, that at the time present they haue none at all lest for them to boast on: although in England our multitude be not many, yet amongst those few there bee both honourable and worshipfull, whose magnanimity in the tyme of warres hath made them famous in forreine countries, and whose noblenes and vertues now in the time of peace, do shine coequall with the best.

But here peraduenture some curious caueller will replie, that these may be better called sage and wyse counsellers, then [Page 17]bloodie or cruell Captaines: and rather may bee termed so­ber, and discreet lustices, then rash and harbrayned souldi­ers: and thus by denying them to be souldiers, will thinke I am neuer the neerer my proofe. But here if there were no other shift, or that the matter were so needefull to bee reaso­ned on: it were very easie to proue, that the best and noblest souldiers bee euer found to be the wysest and meetest Counsel­lers: and for that cause the Poets haue fayned Minerua to be armed, signifying that Captaines and souldiers should bee (as it is reported of Iugerth) not onely wyse in counselling, but couragious in conquering: as politick in keeping, as valiant in getting.

And Tullie in his first booke of Offices speaketh of a double commodity that these men do yeeld to their countrie, Tull. de os [...], lib. 1. who ar­med, do make warres: & roabed, do gouerne the cōmon wealth.

What though there be some that in the tyme of seruice, will intrude themselues, and become souldiers, of purpose rather to spoyle, robbe, and filch, then to do any good seruice, shall the honest Souldier therefore be condemned? so euery profession, how necessary so euer it seeme, would be misliked, and men of euery faculty would be despised.

As first for example, the Merchants, whose trade, as Plinie sayth, was inuented for the necessity of mans life, transporting from one region to another, that which lacketh in the one and aboundeth in the other: yet there bee many that vnder this cloake and good pretence, continually do pra­ctise, to transport out of their owne natiue countries, such com­modities as may not well be spared: whereby many times great scarcity and dearth doth happen, wherein the people are piti­ously oppressed.

In England once a yeare we finde the extremity, either for want of corn, leather, hides, tallow, butter, cheese, bacon, beefe, beere, and many other such like, which by his Maiestie are pro­hibited: but no restraint may serue against those theeues, vnna­turall robbers and spoylers of theis owne countrie.

And yet these are commonly the greatest find-faults that will [Page 18]inuey against souldiers, whose spoyles are much more tollera­ble, because they spoyle but their enemies: these rob and spoile their friends, and make wracke of their owne countries, by conueying away their commodities, and by returning of in­commodities, vaine trifles, which are not necessary for humane life, but onely to maintaine women and children in pride, pompe and vaineglory, such things as do procure delights, wan­nesse and delicacie: the very vanities and vices of euery nation by these men are brought home. And then what p [...]u [...]e, what fraude what deceit by themselues, their brokers, and retailers is vsed to vtter them, my wits be too weake, nor I thinke there is no other that is able to expresse, vnlesse it bee a Merchant himselfe that hath vsed the trade.

Furthermore, vnder this trade and trafficke, they haue con­ference with strange Princes, and vtter vnto them the secrets of countries, lend them mony, and in the end will not sticke to betray their owne countrie and commonwealth.

There is another kinde of Merchants, that decke their shops with other mens goods, borrowing here of one, and there of a­nother: and when they haue gotten into their hands some great masse or value, then they become bankrupts, and liue in a cor­ner with other mens goods.

Thus you may see, that although this trade or trafficke of merchandize is very beneficiall to euery state and common­wealth, and that there haue beene many wise and notable men thet haue vsed it, as Thalust, Solon, Hippocrates, and others, yet it is by some abused: but shall wee therefore condemne the trade, or other good and honest merchants that vse it? not so, for the exercise of it may not be forborne, and the honest tra­ding Merchant is to be had in reuerence and estimation.

In like manner amongst the Lawyers, are there not found many that creepe in to the Innes of Court, that seeke by law to ouer throw law, such as be termed by the name of Peti foggers, brethels, that practise nothing but to breede dissentions, strifes suits, quarrels, and debates betweene neighbour and neighbor brother and brother, yea somtimes between the father and the sonne?

First they animate them to commence actions, perswading them that their quarrels be iust, and will very well stand with law: but when they haue once gotten them in, then they feed them with delayes, procrastinating their suits from day to day, from terme to terme, yea from yeere to yeere: in the end, when the matter is like to fall out against them, then they blame their clients, that in the beginning they did not throughly instruct them.

These be people that of all other are most to be detested: for in the time of peace, these procure continuall warres, and ciuill dissentions, not amongst enemie, but amongst friends, not a­mongst forraine foes, but amongst their naturall country men, reioycing when any bral or brabble doth fall out amongst their neighbours.

And yet they would be accounted the authours of peace, & will not let to exclaime against the souldiour, and condemne him, because they doe thinke him to be like vnto themselues, that is, to be desirous of warres and troubles.

There is no Parliament or conuocation that is called, but if there be any good motion had in question, for the quietnesse or quicke dispatch of matters in controuersie, but that lawyers be the only lets that it shall not come forth: because that if it were not for delaies and shifts, the one halfe, nay not a quarter of them might be able to thriue by their occupation, there are such a shamefull company.

Yea, many times there are found great coriuptions euen a­mongst the Iudges themselues: that for feare to offend a Prince or some Noble man, will not sticke with Pilate to condemne Christ. Sometime with Gold and Siluer or other gifts, they be so corrupted, that they regard more the presents that are giuen them, then either iustice or equitie: they are diligent in rich mens causes, put the poore they deserre: the complaint of the widow or fatherlesse cannot be heard amongst them.

But shall we therefore reproue the law, which is the onely prop and stay to euery commonwealth, without the which we could not liue in any good order, otherwise then as brute beasts neither could those that be good and harmlesse, enioy either [Page 22]goods or possessions from cruell Firants and oppressours? nei­ther were any one man assared of his life or liuing, were there not law to punish murtherers, and to maintaine right: or shall the abuses of some, condemne all honest and true dealing law­yers, who in their profession of all men are worthy to be hono­red? As there is no reason in the one, so they be too much to blame, that for the lewdnesse of some losses, that doe but vsurp the name names of souldiers, will therefore so absolutely con­demne all souldiers, thinking there can be no good, because some are ill. But what profession may there be, wherein wic­ked men will not seeke to cloke and couer themselues? Be there not that enter euen into the Ministery of the holy sacraments, prowd prelates, blinde guides, and lazie lubbers: some that du­ring the space of twentie yeeres, haue receiued the fruits of be­nefices, that haue not three times visited their slocke, but com­mits them to Sir Iohn lacke latine and his fellow, poore igno­rant Chaplaines: such as they hire best cheape: while they themselues liue in pleasure, pompe and pride: not like S. Peter nor S. John, that had not one peny to giue to the poore lame man, that sat begging at the temple gate: and yet they would be called their successors? These be they of whom the Prophet E­zechiel so exclaimeth, saying, They serue for nothing, but to serue themselues, and in steed of feeding their flocke, they take the fleece, draw the milke, kill the fattest, eate the flesh, breake the bones: they are dumbe dogges, that know nothing, they dare not barke, but are very curious to haue horsekeepers for their Palfries, Falkconers for their Hawkes, Cookes for their Panches, but the poore sheepe perish through their default. I know likewise that there be a number of a learned Pastors, godly ministers, diligent Preachers, and faithfull followers: they which (God defend) should beare the abuses of the o­thers. Then if the holy temple of God, cannot be cleansed from such Ministers of mischiefes: they be something too nice, that would haue souldiers to be all Saints, and much more to blame that would make them all diuels: because some doe amisse. And here withall I must thinke them to be very partiall, that with such blunts termes will intitle [Page 23]Souldiers in the time of Warre: and in the time of peace, can so cleanly cloake the very same Actors, with names and titles of credite and estimation. For in the time of Warres, he that is found to be bloudily minded, killing without compassion all that light­teth in his wrath, they terme him by the name of a Tyrant and a murtherer, where in the time of peace, they sometime shadow him vnder the title of my Lord Iudge, but many times by the name of Master lustice of Peace and Quorum. In the time of Warre, whom they terme a seditious mutiner, a peruerter of good Lawes, a maintainer of vngodly quarrels: In the time of Peace they call him Master Sergiant of the Quoife, a wise Coun­cellor in the Law, or an honest viligent Atturney. In the time of Warre, whom they terme a thiefe, a robber, a spoiler. In the time of peace they call him an honest trading Merchant. In the time of Warrie whom they call a violator of Women, a rauisher, and deflowrer: In the time of peace they call him a friendly and lo­uing gentleman: yea, and some foolish soother, that will speake they know not what, will say he is a right Courtier, and a Court­like gentleman. In the time of Warre, he that can tell a filed tale, and that can creepe into mens bosomes to serue his owne turne, they call him a Parasite, a flatterer, and a dissembler: In the time of peace they call him an excellent learned man, and a verie good Preacher.

Such partialitie (I say) is amongst them, that no faults are e­spied, but such as be committed amongst Souldiers: Neither doe I here goe about to excuse all Souldiers, as though there were none ill: but those that be, are commonly found in these new leuied bands, & not a mongst old souldiers, as hereafter I wil shew.

But here (peraduenture) some will thinke, that although many of them may be excused from a number of vices, where­with they haue beene charged: yet that they of force must be all murtherers, may not be denied: for they goe into the Field as well weaponed to kill, as armed to defend. This obiection I haue many times heard, but those people are in too scrupulous an opinion, considering how many examples wee may finde in the holy Bible: where God hath [Page 24]not beene offended, with those that haue killed their enemies: but that is sometimes lawfull in the presence of God to shake off the yoke of bondage by the death of Tirants, as Judith by Holofernes, and many other like. But as iustice without tempe­rance is reputed iniurie: so magnanimitie without mercie is accounted Tiranny: and as it cannot be counted a noble vi­ctorie which bringeth not with it some clemencie, so to vse pittie out of time and season is as great folly, as to vse mercy in any conflict till victorie attained.

And sometimes policie excludeth pittie, as the Greeks, who after the destruction of Troy, slew Astinax the son of Hector, to the end that there might remaine no occasion of quarrell, fea­ring if he had liued, he would haue sought some reuenge.

Indeed they may say souldiers are most mercilesse, but there are sundry most miserable. First, in the time of warres, they spare not in their countries behalfe, to forsake their wife, chil­dren, father, mother, brother, sister, to leaue their friends, and onely betake them against their enemies, contented to yeeld themselues to continuall watch, ward, fasting, hunger, thirst, cold, heate, trauell, toyle, ouer hils, woods, deserts, wading through riuers, where many sometimes lose their liues by the way, lying in the field in raine, wind, frost and snow, aduentu­ring against the enemy, the lacke of limmes, the losse of life, making their bodies a fence and bulwarke against the shot of the canon.

But the warres being once finished, and that there is no need of them, how be they rewarded, how be they cherished, what account is there made of them, what other thing gaine they then slander, misreport, false impositions, hatred and despight.

How small is the number that bee in England of sufficient men, such I meane as be able in deed, in the time of seruice, to stand their countrie in stead, to any purpose, and yet how ma­ny of this small number haue euer beene brought to credit, or beene any thing preferred, for the seruice they haue done?

And O England, would to God so many presidents of others mishaps might make thee take heed, & call thy selfe to remem­brance: [Page 25]consider thy enemies be not so secret, but they be as malicious, and haue staide all this whyle neither for want of quarrell, neither for want of will, if they themselues were once at quiet: nor flatter not thy selfe because thou hast enioyed a peaceable time, that it shall still indure, but remember the lon­ger it hath beene calme, the sooner the storme is looked for, and the greater the rage when it falleth.

If thou doest well looke into thy selfe, and ponder thine owne case, thou shalt sinde, that if any sodaine alarum should happen, thy greatest want shalbe onely of those men that now thou holdest in so small estimation, and doest esteeme of so litle accompt.

If thou thinkest thy great numbers of vntrayned men, are sufficient to defend thee, doe but remember what happened to Antwerp, where they wanted neither men, nor any other pro­uision for the warres. But they wanted souldiours to direct them, and men of vnderstanding to encourage them: For the want of knowledge breedeth the want of courage, as Salomon sayth, A wyse man is euer strong: Prou. 14.yea a man of vnderstanding in­creaseth with strength: for with wisedome must warre be taken in hand, and where there are many that can giue counsell, there is the victorie, &c.

And Xerxes, who with a great armie, was put to the worst but with 300 Lacedemonians, confessed that he forced not so much for the multitude, as for their knowledge and experi­ence. I could here rehearse many other examples of like effect, but I leaue them till other occasion, & will conclude with what care and prouision sundrie noble Princes haue prouided for their souldiouts, not onely in the time of warre when they haue had need of them: but aswell in the time of peace for their ser­uice already done, that they should not want, according to the minde of Alexander Seuerus, who sayth, The souldiour is worthy his keeping in the time of peace, that hath honestly serued his coun­trie in the time of warre, although for age he can not trauell, yet his counsell may non be spared. And Iesus the sonne of Sirach sayth, There bee two things that greeue my heart, and in the third is a [Page 26]displeasure come vpon me, when an expert man of warre suffreth scarcenes and pouertie, when men of vnderstanding and wise­dome are not set by, and when one departes from righteousnesse to siune, &c.

Octauian Augustus honored souldiours with this law: Whatsoeuer thou be that shalt serue with vs in warres ten yeeres space, so that thou shalt be forty yeeres old, whether thou hast serued on foot or on horse-back, hereafter be thou free from warres, be thou Heros, an old souldier: let no man for­bid thee the citie, the streete, the temple, nor his house: let no man lay any blame to thy charge, put any burden vpon thee, or aske thee any money: if thou shalt offend in any thing, looke to be chastised by Caesar and by no man else. In all dishonefty that men shall commit, I will that thou be the Iudge, and dis­closer, whether they be priuate or officers: that which thou shalt say and affirme for trueth, no man shall reproue for false. I will that all wayes and places be open for thee, thou shalt haue authority to eate and drinke at princes tables: thou shalt yeere­ly haue wages of the common treasurie to finde thee and thy houshold: let her be preferred before other women, whom thou shalt take to be thy lawfull wife: and he that thou shalt call in­famous, let him be wicked and infamous: thou being Heros, shalt haue authority to beare armes, badges, names, and orna­ments, which be decent for a king: doe what thou list in euery place and country where thou commest, if any do thee wrong let his head be cut off. &c.

Charles the great, when he had translated the name of the Empire to the Gormanes, after the Saxons and Lombards were vanquished, gaue this honor to his souldiers, saying: You shall be called Heroes, the companions of Kings, and Iudges of of­fences: liue ye hereafter voide of labour, counsell Kings in the publike authority, reproue dishonest things, fauour women, help Orphanes, let not Princes lack your counsell, and aske of them meate, drinke and money, if any shall deny it, let him be unrenowmed & infamous: if any doe you iniury, let him know he hath offended the Emperors Maiesty: but ye shall foresee, [Page 27]that ye distaine not so great an honour, and so great a priui­ledge, gotten by the great labour of warre, with drunkennesse, rayling, or any other vice: to the end, that that which we haue giuen you for glory, redound not to punishment, which we will for euer reserue to be giuen you by vs and our successors, Emperors of Rome, as often as you shall transgresse.

And Polycrates of Samos, appointed liuing for the wiues and children of the dead souldiers, streightly commaunding, that no man should offend them, or do them any wrong.

Solon made this law, that those children, whose fathers had spent their liues in fighting in the defence of the common wealth, should be brought vp at the charges of the common treasure.

But what doe I stand reciting of strange histories, forepassed so many yeeres sithence: Why do I not remember the French­men and Spaniards, amongst whom at this instant men of ser­uice be not a little honoured, and had in estimation: And goe to the drunken countries of Denmarke and Swethen, and those o­ther partes of the East, and how be souldiers cherished, & men of seruice prouided for.

Here might be many other things said in the behalfe of soul­diers, the which I omit, and leauing them to the benefit of bet­ter fortune, will come to speake of the abuse of the time.

HOwsoeuer I know some will condemne my discourse as friuolous and fruitelesse: Fot howsoeuer in other nations there hath bene a greater effusion of the blood of men, then of Beasts, yet we haue securely slept vpon our Couches of ease, and furfeited of ease and plentie, yet though it be the part of a foole at the sea, to wish for a storme, when the weather is calme: so I know likewise in the time of calme, to prouide for a storme, is the point of a wise mariner: for who considereth not, to whatdisposition Kings and Princes be commonly incli­ned vnto, in these latter dayes: which is, to haue greater felici­tie, with Tyranny to offend others, then with iustice and equi­tie to keepe their owne: it ought therefore with great diligence to be prouided for, that like as in the time of warre, circum­spect care of peace may not be omitted: so in the time of peace, such things may be foreseene, appertayning to the warre, that the want of warlike prouisions, be not preiudiciall to the main­tenance of this sweet and quiet peace.

And the very occasion that vrgeth me to wryte, is to wish that in England we were expert warriers, though not warre lo­uers: and that we had many that were wise, rather then willing souldiers. But where peace is so immediatly desired, that in pre­ferring thereof they forget all Martiall exercises, which is the very preseruer, & maintainer of peace, (according to the minde [Page 29]of Valerius Maximus, who sayth, That the custodie of blessed peace consisteth in the knowledge of warre) it can not be chosen therefore, but those people be euer neerest their owne harme, that will so carelesly spend the time of peace, as though they should neuer more haue occasion to enter into warre,

And generally it is seene, where pleasure is preferred so ex­cessiuely, and the people follow it so inordinately, that they lie and wallow in it so carelesly, they commonly end with it most miserably.

For how many Cities, how many Countries, which sometime most of all florished, onely by reason of their farre stretched Em­pire, glory and renowme, purchased by famous and noble actes, are now beaten flat to the ground, couered with mould, and al­most out of remembrance.

Where are now become the dominions of the Assyrians and Persians? What is become of the glory of the rich citie Athens: which had bene so often forewarned by that excellent Orator Demosthenes? Or where is now the pomp and power of the Ma­cedonia [...]s? Or what hath wasted the fame and renowme of the ci­tie of Rome, that it had not bene perpetnall.

What other thing then this inordinate delicacie, ryot and i­dlenesse: For when they ouer neglected the seates of warre, layd aside their weapons, sought more for their owne priuate aduan­cement, then for the liberties of their Countrie: then came their kingdomes to calamity, & began headlong to fall to the ground: and then in the stead of frugality sprung vp outragious ryot: in stead of hardinesse and courage in the warres, exceeding tender­nesse, and nicenesse, both of body and minde: and thus when the knowlege of Souldierfare was extinguished: then vnsatiable de­sire of riches made entrie amongst them, and nothing so much practised, as to haue experience in buying and selling, that in the ende, the Emperiall Crowne was bought and sold for money amongst them: and the Romane Empyre which so mightily had florished: was now made subiect to common thraldome.

But for that there are some, that are nothing moued with [Page 30]reading of histories, monuments, or the examples of auncient wryters, vnlesse they haue knowne the like in their age, or seene with their eyes, or as it were touched with their singer, I will therefore put such in remembrance of the state and condition of Holland, Zeland, Flanders, Brabant, and other partes of the low cuntries: How many yeers continued they in peace & quietnesse: in drunkennesse, in lechery, in ryot, in excesse, in gluttony, in wan­tonnesse? (I will not say in the like predicament that we now re­maine in England) the which to continue, they were contented to submit themselues to any manner of thraldome, and to euery kinde of slauery, to receiue the Spaniards into their cities and townes, which were naturally seated so strong, that no forreine Prince could forceably haue made entrie into them.

How the Spaniards gouerned them, with what rigour they ruled them, and how tyrannously they raigned ouer them, is so well knowne, as I will not spend the time to relate: in the end, to disburden themselues from that which before they had yeel­ded vnto, by necessity they were inforced to goe to Mars his schoole, and to practise the art of warre, which had euer bin most loathsome vnto them, not without great ruine and wrack, of ma­ny noble cities and townes, and with no lesse spoyle and hauock of infinite goods and riches.

For like as the desire to haue dominion ouer many kingdomes, and to haue Soueraingty ouer farre stretched Empires, is a com­mon infirmity amongst Kings & Princes: so there is nothing may sooner prouoke them to giue attempt, then where they see such forgetfulnesse amongst the people, that sloath and idlenesse bea­reth the whole sway among them: As Plutarch in his Apotheg­maes, maketh report of a famous captain, to whom a certain rea­der of the Athemans made his complaint, that the men of armes in his camp reproched them of Athens, to whom the captaine made answer, that as the thing that is well kept, is hardly lost, and that nothing prouokes the theefe sooner then negligence: So, if the Athenians had tyed care and circumspection to their wordes and deedes, they had neuer falne into the hands of the Lacedemonians.

And Cambyses the father of Cyrus King of Persia, being asked by what meanes Cities might best be kept in safety, aun­swered, If they that kept the same Cities, doe thinke they can neuer be warie inough of their enemies: the which in the Massi­lians was charily performed, who kept both ward and watch in their Cities in the time of peace, as if they had beene con­tinually vexed and troubled with warre, and to that purpose, instituted sundry good ordinances, vpon the holy dayes to see their Souldiours standing vpon the walles, and exercising them­selues in the feates of armes. And that notable Captaine E­paminondas, whyle the Citizens of Thebes gaue themselues to feasting, banqueting and bellie cheere, ranne hastily to arme him selfe, and marched towards the citie walles, to the ende the rest might be the safelier drunke, and aswell to signifie, that the safety of their Citie should at no time be forgotten.

And although King Solomon. who in the holy Scriptures is called Rex pacificas, and was promised by the mouth of God a peaceable raigne, and was still busied, and turmoyled with the building of the holy Temple: yet notwithstanding, he was not forgetfull to furnish his garrisons with innumerable men of warre, horses and chariots. To be short, there is, nei­ther hath bene any well gouerned Common-wealth, but the lawes of Armes be as carefully prouided for, as any other citie causes: but where delicacy once preuayleth and getteth the vp­per hand, there adew Martiall mindes, and farewell magnanimi­tie, where slouthfulnesse hath once made entrie: for the noblenesse that is to be looked for in a princely and hautie courage, though it be chiefly wrought by the force of the minde: so the body must be exercised, and brought in such plight, as it may be made able to follow paine and trauell.

Were not the old souldiours of Hanniball, in lying but one winter in Capua, spending the time in wantonnesse amongst the delicate Dames, so effeminated and infeebled, both in body and minde, that they neuer did any thing afterward, that was worthy of report.

And Xerxes being offended with the Babylonians, because they [Page 32]trayterously had shrunke from him: when he had againe brought them vnder, he forbad them to beare any more weapons, & fur­ther commaunded them, that they should sing to the Lute, and o­ther Instruments, learne to keepe harlots, and haunt Tauernes, which policy he of purpose prepared, to weaken their courages, whereby he might the better keep them vnder awe.

The knowledge of warre therefore, and the exercise of armes are especially to be sought, neither can I tell whether any thing be more noble, by the which so great dominions and noble Em­pires haue bene purchased, Kingdomes enlarged, Princes preser­ued, iustice maintained, good lawes protected, and the common wealth defended.

Great is the glory in the knowledge of warre therefore: neither hath the citie of Athens atchieued so great renowme and glory, although it merited to bee called the mother of all artes and sciences, as Rome hath done, onely by magna­nimity, and force of Martiall might: which brought such reputation to their Common wealth, that farre and strange regions sought their aliance and friendship, and thought them­selues assured against their enemies, if they had confederation with them, that in the ende, they grew to such admiration, that for their lenitie and surmounting curtesie, they were of all men beloued, and for their valiant magnanimitie, they were of all men feared. Neither was this magnificence vp­holden by doing wrong and iniury: for they neuer attemp­ted warres but for things in claime, or in defence of league friends. Tull. officiis lib. 1. Then (as Cicero sayth) The Senate might rather haue bene termed, the protection, hauen, and refuge of kings, people, and nations, more truely then the Empire of the world. Neither were they found rash to enter into warres headily, although they had occasion, as did appeare at the citie of Sagunto, where the people of Carthage brake the league, and defied peace: yet the Senate sent thither Ambassadour Fabius Maximus, with two tables, the one contal­ning peace, the other warres, putting the election to their owne choice, as it is liked themselues to choose, although the Romanes themselues, could best defend their cause. But did the Romanes [Page 33]game this glory by enuring themselues to liue in delicate idlenesse, in dicing, in carding, in dancing, in whoring, in banquet­ting, in reuelling, and in roysting: no, but ordained most sharp­and bitter punishments to expell them, and with disgrace to dant those that were the practisers and followers of them.

Where contrarily, to prouoke and pricke forward Martiall mindes and manly wights, to the studie of chiualry and Mar­tiall affaires, they ordained glorious triumphs, liberal rewards and honourable titles: which was the very cause that the citie grew to be so great, and large in Empire: for where valiance and prowesse was so honourably rewarded, not onely Noble men, but also inferiour persons were so inflamed with desire of renowne, that no danger was left vndealt withall, nor no perill left vnproued, where there was glory to be gained, or the saftie of their countrie might be preserued.

The two Decit, by race and birth were no gentlemen borne yet by their valiance and fortitude, they aspired to the highest type of dignitie in their commonwealth, and in their countries defence, consecrated themselues, as valiant and vowed vessells, to glory and immortalitie.

Neither was Lucius Martius, borne but of a meane paren­tage, yet for his puissance shewed in S [...]aine, he receiued of his countrie great honour and principalitie.

By these meanes, the libertie of their countries were most strongly defended, and the indifferencie of their lawes were chiefly maintained, where well doing is so liberally rewarded For what greater dishonor may there be in a commonwealth then where worthy acts & high attempts receiue but cold re­ward? Or what reward, may that country thinke to much to bestow on him that hath not spared his own life to fight in the defence.

There be sundry examples in the holy Scripture, tending to the same effect, for when the children of Israel were pursued by Pharoh, and th [...] they began to stagger in the promises of God: the tribe of Inda did manifestly shew forth, farre greater courage and valiance then the rest, who lingred not nor drew [Page 34]backe, but with a maruellous constancie, by the example of Moses aduentured first the sea, by whose stout stomaches the rest were incouraged to follow: For which fact, the people of Juda were euer afterwards more honoured then the rest, and such had the principalitie amongst the twelue tribes, as were descended of the tribe of Iuda.

In like manner, Solomon made the Hethites, the Amorites, the Pheresites, the Heuites and the Iebusites, to become tribu­taries, and to labour in the building: but of the children of Is­rael, he made men of warre, captaines, great Lords, and ru­lers.

And Socrates in a certaine fable vseth these words: All you that liue in one cittie, are brethren, being streightly linked and vnited together: but when God created you, he gaue not euery one a like propertie, for they that were most meete to rule, he tempered with gold: and those that in defence of their countrie would vali­antly assist Kings and Princes, he mingled them with siluer: and to such as should apply themselues to tillage and other meane oc­cupations, he bestowed brasse and iron: now it falleth out generally that they ingender children like to themselues: but sometimes it happeneth a golden father to haue a siluer sonne. He willeth there­fore, that they should take in no one thing, more speciall regard, then diligently to search, with what mettall their childrens mindes bee tempered with, so that if there bee found any brasse or iron in their childrens senses, they should assigne them such a trade conue­nient, and agreeing with their grosse and rude nature: but if they finde in them any gold or siluer, they should bestow on them honou­rable roomes, and that they should be trained vp in the knowledge of Martiall affaires.

The Romanes ordained for that purpose, a long spacious sield, which they called, Campus Martius, wherein the youth of the citie was exercised in Martiall feates, and to enure their bodies, both for their owne health, and also that they might be made the more profitable members for their common wealth in the time of warres.

The Lacedemonians vsed their children to goe barefooted, [Page 35]exercising them in running, in leaping, and in casting the dart, in which exercises they were continually practised: from whence Diogenes on a time returning, and going to Athens, was asked from whence he came, and whither he would: I come (said he) from amongst men, and am going among women.

I wonder if Diogenes were now liuing, and going into Eng­land, whither he would say he were going, if he were demanded: where we be wholly nusled in wantonnesse, and onely nouri­shed in daintinesse, both in minde, manners, and diet: where we be altogether made strangers to Martiall actions, and vtterly alie­nated from Lawes and deedes of Armes, where no consideration is had of Martiall mindes, where prouision for defence is neuer called in question.

Here peraduenture some will say vnto me, Good sir, if you would but put on your spectacles, and looke into the Tower of London, you might see that neither Ordnance, shot, powder, pike, caliuer, armour, nor any other furnitures conuenient for the Warres were any whit lacking: from thence, if it pleased you but to sayle downe in Grauesend Barge, you haue but fiue miles to Rochester, where you might likewise take the view of so worthy a Fleete of royall ships, as no Prince in Europe may make com­parison with the like. Call you not these prouisions of defence, where no munitions fit for the warres are any whit wanting?

Very true indeede, which doth argue the speciall care his Ma­iesty hath euer had, not onely in making of such prouision, but also at sundry times, he hath likewise instituted diuers good or­dinances for the training of men, the which hath beene still dis­continued by his subiects, such as will pine at the spending of one pound of powder, towards the practising of those that should fight for their safety.

Wherefore I neede vse no other answere, then King Philip vsed to that noble Captaine Antipater, which was this.

What searest thou man, any Captaine of Athens? Their Gal­lies and their Peeres are but trifles and toyes vnto me: For what account is to be made of those fellowes that giue themselues to dauncing, hoyting, banquetting, and to bellie cheare? that if [Page 36]Demosthenes onely were not amongst them, I would sooner get A­thens then Thebes or Thessaly, &c. So, to what effect serue all these warrelike furnitures, where there are not men expe­rienced to vse them; and where men be trained onely in plea­sure, how apt be they to endure the perplexities of warre: and how hardly are they fashioned to the vse of weapons, that neuer haue had any exercise in them, and with what difficultie are they prepared to the field, when they haue neuer beene ac­customed to march.

But I haue heard many say, that souldiers may well be trai­ned in one moneth, and made fit for the warres, and indeed I I am of this opinion, that he that in one moneth will not learne the vse of his weapon, whereto he shall be sorted, and to learn to march in order of array, being throughly instructed by a di­ligent and painfull Captaine, I am fully resolued, that that man wil neuer make good souldier. But as our souldiers in Eng­land are accustomably leuied, a Captaine shall haue much to do to make a great part of them for euer being souldiers at all.

But admit, that Souldies may be trained and made ready in a moneth, yet during that space, our enemies would commit grea­ter spoiles vpon vs, then we should be able to recouer againe in sixe weekes after.

Moreouer in the day seruice, I had rather haue one thou­sand such as haue already seene & skirmished with the enemy, then foure thousand of such hastie mad souldiers, that are but trained vp, as it were at a Midsummer sight, or at the fetching home of a Maypole. For proofe hereof, I could shew many ex­amples, but it were but in vaine, considering there is no man of reason but will conceiue it to be true: and such as haue ex­perience will confesse I am nothing deceiued in my opinion.

And to say the truth, if in England wee should haue need to vse any reasonable number, there would hardly be found conductors, such as be sufficient in deede for the training of them.

For Gentlemen that are descended of honourable families in these daies, giue themselues rather to become Battalus knights [Page 37]then Martiall wights, and haue greater desire to be practised in Carpet trade, then in that kinde of vertue, which extendeth it selfe to the common profit, and preseruation of the Country.

And I cannot but matuel, what moueth so many men to make such great account of their gentility, that they thinke themselues worthy of such honour and estimation: and yet haue no regard to the renowne or prceminence, that is annexed vnto it: for (as Cicero saith) Truely, the best inheritance that Fathers leque to their Children, and more worthy then all aliue, is the glory of ver­tue, and worthy deedes, whereunto to be a staine, it is to be accounted both vice and shame.

But what reputation bring they to their Houses, that licenti­ously in riot rome to and fto, not knowing in what fashion to disguise themselues, what countenance they should beare in the streetes nor with what curiosity they should giue intertainment, furnished with three or foure French, Italian, or Spanish words, thinking that the whole glory consisted in being newfangled in their apparell, strange in their conceits, and as dainty in their diets, as Dame Folly her selfe, when shee is going of her first childe. To be short, in England Gentlemen haue robbed our Women of their mindes, and our Women haue bereaued vs of halfe our apparell.

Where Gentlemen ought rather to indeauour themselues to such exercises of vertuous acts, whereby they might giue such cleare light, and purchase true fame to their posterity, according as their predecestors haue left vnto them, of which they them­selues doe so mightily boast of: and especially, to giue themselues to such exercises, wherein labour prepareth the body to hardi­nesse, and the minde to couragiousnesse, neither suffering the one to be marred with tendernesse, nor the other to be hurt with idlenesse.

As we reade of Sardanapalus, who was scorned as an effemi­nate King, who choose rather to sit and spinne amongst Women, then to learne to weld weapons: against whom, when Belochas and Arbases made insurrection, he fled, and durst not shew him­selfe in the field.

Xenophon maketh mention how Hercules being but a young man, musing whereunto he might apply his noble minde, there appeared vnto him two goodly young women, the one very gorgious and braue: with ringes on her fingers, a chaine a­bout her neck, her haire set and frizeled, with pearles and dia­monds in her eares: the other sober in her cheere, comely in her apparell, modest in her behauiour, shamefast in her countenance. The first said: Hercules, if thou wilt serue me, thou shalt haue gold and siluer inough, thou shalt feede daintily, thou shalt liue Princely, thou shalt enioy pleasures, imbrace delightes, possesse mirth. In fine, thou shalt haue all things to thine owne contenta­tion, that appertaine to ease, rest and quietnesse. Then spake the other with demure countenance: if thou wilt serue me, Hercules, thou shalt be a Victor of Conquerours, thou shalt subdue king­domes, and ouerthrow Kings, thou shalt be aduaunced vnto fame, renowmed in the world, & shalt deserue praise both of man and woman. Hercules perceiuing the idle seruice of the first, and the fame and renowme that was to be gayned by the second, chose her for his mistris: & I thinke sent the other into England, where at this present she is duetifully serued. But I thinke the very occasion why many do not indeauour themselues to practise to be souldiours now in England, is because they see those few that be there already to thriue fo ilfauouredly by their occupati­on, that they rather seeke to indeauour themselues where there is either pleasure or profit to be gayned, which is not in Souldiour fare, and therefore makes them to become Courtiers, Lawyers, or Louers. The Court, I confesse, is a place requisite for Gentle­men to know, so their mindes might not be seduced with the va­nities thereof, whereby they should be inticed, not to follow o­ther exercises, tending more to their honor & estimation: and for­sake those places, where greater glory is to be gained then any doth ordinarily attaine vnto, that consumes their dayes wholy in the Court: for he that fully frames himselfe to become a courtier, must likewise fraught his head so full of courting toyes, that there will be no roome left, to consider of matters appertaining more to his credit. For the most in number of our young courtly. Gen­tlemen [Page 39]thinke that the greatest grace of courting, consisteth in proude and hautie counteuances to such as know them not, to be very faire spoken, bountifull and liberall in words to all men, to be curious in cauilling, propounding captious questions, thereby to shew a singularity of their wisedomes: for the helping whereof, they diligently studie bookes for the purpose, as Cornelius Agrip­pa de vanitate sciuntiarum, & other like: to seeme to talke of farre & straunge countries, of the maners of the people, of the fertilitie of soyles, & by the way of communication, able to dispute of all things, but in deed to know nothing, to apply their pleasant wits to scofting, quipping, gybing, and taunting, whereby they may be accompted merry conceited gentlemen, and withall, they must learne to play the parasites, or else I can tell them, they will neuer learne to thriue. And in their apparell, they must be very nice & neat, with their ruffes finely set, a great bundle of feathers thrust into a cap, which must like wyse be of such a bignesse, that it shall be able to hold more wit then three of them haue in their heades.

They must be rash in their iudgements, curious in their con­ceipts, they must be bold, saucie, and mallapert, which they them­selues terme to be good audacity. They must be ready to espy e­uery mans faults, but not to see their owne folly. But what should I stand to deciphre the vanities of our courtiers, which are alrea­dy so painted foorth in their colours, and that by so many men, as I do but wast the time in vaine about them: I doe likewyse ac­knowledge, that the law is especially to be practised by Gentle­men. For as the law it selfe is most honourable amongst men: so those that should be practisers, professours, and ministers of the lawes, ought likewyse to be of credit and estimation.

But our Innes of court in these dayes are so furnished with Shomakess sonnes, Taylers sonnes, Inholders sonnes, Farmers sonnes, and almost there is not so meane a man, but his sonne must goe to the Innes of court: and they, when they haue gotten a litle law, because they will not mend shoes, and doe as their fa­thers haue done before them, there is no ho in their getting, no measure in their taking, no meane in their brybing, nor no reason n their extorting.

These be they, that by Law will peruert Law, and what one Law doth make, they will bring another Law shall marre. These be they that laugh, when other men mourne and that make themselues rich, by other mens follies: and these be the onely men that bring Law and Lawyers into such Exclamations.

But of all other people that doe most surmount in vanities, are those that in such contagious passions, consume their time in loue, that as Marcus Aurelius doth affirme, he that doth once fall in loue with another, doth euen then beginne to hate him­selfe.

It hath many times been had in question, from whence the fu­ry of this malady should spring: but the greatest part doe con­clude, that the originall thereof doth proceede of idlenesse.

Loue where it once taketh hold, it tormenteth the patiente with such strange and bitter passions, that it reduceth reason into rage, pleasure into paine, quietnesse into carefulnesse, mirth into madnesse, neither maketh it any exceptions of persons, either old or young, rich or poore, weake or strong, foolish or discreet, that as Peter Bouaystuan, a notable French Authour doth write, that if all the Louers that are in the World, were made in one whole Army, there is neither Emperour, nor Monarch, but would be amazed to see such a company of Bedlem fooles in a cluster.

But he that should take the view of their countenances, gests, manners, furies, and all their franticke toyes, might confesse that he neuer saw a more strange Metamorphosis, or a spectacle more ridiculous to laugh at. If at any time they haue receiued a merry countenance of their beloued, good God, how gay shall you see them in their apparell, how chearefull in their countenance, how pleasantin their conceits, how merry in their moodes: then they bathe in brookes of blisse, they swimme in seas of ioy, they flow in flouds of felicity, they houer all in happinesse, they flie in sweet delights, they banish all annoy.

Contrarily, if they receiue a lowring looke, then you shall see them drowned in dumpes, they plead with piteous plaints, they cry with continuall clamours, they forge, they faine, they flatter, [Page 41]they lie, they forsweare, other whiles falling into desperate moodes, that they spare not to blaspheme the Gods, to curse the Heauens, to blame the Planets, to raile on the destinies, to cry out vpon the furies, to forge hell, to counterfet Sisiphus, to play Tan­talus, to faine Titius, to grone with Prometheus, to burne the Winter, to freeze the Summer, to loath the night, to hate the day, with a thousand other such superstitious follies, too long for me to rehearse.

Now if he be learned, and that he be able to write a verse, then his Pen must ply to paint his Mistresse praise, shee must then be a Pallas for her wit, a Diana for her chastity, a Ʋenus for her face, then shee shall be praised by proportion: first her Haires are wires of gold, her Cheekes are made of Lillies, and red Roses, her Browes be Arches, her Eyes Saphires, her lookes lightnings, her mouth Corall, her teeth Pearles, her paps Alablaster balles, her body streight, her belly soft, from thence downe ward to her knees, I thinke is made of Sugar Candy, her armes, her hands, her fingers, her legges, her feete, and all the rest of her body shall be so perfect, and so pure, that of my conscience, the worst part they will leaue in her, shall be her soule.

But what neede I heape vp so many words in this matter? My Pen hath not the power to paint their doting deuises: neither doe I minde otherwise then to wish, that Gentlemen should set aside all such trifling affaires, and vaine follies, and to shake off those delightfull desires, and rather to indeuour themselues to such exercises, which haue gained Hercules, Achilles, Theseus, Caius, Marius, Epaminondas, Themistocles, Alexander, Pyrrhus, Hannibal, Scipio, Pompey, Casar, with diuers others, such immor­tall glory, as neither the enuious rage of cruell death may ble­mish, neither the furious force of Fortunes fickle wheele may di­minish, neither the tract of deuouring time shall euer be able to remoue from memory. And I would to God, that while time doth yet serue vs in England, that such care might be had for the training and practising of men, that we should not be found al­together so carelesse, that to satisfie all our voluptuous pleasures, we neuer consider the preseruation of our Country and Com­mon [Page 42]wealth. So likewise, if it be not altogether too late, as I feare me it is, I would wish that another thing were looked vnto, and that very narrowly, wherein we haue made such a rodde for out owne tayles, as there is no question, but in the end it must of force fall out to be our owne scourge. And this it is: We had in England so great a benefit, as it might haue beene vsed, as no other Countrey inuironing about vs, is possessed with the like, which is the casting of yron Ordnance: but as the prouerbe is, that eue­ry commodity bringeth his discommodity, so this commodity bringeth vs double discommodity. First in the casting, it con­sumeth vs our woods and timber, in such sort, that one of the first things that England shall want, will be of timber for ships, which is all made hauocke on, onely about those yron mils. In the end comes M. Merchant, who cares not (for his owne priuate gaine) what mischiefe he worketh to his Countrey: or sometimes some olde bruised souldier, that hath serued the Queene in her warres, about London, Lambeth Marshes, or the out sles of Islington, all the dayes of his life, and in respect of his good seruice, must get a cōmission to sell two or three hundred pieces of this yron Ord­nance out of the Realme, that between M. Merchant and him, I dare vndertake, there is thrice as much Ordinance sold out of the Realme, as is within the Realme, and that some of our Mer­chants haue felt. For John the Frenchman hath been at Host with some of their ships, and Dauy Drunkard of Flushing, and his fel­lowes, haue not been behind: and these with other mo, were not able to goe so strongly to the Sea, were it not that they were fur­nished with our English Ordnance. The Spaniards and Portu­gals haue some pretty store of it. In France there is Rochel, Rosco, S. Mallous, and Deepe, their ships be generally as well surnished with our Ordnance, as any Merchants ships in the Thames. The mighty Hound of D [...]nkerke, and the rest of the Beagles that were of her consorts, God knowes, had beene able to haue made but a slender cry, when they had come to chase, had it not beene for our English barkers. The other parts of Flanders, Zeland, and Holland, both vpon the walles of their Townes, and also in their shipping, are furnisht with the like. I haue seene euery streete in Flushing, lye as full of [Page 43]English Ordnance, as if it had beene the Tower Wharfe of London. To be short, there are diuers Townes in East Frees­land, with Emden, Hambrough, Denmarke, Danske, Lubecke, Rye, Reuell, Swethen, with diuers other Cities and Townes of those East parts, that she is but a very meane Hulke, ap­pertaining to any of these places, which hath lesse then a dozen or sixteene peeces of our English Ordnance in her.

Such hath beene the carelesnesse of this our peaceable time, that it hath not onely made vs weake, by our owne neglecting the feates of armes: but also with our owne artillerie, and our warrelike munitions, we haue made such strong as be our ene­mies, as I feare we shall finde, if they were at quietnes amongst themselues.

And thus once againe I can wish, that such consideration might be had of the time that is present, as in the time that is to come, we should not haue cause to rue it.

And here although I know my skill will not serue me, nor my occasion at this time may well permit me, to speake of Martall discipline, how farre it is decayed from the first ordi­dinance and institution, yet gentle Reader, not doubting but thou wilt beare with me, as well for the want of the one, as for the necessitie of the other, I will aduenture to speake some thing thereo.

We doe find in holy Scriptures, and that in seuerall places, both in the bookes of Moses, in the booke of Josua and others where they haue vsed no litle regard as well in chusing of their captaines, leaders, and conductors, as also in their prescribing lawes, and disciplines of warre, which were many times ap­pointed by the almightie God himselfe.

But let vs peruse the examples of the Romans, which of all other people did most exceed, as well for the greatnes of their glory, as in all their other martial actions, and we shall find that they had not only consideration to the equitie of their cause for the which they would enter into wars (as by these words of Tully, in his 1. book of Offices may better appeare: And the iu­stice of warre is most sincerely described in the Phesiall Law of the [Page 44]people of Rome, whereby for things in claime, is moued, or else pro­claimea before, and bidden by desiance, &c.) But also they had as great regard to maintaine their quarrels, with like equitie and iustice, not suffering their captaines to enter into actions of treason or trecherie where their wars were al together arreared vpon causes of honestie, as by examples they did plainly shew.

When king Pyrrhus, vnprouoked had moued wars against the Romans, and Timochares whose sonne was yeoman for the mouth to the king, promised to Fabrieius then being Consull, to slay king Pyrrhus, which thing being reported to the Senat, they presently warned king Pyrrhus to beware of such trea­sons, saying, The Romans maintained their warres with armes and not by treason or trechery.

Likewise, when Lucius Pius in a banquet that he made, had filled the people of Samaria full of wine, and made them so drunke, that yeelded themselues subiect to Rome, for which ex­ploit Lucius Pius at his returne required triumph. But the Se­nators vnderstanding the manner of his fact, caused him open­ly to be beheaded, and a slanderous Epitaph set vpon his graue. Neither would they suffer that souldier, which amongst other being taken by Hannibal, and licenced vpon his oath to deprrt, conditionally that he should either make returne, or else send his ransome, the souldier with others of his companions, being departed the campe of Hannibal, and licenced vpon his oath to depart, conditionally that he should either make returne, or else send his ransome; the souldier with others of his companions, being departed the campe of Hannibal, feigned an arrand back againe for something that he had forgotten, and thus comming to Rome, did thinke himselfe discharged of his oath: but the Se­nate allowing of no such d [...]ceit to [...]evsed, made a decree that the same Souidier should be carried pinioned to Hannibal. And ten other, that in like manner were dismissed by Hannibal, vpon their oth were sessed at a yeerely fine, as long as any of them did liue for being forsworne. So nobly were the Romans dispo­sed, and so honourably minded, that no act was allowed of amongst them, seemed it neuer so profitable, wherin was found [Page 45]either fraude or deceit. And this magnificence, gate them con­digne commendations of their very enemies, and betweene whom there had beene mortall hostilitie, and many times was of greater effect to subdue them, then huge or mighty armies. And as they did excell in the excellency of these vertues, iustice and equity, to such as were able to stand in armes against them: so likewyse they did surmount in humanity and curtesie, and in ministring of comfort, to such as they had already vanqui­shed and subdued, as by no example may be better expressed, then, by a letter written by Marcus Aurelius Emperour of Rome, to Popilio, captaine of the Parthies, a notable discourse for captaines to peruse, and foloweth in this manner.

Lochere a mirrour, meete to be perused by Kings and Princes, wherein they may learne, with what consideration they should first enter into Warres, with what valiance and courage they [Page 50]should prosecute them, and with what iustice, temperance and mercie they should vse their enemies.

Captaines may likewise learne how to vse fortune, either when she fauours, either when she frownes,

But leauing a great number of necessary lessons worthy to be noted, how is it possible in so few lines, more amply to de­scribe the glory of the Romones: neither are their vertues here so liuely painted foorth in words, as they themselues did nobly shew it in their deedes.

But all other examples of humanity, amongst a great number vsed to their enemies, this in my opinion deser­ueth not the least commendation, that hauing taken Siphax King of Numantia, who being kept prisoner in the house of Tiberius, dyed of sicknesse before he was ransomed, not­withstanding now when there was no manner of hope of re­quitall, his funeralles were yet performed, with such solem­nity, such pompe, and such honour, such large giftes were gi­uen, and such liberality vsed, being but a Romane prisoner, as might haue wanted at Numantia, where he was Lord and King ouer all. I haue thus farre briefly, and in this short maner shew­ed some part of the magnificence of the Romanes, in their Mar­tiall actions, whereby may be perceiued, how farre we be di­gressed, and how cleane we be degenerate at this present from their honorable institutions. For if we consider in these dayes the impiety that is found amongst Princes, which for the most part are so led by the furie of ambition, where they thinke they may oppresse, that without any other respect of cause they are ready to accompanie themselues, with a sorr of bloody cap­taines, that should haue the leading of a company of as lewd & vngratious souldiers, and euen according to their quarrels and to the quality of their owne dispositions, they prosecute their warres, and performe all their enterprises, the which for the most part are executed with such treason and trecherie, as no Prince almost may be so surely garded, but his life shalbe fini­shed with some deadly blow with a weapon, with some sodaine shot of a pistoll, or at the least practised with some secret poison [Page 51]nether is there any town, that may be so surely walled, so strōg­ly rāpered, or so throughly fortified which shall not be betraied.

For in our warres we be now come to this passe, that fraud and deceit is reputed for policy, and treason and trechery are called grauity and wisedome, and he is holden the noblest cham­pion, that by any of these meanes can best deceiue: where, in the opinion of all men, which exactly do honor iustice, it hath euer beene condemned, and accompted most horrible. And no doubt it can not be acceptable in the sight and iudgement of God, who in the Scripture is called the God of trueth and verity: but rather proceedeth from the deuill, who is (indeede) the father of fraude, and the forger of all deceite.

And these enormities haue euer beene especially practised amongst those that haue arreared warres, rather to oppresse and, rauish the goods of others, then amongst such as haue but defended their owne right, or entred into warres onely vpon causes of iustice and equity, for that it hath bene euer holden a matter most inconuenient, rather by subtilty to vndermine, then by force to conquer.

Now for the incitements to valour, there is no motiue more mighty to incite men to valour and courage, then when they shall call to minde the rightnes of theirs: the which doth ani­mate and set an edge on their hearts, according to the opinion of Cicero, who affirmeth that manlinesse is well defended of the Stoiks, which is a vertue that is a Champion of equity, wherefore no man hath euer attained to the honour of forti­tude, or get praise by policy. For nothing is deemed honest that is deuoyde of Fustice: he likewise maketh a further procee­ding in the same place, reciting the saying of Plato to the same effect, that science not accompanied with conscience & know­ledge disioyned from iustice, is rather subtilty then solid wise­dome, & those enterprised which are vndertaken for our owne profit, and not the weale publick is more truely termed foolish hardinesse then famous valour.

Aristotle would by no meanes that Diomedes should bee reputed either wyse or valiant, for that when feare had made [Page 52]wings for the Grecians heeles, and they were discomfited in fight, he still continued fight in the field, and aduentured him­selfe to incounter with Hector, with more audacity and courage; then vnderstanding and consideration, more respecting the bab­ble of fame and vaine praise of men, the which though for a time it may seeme delightfull, yet is but of short continuance, when the safety of his soyle and commodity of his Countrey, the which is the scope of all vertuous actions, and an immortall glory.

In such sort he censured Hector, who many times casting vp his eyes to his wife, and other Women standing vpon the walles of Troy, would with greater courage and audacity aduenture and hazard his life, onely to gaine fauour and reputation in the Womens opinions, and fearing least any rumour should berai­sed which might wound his credit, when otherwise hee would haue had a more respect [...]e care of his life: They are therefore farre remote from the renowne of true valour, which will so rashly runne vpon their owne ruines without any due conside­rate premeditation, for what auailed the audacity of Varro and Flaminius, two renowned Romane Captaines, who reiecting the prowesse, and contemning the craft of Hannibal, and vnder­valuing the counsell of Fabius, firing the anchor of their hope in their owne hardinesse, endangered and ruined two noble armies, whereby the power of the Romanes lay a bleeding, and was al­most vtterly perished: It is a common receiued opinion, that a man cannot attaine to the exact perfection of the meanest occu­pation vnder seauen yeeres practise, and doth it stand with like­lihood? nay, hath it almost any possibility, that the art of Warre should be so suddenly wonne, wherein there is alwayes a Plus vltra, and a furthermore. For they which haue all the course of their life beene followers of that course, and haue continued the faithfull men of Mars, they haue not proceeded so farre, but still they might goe one degree further, and haue beene to seeke in something: this was the matter which moued Philip to mar­uaile, that the Athenians did yeerely choose new Generals and Captaines of their warres, when hee in the whole course of his [Page 53]life had found one worthy of his approbation, which was Par­menio; Plato would not allow any man authoritie in Mars his imployments, till he was thirty yeeres of age: and Alexander would admit none to the place of a commander vnder sixtie: finally by the generall consent and confirmation of al men, there ought not to be a slight or small respect vsed in the choice of Captaines. Cicero mentioneth foure things requisite in a ru­ler of the warres, to wit Iustice, Fortitude, Policie and Tem­perance: First, Iustice to reuenge, Fortitude to put his inten­tion in execution, Policy to prepare the way to leade him to his ends, and temperance to stay him in his fury, when he hath sufficiently discharged it vpon his enemies; and it is free from doubt, and certaine without suspition, that a Captaine thus endowed with these vertues, shall be of no small preuailance in all his proiects, but they haue very little respect of any of these in the election of our English Souldiers, who are appointed ac­cording to master Constables command, and who if he hath taken a distast, and conceiued a displeasure against any in his circuit, cannot excogitate a better meanes to vent his re­venge, or thinke of a speedier course to oppresse him then to presse him forth to be a Souldier: but if he chance to be in cha­rity with his neighbours, then doth he select some silly odde fellow that doth least good in the parish, as who should say, he cannot be too bad to be a Souldier, and for the most part they scoure their prisons of theeues, and their streets of rogues and vagabonds when they are to set any Souldiers forth, so that they seeke such men for such imployments as were better lost then found. I hese are the authors and fountaines from whence such abuses flow, and the causers of a Souldiers name to bee so odious to the vulgar and common people: and another dis­commodity hath birth from the pressing of such a ribble rabble, for in the warres they become mutiners, who ought to be pu­nished with no small seuerity for infringing the institutions, and violating the orders of the generall Captaine, the which how distastfull it is to God, the punishments which God hath inflicted vpon such persons may sufficiently testifie in the [Page 54]booke of Numbers it is recorded, that the earth opened and swallowed vp Corath, Dathan and Abyram, for mutining a­gainst Moses, an euident and apparant proofe, how displea­sing to the Almightie these kinde of insertions be, and that they are rebels to God that resist their Captaine.

Manlius Torquatus shewing more seuerity then affection, caused his owne naturall sonnes head to be moued from his bo­dy, because he remoued out of the place whereto he was ap­pointed; notwithstanding hee went out of it to fight with an enemy, who had formerly challenged him. And Salust doth re­port that there were more souldiers suffered for assaulting there enemies before they had command from the Captaine, then for running out of the field before the combat, who were very seuere in inflicting heauy punishments on such like offenders, and to the end that they might the better sub­iect Souldiers to their discipline, adioyned to their owne Lawes the authority of God, and were accustomed with great ceremonies solemnly to sweare them to obserue their ordi­nances. Cicero recordeth how Pompilius when he was gene­rall of the Romans in the Persian warres, had discharged one legion in which Catos sonne had serued for a Souldier, who al­though he was discharged, yet still continued there, being desi­rous to see the warres, which Cato vnderstanding, did write to Pompilius that he should not permit or suffer his son to remain or abide in the army, vnlesse he did sweare him Souldier againe, because otherwise it was vnlawfull for him to fight with the enemy, for being freed from his former oath, hee was like­wise discharged from being a Souldier: it was a generall cu­stome amongst the Grecian to sweare there Souldiers being ar­med and brought to Church in this manner. I will not doe a­ny thing vnworthy the sacred holy warres, neither will I re­linquish or forsake my Captain to whom I am appointed; I wil not be the causer of my countryes illfare, but I will to the vtter­most bounds of my abilitie and limits of my power indeauour that it may reape all possible benefits by my seruice, and I will continually frame and fashion my selfe to the obedience and [Page 55]obseruance of such orders, as are now or shall be hereafter de­termined by the state. Moreouer as I will neglect them my selfe so farre as I am able force others to keepe them. I will perpetually maintayne and retayne the religion of my coun­trey, the which my promises I call the Gods to record and witnesse: the which custome if it were now obserued and put in execution amongst souldiours in our times, it could not but be a meanes to secure their Generall and gouernour, in­cite them to the vndertaking of all worthy enterprises, be an Antidote and preseruation agaynst such treacheries as are dayly practised, and would in like manner gaine credit and reputati­on to their profession.

All which things are manifested in that true mirror of true worth Count Mansfield: who as he hath kept their seruice free from mutiny seuerely, so he hath rewarded his souldiours bountifully, which hath so animated them, and giuen them life in all their proceedings, that they haue with matchlesse courage performed all their enterprises: And Mansfield the generall of there army, hath had no lesse then generall applause: who to his eternall memory and neuer dying fame, hath enlarged his owne renowme, made an addition, especially to his reputation by be­ing constant to the King of Bohemia, and a most worthy main­tainer of the Gospell of Christ: of whose worthy actions if I should indeauour to make a particular discourse, it would farre exceed the power of my pen: and I am affraid, I should wrong him in the relatio [...]: and I seare, in this more lasciuious then la­borious age, he wi [...] scarce attayne to the happinesse of Achilles to haue a second Homer, to trumpet forth the trueth of his worth, who hath all the vertues lodged in his brest, that can be imagined to be resident in a Prince or souldiers bosome: For as he htah couragious valour, denying to permit him to carry coales or suffer excesse of iniury, so he hath a measure of honest policy to performe what he proiecteth, and least there might be any defect in him vndeseruing the name of a Captaine, or a Commaunder, like a second Demosthenes, he is so well furni­shed with perswasiue oratory, that the soules of his souldiours [Page 58]in time of his exhortation to him, seeme onely to be placed in their eares, and his very breath is a wynde to blow, (as I may so say) the coales of their courage and to accend their fury: For at what time as he obtained the famous victory against Leo­poldus before Hguenae, he moued his souldiours in a well com­posed speach, to behaue themselues boldly and with courage, and to make a full expression of their valour, since that they were to haue such a noble compagnion in combate as the King of Bohemia, who was royally resolued to pursue his foes in person.

I neede not therefore seeke farre for a Commaunder, whose example may serue for euery captaines instruction, who as he should looke for duety from them in his seruice, so should af­foord them meanes whereby they may liue (as they are to be truely considered) professours of a worthy calling: he should likewyse incourage them with mouing speeches, incite them to valour and noble actions. To conclude, a true substantiall soul­diour, and a gainefull generall, ought to be powerfull in men and meanes, politick in plotting meanes aswell for the defence of himselfe as the offence of his enemy, royall in rewarding in the well-deseruing, eloquent in perswading his men to prowesse: So shall the warres be more prosperous, the soul­diours more respected, and a happy successe shall crowne all Marshallists earnest indeauours.