THE first thing belonging to the Art and Science Militarie, practised by all Warlike Nations in all ages hath bin, that al Captains after they haue recei­ued the charge of bands or companies of horsmen or footmen armed & wea­poned, according to the discipline and vse of the Nation that they are of; haue first instructed and taught their souldiors to reduce themselues into their simple and single order of ranks, and to weare, carry, and vse all their weapons in soldior-like manner, according to the nature and effect of euery different sort of them, without which readilie and orderlie performed and dulie obserued, with all obedience, neyther Captains, officers, nor their soldiors, can in right vnderstanding be accoun­ted worthy to beare the name of men of warre; and ther­fore I will first begin with the orderlie reducing of a band into forme to march in their rankes as followeth.

All Captaines, Lieutenants, and Sergeants of bands, are first to consider before they do reduce their bands of souldiors into their simple and single order of ranks,Certen mat­ters to be con­sidered of and obserued by all Captaines be­fore y^• reduce­ment of their bands into their simple & single order of rankes. how many different sorts of weapons they haue in their bands with the number of euery different sort of weapon; which done, then are they to consider what sort & kind of wea­pon shall march in the first compertiment or deuision, [Page 2] and what other sort of weapon in the second comperti­ment, and so subsequentlie in all the rest; so as alwaies the compertiment of armed men piquers doo march in the midst of all the rest of the compertiments.

All which being by them and their officers con­sidered,A comperti­ment of a band of Soldiors, is to bee vnder­stood the num­ber of soldiors of any one sort of weapon, as of Harquebuziers, of archers, of musquetiers, of piquers or of halbardiers, reduced into their simple or single order of rankes, as of 3. 4. 5. 6. or 7. & so vppe to 10. or 11. in a rank at the most, readie to be re­duced into squadron, or to be any other waies imploied then they are to resolue how many souldiers of euery sort of weapon they will command to march in a rancke; as of 5. of 6. or of 7. or more or fewer: so as they be not fewer then 3. nor more then 10. or 11: at the most in their simple and single order of rankes, although their bandes be verie great. And these numbers of 10. or 11. in a ranke at the most, and 3. soldiors in a ranke at the fewest for single bands to march in, hath beene obserued by all men of warre of iudgement amongst all Warlike Nations in all ages; and that in respect that the rankes of souldiors that doe not exceed the number of 10. or 11. may in an instant bee numbred by the Captaines or of­ficers, sudden casting their eies vpon such ranks, as also by the souldiors that are to reduce themselues into their rankes: wheras if they were of greater numbers, the cap­taine, lieutenant, or sergeants, may quicklie mistake the number of soldiors in ranke, and so to their reproach faile in their intended reducements. Besides that squadrons how great, and of what forme soeuer they are formed, the compertiments of diuers or many bands, are more con­ueniently and certeinlie brought into their proportions and formes,Single bandes are not to march aboue 10. or 11. in a ranke at the most for diuers causes and reaso [...]s. with the compertiments of bands that doe not exceed the number of 10. or 11. in a ranke at the vt­termost, or rather fewer, then if they were of greater numbers; with other causes and reasons also which for breuities sake in this place I omit. And now all this bee­ing as aforesaid by a Captaine considered, and he hauing with himselfe concluded that all the compertiments of different weapons throughout his band shall march 5. in a rank, or any other number (as aforesaid:) he is presently to giue order to his officers to reduce them into that [Page 3] number in euerie ranke; which to performe, some one of them is first to saie vnto the harquebuziers who are to be the first compertiment,Certen orders and briefe speaches to be ob­serued & vsed by Captains & their officers, when they would reduce their bandes into their sim­ple and single order of rākes. Ranke your selues harquebuziers fiue in a ranke, appointing them the ground where the soldiors of the first ranke shall reduce themselues; and so likewise the like briefe wordes and orders are to bee pro­nounced to the Archers, to the Musquetiers, and to the armed men: which being by them heard, euery different sort of those weapons ought with all celeritie to reduce themselues throughout their compertiments into the foresaid number of 5. in a ranke,In all reduce­mentes either of horsemen or footmen al the backer rankes must obserue the proportio­nate distances in frunt and by flanks, of the two formost rankes. all the backer rankes of euery compertiment, obseruing the proportionate di­stances of the two first rankes of their owne comperti­ment in frunt and by flanks.

But because when soldiors doo begin to reduce them­selues into ranks after the number pronounced by their Captains or Sergeants, that in the first, second, or third ranke, or else in some of the rest of the rankes, there hap­pen sometimes more soldiors to fa [...]l into some of those rankes, then there should be by the number pronounced, (as aforesaid) and that those soldiors that came last into that ranke or those ranks,Two speciall & generall rules to be obserued by all soldiors when they are to reduce them selues into rankes. are vpon pride or wilfulnesse lothe to put themselues out of that ranke or rankes, and to retire themselues to find out some ranke or ranks that doe lacke the number pronounced: the Captains there­fore and the officers of bands ought to instruct their sol­diors, at such times as they are to reduce themselues into their simple or single order of rankes, according vnto the number by their Captains or officers pronounced, that if in the first, second, or third ranke; or in any of the rest of the former ranks, that disorder doe happen; that then the ouerplus of the number of the soldiors by the Cap­taine or officers pronounced that doe find themselues on the left flanke, or side of that ranke, or rankes, shall pre­sently put themselues out of the same ranke, or ranks, and retire vntill they find a ranke or rankes, that doe lacke the [Page 4] number of soldiors by their Captain or officers pronounced. And to the intent that this order may be the better performed, the Captaines, Lieutenants, and sergeants, ought to instruct their soldiors that in the reducing of themselues into ranks, the first soldior that is to begin in the first ranke, being placed by the Sergeant in the place where the first ranke should begin, the rest of the soldiors of the same armor and weapon that are next vnto that first soldior by the seargeant placed, shall presently fall in­to ranke by the left side or flanke the one of th' other, vn­till that ranke be compleat according to the number by the Captain, Lieutenant, or Sergeant pronounced. And so likewise the second,This kind of reducement of a single band of horsemen or footmen into rankes, euery soldior by the left flanke of the other hath not bene according to true discipline vsed by our English nation of a long time. third, fourth, and consequentlie al the rest of the ranks are to reduce themselues into theyr ranks by the left flankes, or sides the one of the other, and not to enter into ranke disorderlie th' one betwixt the o­ther. So that by the performance of this prescribed or­der, any ouerplus of soldiors that shall happen to fall into any of those rankes shall find themselues to be on the left flanke or side of those ranks, and therfore shall know that it is their duties presently to retire out of those ranks, vn­till they find some other ranke or rankes that doo lack the number by their Captains or Sergeants pronounced. Al which different weapons being reduced into their com­pertiments by the orders aforesaide, then the Captaine may command his lieutenant and Sergeants of the band to draw the one halfe of euery different sort of weapon of volee, behind the compertiment of armed men, & there to place them in the same & like order as the other halfe of those weapons of volee are before the armed men; so as the armed piquers shall hold the middle place of the band according to all discipline.

And the like briefe speeches and prescribed orders of reducements by the left flanke the one of th'other may serue for horsmen, be they men at Armes, Launces, bor­derers or Stradiots, or of any other kinde of armor and [Page 5] weapon on horsebacke. As for example, If a Captaine or Lieutenant of men at Armes, or Dimilances would reduce his companie into their simple or single order of rankes,Briefe spea­ches to be vsed by Captains of horsemen when they are to reduce their companies in­to their simple and single or­der of rankes. he is to say vnto those that are to begin the first ranke: Ranke your selues Launces three in a ranke, or 4 or 5 in a ranke, or as it shal please him: Vpon which speaches pronounced, all his whole band or companie is to per­forme his commandement and words pronounced with the like obseruations as are before prescribed vnto the bands of footmen, hauing alwaies speciall regard to their proportionate distances in frunt and by flanks. And these prescribed orders before set downe, al soldiors bee they horsmen or footmen ought to know & performe with all celerity, quietnes, & silence, vpō very seuere punishment.

Now the Captain or Captains hauing reduced their soldiors into their simple, or single order of ranks or into any forme of square, & that the soldiors piquers do stand at their piques, the butends on the ground, and the points vpright, and that the Captain, Lieutenant, or Sergeants would haue them to march, they are then to say to the first ranke: Shoulder your piques and march; which is as much to say:Brief speaches to be vsed by the Captain & his officers to piquers stand­ing at their pi­ques. Lay your piques vpon your right shoulders and march, which shouldering of piques must be doone with a comely and soldiorlike grace, all the piquers of the first ranke falling backe with their right feet almost a foot behind their left, that their piques may the more leisure­ly and comelie fall to their shoulders, and then raising vp their left feet about a handfull from the ground,How piquers should shoul­der their pi­ques and march. & letting them fall againe, they must all in an instant aduance for­ward, & so fal into their march, first with their right feet. And so in like maner the second, third, and fourth ranks, & so subsequentlie al the rest of the ranks must in al points perform the like, & shoulder their pikes one after another & carry the butends of their piques 3. foot or more from the ground, straight in discent towardes the right hams of the souldiors piquers marching before them, euerie [Page 6] ranke beeing so euen in frunt, that the butend of no pi­quers pique may preceed the one the other in the same ranke; and so euen and straight by flanks that the butend of euerie piquers pique may be iust point and blanke to­wards the right hamme of the piquer preceding in the ranke before him: And so they must al with great silence and with a graue and soldiorlike grace, march.

But whereas in this place I doe instruct that all the sol­diors of the first ranke, and so subsequentlie of all the rest of the rankes one after another should first fall back with their right feet, almost a foot behind their left, to the in­tent that their piques should fall the more leisurely to their shoulders, and that then all the soldiors of the first ranke at one instant should raise and lift vp their left feet about a handfull from the ground, and letting them fall againe to the ground should march forward, first with their right feet; that instruction I doe giue partlie in re­spect that the same being orderlie performed as aforsaid, it dooth giue a very comelie grace vnto the soldiors in their first beginning to march, but chiefelie because that the leisurely falling backe of all the soldiors of the first ranke with their right feet, to shoulder their piques, and so subsequentlie of all the rest of the rankes one after ano­ther, with the lifting vp also of their left feet about a hand full from the ground, is a warning to euery hinder ranke presently to prepare themselues to march, whereas by not performing the same or the like leisurely and soldior­like warning vpon the stroke of the drum or briefe spee­ches pronounced as aforesaid, it often commeth to passe that the soldiors of the second ranke, are suddenlie, and disorderly cast too great a distance behind the first ranke, and so consequentlie all the rest of the rankes, by the sud­den shouldering of their piques, and stepping forward of the first ranke.

And I doe further aduertise that the soldiors piquers of any priuate band marching in their single order of rankes [Page 7] doe in any wise obserue the distances of 16. or else 18. feet betwixt euerie rank & ranke by flankes, and 6. or else 7.Distances to be obserued by piquers marching in their single order of rankes. feet betwixt euery soldior, and soldior in frunt; that is betwixt soldior and soldior in euery ranke: And this in case the ground will permit them or otherwise that they do march in conuenient distances in frunt and by flanks, according to the ground and occasion.

And in this place because I haue mentioned and tou­ched the distances that ought to be obserued by a single band of piquers, and other weapons marching in their simple and single order of ranks, I thought it were a con­uenient place also to handle and write at large of the ma­ny and different distances that ought to be obserued as well in frunt; that is in euery ranke from frunt to backe, as by flanks, that is betwixt euery ranke and ranke, not only by single bands, but also by squadrons and battels for many purposes, and that not onelie by footmen, but also by horsmen of diuers different sortes of armour and weapons. Howbeit considering that the same hath been briefelie touched although to no great purpose by some other writers of forreigne Nations; And that if I should enter to write and discourse of those matters effectuallie, it would require manie sheetes of paper, and therefore would be very long and tedious to the Reader, I thought good to ouerpasse those particularities as thinges very well knowne to all skilfull men of warre of all warlike na­tions, and to proceed to other matters that doe require more particular instruction.That it is a thing of verie great difficulty to set downe by writing all the iust and proportionate distances that Horsemen and footemen are to obserue in frunt and by flanks vpon di­uers occasions. And that the rather, because the many and different distances that are vppon diuers different causes and occasions to be obserued by horse­men as also by footmen, are such and so many as they cannot bee expressed by writing but with verie great difficultie; for that the same cannot bee particularlye set downe but by the measures of paces and halfe paces, and by the measures of more and fewer feet, of halfe feet and quarters of feet, and other such measures; which I [Page 8] thinke no man of any experience can possibly by writing rightlie expresse without failing or erring more or lesse: And that by reason that sometimes single bandes are to march in open places where they haue roome inough to inlarge their ranks both in frunt and by flankes, thereby to beautifie and giue grace vnto such companies; And at other times they are to march thorow Citties and Townes, where the narrownesse of the streats doe not giue them roome to inlarge themselues in their distan­ces, thereby to make the greater show: at other times al­so bands are to march in the field readie to be reduced & incorporated with other bands, at which time they are to march more close, & in neerer distances both in frunt and by flanks. And so likewise being incorporated into squadrons, they are for diuers different purposes, as som­times for their greater ease to march, & to giue the grea­ter show, and to bewtifie the squadron, they are to march in the rankes inlarged; and at other times vpon the expe­cting of the enimie being not yet in sight, or beeing in sight, they are to straighten their rankes more or lesse; or that vpon the neare approch of the Enemies squadrons of both horsmen and footmen, they expect and doubt a charge of horsmen in frunt, or flankes, or both; or that they themselues are with their piques to charge a contra­rie squadron of footmen. For al which, and diuers other occasions and purposes, they are to reforme themselues into diuers different distances.

And as piquers and short weapons either in single bands, or reduced into squadrons, are for diuers purposes to reforme themselues into such varietie of distances: Euen so weapons of volee reduced into sleeues, wings, and other formes, are to vse some of the like, and other sorts of distances. And as footmen are for such different causes and occasions to obserue such varietie of distan­ces as aforesaid: Euen so horsmen of diuers armors and weapons, as men at Armes, Dimilaunces, Stradiots, Rei­stres, [Page 9] and other sorts of light horsemen, are to reduce themselues into diuers different distances according to the effects and nature of their armors and weapons; and are again to reforme themselues into other distances ac­cording to new occasions and directions, sometimes for one purpose and sometimes for others. All which variety & different sorts of distances and many others are of ve­ry great difficulty, to bee by writing rightly expressed in their iust and proportionate measures; and yet y^• notwith­standing it is a thing of so great facilitie for all good and diligent Captaines and officers aswell of horsemen as of footmen, only by sight of eye and ordinarie practise to in­struct and reduce their souldiors vpon any different occa­sions into all sorts of distances either in Towne, Campe, or field, according to the Art and scyence Militarie; as that there is not any Captaine, Lieutenant, nor Serge­ants of band, that are any waies worthie to haue the charge or mannaging of a band of footemen; nor any Captaine, Lieutenant, Conductor, nor Decurion of horsmen, that are any waies worthy to haue the ordering & managing of any sorts of horsemen vnder their char­ges, if they doo not very well know all different sortes of distances according to discipline, that they are to reduce their soldiors into.

And if the Captaine or officers aforesaid, would haue their souldiors to stay their march and make a stand; then the Captain, Lieutenant, or Sergeant is to say to the first ranke of piquers Auance your piques: which words being pronounced, al the soldiors piquers,Brief speaches to be vsed to piquers when they shoulde make a stand or pause. of the first rank must in an instant lay their left hands vpon the forpart of their piques, about a foot or more before their right handes, auancing themselues forward two steps, the first with their left feet,How piquers should aduāce their piques and make a stand. and the laste steppe with their right feet, and therewithall raising their piques vpright with both their hands, they must set the butends of them vpon the groūd with the pointes towards the Element, which being by the first rank performed with a comly & soldiorlik grace; [Page 10] then the second ranke, the third, fourth & so subsequent­ly all the rest of the ranks one after another, must after the same sort auance their piques.

And whereas it hath beene of long time vsed, and stil is by many Italian, Walloun, and French Captains, and so likewise by some other Captaines of other Nations, that they doo instruct their soldiors marching in their simple or single order of rankes of 5. or 6. or 7. or other such numbers, as also when they are reduced into squa­dron, that all the piquers that doo march of the left flank or side of the band or squadron, should carrie all their piques vpon their left shoulders, as [...]y piquers marching vpon the right flanke doo carry theirs vpon their right shoulders; and this to the intent (as they say) that the pi­quers of the left flanke or side of the band or squadron carrying their piques vpon their left shoulders, doo in the same carrying of their piques, greatly beautifie the band or squadron in the eies of the beholders: whereas, if o­therwise all the piquers of the left flank should carrie their piques vpon their right shoulders, as those of the right flanke doo, that it would not make so good a shew, as by carrying their piques vpon their left shoulders: Thervn­to I say, that I haue knowne diuers Italians, and namelie Marco Antonio Colōna, Ascanio de la Corna, & Cha­pin Vitelli: all which three were very notable gentlemen and great Captains, that did greatlie mislike that the pi­quers of the left flanke of a band or squadron,No piquers of a single band or squadron ought to carie their piques vpon their left shoulders. should car­ry their piques vpon their left shoulders, vtterly condem­ning the cause before alledged: saying, that the left flank or side of piquers marching in their simple, or single or­der of ranks, or in squadron, could not be more bewtified, then by the wearing of their swords vpon their left sides, and their piques vpon their right shoulders in soldiorlike manner: besides that for right handed soldiors to carrie their piques vpon their left shoulders when they are to aduance, or vpright, or shoulder their piques, it dooth giue a greater disequalitie and disgrace in the perfor­mance [Page 11] of those and diuers other effects; and therewithal is a great deale more vnready for right handed souldiors, for diuers other purposes to performe and vse; then if they carried al their piques after one sor [...] vpon their right shoulders. And as the opinions of diuers Captaines are as aforesaid, that the carrying of their piques vpon their left shoulders doth bewtifie the left flanke, because it dooth resemble the right: So contrariwise, I say that such as doo behold either the frunt or the backe of such a band or squadron, shall see a disproportion and disequa­litie in the partition where the piquers of the left flank do carry their piques in a different sort from al the rest of the piquers of the right flanke. For all which causes before alledged, with others, which for breuities sake I omit; I would wish that all piquers should aswell in squadrons as in their single order of rankes, carry all their piques vpon their right shoulders, & not vpon their left; except some times when they are in march in the field to ease them­selues, they may change their piques to their left shoul­ders.

Also if there were any piquers that were left handed from their youth, I wold wish them to carrie their piques vpon their right shoulders, and to practise and vse their piques with their right hands, in couching and making head with them against either horsmen or footmen, and in all other militarie exercises and actions. And because such left handed soldiors doo weare their swordes vpon their right sides, I would wish that they should not be pla­ced neither in single bandes, nor in squadrons, vpon the vttermost flankes or sides of them, but in some other of the inner ranks.

And here it is to be noted that in reducing of a single band or companie of soldiors into their simple,How a single band cōsisting of 5 different sortes of wea­pons should be formed to march in the plaine and o­pen fields. or single order, the Captain, Lieutenant, or Sergeants of the band, must haue great consideration in forming of their bands; and chiefely consisting as our English bands doe of 5. dif­ferent weapons; that is, of piques, batleaxes, musquetiers, [Page 12] harquebuziers, and archers; and that they ought to per­forme in this sort following: First that they should place the one halfe of the harquebuziers in frunt; and immedi­atlie after them, should march the one halfe of the ar­chers, and after the archers, the one halfe of the musque­tiers, and after the musquetiers, al the ranks of the piquers with the Ensigne in the midst or centre of them, guarded with halbarders, or battleaxers; and after the piquers the other halfe of the musquetiers, and after the musquetiers the other half of the archers, and after them last of al the other halfe of the harquebuziers; which band marching in this sort, the one half of the different sorts of weapons of volee marching before the piques,A great ad­uauntage and readines for bands march­ing in this sort, to be reduced into other for­ [...]es. and the other halfe behind, both in like numbers of ranks & in one order, they are by that means alwaies ready vpon all occasions to be reduced into any forme, or different forms to arme aswell the back of the piquers by some called Rereward, as also the frunt, flanks, & al four corners of the said piques: as for example, If the Captain of the band be disposed to arme, and draw two sleeues of any one sort of those weapons of volee by the flanks of the armed men, he may then with great celerity perform the same, either by cōmanding by the stroke of the drum, or by som briefe speach, that al the piquers and short wepons shal aduance their piques and make a stand, and hauing reduced those armed men into som kind of square, then one of the Sergeants of the band is to draw down al the ranks of that weapon of volee, that he would make his sleeue of, vpon the right flanke of the piques in as many ranks as he listeth, and as many soldi­ors in euery rank as pleaseth him, or as he is cōmanded; & so likwise at the same time & instant another sergeant, or the Lieutenant of the band (which Lieutenant ought euer to march behind the hindermost ranke of the band incase the Captain do march before) may draw vp by the left flank of the piques the like number of ranks, & of sol­diors in euery rank of the same weapon of volee; and so likewise with the like celerity vpon the different strokes of the drum, or different briefe speaches of the Captain, all [Page 13] the rest of the different sorts of weapons of volee by drawing down as many ranks of them that doo march before as he thinketh requisit, and drawing vp as many ranks of those that do march behind or in rereward as he thinketh meet; and employing the rest for skirmishes, or ambu­shes, or other seruices as he thinketh most conuenient; they may with great dexteritie reduce them into diuers different and variety of forms, aswell for the guard of the frunt and back of the piques, as for the flanks & corners, and all other occasions and purposes.

Also it is furder to be noted that if a Captain, marching with hi [...] band in his simple or single order of 3.How Captains marching with their bandes in their simple and single or­der of rankes should double all their rankes by right line. of 4. or 5. or more in a rank; & that vpon any occasion he thinketh requisit to double all the ranks of the compertiments of his band by right line: that is by euery second ranke en­tring into the ranke that is before them; then he is to say to the sergeant or sergeants of his band, Double your ranks by right line: vpon which briefe words and directions, the sergeant presently ought to command the drummer or drūmers to strike the doubling of the ranks; or else himself is to command the second rank of piquers to enter into [...]y first rank of piquers, & at the same instant the fourth rank to enter into [...]y third rank, and the sixt into the fift rank, & so subsequently in the like order, all the rest of the ranks to enter one into another; so as if they were before but 5. in a rank in their single order, they are nowe by this doubling of ranks by right line becom 10. in a rank.How Captains should double the ir rankes by flankes. And as a captain may double the ranks of [...]y compertiments of his band, by right line as aforsaid, so may he likwise dou­ble them by any of both [...]y flanks by cōmanding euery se­cond rank to march vp to the left flank of the rank before them, that is, that the second rank of 5. soldiors do march vp to the left flank of the first rank of 5. and that the fourth ranke doo at the same time march vppe to the left flanke of the third ranke, and the sixt ranke to the left flanke of the first ranke, and so subsequentlie all the rest of the second rankes throughout the bande to marche vppe to the left flankes of the rankes before them, vntill they [Page 14] be of equall frunt & in equall distances with the said ranks before them. And further, if the captain of the same band his cōpany marching in their simple & single order of 5. in a rank as they did at [...]y first be disposed to haue two rāks to enter into one, that is whereas they marched before 5. in a ranke to make them 15. then hee is to say to the Ser­geants of his band: Triple your rankes by right line, How Captains should triple their rankes by right line. which briefe words by the Captain being pronounced, then the Sergeants presentlie are to command the drommers to strike the tripling of the rankes, or else themselues with the like briefe speeches as aforesaid, to cause the second and third ranks of any weapon to enter into the first ranke of the same weapon, and the fift and the sixt, to enter in­to the fourth, and the eigth and the ninth to enter into the seuenth, and so subsequentlie all the rest of the rankes or­derly to performe the like, which being by them perfor­med, they must presentlie in euery ranke inlarge them­selues in their distances. And to the same effect, If a Cap­tain be disposed to triple the rankes of the armed men of his band by flanks;How Captains should triple their rankes by flanks. that is, whereas they marched before but 5. in euery ranke in their single order, that he would reduce them into 15. in euery ranke, then he or his Lieu­tenant, or the Sergeants of his band may commaund the tripling of the ranks by saying to the first rankes.It is to be no­ted that in all reducements of squadrons into forme with the com­pertiments of bands, that the middle most part of the frunte is the highest place in estimation, and that the right hand of the same frunt is the second in degree, and that the left hand same frunt [...] the lowest place in de­gree. And that the first, second and thirde rankes, but chiefely the first, are the places of grea­test estimation for the gentle­men of the bands if there be any to bee placed in the presence of their Captains to shewe their valours. Triple your ranks soldiors by both the flanks throughout. Vppon which briefe speaches pronounced either by the Cap­tain, Lieutenant, or Sergeants, the second & third ranks are presentlie to march vp to the flanks of the first ranke, that is to be vnderstood, that the second rank shall march to the right flanke of the fift ranke, and the third ranke to the left flanke of the said first ranke, vntil they be al of one equall frunt, and in like and equall distances; at which time likewise the fift and sixt ranks shall in the very same order and sort march vp to both the flankes of the fourth ranke, and the eighth and the ninth ranks shall march vp to both the flanks of the seuenth rank, and so subsequent­lie all the rest of the ranks that are of any one sort of wea­pon [Page 15] shall march vp to both the flanks of the ranks of the like sort of weapon before them: so as of 5. that euerie rank did at the first consist in their simple and single or­der they are now by this trypling of rankes by both the flanks as aforesaid reduced, to be. 15. in euerie ranke throughout. But because by this kinde of trypling of rankes, as also in trypling of them by right lyne, the fourth ranke is now become to be the second ranke, and the seuenth the third rank, and so subsequently in the rest, and that therfore euery one of those rankes are too great a distance by flanke the one from the other, they must euerie ranke presently vpon their first trypling perfor­med, march vp vntill they finde themselues in such con­uenient distances and nearenes by flankes one ranke to another, as the Captaine, Lieutenant or Seargeants shal thinke requisite.

But here it is to be noted that in case the last ranke or the two last rankes shall by this kinde of trypling and re­ducing by flankes as afore said,How & where any ouerplus of broken rankes of pi­quers should place them­selues. lacke a third ranke be­fore them to reduce themselues vnto, by flanks, then the formost of the two last rankes shall marche vp by the rightflanke of the piquers, vntill they come to the mid­dle place whereas the Ensignebearer with his Ensigne doth stand, and there shall ranke and place themselues on the right hand of the Ensignebearer. At which pre­sent time likewise, the last ranke of the other. 5. piquers shall march vp by the lefte flanke of the armed men vn­till they come to the foresaid midle place where the En­signebearer with his Ensigne doth stand, and there shall ranke and place themselues on the left flanke of the En­signebearer.It is contrary to discipline that any ranke of disequall number to the rest of the rankes should march either in frunt o [...] backe. And this is to be performed, by reason that it is not sufferable according to discipline that any bro­ken ranke of a squadron of piquers, or of any other wea­pon of disequall nomber to the rest of the rankes should so march either in frunt or backe. How beit the Captaine before he commandeth the trypling of the rankes as a­foresaid, ought well to consider of the nomber of the [Page 16] ranks that he hath or meaneth to triple, to the intent to bring them into a conuenient and proportionate forme, aswell by flankes as frunte, which proportionate forme is not only intended in respect of the distances by frunt and flankes as aforesaid, but that there be not more rankes by flankes then there be soldiors in euerie ranke, which would cause being piquers, the square or squadron to be a great deale longer by flanke, considering their different distances, then broade in frunt, which in all discipline in forming of squares, or squadrons is a great disproporti­on; vnlesse that the Captaine vpon some occasion or ac­cident were disposed to make of flanke, frunt, that is to make all the soldiors to turne their faces and weapons that waies.How Captains hauing [...]by tri­pling their rankes brought their bandes into dispropor­tion, may and ought to reme­die the same. Howbeit if the Captaine by the tripling of his rankes as aforesaid, should find that he had not brought them into that proportion and forme that he ought according to discipline to do; that is to make the frunt full as broad as the flankes are long, or broader to any conuenient proportion then the flankes are longe; then he may easely remedie the same by increasing all the rankes by flankes sauing the hindermost ranke, (which by such encraesment of ranks commeth to lacke nomber), to as conuenient bredth and length by frunt and flankes, as he thinketh meete; which order of increa­sing of rankes by flankes, I haue alreadie before sette downe. And as the Captaine may double or triple the rankes as aforesaid; so he may likewise vpon good consi­deration and cause quadruple them; that is to make eue­rie. 3. rankes to enter into the fourth ranke, obseruing and proceeding in performance thereof in the like sort and order as is before declared.Another speci­all point to be lookt vnto by Captaines in doubling o [...] tripling their rankes by right line or encrea­sing them by flankes

But in the performance of this before set downe, the Captaine and his officers, are furder to consider that in that doubling of rankes by right line, or encresing them by flankes, they must take heed that they do not confuse or confound their rankes, by making two sorts of wea­pons to enter into any one rancke; as to make any piquer [Page 17] to enter into any rank of halbarders, or any harquebuzier into any rank of archers, or any archers to enter into any ranke of musquetiers, nor yet any harquebuziers at any time to enter into any rank of musquetiers, although they be both weapons of fire, because that to mingle two sorts of weapo [...]s of different force and qualitie in one rank, it is a great scorne and contrarie to al true discipline. But now if any man will aske the causes wherfore in reducing this band of 5. sorts of weapons into their simple & single or­der of 4. 5. or 6. in a rank, I placed the harquebuziers for­most, and the archers betwixt them and the mosquetiers, and the musquetiers next vnto the piquers. Therevnto I answer,The causes and reasons why in reducing this band into their simple & single order of ranks, euery sort of weapon is pla­ced in the or­der aforesaid. and say that the causes and reasons that haue mo­ued me so to doe, are, that harquebuziers in respect of the lightnesse of their weapon and furniture, are of al other weapons of volee most readie and apt to bee imploied in skirmish, or vpon any aduantage of ground to bee placed vpon the sudden in ambush, where they may lie close & ready vppon diuers opportunities to giue a sudden volee, or diuers volees deuided either at horsemen or footmen. But I would alwaies vpon the employing of them in such actions,Harquebuziers empl [...]ied in skirmish or for ambushes or som other like causes ought to be backt with hal [...]ards. that they should be bac [...]t with some number of halbarders lightlie armed, as also vppon some occasions with some piques for diuers causes & reasons that heeraf­shal appeare. And as for the archers I haue placed them betwixt the harquebuziers and musquetiers, partlie to make a separation & distinction of those weapons of fire, the one of greater length & heueth,Archers and musquetiers are not to de­part from the bodie of the squadron. and in effect of grea­ter violence in further distance; and the other, I meane harquebuzes, shorter and lighter, and to be emploid most commonlie in the first seruices; but chie [...]e, in considera­tion that neither the archers nor the musquetiers are to depart from the bodie of the piques, but are to bee redu­ced into hearses, or into greater or smaller formed troups; as also for such other effectes, and purposes as in certen places of this booke heereafter shall appeare: and so like­wise the reasons wherefore I haue placed the harquebu­ziers, archers, and musquetiers in the same number and [Page 18] order aswell behind the body of the piques, as before in frunt, are aswell in respect of the ready drawing of them vppe into sleeues, and other formes, by the flankes of the piques as aforesaid; as also that vpon some accidents or comming of the enemie, it somtime hapneth that the bo­die of the piques reduced into square may happen to bee forced to make of backe frunt: vppon which and diuers other occasions and accidentes the body of the piquers haue alwaies in a readinesse as many of all sortes of wea­pons of volee behinde them to bee any waies emploied with al celeritie as in frunt before.

And heere it is furder to be noted,Where the Drommers & Phifers of a sin gle bande mar­ching in their single order of [...]ankes ought to be placed. that a single band marching in their simple and single order, ought to place their drummers and phifers: one drumme and phifer be­twixt the second and third ranke in frunt, and the other drummer and phifer (incase they haue two phifers which few bands haue) in the midst of the band directly before the Ensigne bearer; and in case that the band bee so great that there are three drummers, (which is but seldome seene) then the third drummer is to bee placed betwixt the second and third of the hindermost rankes. But be­cause most great bands haue but two drummers and one phifer, those two drummers are to be placed, the one be­twixt the second and third ranke in frunt as aforesaid, and the other drummer with the phifer in the midst of the band before the Ensignebearer: But in case there bee but one drummer and one phifer, then they are to be placed in the midst of the band before the Ensignebearer, as a­foresaid, and not betwixt the fore rankes of the band; al­though I haue seene when there hath been but one drum and one phifer, that they haue not marched before the Ensignebearer,Where the En signebearer is alwaies placed. but in the frunt as aforesaid. And this I haue seene vsed by some Italians after the one sort, and by other Italians of other parts and dominions of Italie, after the other sort.The pique the most honoura­ble weapon for soldiors on foote. But because the Ensignebearer doth alwaies march in the midst of the piques accompanied with halbarders; and that the piques being the most ho­norable weapon in respect that they are for the bodie of [Page 19] the square, do march in the midst betwixt the weapons of volee; I would in consideration thereof, as also to the intent that the different directions of the strokes of the drumme may be the more easilie heard throughout the whole band, place the drummer and phifer (if there were no more but one in the band) in the midst before the En­signe bearer, and not amongst the shot in frunt.

Also it is furder to be noted that the Ensignebearer marching in the midst of his band or companie through any Cittie or great Towne,How Ensigne­bearers ought to cari [...] their Ensignes marching through a great Citie or Towne. ought to carry his Ensigne open and vpright, and not wound vp about his Ensigne staffe, nor yet the lowest part of the Taffata of his ensigne gathered into his hand, and leaned vppon his shoulder, but vpright as aforesaid. Howbeit hauing marcht tho­rough the Citty or Towne into the fields, and being out of the fight of the multitude of the people, he may then either winde vp his Ensigne, or gather the lower part of the taffe [...]a into his hand, and leane the same to his shoul­der if it pleaseth him.

Also I would wish that all Ensignebearers should bee armed in this sort following (viz)How Ensigne­bearers should be armed. a light vpright & sharp crowned Spanish burgonet, a Coller, a Cuyrasse with short tasses, or without tasses, and a backe with a paire of sleeues and gloues of fine maile, or without gloues of maile, to the intent that they may carry their Ensignes with the more ease; and his said armour I would wish to bee of a good and a hard temper to resist the point of a pique, or halbard, and no waies at the proofe of harque­buze nor pistoll shot, because that such armors at the proofe are too heauie for Ensignebearers to march with­all, and to carry and mannage their Ensignes: Besides that Ensignebearers being most commonly in the mid partes or Centers of squadrons are verie seldom hurt by the bul­lets of any peeces of fire maniable but rather with piques swords, or halbards, vpon a battle well [...]ought.

Also I would wish that the Ensignebearer should haue a Deputy Ensignebearer,Euerie Ensign­bearer is to haue a deputie Ensignebearer. who should be of his owne so­cietie [Page 20] or Camerada,What manner of men I would wish the En­signebearers and their depu­ties to be. and this deputy Ensignebearer, as also the Ensignebearer himselfe I would wish should bee men of good force and strength, and therewithall that they should be men verie valiant, and verie sober and of good discretion, and able to speake well and deliuer their mindes to the encouraging of all souldiors about them;The deputie Ensignebearer how he should be armed and what weapon he should ca [...]y. and this deputy Ensignebearer being in all points armed like vnto the Ensignebearer, should carrie a faire, and a good halbard, which halbard should be in common be­twixt him and the Ensignebearer, to the intent that when the Ensignebearer is disposed to deliuer his En­signe to his Deputie, to ease himselfe, that then deliue­ring his Ensigne, hee should take his halbard of his De­putie.

Also I would that the same Deputie Ensignebearer should take the like oath for the guard and defence of the Ensigne that the Ensignebearer himselfe hath taken,The deputie Ensignebearer is to take the like oathe for the guard of the Ensigne that the En­signebearer hath taken. I meane hee as a deputie, and the other as Ensignebearer himselfe: And therefore I would wish that the Deputie Ensignebearer either vpon the aduancement to higher place or death of the Ensignebearer should succeed him in his place of Ensignebearer,Preh [...]minen­ces of right, due to the de­putie Ensigne­bearer. and that during the time of his being deputie, he should haue an aduantage of pay according to his place.

Also I would wish the Seargeants of the band, and of all bands to be armed in all points like to the Ensignebea­rer as is before set downe,How Sergeants of bāds should be armed. as also weaponed like him with his halbard, sworde and dagger: Howbeit I would not that the sergeants should weare any long or short tasses because that their office in marching with their band is to performe the Captains directions with celeritie,The office of Sergeants in marching with their bands. as al­so to march and sometimes to trot by the flanks of the band to see that the souldiors doe march straight in their ranks both by frunt & flanks, and that they do with great silence obserue their proportionate and equall distances aswell betwixt euery soldior and soldior in ranke; as also betwixt euerie ranke and ranke, with all other orders and obseruat [...]ions militarie.

[Page 21]Also a Captaine leading his band through any Cittie or great Towne ought to march in his Corslet compleat,How a Captain leading his band through any Citie or great Towne ought to marche. and to march before his band with his pique vppon his shoulder: Howbeit his page may weare his burgonet, and carry his target either before him or by him. And so likewise the Lieutenant of the band being armed & wea­poned in the same sort ought to march at the backe or Rereward (as they call it) of the band; howbeit this is alwaies intended by such Captains, as haue disposition of bodie to performe the same. But incase that the Cap­taine be very olde, or haue any other corporall impedi­ment, whereby he is not well able to performe the same, then he is to march before his band more lightlie armed as he thinketh most conuenient, with his sword and dag­ger and his leading staffe in his hand.

Also it is a great shame for any Captaine, [...]or Lieute­nant of a band of footmen to ride in the fielde before or with his band vpon any liuely or swift running horse or Gelding,A great shame for any Cap­taine or Lieu­tennant to lead his band in the field vp­on a swift run­ning horse. but vpon a simple hackney beeing sure of foote that will gallop a Caunterburie pace by the frunt, flankes, and backe of his band, to see order obserued and to ease himselfe vpon; by reason that when Captaines doe in the field vpon swift running horses or geldings lead their bands, it dooth giue the soldiors occasion to doubt whe­ther the Captains will tarrie with them or not,No priuate band neither of horsemen nor footmen being reduced into their sin­gle order of rankes or into any square ought to disor­der and breake their rankes vntill the Cap­taine hath ge­uen cōmaund ment or li­cence to the Ensignebearer to lodge. &c. vpon any accident or occasion of extremitie.

And here it is further to be noted, that after all these a­foresaid reducements of a single band into diuers orders and formes as aforesaid, that neyther in Camp, field, nor town, they must break their ranks to go into their quarter to lodge, vntil their Captain, Lieutenant, or sergeant doo come and giue licence to the Ensignebearer to depart out of his place and lodge; which Ensignebearer departing with his Ensigne in his hand, out of his place wheras he before marched, and himselfe pronouncing to [...]y soldiors next about him that they may lodge, they all then may, some conuenient number acompanying & guarding the [Page 22] Ensignebearer with his Ensigne orderlie, and with si­lence breake their rankes and lodge, and goe into their quarter, or may in the Campe or Towne make prouision of victuall, and other things as they think most requisite: And the like is to be performed aswel by squadrons com­posed of diuers Ensignes as by one priuate band; that is, that a squadron being reduced into forme within [...]y mar­ket place of a Towne,No squadron consisting of diuers bands ought to disor­der and breake their rankes vntill the Co­ronell or Coronells or Serge­ants Maiors do come to the ranke of En­signes, and li­cence them to departe and lodge. or in the place of assembly within their Campe, they must neuer breake their rankes to go to lodge, vntill by the commandment of the Coronell or Sergeant Maior to the Ensignbearers giuen, they vnder­stand or see that the Ensignebearers with their Ensignes in their hands pronouncing licence to lodge, are depar­ted, or departing out of the Centre of the squadron; And therewithall it is further to be noted that all the Ensigne­bearers of euery regiment, must fixe their Ensignes vp­right in the ground all in one rank, a conuenient distance from and before their quarters, euery Ensigne directlie before the band that it doth belong vnto,The Ensigne­bearers of e­uery Regiment must at the time of their lodging fixe their Ensignes vpright in the ground in the place of assem­bly in the frunt of their quar­ters. I meane in the frunt of euery one of their quarters and bands towardes the place of armes and assembly. And thus farre concer­ning the aforesaid different particularities; And now a­gaine I reuert to other briefe speaches, and wordes, and other orders, proceedinges, and particularities mi­litarie to be performed by Captaines and officers in the field.

And if a Captain or diuers Captains, or their officers would haue their piquers stāding at their piques auanced as is before written to take their piques into the boultes of their armes,Brief speaches to be vsed by Captains to their soldiors, when they would haue them to vpright their piques as soldiors do vse when they approach verie neare the place of their watch, or as piquers ought to do when they are to charge another square of piques, or to make head and resist a charge of horsemen, then are they to saie to the first ranke Vpright your piques, which is asmuch to say, take the butends of your piques into the palmes of your right hands, & carry them in the boultes of your armes with the pointes vpright towards the hea­uens: [Page 23] which being performed by the first ranke, then the second, third, fourth and fift rankes, and so conse­quentlie all the rest of the rankes one after another ought to vpright their piques as aforesaid. And if all the piquers of a band, or diuers bandes being reduced into any forme of squadron in the field, & hauing vprighted their piques in the boultes of their armes as aforesaid, and that the Sergeant Maior or Captaines. would haue their piquers to charge or to receaue a charge of another square of pi­quers their Enemies,Brief speaches to be vsed by Sergeant Ma­iors or Captai [...]es to their soldiors when they would haue them to charge or re­ceaue a charge of another squadron of piquers. then are they to say to the first rankes of piquers. Straighten and close your rankes, couch your piques and charge: which being pronounced, all the piquers of the first ranke must ioine, and close them­selues close in frunt, letting fall the points of their piques and carying them close breasthigh with both their hands steadilie and firmely, the points full in the faces of their E­nemies: And the second ranke likewise straightning and closing themselues by flanke and frunt, and ioyning themselues to the backe of the first ranke, and following them steppe with steppe carrying their piques aboue­hand ouer the shoulders of the first ranke,How piquers should charge or receaue a charge of an o­ther squadron of piquers. the points of their piques likewise towards the faces of their Enemies, And the third ranke closing and straightning them­selues in flanke and frunt, and ioyning themselues to the backe of the second ranke; And the fourth ranke like­wise straightning & closing themselues to the backes and shoulders of the third ran [...]e, and carrying their piques firmelie with both their hands ouer [...]y shoulders of all the ranks before them, the points of their piques likewise to­wards the faces of their enemies approching. And all the rest of the ranks of piquers following step with step each one at the heeles of the other, must carry their piques still vpright in the palmes of their handes, and in the boults of their armes as abouesaid, but yet bending the poin [...]es of them somewhat towards their enemies, that they may be seen ready in an instant to let fal the points of their piques towards their enemies, and to succor the ranke before [Page 24] them vpon any necessitie,Piquers when they approch their enemies, ar not to shake & clatter their piques, but are to carry them firme & steady. or heard incounter of their E­nemies. Aduising therwithall that no Captaines nor of­ficers of bandes do in any wise teach nor suffer their pi­quers, when they shall approch their Enemies to charge them, to shake and clatter their piques, as some newe phantastical Captaines and officers of this time do teach their soldiors to do; as though they would make their e­nemies afraid before they come at them: which is more like vnto such as do plaie the Soldans and Sarazins vpon a Stage, then like soldiors piquers in the field, who should at an approach and charge, carie their piques as steadie and firme as they can possiblie, the points full in the faces of their enemies as is aforesaid.

But in this place I thinke good further to notefie vnto the Readers of these mine instructions that in the yeare. 1588.The opinion of such as do vain ly hold that pi­quers in squa­dron should lie at the push of [...]y pique, there­by with thrusts and foines to annoy their e­nemies, answe­red. I did heare some two or three of our Nation of principall offices and charge Militarie hold an opinion, that when two squadrons of Enemies all piquers should come to incounter and confrunt the one with the other, that then the [...]ormost ranks of them should lie at the push of the pique and so should annoie the one the other, with thrusts and foines (as they terme it) at all the length of their Armes and piques, according to the vse of single Combattes either in sport or earnest betwixt piquer and piquer. By which kinde of fighting of squadrons at the push of the pique, I say, that none of the rankes can fight but only the first ranke, because that if they obserue their proportionate distances according to order and disci­pline, the piques of the second rank are too short to reach with their points the first rank of their enemies squadron likewise standing still foining at all the length of their Armes and piques; as they vainelie imagine: Yea al­though to the trouble and disorder of the first ranke be­fore them they do thrust and foine ouer their shoulders; During which time of the pushing and foyning of the two first rankes of the two squadrons of enemies, all the rest of the rankes of both the squadrons must by such an [Page 25] vnskilfull kind of fighting stand still and looke [...] on and cr [...] aime, vntill the first ranke of each squadron hath fought their bellies full, or vntill they can fight no longer: which is a very scorne and mockerie mylitarie to be either spo­ken or thought of by any men of warre that doo pretend to haue [...]eene any action effectuallie performed betwixt any great numbers of piquers reduced into form of squa­drons in the field. For in troth according to all reason and true experience, such a squadron as should thinke it their greatest aduantage to fight in that sort, must (con­trarie to discipline) inlarge themselues in their ranks and distaunces both in frunt and by flankes, to the intent that they may haue elbow roome enough without any impe­diment by the nearnesse of the ranks behind them, to pul backe their armes, and to thrust at their enemies appro­ching them at all the length they can of their armes and piques, and againe with dexteritie to pull backe, & retire them to giue new thrusts: which opening & enlargment of ranks being perceiued by the contrarie squadron (who if they be skilful men of warre) doe come closed in their rankes both in frunt and by flankes, as close as they can possiblie march pace with pace and step with step, as if they were one entire body, carrying their piques with both their hands breasthigh, all the points of the piques of the first rank of one euennesse & equality not any one preceeding the other: And so likewise the points of al the piques of the second, third and fourth ranks, carrying the like equalitie and euennesse, but yet the points of euerie ranke of piques, shorter and further distant almost by a yard from their enemies faces, then the pointes of the ranke that doo preceed them; And all those fower ranks marching or moouing forward together pace with pace and step with step, carrying their piques firmly with both their hands brest high as aforsaid their points full in their enemies faces, they doe altogether giue a puissant thrush, the points of the first ranke of piques, first lighting vpon the faces of the first ranke or rankes of their enemies; and [Page 26] the points of the second, third, and fourth rankes, subse­quently in a manner all in an instant, doe all one after an­other in such terrible sort light vpon the faces, breasts and bodies of the formost rankes of the enimies that do stand still pushing and foining with their piques in their rankes opened and inlarged, that they neuer giue them any ley­sure any waies to pull backe and recouer the vse of their piques to giue any new thrustes, nor yet to close their ranks inlarged, but doo ouerthrow, disorder and breake them with as great facilitie, as if they were but a flocke of geese; as all men of right consideration and iudgement may easilie consider and see.

But after all this it may be, that some very curious and not skilfull in actions of Armes, may demand what the formost rankes of this well ordered and practised squa­dron before mentioned shall doo after they haue giuen their aforesaid puissant blows & thrusts with their piques incase that they doo not at the first incountry ouerthrow and breake the contrary squadron of their enemies: ther­vnto I say, that the foremost rankes of the squadron ha­uing with the points of their piques lighted vppon the bare faces of the formost ranks of their enemies, or vpon their Collers, pouldrons, quirasses, tasses, or disarmed parts of their thighes; by which blowes giuen they haue either slaine, ouerthrown, or wounded those that they haue lighted vpon, or that the points of their piques ligh­ting vppon their armours haue glanced off, and beyond them; in such sort as by the nearnes of the formost ranks of their enemies before them, they haue not spacee­nough againe to thrust; nor that by the nearnes of their fellowes ranks next behind them, they haue any conue­nient elbowe roome to pull backe their piques to giue a new thrust; by meanes whereof they haue vtterly loste the vse of their piques, they therfore must either present­lie let them fall to the ground as vnprofitable; or else may with both their hands dart, and throw them as farre for­ward into & amongst the ranks of their enemies as they [Page 27] can, to the intent by the length of them to trouble their ranks, and presently in the twinkling of an eie or instant, must draw their short arming swordes and daggers, and giue a blow and thrust (tearmed a halfe reuerse, & thrust) all at, and in one time at their faces: And therewithall must presentlie in an instant, with their daggers in their left hands, thrust at the bottome of their enemies bellies vnder the lammes of their Cuyrasses, or at any other dis­armed parts: In such sort as then al the ranks of the whol squadron one at the heeles of the other pressing in order forward, doo with short weapons, and with the force of their ranks closed, seeke to wound, open, or beare ouer the rankes of their enemies to their vtter ruine: At which time and action all the inner rankes of piques sauing the first, 4. or 5. ranks, can with their piques worke no effect, by reason that the said 4. or 5. rankes before them being next to their enemies, are so neare and close together, that they cannot with any thrust vse the pointes of their piques against their said enemies, without endangering or disordering their fellowes before them; For which causes by al reason and experience militarie, short staued, long edged, and short and strong pointed battleaxes or halbards, of the length of 5. foot or 5. foot and a halfe in all their lengths, at the vttermost, in the hands of lustie and well armed soldiors that doo follow the first 5. rankes of piquers at the heeles, doo both with blow at the head, and thrust at the face, worke wonderfull effects, and doo carrie all to the ground. By all which particularities be­fore alleaged and declared, I thinke it may be apparant to all such as are not obstinatelie ignorant, that Battles and squadrons of piquers in the field when they doo incoun­ter and charge one another, are not by any reason or ex­perience mylitarie to stand al day thrusting, pushing, and foining one at another, as some doo most vainelie ima­gine, but ought according to all experience with one pu­issant charge and thrush to enter and disorder, wound, o­pen, and break the one the other, as is before at large de­clared.

[Page 28]And if all the piquers of a band or of diuers bands bee­ing reduced into any forme of squadron, should be char­ged with a square or troupe of horsemen, hauing their piques vprighted in the pal [...]s of their hands, and boults of their arms (as abouesaid) and the sergeant Maiors and Captains seeing the Launces ready to charge them,Briefe speaches to be vsed by a Sergeant Maior, or a Captaine to their soldiours piquers, when they are readie to be charged by a squadron of Launces. they shuld then say vnto their piquers, Straighten and close your ranks close, couch your piques and make head: which beeing by them pronounced, al the soldiors in the first rank shuld close themselues in an instant in frunt, and setting the but­ends of their piques vnder their right feet firmely to stay the endes of them from sliding, they should hold their piques with their left hands, about a yard and a quarter from the butends, leaning their right knees strongly vp­on their piques to keepe them the more firme, & should direct the points verie lowe towards the breasts of their enemies horses,How piquers should resist a charge of Launces. hauing all their short arming swords re­die drawne in their right hands, the points forward, rea­die to kill or hogh any barbed horse or horses that by chance may breake the piques and enter: And then the second ranke of piquers straightning and closing them­selues in frunt, should let fall the pointes of their piques towards their enemies, and should ioine themselues close to the backe of the first ranke, bearing their piques firme­ly with both their hands, almost close to the vpper part of their breasts ouer the shoulders of the first ranke, at all the conuenient length they may, with the pointes to­wardes the faces of the enemies horses: And the thirde, fourth, and fift rankes of piquers in the same sort should close and ioyne themselues close, each one to the backe and shoulders of the rankes before them: And each one of those rankes should carrie their piques firmelie with both their handes ouer the shoulders of the ranks before them, with the pointes of their piques full in the eies and faces of the horses, and bodies of the horsemen: And the sixth, seuenth, and all the rest of the backer rankes straightning and closing themselues as aforesaid should [Page 29] carry their piques vpright in the boultes of their armes, but yet the pointes somewhat bending forward towards the enemie readie alwaies to fauour and succour the rankes before them: And thus all the ranks of the whole squadron being vnited, closed and in corporated as it were into one entire bodie, should with mightie hand resist & repulse any furious charge of horsemen.How piquers should receiue a charge of Launces in case the Serge­ant Maior or Captains should thinke good to place any weapons of volee before them.

But it is to be noted that in case the Sergeant Maior be disposed to reduce three rankes of Harqueb [...] ­ziers, or else two rankes of mosquetiers, and those not too thicke before the frunt of the squadron of piques, to the intent to giue a volee of shorte at the Launces approching; then the piquers of the first ranke must not sette their piques vnder their right feet with their swords drawne (as aforesaid) but the saide two rankes of mosquetiers,The formost ranks of a squa­drō of piquers cannot con [...]e­niently and aptly encouer & guard aboue 3 rankes of Harquebuziers nor aboue 2 rankes of mus­que [...]rs, against the charge of Launces. or the three rankes of harquebuziers, seeing the Laun­ces ready to charge them, must very orderlie retire themselues almost close to the forefeete of the firste ranke of piquers; and there falling vpon their right knees, they must set their left elbowes vpon their left knees, the more firmelie and steadilie to beare and discharge their mosquets or harguebuzes, as from very steadie restes at the horses or horsemen comming in their Carrire within 10. or. 12. or 15.Euerie Geo­metricall pace doth consist of 5 foot, & euerie foot doth con­sist of 12 Geo­metrical inches, or inches (as we terme them) by the Rule, & so it is to be vnderstoode by the Reader in all my writinges, where I speake of paces. paces.

And then the first ranke of piquers, as also the se­cond, third, and fourth,How and in what distances harqu [...]buziers or mosquetiers are to discharg their peeces from vnder a squadron of piques. must beare all their piques firmly abouehand close to the vpper parts of their breasts, the pointes of their piques full in the breasts and faces of the horses; and so must encouer and guard the shot vnder their piques, and brauely repulse & disorder the Launces. The order that mosquetiers should obserue in charging their peeces in the foresaid action. Aduising all Conductors and leaders of mosquet shot that in this or the like action of arms before declared they do instruct & giue order to al their mosquetiers to charge their mosquets with 5. or 6. round hailshot of war of the heigth of Reistres pistoll bullets which are called by the [Page 30] Spaniards Perdigones de guerra: and that they do thrust betweene the powder and the hailshot some conuenient quantitie of browne or soft paper, or something else to restraine and keepe the powder close together, and then to put in the round haileshot of warre, & againe to thrust after the same a conuenient quantity of browne paper or something else to keepe the haileshot close together, and to restraine both powder and shot; in such sort as therby the powder may carry the haileshot the further, and giue the greater blow, which within 10. 15. or 20. paces is of great effect.

But in this case the mosquetiers must take great heed, that they do not ouercharge their peeces with powder, nor with aboue the nomber of .5. or .6. haileshott of warre at the most, as aforesaid; least that their peeces should break or recoile, and so ouerthrow them to the trouble of the piquers, from vnder whose piques they are to dis­charge their peeces: And this manner of discharging of haileshot of warre by mosquetiers is for diuers times and places of seruice, of great effect, so as they giue no volee at the enemie aboue .20. paces at the furthest. And I do furder aduertise that no musquetiers, nor harquebuziers, reduced vnder the guarde of a sqadron of piquers, should giue any volee, or volees of shot neither with full bullets nor with any haileshot of warre at anysquadron or troupe of Launces charging, or approaching to charge neither .300 .200. nor yet .100. paces, with intent to recharge a­gaine, and to giue a new volee: Because that both by rea­son and experience the first volee either of mosquets, or harquebuezes, being charged as they ought to be either with haileshott of warre, or full bullets, and being giuen within .10. 15. or. 20. paces at the Launces comming in their Carrire to charge, doth terrefie, wound and kill more horses and men, then. 10. volees of musquets or harquebuzes giuen. 300. 200. or. 100 paces distant can do. And this encouering of shot with piques (aboue­sayd) at my trayning of Maister Barringtons, Maister [Page 31] Westons, and Maister Maxeies bandes at Chelmesford this last sommer. 1588. I did shewe vnto them and to their officers both by actuall demonstrations and reasons with diuers other perticularities appertaining both to horsemen and footmen.

But now whereas there be diuers that haue conceiued an opinion from the discourse of Mounser de la Noüe, The oppinion of Mounsieur de la Noue. that incase there be any great ouerplus of harquebuze or mosquet shott more then a squadron of piquers that is without horsmen can encouer and guarde vnder their piques from the charge of a squadron or diuers squadrōs of Launces, that vpon that occasion they should be redu­ced into square, and enuironed or empa [...]ed in frunt, flanks and back, with 6. or 7. rankes of piquers; and that y^• Laun­ces cōming in their squadrons to charge them in frunt, in flanks, or back; y^• piquers closing themselues close in frunt, flanks, and backe, and bending themselues forward with their piques to encouer and guarde certen musquetiers and harquebuziers placed before them, as also to resist & repulse a charge of horsemen; that then the rankes of the aforsaid harquebuziers placed within the ranks of piques, may giue a volee of shot ouer the piquers heads before them, at so much of the bodies of the horsmen as do ap­peare aboue the heads of the piquers, greatly to the dan­ger and mischiefe of the Launces charging. Certenlie I doo thinke that the opinion [...] of so sufficient a man of war and old soldior is no waies to be contemned, but greatly to be regarded▪ Howbeit when I come to consider that the same was neuer yet put in practise in any seruice of the field: and therefore dooth rest but only in imaginati­on, I will (with the helpe of almightie God) to the intent that the true effect and effects of the same may be y^• more apparant, al [...]edge diuers reasons wherefore (in mine opi­nion) the same can be no waies profitable, but very dan­gerous to the whole squadron, and of verie small or no annoiance to the Launces; and my reasons are these: First, when a squadron of piques are to make head and re­sist [Page 32] a squadron of Launces comming in their Carrire to charge them,The opinion of the author for­tified with rea­sons cōtrary to the opinion of Mounsieur de la Noue. they are to straighten and close themselues by frunt and flankes as close as they can, making them­selues as it were, one entire body, to y^• intent that they may the more fi [...]mely and strongly stand together with their piques bent to the encouering and guarding of the mos­quetiers before them, and to the resisting and repulsing of the horsmen, which when the formost. 7. rankes haue performed; then if the harquebuziers that are within the piques in the centre of the battle, as also the piquers of the flankes and backe, to the intent that the squadron may keepe proportion and forme, do likewise straighten and close themselues in their rankes by frunt and flankes, as the piquers before them haue done; it commeth to passe that they are so close together, that hauing no el­bowe rome to discharge their peeces at some kinde of point and blanke: the discharging of their shott vpon di­uers accidents doth become more daungerous to their fellowes piquers in the rankes before them, then any waies to the Launces; because that being so neare toge­ther, euerie each one do so trouble the armes, peeces, and handes of their companions; that when they thinke to shoote ouer their fellowes piquers heads at the Laun­ces, they are more likely to shoote too lowe, and to kill some of their fellow piquers in the rankes before them, to the daunger of the disordering of the whole squadron: Besides that it is wonderfull daungerous if any flaske, or tuchboxe by any accident should fall on fire by so many matches light, being so neare together, which if it should happen by one flaske or touchboxe taking fire; there is no doubt but that the same would set on fire a great sort of o­ther flaskes and touchboxes, burning and scorching ma­ny soldiors; in such sorte, as that one accident alone, would cause so great disorder and feare, that it were e­nough to discorder and ouerthrow a whole squadron if it were of ten thous [...] men; although they were the most practised soldiors [...] are in Christendome.

[Page 33]But peraduenture som body not experienced in y^t straight ning & closing of a squadron of armed footmen by frunt and flanks, will say; y^• althogh al the ranks of piquers both by frunt, flanks, & back, do straighten & close themselues to make head against y^e launces (as aforsaid) yet that y^e har­quebuziers that are within the squadrō may remain so in­larged in their ranks, as y^t they shal haue so much elbowe room without any waies troubling or touching one ano­ther, that they may with great facility discharg their pee­ces ouer y^e heads of the piquers before them without any waies troubling them, or endangering the firing of their flasks & touchboxes to the great mischiefe of the Laun­ces. Whervnto it is to be answered,An obiection answered. that if euery rank of the whol squadron be of one number of soldiors, as al wel formed squadrons are; & that by flanks y^e number of ranks be of the like number to the frunt & back; wherby it com­meth to passe that the squadron is a iust square in frunt, in flanks, & back; or that the squadron be double as broad; that is, as broad again in frunt and back, as it is by flanks, or else that the squadron be triple as many, that is three times as many in frunt as by flanks, or more or fewer ac­cording to the nature and aduantage of the ground, or of other occasions and aduantages, that may seeme best to the Sergeant Maior, or to the Sergeant Maior generall that hath the ordering of y^e said squadron: then in which of those formes soeuer, or any other that the squadron of footmen should be reduced into; the formost 7. ranks of piquers in frunt, straightning, and closing themselues in their ranks to make head against y^• horsmen charging (as aforesaid) & likewise the 7. ranks of piquers at the back of y^• squadron straightning, & closing themselues, & turning their faces and piques backeward, to the intent to make frunt and head against a charge of Launces that would charge them in back: & the harquebuziers y^t do remaine within the squadron empaled on euery side with 7. ranks of piquers (as aforesaid) still remaining enlarged in their rankes to haue the more commoditie to discharge their peeces ouer the piquers heads; of diuers disproportions [Page 34] and disorders that must by the forming of this foresaide squadron of necessitie succeed by the harquebuziers re­maining still enlarged in their rankes, and the piquers straightned and closed in their rankes: This one chiefe and most notorious deformed disorder, that doth include all the rest, must needs ensue to the present ruine and o­uerthrowe of the whole squadron; that is, by 2. or 3. charges of the Launces giuen at one time vpon the open and vnguarded places of the squadron; and that by rea­son that y^e harquebuziers remaining stil enlarged in their rankes in frunt and by flankes, the more orderlie to dis­charge their peeces, doo occupie so great a quantitie of ground, that all the rankes of the piquers that doo empale the harquebuziers of the right and left flanks straightning and closing themselues by frunt and flanks as the ranks of the piquers of the frunt and backe haue doone, cannot possiblie performe the same in any such sort, but that the said piquers of both the flankes must remain a great deale too short to close themselues, and ioine with the 7, ranks of piquers in frunt, and the 7. rankes of piquers in back: wherby of necessititie it would come to passe, that there would be 4. open places betwixt the 4. or rather 8. cor­ners of the squadron vnguarded with piques; where the Launces without receiuing any resistance, nor so much as one blow of the point of a pique, might charge and giue in amongst the harquebuziers within the bodie of the squadron, to the disordering and vtter ouerthrow of the whole squadron with great facilitie,Weapons of fire are no waies to be pla­ced nor yer to be suffred to enter within the bodie of a squadron of piques. as any man well practised and of good experience and iudgement in mat­ters militarie, may easily consider & conceaue. For which causes, dangerous accidents, and reasons before alleaged mine opinion is, that I would neuer place nor yet suffer any weapons of fire, to enter within the body of my squa­dron of piques.

But now furthermore, if any number of souldiors of what weapon soeuer they bee, beeing reduced into any forme of square, and that the Sergeant Maior or Cap­taines [Page 35] would make of flanke frunt; then are they to go to that flanke and side, that they would make frunt, and bee­ing right against the midst, somewhat distant from the flanke,Brief speaches to be vsed by Captains to their soldiors when they should make of flanke [...]. they should say to their soldiors aloud. Frunt to me souldiors: which being by them pronounced; the first rank next vnto them is to turn their faces towards them, & so subsequentlie al the rest of the rankes one after ano­ther: But because that by making the flanke frunt, the squadron commeth to be in disproportion, by reason that the distances of the ranks of a squadron, being reduced into any forme of square to march or to fight, are greater by flankes; that is betwixt ranke and ranke, then they are by frunt;How a Sarg [...] ­ant Maior or Captain in making of flank [...] frunt is to re­duce their pi­quers into their due pro­portion are di­stances. that is betwixt soldior and soldior in frunt: The Sergeant Maior and Captains in making the flank frunt, must straighten all the rankes in frunt and inlarge them by flanks; and so reduce them into their due and propor­tionate distances.

And incase the sergeant Maior or Captains will make of the backe frunt, then they are to goe to the backe and pronounce with a loude voice the like words, & then all the rankes are to turne their faces and to make their frunt that waies:How to make of backe frunt. And as these briefe words pronounced for the purpose aforesaid are to bee vsed vnto souldiors footmen; so the like wordes for the same effect and pur­pose to make flanke frunt, may serue for men at armes, di­milaunces, or light horsmen; as for example, If a Coro­nell or Captaine of men at arms, or dimilaunces hauing reduced their Launces into any forme or squadron, bee disposed to make of flanke frunt; then they placing them selues vpon the side or flanke as aforesaid, and saying to their horsmen with a high voice,How Captains or Coronells of horsemen a [...] to make of flanke frunt. Frunt to me Launces, or if they be light horsmen, Frunt to me speares, all the hors­men of what armour and weapon soeuer they bee, must turne the faces of their horses, and make frunt that waie, hauing regard to reforme and reduce themselues into their proportionate distances by frunt & flank as aforsaid.

And now hauing written concerning the ordering [Page 36] and forming of priuate bands and companies of soldiors, [...] doth behoue the Generall and the [...]ord Marshal of an Armie as also the [...]ergeante Maior generall alwaies to [...]aue about them a [...]erfite roll of all the Coronells and Cap­ [...]ains names with the [...]umber of euery [...]ne of their Regi­ [...]ents, and what [...]umber of soldiors also doe appertaine [...]o euerie [...]nsigne & [...]and aswell of horse men as of footmen [...]hroughout the whole armie, that [...]hereby vpon all oc­casions they may giue present orders and directions. with diuers and sundry particularities concerning as well squadrons composed of diuers bands, as of single bands: I will with the helpe of Almightie God, proceed to shew how a squadron should bee redu [...]ed into forme in the o­pen fields, to march or fight, that by the curious forming of that first one squadron with diuers particularties con­cerning the same; all such as doo professe armes, and are of consideration may with great facilitie see and obserue all such particularaties as they shall thinke therein worth the nothing and obseruing: And therefore I say for exam­ples sake: If a Coronell or his Sergeant Maior of a Regi­ment of 4000. footmen of diuers weapons bee disposed to reduce 2100. piquers of the same Regiment into squa­dron, and that hee would forme his squadron double as broad, or a thirde part broader, or more, or lesse in frunt then by flanke; then he first is to consider of how manie piquers he will make his frunt, that is, how many soldiors euery ranke from frunt to backe shall conteine,The waie and order [...]ow a squadron [...]hould bere duced [...]nto forme in the o­ [...]en fields, either to marche or fight. as also of how many rankes the same squadron by flank, or flankes shall consist; and therewithall of how many diuisions or compertiments of bands he will forme the said squadron; and according to the same, the Sergeant Maior must command all the Captaines or their Lieutenants,All Coronells and Sergeants Maiors of Regiments aswell of [...]or [...]emen as of foot­ [...]en ought to haue [...]ontinually about them a Roll of all [...]he Captains and [...]heir Lieutenants names that are in [...]heir Regimentes [...]ith the nomber of soldiors and diffe­ [...]ent armors and [...]eapons that do be­ [...]ong to euery band [...]r companie therby [...]o giue present di­ [...]ections. the pi­quers of whose bands are to enter into squadron, to fepa­rate them from all other sorts of weapons, and to reduce them into so many or so many in euery ranke, and so ma­ny rankes by flank as he before hath propounded and re­solued with himselfe. As for example, hauing 2100. pi­quers to reduce into one battle, and that he thinketh 55. souldiors in [...] ranke, and 38. ranks by flankes to be a con­uenient forme of squadron according to the nature of the ground to march and fight; he then may make his com­pertiments of the piquers of euerie priuate band, of odde numbers; or of different odde numbers, as of 5. and 7. or else of euen and odde numbers, as of 4. of 5. of 6. and of 7. according to the greatnesse or smalnesse of the num­ber [Page 37] of piquers of euery priuate band, incase there be none of the numbers too small; which if any of them be, then they are to be vnited and incorporated with the comper­timents of the piquers of other bands; alwaies obseruing that the different numbers of al those compertiments be­ing vnited in frunt doo make iust 55. souldiors, and by flankes 38. rankes.Three diffe­rent formings of squadrons. And therefore I will begin with three different formings of squadrons, which of all others are most ready and best;The firste. of the which the first is, That a Co­ronell or his Sergeant Maior hauing considered and cast how many compertimentes or diuisions of piquers hee will make the frunt of his squadron of; and that the same compertiments be they euen or od, or of compertiments both of euen and odde numbers, so as they all vnited in­to one bodie of squadron doo make in frunt but the iust number of 55. soldiors: then the Coronel or his sergeant Maior determining to forme his squadron, and seeing all those compertiments of piquers by their Captians, deui­ded and separated from all the weapons of volee & other weapons, and therefore ready to bee reduced into squa­dron; he then is to say to the captain that dooth lead that compertiment, or companie that is next him, if he thin­keth good to begin his squadrō with that compertiment: March vp to yonder ground, pointing to the same with his warder; & there you & your cōpanie auance your piques and make a pause: which being by that company or com­pertiment performed; then he is to say to the Captaines of two other compertiments or companies: March vppe with your company vpon the right flanke, and you with your company by the left flank of yonder compertiment, and incor­porate your compertiments in frunt, flankes, and backe, with that companie or compertiment; Then the Coronelles drummer Maior, or rather his trompetter according to the vse of the Suissers in respect that the soundes and commandementes of the same may bee the better and further heard and vnderstoode for the forming of bat­tailes and squadrons, then the strokes of Drummes [Page 38] can bee; is presentlie to sounde the forming of the squadron by doubling by both the sides or flankes at one time, according vnto the order of the doubling of the 3. first compertimentes; which being by all the rest of the compertiments performed; I meane by marching vppe and doubling themselues vpon both the flankes or sides of the 3. first compertiments formed; all marching and succeeding one another both vppon the right and lefte flankes in a manner at one time; and so the squadron be­ing reduced into forme; the first compertiment by this kind of forming and doubling vppon both flankes of the same, is now come to be the middlemost compertiment of the whole squadron: and this manner of forming of a squadron by doubling the compertiments vppon both flankes at one time, is one of the readiest, and best of all others, if the ground doo permit the performance thereof.

Then there is another order in forming of squadron;The second waie to forme squadrones. and that may bee tearmed to forme and double a squa­dron with companies, or compertiments by backe, and that is to be performed in this sort; First, that a Sergeant Maior hauing considered which waies he will make the frunt of his squadron, he is then to command that euerie companie or compertiment that are to enter into squa­dron shall be reduced into so many souldiors by flank, as he dooth meane to make his frunt of, hauing regard also to the number of the rankes that he will make his whole squadron of by flankes: which being by his direction, as also by the sound of the Coronels trompetter thrughout all the companies or compertiments performed; then he may say to the Captain of the first compertiment that he will make his frunt of, pointing or directing with his war­der: March to yonder ground, & there auaunce your piques and make a pause, and make of your right flanke frunt, and reforme your distances according to discipline both by frunt and flankes, or if he hath determined to make his frunt of the left flanke, he may then say, Make of your left flanke [Page 39] frunte, and reforme your distances both by frunte and flankes according as he hath before determined either the one waies or the other to make his frunt: which making of frunt either of the right, or of the left flanke is to be vnder­stood that they should turne their faces and weapons one of those waies: which being by them performed, then if they were. 55. rankes, and. 5. in euerie ranke in their marching, they are now by making of their flanke frunt become. 55. in frunt, that is so many in euery ranke, and by flanke only. 5. rankes: which aduancing of their piques, and pause, and making of flanke frunt by the first company, or compertiment performed; then he is to say to another compertiment of the like number of rankes by flanke, be they of euen or od numbers it is importeth not so as he faile not in his great and generall account of the number of the rankes of the whole squadron by flanke, or flankes. March and double your selues by the backe of yonder conpertiment, or companie, and there [...] make of flanke frunt, as that companie hath done. Which being by them preformed, then persentlie, but rather at the first, the Co­ronelles Trompetter is to sound the doubling of their Companies into squadrō by back, which being by all the companies or compertiments performed and reduced into their conuenient distances both by frunt and flankes according to discipline either to march or to fight, then the Sergeant Maior may giue order and reduce vpon the flanks and corners of the squadron all the different sortes of weapons of volee into as many formes as he listeth, of sleeues, winges, hearses, troups &c, and may backe as many of them with light armed piquers, and halbar­ders, or battleaxes, as the number or remnante of those weapons will giue them leaue.

And yet there is another order of forming of a Squa­dron by doubling and redoubling of the compertiments vpon the backe of the first compertiment, which with diuers others, because I do not allowe them for so good as these before sett downe, I omitt; and therefore procee­ding [Page 40] to the third order of forming of a squadron by dou­bling the compertiments only by one flanke, that is only either vpon the right,The third or­der of forming of squadron: or vpon the lefte flanke, with diuers and sundrie particularities concerning the same; I say that incase I had a regiment of. 4000. footmen of diuers sorts of weapons, as abouesayd, and that I were disposed to reduce. 2100. piquers into squadron of. 55. in frunt, & 38. by flanks, and that I thought good to make my com­pertiments altogether of like od nūbers, as of. 5. soldiors in euerie ranke from frunt to backe, and the same of. 38. rankes by flankes, I would then deuide them into. 11. compertiments of. 5. in euery ranke throughout euery compertiment, which vnited are. 55. piquers in euery ranke: and in number of rankes by flanks. 38. euery which compertiment of. 5. from frunt to backe cōteining. 190. soldiors, the whole squadron consisting of. 11. comperti­ments as aforesaid, doth come to consist of. 2090. soldi­ors; the ouerplus which lacketh nomber to make a ranke and therefore to be tearmed a broken ranke. 10. soldiors; who are either to march and place themselues with the ranke of Ensignes, or otherwise readie to be emploied as the Sergeant Maior shall thinke most conuenient. Now hauing all these. 11. compertiments in the field seperated from all the rest of the weapons; and being disposed to re­duce them presently into forme, the Coronell, or Serge­ant Maior either leading them himselfe, or pointing with his warder in his hand to the ground to y^• which they shal march vnto, is to vse these briefe speaches, or the like to the Captain that dooth lead the first band, or comperti­mēt March vp to that ground & there aduāce your piques & make a pause; then presently after he is to say to the second band or compertiment, March vp and double your selues by the left flanke of the first compertiment, and so subsequently he is to commaūd his trumpettor to sound, as also other­wise to giue direction to the rest of the compertiments that they shall double themselues euery one vpon the left flanke of the other: but after that he hath vsed the briefe speaches aforesaid to the two first compertiments, then [Page 41] besides the sounds of the trompettor for the forming of the squadrō, if he be not disposed to gallop with his horse by y^e flank of the rest of y^e compertiments y^t are furder off behind, and to vse the like speaches of doubling by flanks as aforesaid, he may by certen signes that hee may vse to accustome his Captaines and officers vnto, either with his hand, or with his warder, direct them to the doubling of their rankes by flankes as aforesaid, which squadron, with all the Ensignes guarded with their halbardes, or battleaxes placed in the Centre, or betwixt the 2. middle rankes of the same beeing by the Coronell, or Sergeant Maior with so great facilitie perfourmed, and by him and his officers straightlie lookt into, that all their rankes as well in frunt as by flanke, doo obserue their most con­uenient and proportionate distaunces either to march or to fight, he then may forme his sleeues, wings, squares, hearsses and troups of harquebuziers, Archers, and mosquetiers, and backe as many of them with the rest of the piques and battleaxes, as the ground and the sayde remnant of those weapons wil giue them leaue, or as the approching and cōming of the enemies shall giue them occasion.Squadrons may be formed of compe [...]ti­ments of like odd numbers, or of diffe [...]ent odd numbers, or o [...] di [...]e [...]ent euen and odd numbers, as al­so of like euen numbers. Now as this squadron is formed altogether of compertiments of like od numbers, so may the Sergeant Maior forme the very same squadron with comperti­ments of different odde numbers, as with compertiments of [...]. and 7. or with compertiments of different euen and odde numbers, as of 4. 5. and 6. so as they all vnited in frunt doo come to make 55. souldiors, and by flan [...]e 38. ranks, as is before declared: which different particulari­ties with many others concerning aswell the ordering of horsmen as footmen, I haue set down by demonstration in a booke which I mean shortly to put in print, entituled. Certen military discourses, and Arithmetical tables, with diuers formes and demonstrations for a Lord Martiall or for a sergeant Maior to form squadrons and to reduce both hors­men and footmen into diuers and many forms of battles, by me Composed 1585. or rather 1580.

[Page 42]But now this foresaid squadron being reduced into the forme of 55. by frunt and 38. by flankes, ouerplus a bro­ken ranke of 10. souldiors as aforesaid, if the Sergeant Maior vpon the comming of the enemie, or vpon any o­ther occasion shall thinke requisite to make the said squa­dron broader in frunt, that is of more souldiors in euerie ranke, and shorter by flanke, that is to bee vnderstood of fewer rankes; then he may drawe vp by flanke, from the backe, or rereward (as some termeth it) as many ranks as he thinketh conuenient. As for example, If he be dispo­sed to draw vp 4. rankes of piquers by flanke to frunt, he is then to say vnto his deputie Sergeant Maior, or to any other such Captaine or officer that dooth accompany him;How a Sergeāt Maior hauing reduced his squadron into forme should vpon any occa­sion make it broder in frunt and shorter by flanke. Draw vp 4. rankes from the backe of the squadron by flanke: which briefe speach or the like being by him pro­nounced, his said Lieutenant, Sergeant Maior, or other Captaine or officer by him appointed, is presently to goe to the left flanke of the last 4. rankes in backe, and to saie vnto them: Frunt vnto me yee 4. last rankes, and let this word, frunt, from the left flanke passe throughout to the right flanke; and that incase hee doo pronounce those wordes vpon the left flanke. Vppon which wordes pro­nounced, and the wordes passed from the one flanke to the other, and their faces and weapons turned towardes him; then he is to lead them vppe by the left flanke vntill they come to make euen frunt with the formost ranke of the squadron; which being performed, then of 55. that the squadron was before in euery rank from frunt to back, it is now come to be 59. throughout all the rankes from frunt to backe.

But heere it is to be noted,Diuers wayes and means for a Sergeant Maior to place anie ouerplus of broken rankes. that this addition of 4. pi­quers in euery ranke being drawne vp by the flanke of the squadron as aforesaid, there doo remaine ouerplus 21. rankes, of 4. in euery ranke, which doo in all make 84. pi­quers; of the which number the sergeant maior may if he dooth so thinke it requisite, draw vppe 34. rankes more of 2 in euery ranke, by the flanke of the squadron; which [Page 43] performed, then the squadron doth consist in frunt of 61. souldiors, and by flank of 34. rankes; but then there doth remaine an ouerplus of 16. souldiors, which li [...]e number he may reserue to employ in any place of seruice where he shall thinke most requisite; but if the Sergeant Maior shall not thinke it conuenient to inlarge his whole squa­dron from frunt to backe with 2. souldiors in euery ranke as aforesaid: then he may with 59. souldiors taken out of the number of 84. that did before remaine, (in which number of 84. souldiors, the 16. souldiors ouerplus be­fore remaining are conteined) increase his squadron in number of one ranke by backe, as by drawing those 59. piquers in one ranke by the backe of the squadron, then the squadron from 34. that it was before, is now come to be of 35. rankes, ouerplus 25. souldiors, with which 25. souldiors and with the 10. souldiors that did first remaine of the 2100. that were reduced into the squadron, who were to be placed in the ranke of Ensignes as aforesaid; those 10. souldiors being drawn againe from thence, and annexed vnto the 25. doo in all make 35. which 35. soul­diors being drawne vp in length by the flanke of the squa­dron, doo increase euery one of the 35. ranks 1. souldior in euerie ranke; so as of 59. souldiors that euery rank did consist before; they are now by this increase come to be iust 60. souldiors in euery ranke, and in rankes by flankes 35. rankes, besides the rank of Ensignes with their guard of Halbarders, that are p [...]aced in the midst or Centre of the squadron: by which kinde of reducement the whole squadron commeth to contein iust 2100. soldiors, ouer­plus, 0. that is to be vnderstood, not so much as one soul­diour.How a Lo [...] Mar­shall or a Ser­geant Maior their squadron being in fight, should draw vp a sleeue of Piquers to as­saile their ene­mies in flanke.

And it is further to be noted that if another squadron of like number in frunt should come to confrunt and ioin in battle with this squadron, and being entred into fight; and that the Coronell or Sergeant Maior, or the Lord Marshall of the field should thinke it their aduantage to charge and assaile the contrary squadron with a sleeue of [Page 44] piquers in flanke, then the Sergeant Maior may drawe 5. or 6. rankes or more as hee thinketh good from the backe of the squadron vppe by any of both the flankes of the same squadron, but distant the length of 2. piques or more, to the intent that by that little distance of the length of 2. piques as aforesaid, when they haue marcht vp, and doo finde themselues right against the flanke of their enemies squadron, they may haue space to turne themselues and make frunt towards their enemies flank, and to close their rankes by frunt and flankes, and with y^• points of their piques to charge their enemies in flanke: And thus farre concerning the ordering and forming of squadrons in diuers sorts, as is before set downe.

But now further,The squadron being formed how a Sergeant Maior should make of either of the flankes frunt, obser­uing the same proportion in frunt and nom­ber of ranks by flanks, that they were be­fore he made of flanke frunt. this squadron being thus formed in­to 60. souldiors in frunt, and of 35. souldiors by flanke, which is by flanke 35. rankes, then if vpon any occasion of the comming of the enemie, or vpon any other cause, the Coronell and Sergeant Maior shall thinke requisite to make of one of the flanks frunt: As for example of the left flanke frunt, and that he would reduce them into the verie same forme of squadron both in number of rankes by flanke, as also of number of souldiors in euery ranke that they were before; then the sergeant Maior ought himselfe on horsebacke if he thinke it requisite, or else to command his Lieutenant Sergeant on foot presently to goe athwart 25. ranks:It is not lawfull for any other officers of the fielde to passe on horsebacke athwart the ranks of a squa­dron reduced into any forme but onely the Lieutenant General, the Lord Marshall or the sergeant Maior maior of an Armie, but yet it is lawfull [...]or a Cor [...] ­nel, or Serge­ant Maior to passe on horse­backe a thwart y^• rankes of any band, or squa­dr [...]n that is of their owne Re­giment & not any other Cap­tain nor officer. not from flanke to flank, but from frunt to backe, that is to goe downe by right line betwixt the fiue and thirtith soldior of his right hand, & the fiue & twentith souldior of his left hand, from frunt straight to backe; and passing through them he is to say to the soul­diors that are vpon his left hand: Keepe your selues in frunt as you are, notwithstanding that the souldiors of my right hand, doo make flank frunt: the effect of which his words being throughout signified to the souldiors that are next vnto him of his left hand, presentlie the Captaines and their drummers that did marche in frunt before the 7. compertiments of 5. in euery compertiment as aboue is [Page 45] set downe; are to march and goe to the left flanke, which now shall be made frunt: but the other Captaines and drummers that are in frunt before the other 5. comperti­ments are still to keepe their places vntill they receiue further direction.

And now the Captains and their drummers of the compertimentes aforesaid beeing come before the left flanke; the Coronels drummer is first to begin to strike, and the rest immediatlie to doo the like, that all the soul­diors of that left flanke are to make frunt towardes the Captaines and drummers; that is, to turne their faces and weapons towards them: Or else the Sergeant Maior may command the Captaines, or in galloping or passing on horsebacke by the flanke, may himselfe say with a loud voice, Frunt to me souldiors: vpon which words pronoun­ced, or vpon the sound of the drums for that purpose, all the souldiors of flanke, are presently, to make frunt; and are therewithall presently to reforme their distances as well in frunt, as by flankes; which by this making of flank frunt is growne into great disproportion: which refor­ming of their distances as well by frunt as flanke, is to bee performed by straightning their ranks in frunt and enlar­ging them by flanks into their conuenient and proporti­onate distances, either to march or fight.

Which being performed; then the Sergeant Maior to the intent to giue the more ground and roome to the other part of the squadron of 5. compertiments to re­duce themselues by flanke, is to command the Coro­nelles Drummer and so the rest to strike a march; which doone, then the Captaines and all that part of the squa­dron that haue made flanke frunt, are orderlie one ranke after another to shoulder their piques and march after their Captaines but 50. or 60. paces where the Drum­mers againe striking and sounding a pause; all that foresaid part of the squadron, are presentlie one ranke after another to aduance their piques and make a stand; which being performed, then the sergeant Maiors Lieu­tenant [Page 46] is presently to command the drummers that doo remaine vppon the frunt of the 5. compertiments that haue not altered their frunt nor flankes, to strike a march; which being performed, he and all their captaines must with that part of y^e squadron march certen paces straight forward, thereby to take the more compasse of ground: and then turning vpon the left hand, must draw them vp almost close by the left flanke, to the frunt of that part of the squadron that haue alreadie made of flanke frunt: Al which being performed according to the orders before set downe, the whole squadron is now come againe to be in the same proportion both in number of souldiors in euery rank, as also of number of ranks by flanks that they were at the first; that is of 60. in euery rank, & 35. ranks.

But heere it is to be noted,How the En­signe bearers of the first part of the squadrō that made of flank frunt are to bring them­selues againe into order. that the ranke of Ensigne­bearers of the first part of the squadron that made flanke frunt with their guardes of halbarders by this making of flanke frunt, being brought into disorder, by reason that now they are not in ranke as they were before, must pre­sentlie vpon the stroke of the drummer commanded by the Coronels Ensignebearer march vp, not betwixt the rankes but through the rankes of the souldiors, till they al come betwixt the seuenteenth ranke before them, and the eighteenth ranke behinde them; and there betwixt those two rankes they must reduce themselues into order and ranke; which being by them done, then both they and the rest of the other Ensignebearers of that part of the squadron that marched vppe and reduced them­selues by flanke as aforesaid, being in one ranke, haue be­fore them iust 17. rankes, and behind them 18. which in all are 35. ranks.

All which performed, then the sleeues, winges, and troupes of the different weapons of volee that did before arme the right and left flankes, and all 4. corners of the squadron, are againe by their officers to be lead and re­duced into the same forms vpon the right and left flanks, that they were before that the squadron did make of [Page 47] flanke frunt; or else may be reduced into any other varie­tie of formes that the Coronell or Sergeant Maior shall thinke most conuenient; And so march forward if the plainnesse of the Countrie, and other requisite causes, do cause and permit them so to do.

But now it is furder to be noted that if the same squa­dron accompanied with sleeues, winges, and troupes of diuers sorts of weapons of volee as aforesaid, not hauing the enemie in sight nor neare, should happen in their march to come to a straight passage; where betwixt rocks mountaines and hilles or any such like there could not passe aboue .5. soldiors in a ranke; and that there were no other open way neare by many miles for the Regiment to passe, but only the same; then the Coronell if he be alone with his Regiment of .4000. men,The order that is to be taken by a Coronell if his squadron accompanied with sleeues, winges, and troupes of di­uers sortes of weapons of vo­lee should happen in their march to come to a straight how they should march and passe through the same. as aforesaid, is present­ly to take order that the highest partes and sides of the mountaines, rockes, & hilles be possessed of both sides of the passage, with certen numbers of harquebuziers, and some mosquetiers, as also of some light armed hal­barders to backe them; that thereby the rest of the shott and squadron of armed men may the more safelie passe through the straight; which being perfomed, then he is to send the one halfe of the shott of all the diuers sorts of volee y^t did arme the right and left flanks of the squadron to march before through the straight, I meane all such weapons of volee as did arme the foreparts of both the flankes and frunt of the squadron, and not the other halfe of shott that did arme the hinder parts of the flankes, and backe of the squadron, who are for the guard of the backe or Rereward of the squadron, and for diuers other causes, and accidental employments to remaine hindermost and to march .5. in a ranke, and to follow the last comperti­ment of piquers into the straight, and that I would wish to be performed in this order and sort following: First I would send the compertiments of mosquetiers of the right flank marching according to the narrownes of the straight .5: in a ranke, and the harquebuziers of the same [Page 48] flanke after them, backt with some light armed piquers and halbarders; then I would send the compertiments of archers likewise of the right flank marching .5. in a ranke, then I would that the compertiments of mosquetiers and harquebuziers that were for the guard of the left flanke marching. 5. in a ranke, backt likewise with some num­ber of light armed piquers and halbardars, should follow the archers of the right flanke, and that after them should follow the archers of the forepart corner of the left flank, which different compertiments of weapons of volee of the forepart of the right flanke being marcht through y^e straight into the plaine, should march so far on the right hand, as there should be space and roome enough for the compertiments of the piquers of the right flanke to re­duce themselues into forme vpon their lefte flanke, and that then euerie sort and weapon of volee should reduce themselues into the same formes, of sleeues, winges, and troupes and other such like, as they were vpon the right corner and flanke of the squadron before that they mar­ched into the straight:Wher the compertiments of the weapons of weapons of volee of the forepart of the right and left flankes of the Squadron bee­ing marched through the straight, should reduce them­selues into forme. Then would I that the different Compertiments of the like weapons of volee of the fore­parte of the left flanke of the squadron that haue followed the first compertiments and are now likewise come through the straight, should march so much on the left hand of the plaine as they may leaue ground and space e­nough for the squadron of piquers to reduce themselues into their forme betwixt them and the weapons of volee of the right flank, & that they there should again reduce themselues into the like formes of sleeues, winges, and troupes that they were vpon the forepart of the left flanke before they marched through the straight. But it is to be noted, that presently vpon the entring of the last com­pertiments of the forepart of the weapons of volee of the left flanke into the straight, that the Sergeant Maior is to come to the frunt of the right flanke of the squadron if the same flanke be next vnto the passage, and he is in briefe words to say. Single. 5. in a ranke throughout from [Page 49] frunt to backe and march after the last compertiment of shot through the straight,Brief speaches to be vsed by the Sergeant Maior to the piquers, before they enter into the passage.and being marched thorough into the plaine, Auaunce your piques and make a pause. Vppon which his direction the Captaine with his whole com­pertiment of 5. in a ranke from frunt to backe is to single the same from the rest of the squadron and to followe the shot and march into the straight; vppon the separa­tion and marching of which compertiment, then the Sergeant Maior is to say to the Captain of the next com­pertiment. Single your compertiments of 5. throughout, and follow, and march straight after the first compertiment through the straight, and being marched thorough into the plaine, double your compertiment by the left flanke of the formost compertiment of piquers, which compertiment be­ing something separated and marching into the straight; then vppon the same direction receaued by all the Cap­taines that are before the frunt of the rest of the comper­timents, as well by such briefe speaches as aforesaid, as by the sound of the trompettor and drummes, they are all subsequentlie and orderlie with their compertimentes to separate them and to followe one another by right line; and as euerie one of those Captaines with their compertimentes haue marched one after another tho­rough the straight into the plaine; so they are with all ce­leritie to reduce themselues by the left flanke the one of the other into the same form of squadron that they were before they entred into the straight;How y^e piquers being marched through the straight are to reduce them­selues againe into their for­mer squadron. and that is, that the Captaine of the thirde compertiment of 5. in a ranke throughout, as aforesaid, seeing the seconde comper­timent reduced and doubled by the lefte flanke of the firste Compertiment; hee likewise is to reduce his compertiment by the lefte flanke of the seconde; and so consequentlie the fourth, fifth, and all the reste of the compertiments, are by their Captaines to bee lead and reduced by the left flanks the one of the other; which be­ing by them performed, and the squadron reduced into the same forme of number of ranks, & of soldiors in euery [Page 50] ranke that it was before they entered into the straight; then all the shot of the different weapons of volee that did march through the straight before the first comperti­ment of piquers; I meane, the one halfe of those that be­fore they came to the straight did arme the forepartes of the right and left flankes of the squadron, and now againe already before the squadron is altogether againe formed by their Captaines and officers, reduced into the same formes vpon the foreparts of the right and left flankes of the squadron that they were before that they first separa­ted themselues from the squadron, and entred into the straight: And euen as those different compertiments of shot did one after another orderly march through the straight and are now againe reduced and come into their first order as aforesaid; So the different compertimentes of sleeues, winges, troups, and other such like of different sorts of weapons of volee that did arme the right and left hinder flanks, and corners of the squadron, in the like or­der immediatly following the last compertiments of pi­quers through the straight, are presentlie againe by their officers to be reduced into the like compertimentes and formes for the guard of both the hinder flanks and backe of the squadron, that they were before the squadron did enter into the passage.

All which being performed, and al the harquebuziers, mosquetiers, and halbarders that were sent to possesse the tops of both the sides of the passage being come downe into the plaine,Where the drommers and phifers are to be placed, the squadron mar­ching forward in the Enimies Countrie, the Enemie being not in sight as also vpō doubt of battle. and reduced into such formes, or other­wise employed as the Coronell and Sergeant Maior shall thinke most meet, they may then begin againe to march forward. Howbeit in this place it is further to be noted that the squadron marching forwarde in the enemies countrie the one halfe of the drummers are to bee placed vpon the frunt, and the other halfe vpon the backe of the squadron; and that, during the time they march the ene­mie being not in sight; but vpon the sight and approch of the enemy and doubt of battle; then vpon that occasi­on [Page 51] all the drummers & phifers y^• did march in the frunt & back of the squadrō must presently reduce themselues, the one halfe vpon the forpart & hinder part of the right flank of y^• squadron, & the other halfe vpon the forpart & hinder part of y^• left flank of the squadron; I meane more towards al the 4. corners of the squadrō vpon both flanks, then towards the midst of those flankes; because that all their different strokes of direction, may bee the better heard and vnderstood aswell in frunt and backe as flanks:The cause wherfore no Drummers should bee pla­ced in the frunt of the squadrō vpon the occa­sion of a battle. And the cause wherefore I woulde haue no drummers placed in the frunt of a squadron vppon the occasion of battle is; that they should bee no impediment to the pi­quers through the greatnesse of those instruments, to vse their piques, nor vnto mosquetiers, nor harguebuziers, in case that any, vpon any occasion should be reduced vnder the guard of the frunt of the piques to vse their mosquets or harquebuzes.Not aboue one Drōme and a Phifer are to march in the midst of a squadron with the rank of ensigne Besides that I would neuer permit vp­on any occasion, that any drummes, or at the most aboue one drummer, and a phifer, should march in the midst of the squadron with the rank of Ensignes, because that the greatnesse of them would be an impediment to the ranks to close themselues by frunt and flankes, as vppon some occasions they ought to doo.

But heere it is furder to be noted that the squadron be­ing againe reduced into forme, and marching forward in the enemies Countrie, and finding the ground in diuers partes as they march of that nature, y^t they cannot march in squadron formed, and hauing great intelligence by discouerers, and espialles, that the enemie is not so neere hand as that by reason and discipline military they ought to keepe themselues in squadron; then they ought accor­ding to the bredth or frunt of their squadron, to deuide the whole squadron into as few and as great comperti­ments of number of soldiors in euery ranke from frunt to backe as the grounds or passages will giue them leaue; that by the greatnesse of their compertiments they may a great deale the sooner reduce and forme their squadron [Page 52] againe vpon any sudden or great Alarum: As for exam­ple, If the squadron were double as broad in frunt as by flankes, as of 60. in frunt and 30. by flankes, then the Co­ronell or Sergeant Maior may presentlie command the whole squadron to be deuided into 6. compertiments of 10. souldiors in euery ranke from frunt to back through­out euery compertiment; or if the ground be of that na­ture, that in some places there cannot passe aboue 7. or 8. souldiors in frunt, then he may deuide his whole squa­dron into [...]. compertiments, that is of 4. compertiments of 7. in euery ranke, and the other 4. compertiments of 8. souldiors in euery ranke throughout euery comperti­ment, and by flanks, that is in length from frunt to backe euery compertiment of 30. ranks, the Ensigns alwaies placed betwixt two of the middlemost ranks of euerie com­pertiment, or of so many of the compertiments as shalbe requisit. All which compertiments vpon intelligence or discouery of the enemies approching may in any conue­nient ground be presently incorporated and reduced by flank or flanks into the same form of squadron that it was at the first forming of the same; or into any other forme that the Coronell or Sergeant Maior shall thinke most requisit by any one of the same orders of reducementes that I haue before very particularly set downe.

And it is furder to be obserued that the said squadron marching in the open fields with sleeues, wings, & troups of weapons of volee belonging to the same, should euer at certen times make certen pauses, aswel to the intent to ease themselues and take breath, because that armed men or mosquetiers with their heauy furniture, or the soldiors of any other weapon cannot possibly continue any long march without such pauses and staies, as also that if anie dismarch or disorder hath hapned in their ranks, forms, or orders, the same may be presently againe reformed and redressed: And the like pauses and staies are to bee made by bands of horsmen, for the same cōsideration & causes.

But now peraduenture some that may read this place [Page 53] of my booke may say that I forgot in this place to write of horsmen, aswell where they should be placed in the field either vpon the flankes or corners of the compertiments of diuers sortes of weapons of volee reduced into their orders, as also in marching through the straight, whether they should march halfe before and halfe behind, or o­therwise. Wherevnto I answer that it were impertinent to this place,An obiection aunswered. considering that here I doo but only shew, how a Regiment of 4000. footmen vnder their coronels, Captaines, and officers, without any bandes of horsmen should be reduced into diuers formes aswell to march as to fight; as also to passe through a passage or straight, and being passed through the same; howe againe to reduce themselues into forme; that by the ordering, forming, and marching of this squadron and regiment as aforsaid, all such as doo professe armes, and that doo not knowe how squadrons of footmen should bee formed, may by that which I haue before set downe, see, consider, and obserue,Bands and squadrons of horsemen are to be reduced into forme af­ter the verie same order and sorte that foot­men are. how any squadron of a great deale greater or smaller numbers may diuers waies be reduced into form, although in troth, bands and squadrons of horsemen are to bee reduced into forme or diuers formes euen after the verie same order and sort that bandes and squadrons of footmen are. But yet something to satisfie such as shall reade this my booke, I will by the helpe of Almigh­tie God, in some places more conuenient, of these dis­courses make mention, and set downe diuers verie im­portant particularities concerning the ordering, four­ming, and employing of bandes, squadrons, and diuers other formes of horsemen of sundrie sortes of armous and weapons.

But now peraduenture some will with more reason furder demand where the baggages and carriages of the Regiment that I haue not hithervnto mentioned, shoulde bee placed in marching through the straight: and how the same should be guarded; as also where the field peeces of the same regiment, if there be any shuld be [Page 54] placed vpon the squadron formed; and in what conue­nient place or places they should be with their hor [...]es,Wherevpon y^e squadron for­med and mar­ching forward y^• field peeces are to be pla­ced & drawen. or oxen drawne, and go through the said straights. Wher­vnto I say that incase there were 8. field peeces belonging to the Regiment, that is, 4. fawcons of the Caliuer of 5. pound the bullet, and 4. fawconets of the Caliuer of 3. pound the bullet; I would then vpon the squadron, for­med and marching forward, that 2. peeces (viz) one faw­con, and one fawconet should with their horses be drawn vppon the flanke, or side of the squadron, betwixt the sleeues of the weapons of volee and the squadron, I mean vpon the forepart of the right flanke; and so likewise an­other fawcon, and fawconet to be drawne by the hinder part of the same flanke likewise betwixt the weapons of volee and the squadron, and euen in the same manner, in the like places, order and sort I would haue the other 4. fawcons, and fawconets to be drawn vpon the left flanks of the squadron ready vppon all occasions to be drawne forward and placed, the 4. formost that were vppon the formost right and left flanke of the squadron somewhat distant or wide from the 2. forecorners of the squadron, or vpon some occasions vpon the very frunt of the same squadron readie to be discharged at the enemie appro­ching, and so likewise the 4. peeces that are drawne by the hinder flankes of the squadron are readie likewise to be placed vpon the frunt or both the corners of the back or rereward of the same square, incase that the squadron vpon any accident or comming of the Enemie should make of back frunt: And heere it is to bee noted that all these 8. field peeces must bee accompanied with their gonners,Officers and o­ther necessarie prouision be­longing to the field peeces. officers, and all other their assistants, with some numbers of pioners, and with all kind of thinges and In­struments belonging to them, as bullets ladles, rammers, and other such like, as also with a large and sufficient quantitie of good powder well guarded by some number of halbarders, and archers from the danger of fire.

Howbeit vpon the occasion of marching through a [Page 55] straight as aforesaid; then I would that. 4. of these field peeces with their powder,Where the, field peeces with their mu­nitions and o­ther things be­longing vnto them are to be placed in mar­ching through the straight. bullets, and all other thinges requisite should vpō their carriages be drawen with their horses, conducted by their Carters, gonners, and pioners and guarded and accompanied as aforesaid, iust betwixte the last troupes, and compertiments of weapons of volee, and the first compertiment of piques; and so likewise that the other. 4. field peeces that did before march vpon both the hinder flankes of the squadron, should vnder the conduction of their gonners and assistants as aforesaid with their powder, bullets and al other things necessarie, march through the straight in Rereward iust betwixt the hindermost compertiment of piquers, and before the for­most troupe or compertiment of the weapons of volee, that did and are againe to arme the hinder partes of both the flankes of the said squadron; and those. 8. peeces mar­ching in the order and sort as aforesaid are most readie a­gaine vpon the whole Regiment being past through the straightes, and the reducing againe of the same into the forme of squadron first aboue set downe, to be placed and drawne as they were at the first before the regiment en­tered into the straights: But incase that the Coronell be­ing entered into the straights should doubte to be assailed by the enemie either in vauntguard or in Rereward; then hee ought to place a couple of fawcons,How the Coro­nell is to place the field peeces incase he doubt to be assailed either in vaunt guard or R [...]e­ward▪ or of fawconets either in frunt or in backe as he doubteth to be assailed, with some conuenient quantitie of powder, and bullets, and other thinges necessarie strongly guarded and ac­companied with some numbers of archers, light armed piquers, and halbarders, as also some mosequtiers, so that those soldiors of weapons of fire do not come too neare the powder belonging to those field peeces; and in y^• sort, those. 2. field peeces are to be drawne by their horses and accompanied with their gonners pioners and guardes of diuers sorts of weapons as aforesaid, in frunt and backe according to the occasion.

And now concerning the most conuenient and sure [Page 56] placing of the cariages and baggages of the Regiment,Concerning the most conuenient and sure placing of the carriages and baggages in passing through the straight. I meane for the passing through the straight; for the pla­cing and marching whereof, it is first to be considered, whether they expect, or doubt the enemie more in frunt and vauntgard when they shall be passing, or passed through the straight, or in backe and Rereward when they are entring & entered into the straight; or that they doubt to be assailed both in vauntgard and Rereward: Now if in case they doubt to be assailed by the enemie in Rereward,Diuers things to be conside­red of, for the sure placing of the cariages & baggages. then the Coronell is to commande all the carriages and baggages to be placed in the midst of the weapons of volee y^• are in vauntgard with some conueni­ent numbers of light armed piquers and halbarders for y^e better guard of the same; but in case that they doubt to be assailed in vauntgard and not in Rereward,Where the Coronell is to place the car­riages and bag­gages incase he doubt to be as­sailed by the enemy in Rere­ward or in Vauntgard or in both. then they are to place the cariages in the midst of the short of the Rere­ward accompanied with some light armed piquers and halbarders as aforesaid; But if they doubt to be assai­led both in vauntguard and Rereward, then the Coro­nell is to commaund all the cariages and baggages to be placed in the midst betwixte al the compertiments of pi­quers, I meane the one halfe of the piquers before, and y^• other halfe behind the carriages; euerie Carre, or waggon hauing two harquebuziers or archers for y^• guard of them. Howbeit here it is to be noted that the carriages of the chiefe substance of the powder that doth belong to the Regiment be they waggons or Carres that do carrie the same,Where the carriages of the chief substance of pouder are to marche. do with their officers, Carters, and pyoners march either formost of all the rest of the Carriages, or else hin­dermost of them all; or else vpon some occasions halfe before and halfe behind as the Coronell vpon any occa­sion shall thinke most conuenient, but in any wise a con­uenient waie distant from all the rest of the carriages, and that the same carriages of powder be well accompanied with some good numbers of archers and halbarders, but with no harquebuziers nor mosquetiers, thereby to auoid all accidents of fire. Also euerie Wagō or Carre ought to [Page 57] haue a couer of the hides or skinnes of buffes made of such largenesse that the same may couer all the barrels of powder from wet,Euerie waggon or Carre ought to be couered with Buff hides as also that such couers of buffe wil re­sist the force and furie of all kind of bals and other inuen­tions of artificiall fires and wilde fire,A peculiar propertie of the skins of Buffes. which peculiar pro­perty the skins of those beasts haue aboue all others.

And now as I haue very particularly shewed howe a squadron of 2100. should be reduced into form in diuers different sortes, and that the same squadron consisting of 2100. armed men piquers is now last of all reduced into 60. souldiors in frunt,Squadrons by more then a third part broader in frunt then longe by flankes, are of a far greater ad­uauntage to fight, then iust Squadrons. which is intended in euery rank frō frunt to back, and 35. soldiors by flank, which is to be vn­derstood 35. ranks; which proportion of squadron is bro­der in number of piquers in frunt, then long by flanks, by more then a third part, which by most Sergeants Maiors is esteemed to bee of a great deale greater aduauntage to fight, for diuers causes and reasons (which heere I omit) then any iust squadrons of armed men are; by reason that squadrons that are iust square in number of men;Why squadrōs that are iust square in num­ber of men are thought to be out of propor­tion. that is, as many piquers by flank as in frunt, are accounted to bee out of proportion; and that in respect that such squadrons are a great deale longer by flankes then broade in frunt, because that the distaunces betwixt ranke and ranke bee it either to march or fight, are a great deale more then they are betwixt euery soldior and soldior in frunt, which is to bee vnderstood in euerie ranke;How to forme a squadron of piquers iust square in num­ber of men both by frunt and flankes So to satisfie such as would vnderstand of the forming of a iust squadron of piquers: I meane a iust square of like numbers of men in frunt, flankes and backe as aforesaid; and not a iust square in ground, I would take 6600. piquers, which number I would command y^• sergeant Maior, Maior, to draw out of 4. of 5. regiments, & to reduce them into 12. comper­timents, euery cōpertiment of 5. in frunt & 60. by flanks, which maketh iust 300. piquers in euery compertiment; al which 12. cōpertiments of 300. piquers in euery com­pertiment, beeing reduced into squadron either by dou­bling those compertiments by back, or by flank or flanks, [Page 58] or any other waies, as I haue before very particularlie set downe; doo come to be a iust squadron of 60. piquers by frunt, flankes, and backe, ouerplus not any one souldior.

And this kind of iust square of armed men by frunt, flankes, and backe, hath beene holden by some men of warre,The reasons that diuers mē of warre do alleage to proue a iust squadron to be of grea­test aduaun­tage to fight. and yet is, to be the most strong and puissant kind of squadron of all others, in respect that the number of rankes by flanks are equall with the number of souldiors in frunt and backe; whereof ensueth (say they) vppon the ioyning of two squadrons, and a battle well fought, that commonlie many of the souldiors of the first rankes are either ouerthrowne & wounded, or slain in the place: vpon which accidents, the souldiors that are in the next rankes directlie behind them, are presently to bestride them; I meane to stand ouer and defend them if they be but wounded, and if they be slaine, then to take their pla­ces; and so subsequentlie euery hinder ranke to fill vp the ranke before them; so as only the hinder ranks shal come to diminish and lacke number, by the supplying and fil­ling vp of the former ranks: By meanes of which entring of souldiors out of the hinder rankes still to fill vppe the formost rankes for the causes aforesaid, the opinion of some men of warre hath been and is, that a iust squadron of armed men, is of more resistance and annoyance a­gainst the enemie, then a broad squadron in frunt and shorter by flankes is, I meane both the one squadron and the other being neere about one number of souldiors; Be­sides all which it may bee alleaged, that such iust squa­drons in frunt, flankes, and backe, are more ready vppon any sudden vnlooked for occasion, and comming of the Enemie to make of any of both the flankes frunt, with a conuenient breadth; then a squadron that is broad in frunt, and narrow by flankes is able to performe, by rea­son that the iust squadron hath no more to doo, but to make of one of the flanks frunt by turning their faces and weapons that waies, and to reforme their distaunces by frunt and flankes: whereas the broad squadron to make [Page 59] of flanke frunt, must not onely doo the like, but also must draw out a great sort of rankes from the contrary flanke, and draw them vp to the head of that flanke, that is nowe made frunt, and also reforme themselues in their distan­ces by frunt and flanke, with diuers other particularities by me at large before set downe.

But incase that the sergeant Maior when he hath four­med this iust square of men,How a Serge­ant Maior ha­uing formed a iust square may vpō any occasi­on shorten the same by flankes and inlarge them in frunt. and not of ground as afore­said, shall vpon any occasion thinke it requisite to inlarge the same squadron in frunt, that is to increase euery rank from frunt to back with some conuenient number of sol­diors, and to shorten the same squadron by flanke, that is to make fewer rankes; then hee may with great celeritie and dexteritie draw out as many rankes from the back or rereward, as hee shall see requisite to inlarge the frunt withall, and draw them vp by one of the flankes: But be­cause the squadron commeth to be shortned by flanks, by so many rankes as the Sergeant Maior hath drawne out from the backe or Rereward, and therfore that there shal remaine an ouerplus of broken rankes more then at one time can be drawne vp by flankes as aforesaid: the serge­ant Maior then must consider whether the numbers of the piquers of those broken ranks, be sufficient to increase one ranke more by backe: And incase there doo lacke number to performe the same; then hee is to consider whether the numbers of the piquers of those broken rankes, will serue to increase euery ranke one souldior or more by flanke; which is to be vnderstood from frunt to backe; and as he may with those broken rankes best per­forme either the one or the other, he is to doo the same. But incase that the Sergeant Maior shall see that the ar­med men of those broken ranks doo lacke number to per­forme as well that by flanke, as the other by backe (as a­foresaid,) hee then is to place them in the ranke of En­signes, or otherwise to employ them in other seruices as he shall thinke most requisite: The particularities of all which with many more I haue before set downe at large, [Page 60] and therefore it were superfluous to particular the same againe. And now as I haue formed this foresaid battle and iust square of 60. piquers in frunt, flanks, and backe, which in all do amount to 6600. men, with diuers other requisite matters: Euen so by the like orders of reduce­ment, If a Lord Marshall or a Sergeant Maior Maior, haue 4000. or 5000. yea or 10000. or more or fewer pi­quers to reduce into one bodie of squadron, hee may re­duce them into a battle of a thirde part broader in frunt then by flanks; or double as broad or more in frunt then by flankes; or otherwise as he thinketh most conuenient: As for example; If he haue 5355. piquers, and that hee woulde reduce them all into one squadron, double as broad or more by frunt then by flankes, as of 105. piquers in frunt, and but of 51. rankes by flankes; and that hee would reduce his squadron into form, by compertiments throughout of 5. in a ranke; he shall then finde that 21. compertimentes reduced into squadron by flanke or flankes as aforesaid, will forme that squadron, of 105. pi­quers in euerie rank from frunt to backe, and of 51. ranks by flankes.

Or if the Sergeant Maior, be disposed to forme the same squadron of the like number of 5355. piquers with greater compertiments as of 7. in euery compertiment throughout from frunt to back, that thereby he may form his squadron with the fewer compertimentes; hee may then command all the Captains or leaders of the piquers to reduce euery one of their compertimentes into 7. in a rank throughout from frunt to back; and then he shal find that 15. such compertiments or diuisions of 7. in a ranke throughout euery compertiment reduced into squadron either by the flanks the one of the other, or by both flanks subsequently al at one time, (as I haue in the beginning of this proiect of squadrons very particularlie declared) doo make iust 105. piquers in frunt, and 51. rankes by flanke, which is more then double as broad in frunt, then long by flankes.

[Page 61]But because peraduenture there are some professing armes not knowing how squadrons should be fourmed that will imagine,The orders and waies of reducing of 3000. or 4000. or of. 10000. or of any grea­ter number of piquers into one bodie of squadron, are all one sauing that the compertiments are to be made longer by flanks. that it is a matter of farre greater diffi­cultie to forme a squadron of 10000. or 12000. piquers, or of greater numbers, then of 3000. or 4000. There­vnto I say, that the orders and waies of reducing of 3000. or 4000. or of 10000. or any greater numbers in­to one bodie of squadron is all one, sauing that the com­pertimentes or diuisions of piquers, or of piquers and short weapons to forme great squadrons must be longer by flankes, then the compertimentes of small squadrons are: and therefore whereas the number of piquers of one bande, or companie are sufficient to make a compleat compertiment of number of piquers by frunt, as of 5. 6. 7. or any such euen or odde numbers, not exceding 10. or 11. as also of numbers of rankes conuenient by flanks to beginne the squadron withall; and that so likewise the piquers of other such single bandes are able to performe the like, beeing reduced by the flankes the one of the o­ther as aforesaid, whereof it shoulde come to passe that such small squadrons should bee composed of the com­pertiments of single bands by themselues; yet great squa­drons or battles double as broad in frunt, as long by flankes, or iust squares, or any other formes, must bee composed of compertimentes although of like numbers in frunt as aforesaide: yet much longer by flankes, which to performe, because no one band haue piquers enough to ma [...]e a compertiment of so great a number as is requi­site with celeritie to forme so great a squadron; the Ser­geant Maior in that case is to commaund the piquers of 2. bandes presentlie to bee reduced into one comperti­ment, and so likewise of other bandes, to the intent that by such great compertiments he may with the more ce­leritie forme his squadron; in such sort, as if a Lorde Marshall or a Sergeant Maior Maior, were disposed to forme and reduce his squadron of 10000. or 12000. piquers, or any greater, or smaller numbers into one [Page 62] squadron or battle; and that hee would forme the same double as broad by frunt as long by flankes; hee may by the like order of reducing of compertimentes of greater numbers by flanks, performe the same with as great faci­litie, as hee did in the reducing of the other squadrons of smaller numbers with the compertiments of single bands into forme.

And therfore if a Sergeant Maior Maior would forme one battle of aboue 10000. piquers, and that hee would make them double as broad or more in frunt then long by flankes: As for example, of 143. in frunt, and of 71. rankes by flankes; he is first to consider how many com­pertiments of euen and od numbers wil make that frunt, and he shall find that 17. compertiments of 8. souldiors in euery ranke from frunt to backe, and of 71. rankes by flankes in euery compertiment reduced into squadron by flanke or flankes (as I haue verie particularlie in my first forming of squadrons before declared) doo make y^• squa­dron in frunt 136. souldiors, and then drawing vppe ano­ther compertiment of odde number, as of 7. souldiors in euerie ranke throughout the whole compertimente from frunt to back, in all are 17. compertiments of euen num­bers of 8. and one of 7. which are odde, which in all are 18. compertiments. All which diuisions reduced into squadron by flankes as aforesaid, the whole squadron so formed, dooth come to be of 143. souldiors in frunt, and 71. rankes by flankes, which in all doo make 10153. souldiors.

But now whereas all these squadrons before reduced and described do consist only of piquers with a few hal­bardiers for the guard of the Ensignes,The chiefe causes why the Italians and Spaniards, haue of late vsed squadrons altogither of piques. which hath bene altogeather vsed of late yeares by the Italians & Spany­ards in respect (as I haue heard them say) that such squa­drons all of one weapon are mor readilie reduced into squadron, then of two different weapons, and therewith­all more beawtifull and terrible in the sight of the E­nemie in shewe, through the equalitie of the length of [Page 63] the piques, then if there were many rankes of short weapons within the piques, which through the shortnes of the weapons would make the squadron to shewe vnto the Enemie as though there were a voide place without any soldiors in the midst of the piques: Yet because ma­ny yeares past I haue in Fraunce seene the Sergeants Ma­iors of the Suissers reduce certen rankes of halbardiers within their piques, thereby according to discipline to strengthen their battles aswell against the charges of hors­men as against squadrons of footmen piquers: I will here (with the helpe of Almightie God) sett downe and shew how a squadron of halbardiers or battleaxes, inuironed or impaled about with 5. rankes of piquiers in frunt, flanks and backe, should be reduced into a squadron broader by a third parte in frunt and backe,How a squadrō of halbardiers enuironed a­bout, with 5. rankes of pi­quers, should be reduced in­to forme. then long by flankes: which is to be performed in this sort following, that is, Incase that I haue .1500. armed battleaxes, or halbar­diers, and that I were disposed to reduce them into .50 in frunt, and .30. by flankes, and that I would deuide that whole number into .10. compertiments of .5. battleaxes in euery ranke throughout euery compertiment: so as e­uery compertiment from frunt to backe should containe 150. battleaxes; Or that I were disposed to commaund the .1500. battleaxes to be reduced into .5. comperti­ments of 10. souldiors in euery ranke throughout euerie compertiment from frunt to backe, that is of 300. soul­diors in euery compertiment, the same being by the cap­taines and officers performed, I then appointing the ground where I would make the frunt of the squadron, would command the Captaines or leaders of euery com­pertiment either of .5. if the compertiments be all of .5. or of .10. if they be of .10. soldiors throughout euerie compertiment to march vp, the one by the flanke of the other, vntill they come all to make one equall frunt in their iust & proportionate distances from frunt to backe: which being performed then I would commaund two compertiments all of piquers, each one of them of .150. [Page 64] marching .5. in a ranke to be drawne vp, the one com­pertiment of .150. close by the right flanke of the battle­axes: and the other compertiment of the like number in like sort close by the left flanke of the battleaxes vntill the formost rankes of both those compertiments of piquers vpō both flanks be of equal frunt with the frunt of the bat­tleaxes, and their last ranke equall with the last ranke of the battleaxes, which being performed, then of 50. bat­tleaxes that they were in frunt before, now by the con­ioining and reducing of those 2. compertiments of pi­quers vpon the two flankes as aforesaid, the squadron is come to be of 60. soldiors in euery ranke from frunt to backe; which performed, then would I commaund 300. piquers reduced into 60. rankes of 5. in euery ranke to be drawne close by the frunt of the squadron of battleaxes & piquers before reduced, euen from the one flanke and corner to the other: And at the very same instant, I would command 60▪ ranks of piquers more of 5. in euery ranke to be drawne close by the backe, and Rereward of the same squadron: which being performed, then aswell the 60. ranks of piquers 5. in a ranke in frunt, as the 60. ranks of piquers 5. in a ranke in backe, are either vpon the sound of the trumpet, or the stroake of drummes to tourne their faces and weapons, and to make of flanke frunt: I meane that waies that the squadron of battleaxes, and the pi­quers on the flankes do make frunt, and therewithall pre­sently to reforme themselues in their distances: so as of 60. rankes of 5. in euerie ranke that the same comperti­ment of piquers that was reduced in frunt was before, it is now by making of flanke frunt as aforsaid, become to be of 5. rankes of 60. soldiors in euery ranke: And so like­wise the aforesaid compertiments of the like number of 300. piquers of 5. in euery ranke reduced vpon the backe of the squadron, by making of flanke frunt, towards the squadron of battleaxes and piquers, are now likewise be­come to be 5. rankes by flanke, and 60. in euerie ranke. All which being performed the squadron of battleaxes [Page 65] dooth come to be enuironed or empaled with 5. rankes of piquers in frunt, flankes, and back, the whole squadron conteining in frunt 60. soldiors, & by flanks 40. rankes.

And now this squadron being thus formed; then would I reduce all the different sortes of weapons of volee into their most conuenient forms of forlorn hopes, of sleeues, of winges, of hearses, of troupes, and other formes, ac­cording to the nature and effect of euery different sort of weapon, and as the comming of the enemie should re­quire, or as the ground or groundes woulde permit, ha­uing therewithall regard as wel to arme the backe or rere­ward of the squadron with weapons of volee, as to arme the frunt and flanks. And as I haue very particularly she­wed how a squadron of Halbardiers or battleaxes, enui­roned about with 5. rankes of piquers should be reduced into the forme aboue described, and therewithall said that the same should be armed in frunt, flankes and back, with weapons of volee of diuers sorts, so would I if I had conuenient numbers of horsemen of diuers armors and weapons, arme the same squadron, and sleeues, & wings of weapons of volee, with horsemen in their due & most conuenient places and formes.

But because I doo thinke that it shall be a farre greater instruction for such Gentlemen of our Nation, as doo not know and yet are willing and desirous to learne how diuers squadrons or battles of footemen with their wea­pons of volee and field peeces ought to bee armed with many hearses, squares, and troupes of horsemen of di­uers sorts of armors and weapons, and those conuenient­ly placed in the large and open fieldes to giue battle and fight with the Enemie,How to reduce an English Ar­mie of 28000. or .3000. horse­men and foot­men into form of batle, readie in all points to fight with the Enemie. with their moste aduauntage, then to place onelye one squadron of footemen with their Weapons of volee, and to arme the same with horsemen of diuers sortes, I doo for example say, that if there were in the enemies Countrey 28000. or 30000. horsmen & footmen of our English Nation, well sorted, armed, weaponed, and exercised, according to the [Page 66] nature and effect of euery different sort of weapon: And that the same Armie of 28000. did consist of the diffe­rent weapons and numbers vnder written, that is of 4500 piquers, 8500. battleaxes, or halbardiers, of 10000. wea­pons of volee, of the which I would haue 7000. good ar­chers, 1500. mosquetiers, and 1500. harquebuziers; Of horsemen also I woulde haue 5000. of the which there should be 240. men at Armes, 480. Dimilaunces, 1680. Stradiots, 1300. archers on horsebacke, and 1300. cros­bowers on horsebacke; and all those aswell horsemen as footmen sorted and deuided into their different propor­tions and numbers vnder their standards, En [...]ignes, pen­nons and Guydons, as also vnder their Coronels, Cap­taines, Conductors, and other higher and lower men of charge and officers; and that I were by the commande­ment and appointment of the Lord Lieutenant Generall to giue order and reduce the said Armie into a forme of battle, as if it were presentlie to fight with the enemie, I would then take of those 8500. battleaxes or halbardiers, 6000. and out of the 4500. piquers I would take 3600. and would deuide and reduce all those numbers of pi­quers and battleaxes into 3. battles,Howe many battles y^e whole Armie, should be deuided and reduced into. that is, into a vaunt­guard, a battle, & a Reregard, or rather into foure battles, that is into a vauntgard, a battle, and a Reregard, and into a fourth which I would tearme and call by the name of an a Rereregardrereward: euery one of which foure bat­tles should consist of 1500. armed halbardiers or battle­axes, and of 900. armed piquers, which are iust 2400. piquers and battleaxes in each battle: And as for the o­uerplus of the whole number of the halbardiers or battle­axes, which in all doo amount to 2500. as also the ouer­plus of the piquers which are 900. (none of both which numbers are to enter into the squadrons afore mentio­ned) I would reserue to be employed in such other serui­ces as heereafter shall be mentioned: And I would that each one of the said 4. battles should conteine 60. souldi­ors in euery ranke from frunt to backe and 40. rankes by [Page 67] flanks: And that all the battleaxes should bee enuironed and empaled in frunt, flankes and backe, with 5. rankes of piquers, euen in the very same forme and sort that I haue before particulerlie reduced and formed the laste squadron before described.

But because diuers squadrons being reduced into form in the open fields where battles most conueniently are to be fought, are to be placed in diuers sorts, as sometimes all in a manner of one equall frunt with their sleeues and winges and other formes of weapons of volee, and some­times also the vauntgard, aduaunced a good distance be­fore and nearer to the enemie then the battle and Rere­gard, who are in winges more retired, ready vppon all needfull occasions to succour and aide the foremost bat­tle: And at other times the vauntgard, and Reregard ad­uaunced beyond and nearer to the enemie then the prin­cipall battle, which remaineth either in wing retired, or otherwise placed according to the nature of the ground and comming of the enemy, or according to some other order and commandement of the Generall, readie vpon all occasions to succour the other two battles, that are ready to enter into fight: So would I place those foresaid 4. battles in this sort following.

First,The placing of the seuerall battles of the Armie. I would place the vauntgard and Reregard both of one equall frunt, but yet so farre distant the one from the other, as that there might be ground & place enough betwixt them to reduce so many troupes, sleeues, wings, and other formes of all the different sorts of weapons of volee footmen, belonging to those two battles, as ought to bee (according to the disposition of the ground and comming of the Enemie) reduced and placed vppon the outer flanks and corners of those 2. battles: And I would that of the 2500. halbardiers before reserued and not pla­ced, one thousand deuided into 2. partes of 500. halbar­diers in each part should be placed in many little societies and troupes of ten halbardiers in euery societie, some in guard of the field peeces belonging to those two battles, [Page 68] and all the rest behind in Rereward at the backes of the troupes and winges of the weapons of volee, ready vp­on any occasion to succour them and to annoy the ene­mie: I meane that the said 1000. halbarders deuided in­to 2. parts of 500. in each part, that the one 500. deuided and placed in their little troupes as aforesaid, should bee for the succour and guard of the weapons of volee of the vaungard, and the other 500. should be for the succor & guard of the weapons of volee of the Rereguard, which performed, then would I place the other two squadrons of battle and a Rereregardrereward in two wings, but not so farre forward as the hindermost rankes of the two for­most battles by 150. paces or more, with all theyr diffe­rent sortes of weapons of volee, reduced into their most conuenient formes, with one thousand Halbardiers also taken out of the 1500. yet remaining vnplaced, equallie deuided 500. to each battle for the guard of the field pee­ces and succor of the weapons of volee as is before more at large set downe: And those twoe hindermost battles I would also place of one equall frunt, that is, the one as farre forward as the other, but so farre seperated and di­stant the one from the other, and so farre without and in winge, the one on the right hande, and the other on the lefte hand of the two foremost battles, as that all the dif­ferent sortes of weapons of volee belonging to the two inner flankes of those two hindermost squadrons, might not onelie haue roome inough to bee reduced into their most conuenient formes, according to the nature & dif­ferent dispositions and effects of euery sort of them, but also in such sort, as that both those two hindermost bat­tles with all their weapons of volee might (without any impediment of the two formost battles and their wepons of volee, or of any their hearses, troupes, or squares of horsmen) haue the comming of the enemies battles, and squares, and troupes of horsmen, so apparant and cleare in their sightes, as that they might succour and aide the said two formost battles vpon all needfull and requisit oc­casions and causes.

[Page 69]All which reducements of those foresaid 4. battles, being by the Coronels, Sergeant Maiors, Captaines and other officers with great order and celeritie perfourmed: then I hauing such conuenient numbers of men at arms, of dimilaunces, of Stradiots, of Archers and Crosbow­ers on horsebacke (as are before particularlie set downe) to arme the flankes of the aforesaid foure battles: I would first giue order that the 240. men at Armes shoulde bee deuided into 4. winges, that is into 60. men at Armes in each wing, euery which number of 60. men at Armes, I would reduce either into 3. rankes of 20. in euery ranke,How & where the men at Armes should be ordered and placed. or else into 4. rankes of 15. in euerie ranke, and woulde place two of those hearses or broade squares of men at Armes, the one euen by flanke and right ouer againste the middest of the right flanke of the vauntguarde, and the other broad square or hearse of men at Armes in like sort, euen by flanke and right ouer against the mid­dest of the lefte flanke of the Reregard; And so likewise in the very same order I would place the other two broad squares of men at Armes, the one by flanke right ouer against the midst of the right flanke of the principall bat­tle, and the other broad square by flanke, right ouer a­gainst the middest of the left flanke of the a Rereregard­rereward.

But yet it is to be vnderstood by this before written that I would place all those 4. hearses or broad squares of men at Armes, so farre distaunt in winge from all the flankes of those foresaid 4. Battles, and so farre wide and cleare from all the Sleeues, Winges, and Troupes of the Weapons of Volee footemen, as that those hear­ses of men at Armes might vppon all good occasi­ons offered, giue a charge vppon the Enemie, bee they horsemen or footmen without any waies troubling the Weapons of volee, or receiuing any trouble or let by the Weapons of Volee to giue their charges with great order: And therewithal that vpon their charges giuen, they may retire to giue new charges without disordering [Page 70] their owne weapons of volee, or any waies troubling the rankes of their owne squadrons of armed footmen.

The dimilaunces also belonging to those men at Arms (which according to discipline ought to bee in number double as manie as the men at Armes)The ordering and placing of the Dimilaun­ces. which is that the men at Armes being 240. the dimilaunces ought to bee 480. which number 480. Launces, I would deuide in­to 4. broad squares or hearses, of 120. in euerie hearse, euerie which number of 120. dimilaunces, I woulde re­duce either [...]nto 4. rankes of 30. in euery ranke, or else in­to 5. rankes of 24. Launces in euery ranke, and woulde place two of those winges, the one by flanke in a manner euen with the right flank of the hearse or wing of the men at Armes reduced vpon the right flank of the vauntgard, and the other wing of dimilaunces in a manner euen by flanke, with the left flanke of the wing of the men at armes that are reduced vpon the left flanke of the reregard: But yet both those two winges of dimilaunces I would place a little aduaunced more forward then the winges of the men at Armes, and so farre distant by flanke from both the foresaide winges of the men at Armes, as that there might be ground and roome enough betwixt them, for sixe little troupes or societies, I meane two troupes or so­cieties of archers on horsebacke, and 4. troupes of Cros­bowers on horsebacke of 10. in euerie societie, to place themselues in their troups in conuenient distances sepa­rated and oblique each one troupe from the other, readie vpon any charge by the Launces or men at Armes giuen or vnto them by the Enemie offered, to galloppe by the flankes of the Launces or of the men at Armes, but som­thing more backe and in Rereward of them, and to giue their volees of quarrels and arrowes at the enemie, before the Launces or men at Armes should come to ioine and shocke with the enemies horsmen, or charge their foot­men, or otherwise to giue their volees at any squadrons or troupes of horsmen or footmen, according to any o­ther order and commandement vnto them by their su­periors giuen.

[Page 71]And in like sort as I haue placed those 2. winges of di­milaunces with their troupes of Crosbowers and archers on horsbacke betwixt them and the flankes of the 2. for­moste winges of men at Armes as aforesaid; Euen so would I in the verie same sort place the other two winges of dimilaunces of 120. in each winge reduced, either into 4 rankes of 30. in euerie ranke, or else into 5. rankes of 24▪ in euery ranke, almost euen and right ouer against, sa­uing a little more aduanced forward, then the flankes of the two hindermost winges of the men at Armes, that are reduced the one vpon the right flanke of the princi­pall battle, and the other vpon the left flanke of the a Re­reregard-Rereward, with the like numbers of troupes or societies of Crosbowers & archers on horsbacke betwixt them, (euerie little troupe of those weapons of volee se­perated and oblique in distances the one from the other,) as are reduced and placed betwixt the flankes of the. 4. [...]ormost winges of men at armes and dimilaunces. All which with great order being performed, then of al y^• rest of the numbers of Stradiots,The ordering and placing of the Stradiots, and Archers, & Crosbowers on horsebacke. of archers on horsbake, and Crosbowers on horsbacke, which in all do amount to 4040. I would take out 60. stradiots 40. Crosbowers, & 40. archers on horsebacke, which are in all 140. horse­men, which numbers I would reserue for such other em­ployments as hereafter shalbe mentioned, and would de­uide the rest which in all are 3900. stradiots, Crosbowers and archers on horsebacke into 3. diuisions or parts that is into. 1300. in each diuision, in euerie which. 1300. I would there should be like numbers of euery one of those 3. foresaid different sorts of weapons, or as neare therea­bouts as they could be deuided: which done, then would I appoint one of those. 3. partes of different sorts of light horsemen, which are in number 1300. to arme the right flanke of the winge of dimilaunces that are vpō the right flanke of the men at Armes which do arme the righte flanke of the vauntgard. And I would giue order to all the Captaines & Conductors of al the aforesaid light horse­men [Page 72] men of the first 1300. that they should deuide and reduce all the numbers of their stradiots, of Crosbowers and ar­chers on horsebacke into little troupes and societies of tennes & fifteens in euerie troupe, and that euerie socie­tie and troupe should be of distincte and like weapons by themselues, and that euerie one of those societies should be lead by the heads and chiefe of their societies, & that all the troupes of stradiots Crosbowers and archers on horsebacke, should be placed and aduanced in winge more furder forward towards the Enemy, then the hearse or winge of dimilaunces: And I would also that all the so­cieties of the weapons of volee, I meane the archers and Crosbowers on horsebacke, should be placed & aduan­ced before and nearer to the Enemie by some 10. 15. or 20. paces, then the troupes and societies of stradiots, and that the troupes of archers should not march altogether by themselues, without any troupes of Crosbowers a­mōgst or betwixt them, in respect that they are different kindes of weapons, but I would that the troupes of ar­chers and Crosbowers should march in their troupes se­perated, but yet in their troupes intermingled about 15. or. 20. paces distant one troupes from another, which is to be vnderstood a troupe of archers and a troupe of Crosbowers, and a troupe of archers & a troupe of Cros­bowers and so the rest, some troupes fifteene, some twen­tie paces one from another and those not all of one equal frunt, but oblique the one to the other, I meane some ad­uaunced furder forward towards the Enemie, and others more backward in winge and Reregard Retired; And that I would to the intent that when the formost societies and troupes of weapons of volee, had giuen their volees of quarrels and arrowes either at horsemen, or footmen their Enemies, and that they were casting about againe and retiring to giue place to other troupes of weapons of volee to second and succeed them: that then some other troupes of weapons of volee that are in winge Reregard of them, should in their troupes put spurres to [Page 73] their horses and aduaunce themselues forward and se­conde and supplie their fellowes places retired, with new volees. And I woulde also that euerie three societies of Crosbowers and Archers on horsebacke, should haue one troupe of 10. of 15. of 20. or 25. stradiots with their double headed Launces continuallie vppon all charges and other seruices to attend vppon them in Reregard, some 15. or 20. paces distaunt, ready vpon any occasion to aduaunce themselues forwarde and succour them, as also vpon the disordering or ouerthrowe of the Enemie to followe the Chace, and doo execution vppon their Enemies disordered or broken, bee they horsemen or footmen.

And I would that no societie nor troupe of Archers nor Crosbowers on horseback should be vnder the num­ber of 10. nor aboue the number of 15. nor that any troupe of Stradiots shoulde exceed the number of 25. nor be vnder the number of 10. And to the intent that euerie troupe of Stradiots should knowe vppon which 3. troupes of Crosbowers and Archers they should at­tend, as al [...]o that euery 3. troupes of Archers, and Cros­bowers should giue their charges and volees and make their Retraites, and worke all other effectes in the fielde together, it were conuenient that euery 4. troups of stra­diots, archers, and Crosbowers on horseback, and their Conductors, should alwaies lodge in their quarters in Campe together, but I meane not that the soeieties of archers, of Crosbowers, and stradiots should lodge all in one hale or tent together, but that the hales and tents of euerie different sort of weapon of euery such 4. troups should be placed one next vnto another, and that al their Cariages vpon any remoue of campe should march to­gether, and that all the Conductors and the chiefs of the societies of tennes, as also all their soldiors of euery dif­ferent sort of weapon, shuld know, frequent & keep com­pany one with another in Campe, & should vow to liue [Page 74] and die together, as if they were but one [...]ind [...], societie and Camerada.

And as I haue placed this first 1300. light [...]smen of different weapons in the order before described, so would I in the very same sort and form reduce the second num­ber of 1300. stradiots, archers, and Crosbowers on hors­backe vppon the left side and flanke of the dimilaunces, that are vpon the left flanke of the men at armes, which are in wing of the left side of the Reregard, which perfor­med, I would then giue order that the third diuision and number of 1300. stradiots, archers, and Crosbowers on horsebacke, should be deuided into 2. diuisions or parts, that is into 650. in each diuision, and that the first 650. stradiots, archers and Crosbowers on horseback should in the like order as abouesaid bee reduced in their socie­ties and troupes vpon the right flanke of the dimilaunces, that are reduced on the right flanke of the men at armes, that are in wing on the right side of the principall battle: And that the other diuision and number of 650. stradi­ots, archers, and Crosbowers on horseback should bee likewise reduced in their societies and troupes vpon the left flanke and side of the broad square of dimilaunces, that are on the left flanke of the men at armes, that doo arme the left side of the a Rereregardrereward.

And I would that all those 4. winges of light horsmen, stradiots, archers and Crosbowers on horseback should vppon any occasion of battle, great incountrie, or skir­mish, behaue themselues in fight according to the in­structions that are heereafter described and set downe, where amongst other matters I make speciall mention of those 3. different sorts of light horsmen.

And now as I haue reduced and placed these 4. battles of footmen,How & wher [...] to arme the foresaid 4 squadrons, with field peeces. and armed them and their weapons of volee with many squares and troupes of horsmen of diuers dif­ferent sorts of armors and weapons, so would I in this sort following, arme those 4. squadrons with certen field pee­ces, according to the ordinarie vse of this time for the [Page 75] greater annoiance of the Enemie, and for the more sure guard of the battles. First, incase there were any little hil or high ground of aduantage of any conuenient neere­nesse vnto the two formost battles, that might command the open fieldes and plaines where the Enemies battles should march and approch, then I would there place so many field peeces as should bee requisite for that ground of aduauntage, with some trench or trenches by good numbers of laborers and pioners vppon the sudden cast, and those peeces well and stronglie guarded with conue­nient numbers of piquers, halbardiers, and archers, and would place the rest of the field peeces, vpon the flanks of the battles in their most conuenient places, with their powder, bullets, and all other thinges that do appertaine to the vse of them for the annoiance of the Enemie. But incase there were no such grounds nor ground of aduan­tage as aforesaid where to plant such peeces of artillerie, then would I place 3. fawcons ranforced of 6: poundes the bullet, and one fawconet ranforced of 3. pounds the bullet, some 8. or 10. paces wide from the right corner of the vaungard, and aduaunced furder forward then y^• frunt and Corner of that battle by the like number of paces with their gunners and all their aides and thinges apper­taining vnto those peeces well guarded with conuenient numbers of halbardiers; And so likewise would place the like numbers of 3. fawcons and one fawconet in the like distances wide and aduanced furder forwarde, then the left corner of the same battle, by th [...] like number of paces, with their gonners and all their aides and other thinges appertaining vnto those peeces, well guarded also with conuenient numbers of halbardiers.

And as I haue now armed the frunt of the said vaun­gard with the number of field peeces before planted, so would I arme the fruntes of the other 3. battles of Rere­gard, of maine battle, and of a Rereregardrereward be­fore placed and described, each battle with the like num­bers of field peeces planted in like distaunces from the [Page 76] frunt and corners of them, well guarded also with Hal­bardiers as aforesaid. And although the backs and Rere­gards of all those 4 battles should not need to bee armed with any fielde peeces, as it shall bee within fewe lines heereafter apparant by the rest which I will set downe concerning those matters: yet to arme those 4. battles in the greatest perfection that I can, I would place vpon euery corner of the backs and Reregards of all the afore­said 4. battles, two fawcons and one fawconet in like di­staunces of paces that I haue before placed the field pee­ces from the corners of the frunt of the aforesaid 4. bat­tles.

But heere it is to bee noted that although diuers great Captaines that haue bin commanders and leaders of ar­mies, haue alwaies accoūted Sakers of 10. or 12. pounds their bullets and other peeces from 10. poundes downe­wards to Robinets of one pound to bee in the number of fielde peeces,Of what height the field pieces ought to bee. yet I to arme any battle with field peeces in the open fieldes, would vse no peeces aboue the heigth of fawcons of 6. pounds the bullets, and no smaller pee­ces then fawconets of 3. pounds the bullets, vnlesse it were some Robinets of one pound the bullet, and those moun­ted vpon carriages after the manner of Germanie light and easie to be drawne, and readie vpon the suddaine by the Gonners to bee turned euery waies. And the causes wherefore I would vse no peeces of any greater heigth for the field, are, that to vse Sakers of 10. or 12. pounds the bullets in the fielde, such peeces I say doo require more Horses, or Oxen to drawe them, and men to ma­nage them, then Fawconets of 3. poundes, or Fawcons of 6. poundes doo, which ouerplus and greater num­bers of Horses or Oxen of draught, doo vpon the remoo­uing of those horses or oxen, and drawing them backe when the peeces are planted, giue a great deale more impediment and trouble not onely to the Gonners and their aydes, but also to [...]he sleeues, winges, and troupes of the weapons of Volee, that are reduced on the flankes [Page 77] and Corners of squadrons, then the small number of horses belonging to fawconets of three pounds or Faw­cons of 6. pounds doo.

Also Armies sometimes in marching in the open and plaine fieldes, doo light vpon sandie and such other softish and yeelding groundes, where either vppon the drawing or discharging of Sakers of 10. or 12. poundes the bullets, their Wheeles doo sinke so deepe into the ground, that oftentimes they giue great impediment and let to the Gonners and their aides to manage and vse them, vpon diuers needefull occasions; besides that, vppon their discharginges the [...] worke no greater effect against the Enemie, then such Fawcons and fawconets as aforesaid doo.

Also it is further to be noted that I would neuer place aboue the number of 8. field peeces by the flanks or cor­ners of any battle, nor vnder the number of 4. I meane that I woulde neuer place aboue 3. Fawcons and one Fawconet, and those in conuenient distances wide from the right Corner of the Battle, and 3. Fawcons and one Fawconet, wide and in like distaunces from the left frunt and corner of the same Battle, or at the fewest 2. Faw­cons and one Fawconet, some 8. or 10. paces wide from the one Corner, and 2. Fawcons and one Fawconet wide in the like distaunce from the other Corner of the fame Battle, and that in respect that too manie fielde peeces beeing drawen and marching vppon the flankes of squadrons to the intent to bee planted as abouesaid vppon the day of battle, are for diuers causes and vppon diuers accidentes of farre greater impedimentes and trouble, then any waies profitable to their owne Squa­drons.

Also it is further to bee noted that I woulde neuer place any Fielde peeces directlie before the frunt of anie Squadrons or Battailes, vnlesse I thought our forces in the field to bee much inferiour in strength to the Enemy, [Page 78] because that peeces so planted would be a great impedi­ment vnto the battles marching forwarde to incounter with the enemie, by reason that such squadrons should be compelled by such peeces so planted to open & break their rankes, and to disorder themselues, which is a mat­ter of great danger the Enemie being in sight or neere at hand. And now hauing armed all the aforesaid 4. bat­tles with field peeces in their most fitte and conuenient places, there resteth to shew what should become of the Cariages and baggages of the Campe, as also where the ouerplus of the horsemen and footmen that are not yet placed, ought to be emploied.

The Carriages of all Armies and Camps do consist of two sorts, the one sorte that are publique, as of treasure and pay for the Armie, of great quantitie of powder both for great and small shot, of armor and weapon, of Ar­tillerie, as of Cannons, Culuerings, demy Cannons, de­my Culuerings, & Sakers and other smaller pieces, with all things belonging vnto them, of diuers sorts of victu­all of prouision, of pieces maniable also, as of Curriers of warre, of mosquets, harquebuzes and other such pieces, with all things belonging vnto them, of bowes & sheafes of arrowes, and Crosbowes, gaffles, and quarrells, with piques, halbardes, targets, Launces, Launcezagaies and all other sorts of armors and weapons both offensiue and defensiue, with boates also to make bridges ouer riuers & all thinges appertaining vnto them: And to be briefe, of many other munitions & prouisions, al which being pub­lique for the vse of the whole Armie or Campe, are vnder the charge of the Maister of the Ordinaunce. And as for the other Carriages and baggages that are priuate they are such as do belong vnto Cheistaines, Coronells, Cap­taines, and other higher and lower men of charge and of­ficers, and to be short to all the soldiors of the Army that haue any thing to be caried: All which priuate Cariages also, are vnder the Maister of the Ordinance his com­maundement and Order. Now all the aforesaid most im­portant [Page 71] publique Carriages that do belong to the Army and Campe,How the Cari [...]ages and bag­gages of the Armie, should bee placed and guarded. I would that the Maister of the Ordinaunce and his officers and substitutes should reduce as neare as he can possiblie into a square with such cōuenient distan­ces betwixt euerie rowe of carriages & carriages as they might not be any impedimēt nor let the one to the other, neither in marching nor in staing and pawsing. And I would that the treasure should be caried either vpon mu­lets or horses, or rather vpon close couered waggons af­ter the manner of Germanie, and those carriages placed towardes the midst of the square on the right hande, and that the waggons or Carts that do carrie the cheife sub­stance of the powder, should be placed also towardes the midst of the square on the left hand, and that both those sorts of carriages should bee very strongly guarded with good numbers of halbardiers, and that all the great or­dinance of batterie and artillery with powder and bullets, and all other things belonging vnto them should be pla­ced and drawen with their horses or oxen aswell vpon the frunt and backe, as vpon the outer flankes and sides of the same square: And I would that all the rest of the carri­ages should be reduced into 2. 3. or 4. ranks in the forme of a Rainebow, a semicircle or halfe round at the back of the most important publique cariages which are be [...]ore reduced into square, in such sort as that the midst of the halfe round should be directly behind and verie neere the foresaid square of Cariages, and that both the endes of the semicircle should be so farre extended and drawn in­to a great Compasse circular, that the right ende thereof should haue right ouer against the left flanke & corner of the same (but a good distance wide) the hinder part of the right flanke of the principall battle, and that the lefte end of the same halfe round, should a [...]so haue right ouer against the right flanke and corner (but a good distance wide) the hinder part of the left flank of the a Rereregard­rereward, and that in such sort as that semicircle or halfe round of Cariages might seeme as it were to halfe com­passe [Page 80] and embrace the backes and Rerewards of all the 4▪ battles and their weapons of volee: which Reducement of Cariages being performed, I would then take the 500. halbardiers, and the 900. piquers, which at the first for­ming of the 4. battles were reserued and not any where placed, and would also either from the beginning reserue vnplaced, or at least would drawe. 400. archers. 400. harquebuziers, and. 400. mosquetiers, out of the 7000. archers, and the. 3000. harquebuziers and mosquetiers, which are reduced and placed in many sleeues, winges, troupes and other formes vpon the flankes Corners and Reregards of all the aforesaid 4. battles, and would deuide all the aforesaid 900. piquers 500. halbadiers and 12000. wepons of volee of different sorts into 4. parts, 3. parts of the which being reduced into diuers squares and troupes, I would should be reduced vpon the backe and both the Corners of the semicircle, with certen fawconetts and Robynets for the guard of the backe and ends of the semi­circle of Cariages, and therewithall would also place ma­ny of [...] the harquebuziers and mosquetiers aforesaid vp­on diuers of the Carriages themselues, that from thence vpon any approach of the Enemie, they might discharge their peeces at them to their terror and mischiefe.

Now as for the fourth part and diuision of the weapons aforesaid I would they should be placed in many hearses and troupes vpon the frunts and flankes of the aforesaid square of carriages, as also vpon the ynner parts and cor­ners of the halfe round. And as for the 140. stradiots, ar­chers on horsebacke and Crosbowers on horsebacke, I would that. 100. of them should be placed vnder their Conductors in diuers little troupes & societies vpon the backe and Rereward of the halfe round, for the more sure guarde of the same, and the rest which are 40. light hor­men, I would that they being deuided in their litle troups and societies, should be for the guarde of the inner parte of the semicircle, or else that the Enemies Army being in frunt of the aforesaid 4. battles, that 20. of those light [Page 81] horsmen vnder a sufficient Conductor should serue for discouerers on the right hand of the whole Armie, and that the other 20. light horsmen vnder the like Conduc­tor should discouer on the left hand, whether there were any vnlooked for troupes of the enemie approching, and thereof to giue aduertisement to the Generall of the Ar­mie, or to the Lord Marshall.

And now all these reducements before set downe be­ing performed, It is to be noted that for so puissant an Ar­mie as this of 28000. horsemen and footmen of our En­glish Nation is, there cannot be fewer then 4000. pio­ners and labourers, besides the waggoners, Carters, and other baggagers of the Campe, aswel for the leuelling & plaining of groundes where the Armie and artillerie shal passe, as also for the fortefying of Campes and appro­ching of places fortefied with trenches, Crosse trenches and gabions, and for the making of mounts and working in mines, and infinite other thinges appertaining to the Armie and Campe: which 4000. labourers and pioners I would vpon the day of battle appoint and place in this sort following. First,How to reduce appoint and place the Pio­ners of the whole Armie. I would that besides their spades, shouelles, and mattocks, which they should haue alwaies by them readie to performe any labour or worke to them appointed by their Captaines and Conductors, that e­uerie one of them should haue a good halbard or blacke bill with a good dagger either hanging before them, or vppon their Girdles at their backes: And so I would like­wise that all the Waggoners, Carters and other bagga­gers of the Campe should bee appointed with the like weapons alwaies vppon their cariages readie vppon any occasion for them to take and vse, or else that euery sort of them should haue such other weapons as they haue most skill to handle: And of the pioners and labourers I would appoint some conuenient numbers to bee with the field peeces that were placed vppon the fruntes and corners of all the 4. battles to helpe to remoue, turne and mannage them.

[Page 82]Also I would take 1600. more of those pioners and labourers, and would deuide them into 4. diuisions or parts of 400. in euery diuision, vnder their Captaines, & Leaders, and would appoint euery one of those 4. partes deuided into their societies of tens to attend vpon the a­foresaid 4. battles, and that they should be placed at the backs and in Rereward of the societies of halbardiers that are in Rereward of the weapons of volee of the 4. battles, readie to cut any trenches, or to perform any other com­mandment vnto them giuen, as also vpon the ouerthrow of the Enemie with their blacke Bils or other weapons to follow the Chase, and doo execution vpon the Enemie flying as the souldiors halbardiers placed at the backes of the weapons of volee ought to doo, because that accor­ding to right discipline vpon the ouerthrow of the Ene­mie,Squadrons and battles, vpon y^• ouerthrow of the enemie, are in no wise to breake their rankes and or­der to follow the chace: and that in respect of the many & great inconue­niences that vpon diuers oc­casions and ac­cidents, doe of­ten happen. it is not any waies lawfull for battles and squadrons of footmen to breake their rankes and orders, to the in­tent to follow the Chase: And as for all the rest of the 4000. labourers and pioners, I would place them deui­ded vnder their Captaines and leaders aswel for the gard of the aforesaid square and halfe round of cariages, as for the keeping of the Cariages in order, and repairing and mending of the wheeles and other thinges of the Ordi­nance, or of Carts and waggons broken.

And now hauing reduced and placed all the aforesaid 4. battles with their forlorn hopes, sleeues, wings, troups and other formes of weapons of volee in their most con­uenient places, and therewithall armed them with con­uenient numbers of field peeces, and reduced and placed all the horsmen of diuers different sortes of armors and weapons in their most conuenient formes for the annoi­ance of the Enemie and for the aiding and succouring the one of the other vppon all needefull occasions and acci­dents, and therewithall placed all the Cariages of the Armie and Campe in the forme of a halfe round and se­micircle with a square of cariages in the midst or bosome thereof for the guard of the Rerewards and backs of all [Page 83] the 4. battles; and all those cariages in their forms guar­ded with diuers different sorts of weapons both of horse­men and footmen, accompanied with small field peeces to make head against and resist al attempts either of hors­men or footmen: And all this to the intent presently vp­on the approach of the Enemy that is now in sight to giue battle: Then I would wish according to the auncient vse of many Warlike Nations, to the intent that it might please Almightie God to prosper this Armie with victo­rie, that vpon the sound of the Lord Lieutenants trom­pet for the displaieng of the standard Royall of the Army, to the intent to giue battle, the Enemie being in sight and approching, all the souldiors should be instructed and taught long before to say this short praier following, or some other to the like effect.

O Almightie,A short prayer to be saide by soldiors, vpon the approa­ching and, sight of the Enemies battle. Eternall, and incomprehensible God, we most humblie beseech thy diuine Maiestie, to giue vnto vs all courage, force and victorie to the glorie of thy holy Name.

And this said praier, I would wish to be said vpon the sight of the Enemies battles by all the squadrons of ar­med footmen, and by all the sleeues and winges of the souldiors of weapons of volee vpon their knees in their Rankes as they stand. And that all the horsmen of euery sort of weapon should on horseback vse the same or the like short praier.

And therewithall I thought good furder to aduertise, that those squadrons being so formed or in any other sort,It is not lawful nor sufferable for any soldior vppon the near approach of the Enemie, to turne his face. to the intent to giue battle to the Enemie, all the soldiors piquers, and halbardiers should be instructed and taught long before, that it is not lawfull nor sufferable for any of the souldiors of any ranke reduced into forme of battle, when vpon the very neere approch of the enemies squa­dron they haue vprighted their piques, to the intent with the points of them to charge or receiue a charge of their Enemies be they either horsemen or footmen, so much as once to turne their faces to looke behind them: And [Page 84] to the intent that they may bee the more terrified from any waies turning their faces to look backe (which doth argue feare) they are to be instructed according to disci­pline, that it shall bee lawfull for the souldiors of euerie Ranke to wound or kill any souldior or souldiors of the ranke before them vppon the turning of their faces and bodies to looke backe: and the same is to bee performed euen from the verie first to the last rankes: And this in­struction is to be obserued to y^e intent to make all the sol­diors of a squadron formed to keepe their weapons, fa­ces, eies, and braue countinaunces towardes their Ene­mies, without shewing any suspicion or so much as one tittle of feare.

But now after my describing verie particularlie and at large this said Armie reduced into the forme & formes aforesaid, to the intent that thereby all Gentlemen affec­ted to matters of armes, and souldiors may with great fa­cilitie vnderstand mine intention and meaning; it may bee that some gentlemen not experienced in matters of armes, will in reading this my proiect imagine that the reducement and forming of an armie into diuers battles and other formes, dooth appertaine onely to the Lorde Lieutenant Generall, or to the Lord high Marshall of the armie; and that the same should be performed onley by one of them, one peece after another: And that they per­aduenture may imagine the rather; because I in my fore­said reducing and forming of y^e armie by way of discourse doe write, and say, that first I would reduce and place the vaungard, then the Reregard, and then the other two battles, and the Weapons of volee, and after the horse­men of diuers sorts of armors and Weapons in this sort, and in that sort, with many other particularities and cir­cumstances: Vnto which their misimaginations I say, that it is not one mans worke; although it were Iulius Caesar himselfe, to reduce a whole armie into diuers forms of battle with celeritie when they are to march in the eni­mies Countrey, or to fight with the Enemie, but that the [Page 85] same must be of necessitie perfourmed by diuers Chiefe­tains, and higher and lower officers of the armie: And yet that notwithstanding, it is not possible to perfourme the same with art, celeritie, and Discipline, vnlesse the di­rection and order thereof doo proceede either from the onely mouth of the Chiefetaine of the armie, or from the Lorde high Marshall, or some other chiefe Officer by them appointed; And therefore it dooth behooue (which of them soeuer dooth giue the order) to haue the forme and formes, of all the battles, squares and troupes, as well of horsemen as of footemen with the scituation and nature of the ground and groundes, and many other particularities in his memorie and head; and that in so great perfection, as if hee with his eies did at that instant behold and see the whole armie in the field reduced into all his intended formes.

And therefore to perfourme the same, it is the ordi­narie vse of all skilfull Chieftaines of armies and Lorde Marshals when they haue concluded and resolued with themselues by the aduise of their Councell,The ordinarie proceedinge of al skilful Chief­tainsof Armies in their reducements and for­ming of batles. into what forme and formes the whole armie shall bee reduced to march or to fight, to call and assemble before them the Chiefetaines of all the horsemen and footmen, the mai­ster of the Ordinance, the Sergeant Maior generall, the maister of the Campe, and such other men of office and charge as hee thinketh requisite, and there giueth order vnto them from point to point, concerning y^• dislodging and ordering of al those most important affaires: which being by him performed; they presently do resort euerie one to their owne charges, and doo giue order to their Lieutenants, to their Sergeant Maiors, Captaines, and all other officers vnto whom the execution of those af­faires and actions doo appertain, for the performance of al those reducements and orders that they haue receiued of the Chiefetaine of the armie, or from the Lord Mar­shall: which doone, then all the Captaines both of [Page 86] horsmen and footmen, and all their officers, doo with all celeritie reduce their bandes into order, and march into the field, where the Lord Lieutenant Generall, with the Lord Marshall, and Sergeant Maior generall, do ouersee and direct the Coronels, Sergeant Maiors and Captains, in the ordering and forming of their battles, troupes and other formes. And thus by this ordinarie proceeding of all skilfull Chieftaines of Armies in their reducementes and formings of battles and Campes, those and all other matters militarie of any great importance, are with great facility, and in very short time performed.

And now hauing shewed all the most co [...]uenient waies of reducing and forming of all sortes of squadrons aswell great as small, and where in the field to their most aduantage they may be placed, and therewithal how and where horsemen of diuers different sortes of armors and weapons ought to bee placed in their most conuenient places: with many other particularities, I think good be­fore I goe any further to giue an aduertisement that al­though it hath beene the vse of all antiquitie amongest many Nations according to good discipline to reduce the chiefe force of their armed footmen into three squa­drons or battles,Certen reasons alleaged to proue that it is more conueni­ent and of greater force, for the generall of a puissant Ar­mie that doth consist of many thousands of armed footmen to reduce them into 5. 6. 7. or 8. batles, than onely into 3. great battles of vaungard, battle, & rere­gard, accor­ding to the common vse. terming the first, vaunguard, the second, battle, and the third, Reregard; and that oftentimes they haue vsed to forme very great battles of 8000. or 10000. or more into one body of squadron; yet I for diuers cau­ses and reasons would wish a Lieutenant generall, or lord Marshall of a puissant Armie, rather to forme 6. 7. or 8. smaller battles; incase the number of the Armie bee so great that the same by reason militarie may bee perfour­med, then onely into three great battles as aforesaid.

As for example, if there were an Army of 30000. hors­men and footmen; and that there were of those. 15000. armed men piquers and short weapons to be reduced in­to diuers battles; that I would not only of those. 15000. according to the ordinary vse, forme a vauntgard, battle and Rereward, but also 3. other smaller battles, vnto the [Page 87] which I would giue 3. different names, & would call the first by the name of a vauntregard Rereward; the second the batle of succor;It is here to be noted that the whole frunt of 15000. men re­duced into 3. great battles of 5000. to each battle doth consist of 3. times 125. armed mē, which being nombred as if they were all in one frunt, doe make iust 375. piquers, & by flanke 40. ranks, ourplus of broken ranks, not any one soldior. And so likewise the frunts of the 15000. men reduced into 6. smaller bat­ [...]les, 3. of the. which being of 3000. to each battle doe consist euery one of them of 75. piquers in frunt. And the frunt also of eache one of the other 3. smallest squa­drons of 2000. to euery batle consisting of 50. piquers in each frunt be­ing all 6. frunts nombred to­geather as if they were all [...] one frunt, doe likewise make the iust nom­ber of 375. pi­quers in frunt, as the 3. great squadrons of [...]000. to euery batle doe, and by flanke 40. ranks, ouerplus not any one sodior. and the third by the name of a Rerere­gard Reregard; and the firste 3. battles of vaungard, battle, and Reregard I would should consist of 3000. piquers and short weapons to euery battle; and that each one of those battles being reduced into squadron should consist of. 75. piquers in frunt, and. 40. by flankes, ouerplus of broken rankes not so much as one soldior; and the last 3. mentioned battles I would should consist of. 2000. to e­uery battle, and that euery one of them being reduced in to squadrons should consist in frunt, that is in euery ranke from frunt to backe of 50. piquers, and by flankes of. 40. rankes, ouerplus of broken rankes not any one soldior. And these 6. foresaid battles reduced into the formes a­foresaid, and flankt and wing'd with weapons of volee of diuers sorts according to discipline and the comming of the enemy; in mine opinion should be of great aduantage to encounter with 15000. armed men their enemies re­duced but only into. 3. batles of 5000. to euery battle; by reason that whilest the 3. formost battles each of them consisting of 3000. as aforesaid, do confrunt with the. 3. great batles of 5000. in each battle, the other 3. battles of a vauntregard Rereward and of the battle of succor, and of a Rereregard Rereward, that doo march in winges in Rereward retired, as aforesaid, may with great celeritie and dexteritie by marching and auauncing themselues forward, charge the flankes of their enemies 3. battles, and put them in great hazard of disordering & breaking: Howbeit here it may be obiected against mine opinion, that in case the 3. great battles of the enemy of. 5000. to euery battle were each one of them reduced into. 125. armed men in frunt, & of 40. rankes by flankes; that their [...] encountting & ioining with the formost 3. small batles of vaungard, battle, and Reregard, they might euerie one of them in ioyning frunt to frunt with them, in respect that euery one of the great battles of. 5000. to euery [Page 88] batle doth beare a greater bredth by the nūber of. 28. sol­diors in frunt, then any of the formost 3. squadrōs of 3000 in euery squadron do, with great aduantage draw vp a sleeue of 28. in euery ranke, and of 40. rankes by flankes; and finding themselues full against the flanke of their E­nemies squadron, they may suddenly make of flanke frunt by tourning their faces and weapons towards the flanke of the foresaid littlesquadrons, and then reforming them­selues in their distances, and closing themselues in frunt and flanks, may bend their piques and charge the flankes of the little squadrons to their most assured ruine. Or o­therwise vpon the inconsiderate ioining of any one of the small squadrons of 3000. being in frunt but. 75. with the verie midst of the frunt of the great battles of. 5000. that do consist of 125. piquers in frunt; the foresaid great squa­drons vpon such an aduantage offered, may drawe vp each of them two sleeues from each side or flanke of their squadron one of. 14. piquers in euery ranke, and finding themselues euen vpon both the flankes of the little squa­dron; they may of their flankes make frunt, and so of. 14. that they were before in euery ranke, they are now by making of flanke frunt become to be 40. in euerie ranke, and in length by flankes 14. soldiors, and so by reforming their distances and straightning and closing themselues in frunt and by flanks as aforesaid, may with their piques charge both the flankes of the little squadron to their vt­ter disorder and ouerthrow. To which obiection I say, that those foresaid aduauntages and others might be very well taken against the 3. little squadrons of vaungard, bat­tle, and Reregard, if it were not that the other 3. little bat­tles of succor of 2000. to euery squadron, euery of them of. 50. piquers in frunt, marching in Rereward in distincte battles by them selues were not alwaies ready vpon the drawing vp of all such sleeues or winges from the bodies of the great squadrons, suddenly with great dexteritie to charge them either in frunt flanks or backe, to their most assured ruine and ouerthrow. But againe it may be [Page 89] further alledged in fauor of the great battles, that al squa­drons of armed men piquers doo alwaies march, wing'd, & flankt with conuenient numbers of weapons of volee, in such sort as those weapons of volee should be a great impediment to the forsaid little squadrons to charge the sleeues, and wings as aforesaid.

Vnto the which I say, that true it is, that all well orde­red battles, are wing'd and flankt with shot of diuers sorts and that it hath beene and is a maxime amongest al men of warre of great experience and Iudgement, that hear­ses, sleeues, winges and troupes of shot beeing deuided into many small diuisions, are a great deale more apt and ready to bee emploied at one time, into more different and effectuall seruices to worke great effectes then any great diuisions of shot can bee: Which if it be so, as most certen it is by all experience Militarie; then the 3. battles of 5000. to euery battle hauing 10000. weapons of vo­lee of diuers sortes to be reduced vnder their safeguard, must diuide those 10000. into so many compertimentes and diuisions of sleeues, winges and troupes, as are requi­site to guard 3. such battles; As also the diuisions of wea­pons of volee themselues to bee protected and defended vnder the safeguard of those 3. squadrons; and so likewise the 15000. armed men beeing reduced into 6. little bat­tles as aforesaid, hauing the like number of weapons of volee of diuers sorts to aide them, and to be by them pro­tected, must by all order militarie diuide those 10000. weapons of volee into double as many or more diuisions of sleeues, wings and troups then the 3. great battles haue diuided theirs for their aide. From all which experien­ced reasons and examples I come to conclude that as 15000. armed footemen reduced but onely into 3. great battles cannot by any reason militarie haue so manie sleeues, winge, troupes, & other diuisions of diuers sorts of shot vnder their safegard, as 15000. armed men redu­ced into 6. smaller battles may haue: Euen so that the 3. great squadrons of armed men with their few & great di­uisiōs of shot cannot possibly by any reason or experience [Page 90] worke so great effects, as the 6. smaller battles their Ene­mies, with their many and more conuenient diuisions of diuers sorts of weapons of volee may worke.

And now whereas I haue before fourmed a squadron and diuers squadrons all of halbardiers or battleaxes en­uironed or empaled about with 5. rankes of piquers in frunt, flankes and backe; and that the short weapons are in greater number then y^e piques; & therfore by some in these daies (that doo more regard the new fashions, and fancies of the disordered and corrupted Militia, that of very late yeares in diuers ciuill warres haue crept into Christendome, then the true discipline, art, and science militarie, which hath beene practised and vsed from age to age of all antiquitie, in the warres betwixt Emperors, Kinges, and puissant Common wealthes) it may perad­uenture be thought, that such a squadron is no waies cō ­parable for all great effects and purposes to a squadron of the like number al of piquers without any short weapons, sauing onely a very fewe for the guard of the Ensignes: Thervnto I say, that I doo thinke this squadron of short weapons enuironed with 5. ranks of piques as aforesaid, to be of a great deale more aduantage, strength and effect aswell against horsmen as footmen, then any squadron of the like number all of piquers can be. And because it shall be apparant that I am not carried with new fashions and fancies, but with the obseruation of that which I haue read, hath been in vse and obserued by diuers braue Nations in many ages, as also by mine owne hearing the opinions of diuers great Captaines, Coronels, and Ser­geants Maiors of diuers warrelike Nations, some of late yeares dead, and some yet aliue; And therwithall by that which I haue seene and obserued my selfe, in the squa­drons of diuers Nations, some of the which haue vsed squadrons all of piquers as aforesaid, and other Nations squadrons of piquers with some rankes of halbards with in their piques: which different vses of Nations haue gi­uen me occasion not onely to enter into imagination of [Page 91] the different or contrarie causes of the forming of such squadrons, but also the more curiouslie to aske & inquire of diuers men of great sufficiencie of those Nations, the different reasons and causes of the forming of such squa­drons, some all of piques and others of piques and short weapons as aforesaid; I therfore will set down that which I haue gathered and obserued by the diuersitie of their opinions concerning the same, as also by mine own sight and consideration, and will here by the helpe of Almigh­tie God, giue sufficient causes and reasons to proue that my foresaid squadron formed with short weapons, enui­roned about with 5. rankes of piquers as aforesaid, is of farre greater force and effect, then if the squadron were all of piquers; And the reasons are these.

First, when a squadron of men at armes or dimi­launces, or diuers squadrons seconding one ano­ther, shoulde charge the squadron of footemen all of piquers in frunt:Reasons to prooue a Squa­dron of Battle­axes, enuiro­ned about with 5. rankes of Pi­ques to be a far greater aduan­tage, strength, and effect a­gainst▪ horsemē [...] footmen thē any squadron of the like nomber, all of Pi­ques. all men of consideration may consi­der and know that all the whole squadron consisting on­ly of piquers, according as I haue before formed diuers squadrons in this discourse; that not aboue 5. rankes of the foremost piques at the most beeing closed in frunt, flankes and backe, or rather but 4. rankes, can make head with the pointes of their piques to hurt or reach the hor­ses or men of the formost ranks of the Launces charging; & that because the longest piques that are in these daies vsed by any Nation are not aboue 18. foot long, of which length of 18. foot,Not aboue 5. ranks of Pi­quers closed in frunt, flanke & backe, are able to make heade with their Pi­ques, to reache or hitt the first ranke of Laun­ces charginge, for diuers rea­sons. the formost ranke of piquers either clapping the butendes of their piques vnder their right feete, or carrying them breast high to resist, and repulse the Launces (both which waies are in the beginning of this booke, very particularlie declared) I say that from their right handes that they hold the butendes of their piques withall to theirleft and forehands that doo beare their piques (incase they carry them abouehand breast high) doo occupie and therefore shorten 3. foot at least of the length of their piques towards the foremost ranke [Page 92] of their Enemies; then there doo remaine 15. foot be­yond their left and forehandes more for them to reach and annoy their enemies withall; then the second ranke closing themselues to y^• first rank and carying their piques breast high ouer the shoulders of the first rank do leese 3. foot more of [...]y length of their piques by that which they hold betwixt their hinder and forehands, as aforsaid; so as there remaineth but 12. foot of the length of their piques beyond the foremost rankes towardes the annoiance of their Enemies; then the third ranke closing themselues to the shoulders of the second ranke doo come likewise to loose three foote more by so much of their piques as they hold betwixt both their handes as aforesaid, which with the thicknesse and distance of the two rankes before them dooth come to make them to leese 9. foote of the length of their piques, so as there remaineth only 9. foot of the length of their piques at the most beyond the fore­most ranke towards the annoiance of the Enemie; then the fourth ranke by the like cause and reason commeth to leese 3. foot more of the length of their piques, so as there remaineth only 6. foot of the length of their piques with the pointes of them before the formost ranke to an­noy the Enemie; then the fifth ranke of the squadron of piquers commeth by the like causes and reasons as afore­saide to leese 3. foote more at the least of the length of their piques, which with the thicknesse of all the 4. ranks before them doo come to make them to leese 15. foot or more of the length of their piques so as there remaineth only 3. foot of y^• length of their piques beyond y^• formost and first ranke, the which 3. foot of their piques towards the Enemie reaching too short to annoy either horses or men, doo rather through the shortnesse of the same, rea­ching so little a waie beyond the first ranke, trouble the foremost rankes of their fellowes, then worke any other good effect; and therefore those piques of the fifth ranke are rather to be kept still vprighted with the points some thing bent towardes the Enemie, then any waies to bee [Page 93] couched as the piques of the 4. foremost rankes are, and so likewise the piquers of the sixth, seuenth, and eighth rankes, and subsequently of all the rest hauing no possibi­litie at the first charge either of horsemen, or footmen, to annoy them, they are to keepe their piques still vprigh­ted, the pointes something bent forward towardes the enemie to shew themselues in the sight of the enemy rea­dy to succour the formost rankes, rather then any waies to beare the pointes of their piques any lower. But if any man will say that all the backer rankes of piquers may or­derlie and easilie succour and supplie the places of such piquers of the fore rankes as come to be slaine, wounded, or ouerthrowne, and so resist or repulse either horsemen or footmen entring, as I my selfe in the beginning of this booke haue particularly set downe.

Therevnto I answere,An Obiection answered. that the piques that are in the backer rankes vppon the accidentall breaking in of any men at Armes into the foremost ranks of piquers; or vp­on the entring of any of the formost ranks of the contra­rie squadron of footmen; are through the hauing of so many other ranks of piquers before them, with the great length of those weapons in a presse so vnmaniable, and therefore of so little effect when battles come to ioine; that most of the piques of the inner rankes; I meane of the sixt, seuenth, and eighth, and so consequentlie of the rest of the middle rankes, through the letting fall of the pointes of their piques forward (how leisurely soeuer) to couch and bend the points of them to the annoiance of the enemies, do through their great length so intermin­gle, and intricate with the pique [...] of the former rankes, that euery sudden touch of the piques that are in the ranks before one another, do so disorder, beat, and turne aside the points of the piques from their intended thrusts at their enemies, as that they rather turne them through their great length to the trouble of the ranks before them, then any waies to resist, repulse, or annoie the Enemie.

But now it may be demanded of me wherfore the sixt, [Page 94] seuenth,Why the sixth, seuenth, and so consequentlie, the rest of the inner rankes can not as or­derly let fall & couch their Pi­ques to the mis chiefe of the E­nemies, as the 5 formost rankes. and so consequentlie the rest of the inner rankes should not as orderlie one after another let fal and couch their piques to the resistance and mischiefe of their ene­mies, as the 5. formost, and first rank [...] of piquers may. Wherevnto I answer that the 4. or 5. first rankes hauing apparant and cleare in their eies and sights the comming of their Enemies in squadron, be they horsemen or foot­men, may with greater order and leisure all one after another couch their piques and charge a contrary squadron of footmen, or receiue a charge of horsemen, then the other inner rankes of piquers can, who vpon the breaking in and entring of some of the men at armes in one place or other, or y^• entring of some part of the squa­dron of their enemies footmen more in one place then in another, as sometimes it happeneth, cannot so well and clearely see the comming and entring of their Enemies, by reason of so many ranks of their fellowes before them, as that they may so wel in iust and conuenient times, mo­ments and distances, orderlie and effectually let fall and couch their piques as the 4. or 5. foremost rankes haue doone.

Vpon which accidentes it dooth ordinarilie happen, that such inner ranks are driuen to let fall and couch their piques vpon suddens, least y^• by their not couching them, they should by their enemies approching them too neer leese the vse of the points of their piques. Which sudden letting fall and couching of their piques, dooth cause the aforesaid intermingling and intricating, and confused o­uerthwarting of piques with piques, a great deale more in the inner rankes, then any waies in the formost 4. or 5. rankes as aforesaid. By all which it is to bee considered and noted, that neither horsmen, Launces, nor footmen piquers can enter vnder the points of my squadron of bat­tleaxes empaled and inuironed in frunt, flanks and back, with 5. ranks of piques as aforesaid, but that they must of necessitie abide the first violence of the pointes of them, [...] they find them already in great order and leisure [Page 95] couched to resist and repulse them.

Whereas farre otherwise it doth behooue the inner ranks of a squadron consisting all of piquers, to obserue the en­tring of their Enemies be they horsemen or footmen in such moments & iust distances, as that they may be sure to let fall and couch their piques, when their Enemies are entred, and do come within 4. or 5. ranks of them; which if they should faile to performe; then it were too late for such inner rankes to couch their piques either againste horsemen or footmen, now entred and comne within and vnder the length of their piques. But vnto this, some vn­skilfull soldior may obiect and say, that the inner rankes may still carrie their piques couched, readie to resist, or repulse their Enemies entering. Or otherwise, that they letting fal and couching their piques, after that their Ene­mies be entered within lesse then 5. or 4. rankes of them may so farre retire, and pull them backe, as that they may recouer the vse of the points of them against their Ene­mies to their great annoiance.

Vnto which obiections, I say that it is not in the force and strength of the most puissant soldiors of any Nation that liue,An obiection aunswered. still to carrie their piques couched, no nor yet to beare them abouehand ouer their fellowes heades but a verie little while, considering the great length and hea­ueth of them: And therefore they must neuer let fall and couch them, vntill such instant & needfull times, as their Enemies do approach them in so neare distances, as they must presently (either with one entire thrush, if they bee the formost, 4▪ or. 5. rankes, or with diuers thrusts in iust instantes and times if they be the inner rankes), vpon the entering of the Enemie, be driuen to make head, and suc­cor the rankes before them; for if the inner rankes should through lacke of skill thrust at their Euemies before they come within the reach of their piques, then they should worke no other effect, but thrust their owne fellowes that are betwixt them and their Enemies, to their trouble, or mischiefe in their heads, necks or backs. And for aunswer [Page 96] to the other obiection that the ynner rankes of piquers letting fall and couching their piques, may pul and retire them so farre backe, as that they may againe recouer the vse of the points of them against their Enemies entered; I say, that if the enemies be they either horsemen or foot­men be entered but only .7. 6. 5. 4. or 3. feete within and vnder the length of any of the piques of the inner ranks that it is not possible for such piquers, in respect of the ranke and rankes that are so neare and close behind them, to pull their piques with their armes so farre backe, as any waies to recouer y^• vse of the pyonts of them against such Enemies as are comne within and vnder their piques as aforsaid: whereof insueth that those inner rankes haue vtterly lost the vse of their piques, and therefore must let them fall to the great trouble of the leggs and feete of the rankes of their fellowes aduauncing forward, and betake themselues to their swords and daggars,The great ef­fects that a squadron of Battle­axes, enuiro­ned about with 5. rankes of Pi­quers do work. which are not weapons any waies able to repulse or resist armed men with battleaxes, or halbards. By all which before allea­ged, I thinke it is most apparant that the 5. rankes of pi­quers that do empale & enuiron my squadron of battle­axes by frunt, flanks, and backe, are ranks enough to restist any Charge or Charges of Launces, aswell, and a great deale better, then if the same squadron were all of piques, because that the 4. or 5. first rankes only are those that do worke al the effects to the resisting & repulsing of Laun­ces charging, or that are with their thrush to resist and re­pulse any charge of a squadron of footmen piquers their Enemies; and if any Launces by chaunce should breake through those 5. rankes, then the battleaxes, and short staued, and long edged, and short and strong pointed hal­bards in the handes of well armed men, are readie at the heeles of the 5. rankes of their piquers, and do wonder­fully both with blow and thrust at the heads, and faces of horses or men, kill wound, ouerthrow, or repulse either horsemen Launces, or footmen piquers, whose first char­ges and furies haue bene before greatly staied and weake­ned [Page 97] by y^• resistance of the first 5. ranks of piquers (as afor­said;) For it is to all men of vnderstanding in matters Mi­litarie most euident, that short staued battleaxes, or hal­bards, of not aboue 6. foot long in their whole length, do no waies in their blowes nor thrusts, either against hors­men or footmen trouble, entermingle, nor intricate one with another, by reason of their shortnesse, as the rankes of piques do, through their great lengthes: which piques doo no waies kill nor hurt but only with their pointes, as is before at large declared. By all which I come to con­clude, that 4. or 5. of the first rankes, be it in frunt, flanks, or backe; I meane which of them soeuer vpon the com­ming of the enemie be made frunt; doo worke far grea­ter effectes then all the rest of the inner rankes of piquers can possibly do: for in troth, all y^• inner ranks of piquers besides the 5. first ranks, doo neither against horsemen, and chieflie against footemen halbarders, or battleaxes well armed; no nor yet against armed men with swordes and targets, vsing their targets only to defend their faces from the points of the piques, worke any important ef­fect, as it is most manifest by the reasons, causes and ac­cidents by me before alledged.

And thus hauing at large shewed by diuers reasons the imperfections of squadrons that doo consist onelie of piques, with the great perfections and effects of squa­drons of battleaxes enuironed onely with 5. rankes of piquers; as also howe all sortes of squadrons that are commonlie in vse in the open fieldes in these daies, and also in al former ages ought to be reduced into form, with many other different particularities; I will omit diuers other sorts & forms of little battles that are conteined in som printed books of diuers languages; as of Crossebat­tles, of battles in triangle, & battles in form of stars, with many other such battles of diuers shapes & fashiōs extra­ordinary, y^• are rather set forth to fill vp books & to please y^• curious; then for any great vse of them; by reason y^• such phantastical battles are no waies able in the open fields to [Page 98] march & encoūter with such squadrons as I haue before described and set down: And yet somtimes armies may march vpon such strange & extraordinary grounds (as in marching ouer mountains or high hils y^• haue varietie of forms of rising & descending grounds) y^• it is not possible to form such great squadrons in such forms, as I haue be­fore declared and described, but that vpon the comming of the enemie they must bee forced to deuide their three battles of vauntguard, battle and Rereward, that they marched withall in the plaine and open fieldes, into as many varieties of little battles and formes, as the aduan­tages and formes of the varietie of groundes where they presently find themselues doo present vnto them; and therewithall to flank their armed men on euery side with weapons of volee: All which a Lord Marshall or serge­ant Maior may with a great deale more facilitie perform, then to forme such great squadrons as I haue before de­scribed, reduced, and formed.

But heere I thinke it good to aduertise the Reader, that I haue heard verie crediblie reported, that there is another kind of forming of a battle, amongst some of the Sergeants Maiors of our Nation in these daies greatly in vse, and that is; That they place foure piquers with their piques aduaunced in square, according to the greatnesse of the squadron that they meane by guesse to form with the number of piquers that they haue for that purpose: And somtimes they place in the middest of the frunt be­twixt the two formost piquers, a third piquer, and so like­wise they place two other piquers, vpon the midst of ech flanke one, betwixt the said piquers that are in flanke, with a fourth piquer also in the midst betwixt the two hindermost piquers, which 8. piquers when they haue pla­ced in as iust square in their distaunces as they can: then they command al the piquers that they meane by guesse to reduce into squadron, beeing all behind and in Rere­ward of the 8. piquers in square, presentlie to run into the void place within the square of the 8. piquers, and there [Page 99] to fall into their rankes with hubbledeshuf as well as they can, vntill they haue filled vp all the distances and empty place within y^• square of the said 8: piquers, which being performed; they hold this way not only for a verie ready forming of a squadron, but also for a most excellent waie of reducement,Some Serge­ants Ma [...]ors of this time doe through lacke of vnderstan­ding and skill, thinke a battell of extremitie and necessiti [...] to be better then a battell according to art and disci­pline formed. because that there is not any Sergeant Maior so vnskilfull, although hee be vtterly ignorant in Arithmetique, nor that he do know so much as one let­ter vpon the book, but that he may by guesse forme such a squadron; which kind of forming, or rather deforming of squadrons, in troth is called of all antiquitie to make a squadron or battle of extremitie and necessity; when vp­on the sudden and vnlooked for approch and neare com­ming of the enemie, through the fault and negligence of the scouts & discouerers, they are forced in the place of assemblie in their Campe, to make of necessitie ver­tue: that is, for lacke of time to reduce their squadrons into forme of like numbers of souldiors in euery ranke, and into their iust and proportionate distances both by frunt & flanks according to discipline, to form a confused squadron of different numbers of soldiors into crooked ranks, and vncerten and confused distances, into the void ground or place that is within 4. 8. or 12. or more pi­quers, placed in square as abouesaid, in the place of as­sembly of their Campe: which kind of disordered battles of extremitie are no waies able by any reason Military, to encounter and abide the charge of a squadron of the like number of piquers reduced into forme according to dis­cipline; that is of like numbers of soldiors in euerie ranke from frunt to backe, and in their euen and proportionate distances in frunt, and by flankes; and therefore being al­waies ready with great order and facilitie to incorporate and close themselues by frunt and flankes, may without any waies troubling the one the other, nor intricating their piques nor rankes, mannage and vse their piques with great dexteritie▪ and charge, and ouerthrow, such a confused multitude, or battle of extremitie that are in [Page 100] vncerten numbers in their ranks, and in as vncerten and confused distances: which causeth disequality and croo­kednesse of rankes; and therefore cannot possibly close themselues in frunt and by flankes, in any order, forme, and strength, nor mannage and vse their piques without confounding and intricating their piques with their fel­lowes piques, to the great aduantage of their enemies well formed squadron, and their own most certen ruine; Besides all which it is not possible for such a disordered squadron to march in the fields, with any order, nor ac­cording to discipline to performe diuers other effectes belonging to well ordered squadrons in the fielde, as all skilful and expert Sergeants Maiors, and men of warre of experience and iudgement doo verie well know. Wher­fore I come to conclude that such disordered battles of necessitie and extremitie are neuer to bee vsed, but vp­pon a suddaine and vnlooked for comming of the ene­mie, through the negligence of the scoutes, discouerers, or Centinelles as aforesaid. And therefore now I pro­ceed to diuers other very important and requisit matters Militarie.

THe first thing of all others that doth be­long to any perfect Militia, The first and cheife thing [...] all others tha [...] doth belong [...] anie perfect Militia is goo [...] election and choice. either of horsemen or of footmen, or of both, is good and orderly and sufficient Election and choice of soldiors, which we com­monly call taking of Musters, without which well and sufficiently performed, all the rest of any Militia and discipline Militarie can haue no good forme, nor worke any great effect: and therefore, according to orderly writing, I should first haue begon to haue written of the same: Howbeit, because I meane to write but of some partes thereof; I thought good in that re­spect to set it downe in the end of these my former instruc­tions: And therefore I say that there are only two principal causes of elections,Two principal causes of electi­ons inrolle­ments and leuies of men of warre. enrollements, & leuies of men of warre, of the which the first is for employments, and seruices by Sea; into the which there do enter none but only footmen and that of two sorts: the one Maisters of Shippes, officers, mariners, and saylers that are to mannage the Shippes,The first. and all other sorts of artificers that are to repaire the Shippes, and all things belonging to the same: And the other of sol­diors and their officers that are chosen, elected and leuied to vse their weapons for the annoying of the Enemie, and defence of the ships; in which nomber of soldiors are con­tained, all sortes of gonners and officers belonging to great ordinaunce, as also all others that do receaue paie for and [Page 180] concerning those seruices; which because it is a distinct and different thing from that part of the Militia, that I intend to handle,The second. I will omit. Now the second cause of musters and leuies, is, for emploiment and seruices by land, either for a warre offensiue, or defensiue or for both; into the which doth enter the first elections, choice, and enrolle­ments aswell of horsemen, as of footmen, and aswell the horsemen, as the footmen of different sorts of armors and weapons.

Now because I haue in diuers partes of Christendome seene soldiors both horsemen, and footmen elected, inrol­led, and leuied, in some Countries with greater order, and in others with lesse; and that also I haue partly obserued the ancient maner of election, inrolling, arming & furnishing of soldiors here in England when I was yong, as also the pro­ceedings in those affaires of this time; I thought good in this place to set downe my opinion how and in what sorte, I would haue al horsemen and footmen of such armors and weapons as we at this present in England do vse, to be elec­ted inrolled and euerie waies furnished; and there withall in their first election and inrollement instructed: And there­fore I will first beginne with footmen.

And because that in all right and true elections and first enrollements of men of war,Three princi­pall things to be obserued in all right and [...]rue elections of soldiors, by coronells cap­tains, and mus­ter maisters. there be three principal things to be regarded and obserued; of the which the first is, con­ueniencie of age and yeares: The second Corporall dispo­sition and abilitie of bodie: and the third, honestie, which proceedeth from honest education, which in respect of o­bedience Militarie that insueth thereof, is no lesse requisite then the other two: therfore I meane to include those as three principall matters belonging to my whole election. Of the which three concerning conueniencie of yeares,Concerning the conueni­ [...]ncy of yeares [...]f such as are to [...]e elected and [...]nrolled for [...]oldiors. I thinke none meete to be elected and inrolled vnder the age of. 18. yeares; which is the lowest age that hath beene al­lowable amongst all warlike nations of auntient and mo­derne times; nor none aboue the age of. 35. or. 40. at the most: And of the age of. 18. I would haue none elected [Page 181] vnlesse they were of so great growth, & corporall dispositi­on, as that they were able to perform the duties & effects of souldiors, which verie fewe at that age can. And such as should be elected after the age of 18. I would haue to con­tinue soldiors vntill they come to the age of 45. incase their health and corporall disposition of bodie, doo continue in them vntil that age.

And so likwise, I would that such as were elected through their good disposition of bodies to bee souldiors at 35. or 40. yeares old, should with good account and credit in the shiers where they dwell, be dismissed from being souldiors at the age of 45. and no waies further to bee emploied in matters militarie, vnlesse their wisedome and sufficiencie were such, as they were to serue as officers of bandes. And the causes wherefore I would not haue any to bee elected to bee souldiors aboue the age of 40. or to continue souldi­ors aboue the age of 5. yeares more, which is 45. are; that to elect and leauie olde men that neuer serued before to bee young souldiors, is contrarie to all discipline; and to serue as priuate souldiors aboue the age of 45. (vnlesse they bee excellent archers in perfection of strong and cleane shoo­ting) it is more then is conuenient, considering that for the defence of a kingdome where there is choice of young men enough, it were contrarie to all reason and discipline that they should continue their seruices as priuate souldiors any longer, then vntil that age of 45. but in the countries where they dwell, at that age with great credit to be dismissed, that they may the better intend and follow their owne priuate affaires and other yoonger men of sufficiencie and abilitie of bodie and mind to bee chosen in their places: And thus far concerning conueniencie of yeares.Concerning the good and conuenient corporall dis­position of bodie of such as are to bee e­lected and in­rolled for sol­diors.

And now to the second sufficiencie that is to bee re­quired in such as are to be elected and inrolled to be souldi­ors either horsmen or footmen; which is good and conue­nient corporal disposition of body and minde, able and apt to handle, or to learne to handle & vse diuers sorts of wea­pons, [Page 182] without which none are worthy nor meet to be elec­ted and enrolled for priuate soldiors. First therfore I would concerning the same, that the choice and election should be such, as euery souldior that should be chosen should bee a man well formed and dispost of body and mind, and ther­fore meet and fit either by former exercise from his youth; or at least by aptnesse of mind and force, to learne the vse of such weapons as he should be chosen and inrolled vnto: as for example: I would have no man chosen to be an Archer that had not so practised the vse of his bow from his youth, that he should bee able to shoot strong, or at the least of a conuenient strength and long arrowes, and therewithall v­sed by continuall exercise to draw his arrow with three fin­gers, and not with two (according to the new fashion) to the head: of which shooters with two fingers, I would haue none to be alowed for archers,Archers shoo­ [...]ing with two fingers are not to be allowed for soldiors ar­ [...]hers. how faire soeuer they shoot, vnlesse they could verie well reforme themselues from that fond new fashion: because that in their so shooting they loose a great deale of the strength of their draught. And thus farre in this place concerning corporall disposition of bodie.

And now to the third sufficiencie of such as are to be e­lected, chosen & inrolled,Concerning the honestie of such as are to be elected, [...]hosen and in­ [...]olled. which is honestie, I would that all such as should be elected and inrolled should be of ho­nest parentage, and that their education and course of life had bene such, as there were no notable vice to be noted in them, and chiefly of dronkennesse, theft, blaspheming, common swearing or brawling. Al which vices are such, as they cause al such as are possessed of them to be disordered, mu­tinous, and disobedient; which are things most contrary to all true discipline. Also I would if it might be, that all such as should be elected and chosen to be soldiors, should be of themselues of some abilitie and substance either in landes, or goods, or both; or else that from their parentes they should be in possibilitie after their deceases to enioye some lands, or goods, or both: And I would that they should be of those two conditions before mentioned; I meane of [Page 183] good parentage & present hauiour, or in possibilitie by the death of their parents as aforsaid, because y^e same should be a kind of obligation to their captains, as also to y^e common wealth, for their good and obedient behauior, in their vo­cation and degrees of soldiorie. Besides all which I would haue all soldiors and officers of bands at their first electionAll soldiors & officers of bands are at their first electi [...]on and enrol­ment, to take their othes of fidelitie to the crowne and Realme of En­gland and obe­dience to their captains and superior offi­cers. and, enrolment to take their oathes of fidelitie and loyaltie to the crowne and Realme of England; as also of obedience to their captains and officers, in such matters as doo con­cerne the arte, science, and discipline militarie, for the de­fence of the Crowne and Realme of England.

Now the election and inrollment of the archers, as also of all the rest of the soldiors of other weapons being taken with such regard and respect as aforsaid; I would then haue them to be armed verie fitly and conueniently according to euerie different sorte of weapon: And because that no man can be conueniently and fitly armed, vnlesse he be first fitly apparelled for his armor, and also for the vse of his weapon,No man can be conueniently, armed vnlesse he be first fitly apparelled. and that in the campe and armie at Tilburie 1588. wheras there were the regiments of diuers shieres, with di­uers bands both of dimilaunces and light hormen, I did see and obserue, so great disorder and deformitie in their ap­parrell, to arme withall, as I saw but a very few of that Army that had any conueniencie of apparel, and chieflie of doub­lets to arme vpon; whereof it came to passe that the most of them did weare their armors verie vncomelie, and vnea­silie; which foresaid doublets if they bee not conuenientlie made, and of purpose to arme vpon according to the vse of all antiquitie, it is not possible that armed men horsemen, nor footemen should finde themselues in their armors at ease: nor that they should vse their weapons with such dex­teritie as they may doo if their garments be purposelie and fitlie made to arme vppon; nor yet that there can bee any comlinesse in wearing their armors vppon such deformed doublets; I would first therefore, that there should be spe­ciall regard had to the fit and conuenient apparelling of all sortes of souldiors; and therefore to begin with souldiors [Page 184] doublets,Concerning the conuenient apparelling of all sorts of sol­diors. I would that their doublets should bee made of Fustian according to the vse of all antiquitie, or of cha­moise skinnes, aswel in respect of lasting, as that a man may arme better vppon any of both those thinges, then vppon Canuas, or any thinge that is more smooth, and lesse woollie.

Then concerning the form and fashion of their doub­lets, I would that they should be of a conuenient heigth in the Collers, aswell to defend their necks from cold in win­ter, as from heate in Summer. Then▪ I woulde that they should be narrow in the shoulders, & so smal in the sleeues, and with so little bumbast, that the vambrases of armed men might easilie close togither; and that archers vsing no vambrases but certen stripes of serecloth or maile within their sleeues to defend the cut of a sworde, might through the smalnesse of their sleeues easilie draw and shoot, with­out the string hitting vpon any part of the sleeue, but onelie vpon their bracers.

Then I would that their doublets should be made ea­sie and wide vpon the stomacks and breastes, that the soul­diors being not pent by the straightnesse of their doublets vpon their breastes, might the easlier fetch their breath ei­ther in fighting, or in any hastie march: and therewithall, that their doublets be cutte flat vpon the bellie, and wasted of like length to the Cuirasses of their armors, to the intent that armed mens armors might sit the more iust and flat to their bodies: But because the collars of armors doo beare the chiefe waight of all the rest of the armour, I would wish that the souldiors armed men horsmen, or footmen, should either haue vnder Collars of Fustian conuenientlie bom­basted to defende the heueth and poise of their armours from the paining, or hurting of their shoulders and necks; or else that their doublets should be verie well bombasted in all that part vnder their Collars both before and behind according to the depth of the same, which will bee a great ease to all armed men horsmen or footmen, for their often and long continuing armed.

[Page 185]Also I would that no armed men should weare any cut doublets, as well in respect that the wearing of armour doth quicklie fret them out, and also by reason that the corners and edges of the lammes and iointes of the armours doo take such holde vppon such cuttes, as they doo hinder the quicke and sudden arming of men; as also that they are of more impediment to harquebuziers, mosquetiers, and ar­chers, for diuers respects to all skilfull soldiors wel knowne, then doublets vncut are. Then I would wishe that there should bee regard had to their hosen, that they might bee easie for them to march and fight in; which the new fashi­on straight hosen are not: and therefore I would that they should rather weare Greygescoes too vnder the knee, that shoulde bee large, wide, and easie, lined with a Cotton li­ning without any bombast; and next to the thigh with a strong Canuas lining or false sloppe, wherevnto the nether stockinges should be set and sowed, and gartered vnder the knee, then either these new fashioned little round hose, or newe fashion'd bombasted Greygescoes that are very straight to the thighs and vpper parts; which in summer be­sides the vneasinesse of them, doo with so much bombast keep armed men exceeding hot, whereas the other beeing large and wide as aforesaid, something after the fashion that the Spanish souldiors doo vse, are a great deale more easie, and chieflie for all sorts of footmen.How archer [...] should be ar­med and wea­poned.

Now as for their armors I would wish, that archers should either weare Ilet holed doublets, that wil resist the thrust of a sword, or dagger, and couered with some trim and gallant kinde of coloured cloth to the liking of the Captains, with their sleeues striped within, with certen narrow stripes of serecloth or maile, to resist the cut of a sword, or else Iackes of maile quilted vpon fustian to resist a blow or a thrust, of a conuenient length, and the skirts not too long, in respect of the lightnes & easines of them: with their doublet sleeues as aforesaid; and for the defence of their heads, because these steele. Cappes commonly vsed, are of verie small comlines for soldiors, and most of them too shallow, and therefore of [Page 186] small defence, I would wish some new and gallant fashion morrions verie light and easie to be made for archers to weare without any couering vpon them, but that they should be milde or burnished white; which besides their greater defence, being well and aptly made; would with their brightnesse greatly bewtifie the archers that do weare them. And as for the archers bowes, I would that they should not be short after the new vse which causeth them often to breake, but that they should be long and well backt and nockt, according to the auncient vse; and their strings whipt with fine thred, or silke; and that they should head and make their first sheafes of arrowes, according to the length that they do commonly vse to drawe. The blades of their swordes I would haue to be verie good, and of the length of a yard and not aboue; with their hilts only made with. 2. portes, a greater and a smaller on the out side of the hiltes, after the fashion of the Italian and Spanishe arming swordes; and those swordes I would haue them to weare with strong girdles of leather, their hangers of such conuenient length, and so well formed as their swordes might hang vpon the vpper parts of their thighes; not only readie and verie easie to be drawen; but also by their well hanging of them straight forward and backward, (I meane not athwarte their bommes, as drommers, to giue place & roume to their drommes do vse; nor yet so farre forward as they may lie athwarte their Codpeeces, as great boies do vse at their first wearing of swordes when they come new from schoole) that the said soldiors swords vpon their hastie march, or any other occasion by their straight and well standing of them, should hang firme without daun­cing, or bobbing forward and backward, as swords vnsoldi­orly worne, do commonly vse. The blades of their daggers also, I would wish them to be not aboue 10 inches long, and that the hilts of the same should be only made of one sin­gle and short crosse without any portes, or hilts at all, and not with great hilts after the fencers or alehouse fashion; and that they should weare their daggers not vpon their [Page 187] girdles at their backs, but hanging downe vpon their right thighes before them, after the old English fashion; and be­cause that their daggers should stand the more firme and steadie without bobbing or dauncing vp and downe vpon the hastie march of the soldiors; I would that they should weare them in leathers, after the fashion that I sawe some of the soldiors of Sir Iohn Peters band deuise and vse, at such time as I mustered his band neare vnto Brentwood the yeare 1588. Which leathers being of the length of 7. in­ches, and 3. inches broad beneath, but aboue not so broad, and haue in the vpper parts two cuts straight downeward, for the waste of the girdle to goe through, and in the lower end, two cuts straight athwart, for the dagger sheath to be thrust through and downe euen to the verie locket; & then the locket of the dagger being fastned a little aboue, to two holes through the leather right against the same with a string or a lace; such daggers so worne, doo stand wonder­full firme, and verie readie for souldiors, archers, or armed men to draw, and with thrustes to vse the pointes of them. The archers also I would haue them to vse shooting gloues with the inner partes of the fingers of Bucks leather, and in no wise any leathers called finger stalles after the new fashi­on. Al their bracers also I would haue after the old fashion of our English archers to many well known, and not accor­ding to the new deuises. And thus farre concerning the e­lection, apparelling, arming, and weaponing of archers. And now to the election, apparelling, arming and weapo­ning of harquebuziers.

Harquebuziers I would wish them to be elected and chosen of the yoongest sort of men,Concerning the election apparelling, ar­ming, and we a­poning of har­quebuziers. and of the meanest sta­ture and size of all other sortes that should be allowed of, to be elected and inrolled, and chieflie of such as haue small skill and dexteritie in the long bowe, and archerie: For I would that such as were skilfull in the long bow; I meane good archers of what size of men soeuer; that they should not be inrolled to any other weapon, considering that the number of good archers of our Nation in these daies are so [Page 188] few, and that, that kind of weapon is of so wonderfull and miraculous effect in seruices of the field as by all auncient and moderne experience amongst all Nations it hath bene and is most manifest. Harquebuziers therefore I would haue them to be of the yongest sort of men, as aforesaid, be­cause they should be the more nimble to trauesse their grounds, and to stoope to their peeces, and to take all ad­uauntages of groundes, and of the smallest sorte and size of men, because they should be the lesser markes in the sights of their enemies in skirmish neare at hand, as is in my for­mer instructions at large conteined.

Their apparell I would haue to be dublets of fustian without any cuttes, and Greigescoes all of the like sort and fashion, as I haue before particulerlie set downe concer­ning archers; and that they should haue euerie one of them a saltenberg, commonly called a Mandilion of very good broad cloath that will not shrinke, to encouer and keepe drie their flasks and touchboxes and the pans and touch­holes of their harquebuzes in the time of wet & moist wea­ther; and the same handsomely made to their bodies, and of such Colours as euerie one of their Captaines should make choice of.

And therewithal that euerie one of them should haue an vpright or sharpe morrion fast tied with a red skarfe vnder their Chins after the spanish fashion, all white and grauen, or at least, white vngrauen, and in no wise any black morti­ons; because that the white doth beutefie the soldiors more, and is of greater terror in the eie and sight of the Enemie. The Cannons of their harquebuzes I would haue them to be all of the length of a yard and not any longer nor shorter all ranforced backward, and conuenientlie thinne forward; and that the sights of their harquebuzes should be all open sights; I meane without any pipes or couers vpon them, because they might the more readilie take their sightes ei­ther from point at blanke if time will serue, or else from the endes of their peeces. I would also that all those sights as al­so the pins of their peeces should be very euen and straight [Page 189] set and filed to a iust and conuenient height; and their pee­ces chosen without any cracks or flawes within, verie well boared and drawbored, and therewithal their vices at the hinder ends of their peeces of such conuenient length, & so well made and filed, that their harquebuzes should not recoile: besides all which I would that all their bullettes should be of one Caliuer and heigth, and that of a meane size for diuers causes, & reasons that I haue before in mine instructions alledged.

All the stocks of their harquebuzes I would haue them to be crooked (as we call them) and of good forme, and not straight stocks, because that being crooked and com­passed stocks they doo more readily counterpoise the fore end of their peeces, and more readilie fall into leuell when they are in skirmish, and haue no leisure to take any sight from point at blanke, but from the fore ends of their pee­ces, then straight stockes doe: Besides that considering the lightnesse of their peeces they may aswell and as rea­dilie without rests at any time take their sights from point at blanke with crooked stockes of good forme as if they were straight. The Cockes, or serpentines I would haue to be of conuenient compasse and able to receiue any con­uenient match, and that the feathers and springs that doo belong vnto them should be of so hard and good temper, that they shoulde cause the [...]ockes or serpentines to fall and rise so strong and quicke, as by their strong falling with the matches into the pannes, they may make the fire to sparcle, thereby in an instant to make the powder to take fire.

Then I would that euery harquebuzier should haue a good and a faire flaske and touchbox, with strings to them of conuenient length, and that they should bee taught by their Corporalles very souldiorlie to weare them, and to keep their powder in their flaskes and touchboxes very drie. And I would that the pipes or mouths of their flaskes should be a iust charge for their harquebuzes according to the vse of the Spaniardes and Wallouns, and that the [Page 190] feathers and springs that doo make the plate or couer of the lower part of the mouthes of their flaskes to open and couer againe, should be of so good temper as they might open and couer quicke and close, that the souldiors there­by might bee assured not to ouercharge their peeces to their daunger.

Then I would that euerie harquebuzier should haue in a little purse, or in a little bagge in his pocket, a little steele with a flint, and a little peece of a certen kind of tinder like a spunge, such as the harquebuziers Spaniards doo vse, to strike fire to light their matches, with scourers, skrues, pri­ning irons, and mouldes, and all other things requisite for the well charging and keeping of their harquebuzes clean and neat. Swordes also the blads of the length of a yard, with hiltes of the fashion before mentioned, with strong leather girdles, able to beare their swordes, flaskes, and touchboxes, I would wish euerie harquebuzier to haue; & that they should weare their swordes of such conuenient heigth, as I haue before declared, that archers and armed men ought to doo. But as for daggers, I would wish no harquebuzier to weare any, because they haue so seldome occasion to vse them: and therefore doo rather increase heueth and burthen then serue for any other purpose; the experience whereof hath taught the harquebuziers of all Nations to weare no daggers; Besides all which, I would haue the harquebuziers to be taught, as also the mosque­tiers, to know the differences of powder and of match, that they may bee the better able to know what charges they shall giue to their peeces, according to the goodnesse or badnesse of the powder, and therewithall alwaies in skir­mish or otherwise to charge their peeces with some softe paper, or something else betwixt their powder and their bullets, and after their bullets to restraine the same: and to haue their flaskes full of good and drie powder well cor­ned; and their touchboxes full of fine and drie touchpow­der, with al other thinges requisit to the well vsing of their peeces, and thus farre concerning harquebuziers.

[Page 191]Mosquetiers I would wish to be elected of such men as are of good force & strength of bodie,How mosquetiers should be elected appa­relled, armed, and weaponed. although they were but of meane statures, for the tallest and best formed men I would haue reserued for armed men piquers, and battle­axes or halbarders to be reduced into squadrons or battles; and yet I would not as aforesaid, that any good or strong ar­chers should be enrolled to any other kind of weapon, but onely to the longbowe, for the causes before mentioned. But it is conuenient that mosquetiers should bee of good force, and strength, in respect of the heauines of their wea­pons and furniture, that by their strength and agilitie, they may the better cary, handle, and mannage their mosquets: And I would wish that they should be euerie waies appa­relled, and that they should weare their swordes in strong girdles without any daggers as the harquebuziers aforsaid, and that they should be armed with the like morrions to the harquebuziers before mentioned. Then I would wish that all their mosquets should be of one length well ran­forced backward,The Author would that all mosquets cur­riers of warre, and other such pe [...]ces as are to be vsed in the field with restes, or in places fortifi [...]d or against pla­ces fortified should haue straight stocks and tha [...] [...]ll o­ther lighter peeces that are for the skirmish and therefore to be vsed with­out rests, should haue crooked stocks. and of conuenient thinnesse forward, and of one heigth, or caliuer of bullet with open sights, and in all other thinges and particularities of the like perfection to the harquebuzes that I haue before mentioned.

But all the mosquets I would haue them to bee with straight stocks because that considering their rests with the great heueth of their peeces they may the better sett the straight stocks to their shoulders and take their sights more readily & certainly from point at blank, then if their stocks were crooked. Their iron forkes, or rests I would haue them to be well and euen formed, that when the staues are fixed in the ground, their mosquets might ly iust and euen in their rests, which they cannot do if they be made higher on the one side then of the other, as many are. The staues of their rests, I would wishe to be of iust and conuenient length and strength with piques of a good length that they may enter a good waie in and stand the more firme in the ground. Their flaskes, touchboxes, and stringes I would haue to be of as great perfection as the flaske and touch­boxes [Page 192] of y^e harquebuziers before mentioned. And I would wish that they should charge their mosquets with powder out of the pipes or charges of the flaskes as the harquebu­ziers aforsaid, and not out of charges that hang vpon band rolles as many doo vse: Because that oftetimes the couers of such charges doo flie off, and shed the powder, in such sort as the mosquetiers if they be not olde souldiors or wel practised, doo sometimes thinke that they charge their peeces out of such bandrol charges, when the powder was spilt before, so as sometimes they put in their bullets into their peeces without any powder.

And I would that euerie societie or fellowship of 10. mosquetiers should haue one great mould to cast 2. sortes of bullets, the one full bullets, and the other 2. or 3. bores smaller to charge vpon some occasion with the more ce­leritie. Also that the same mould should bee so long and bigge, as it should be able to cast at one time 8. haileshot of warre besides the bullettes, which haileshot of Warre should be of the heigth and Caliuer of small pistoll bullets. And this great moulde with a melting pan and lead, and all other thinges belonging to the same, should be for the common vse of the whole societie of 10. mosquetiers: as the like pan and mould and other thinges which I for bre­uities sake did omit should be for the common vse of eue­rie societie of 10. harquebuziers. And yet it doth behooue the societies aswell of mosquetiers as of harquebuziers to haue some priuate mouldes for bullets, besides their com­mon and publike mould. And thus far concerning mos­quetiers. And now to armed men piquers.

The arming doublets and greygesc [...]es for armed men piquers,How piquers should be appa­relled armed & weaponed. I haue before described, and therefore I proceed to the arming and weaponing of them, as followeth. I would haue all the piquers armed with burgonets of good depth wel lined and stuffed for the easinesse of their heads, and tied with a red skarfe vnder their chinnes, and that they should not wear them flapping open vntied, as I haue seene many of our Mosquetiers and armed men heere at [Page 193] home doo. Also I would haue them armed with collers of a good size, with backes and with cuyrats not too flat but somthing high vpon the stomachs, that they may easily in any hastie march fetch their breaths: & the belly or lower part of the Cuirasses, I would haue to bee lowe, and rather somthing flat then any thing ri [...]ing or high, because they may hauing their vambraces on, the more easily put their hands to their swords without any impediment of y^e ouer­much heigth of the lower parts, or bellies of their Cuiras­ses. Also I would haue them to haue tasses to y^e mid thigh not too broad, but of conuenient length and breadth, comely and fit for their greygescoes.

Also I would haue them to haue pouldrons of a good compasse and size, and vambraces both ioined together, and not asunder, because that the poise of the pouldrons and vambraces, hanging vpon the pinnes and springes of their collars, they doo not weigh so much, nor are not so wearisom as when they are separated; and that they weare their vambrases tied with pointes to their doublets vnder their pouldrons; Also I would that al armed men should weare gauntlets, as the armed men piquers Italians, and Spaniards doo, and not to be bare and disarmed handed as our English and some other Nations of late years haue vsed, because that any smal wound receiued vpon y^e hands doth presently make such souldiors impotent, and vnable to vse their weapons that haue receiued such woundes al­though they be but small. Their swords, their daggers, and their girdles I haue before particularlie set down, how and in what sort I would haue them to weare them. Their piques also I would wish them all to bee of the length of 18. foote, and neither longer nor shorter for the causes in my former instructions and discourses mentioned, as also conteined in my Booke of certen Discourses printed 1590. and that they shoulde haue verie good and foure square heads of good temper, and lowe armed with long cheeks, and in y^e midst couered or armed with black lether or black vellure, or with some other such thing, and y^e they [Page 194] should not be too great nor heauie in wood, that thereby the souldiors may carrie them and mannage them with ease.

Also I would that the staues of the piques should bee of a tite and stiffe ashe, and not of ashe that dooth sagge, and bend when the piquers doo carrie their piques breast high before hand couched, because that such sagging and ben­ding ashe, although it be verie tough yet it is more heauie then the other ashe: besides that the piquers cannot carry the [...] of such sagging, and bending piques so euen and straight in their Enemies faces, as they may carrie the other piques that doo not bend nor sagge, but are tite and straight. And thus farre concerning armed men piquers, And now to bat [...]leaxes or halbarders.

The election, choice and inrolment, of souldiors with battleaxes or halbarders,Concerning the election apparelling ar­ming and wea­poning of soldiors with battle­ [...]kes. I would wish to bee of the taller and stronger sort of men, and that al the halbarders or bat­tleaxes that should be to enter into squadron, should bee apparelled and armed in Corslets in all points and peeces of armour like vnto the piquers before mentioned: and yet if those halbarders or battleaxes in stead of pouldrons and vambraces did weare sleeues of good reueted maile that might couer all their shoulders and armes euen from vn­der their Collers, breasts and backes, to the verie Gaunt­lets, considering that by the good defence and easinesse of such sleeues of maile, they might mannage their halbards the better, I would for my part allowe them for verie well armed, although I woulde that the piquers because they are the formost rankes should bee in any wise armed with pouldrons, vambraces and gauntlets, as aforesaid, and not with any sleeues of maile. Also I would that the halbarders should weare their swords and daggers of the same length, and in the verie same sort that I haue appointed the armed men piquers. But their halbardes or battleaxes I▪ would haue to be strong and of good waight with long straight edges, with good piques backward, and strong pointes of conuenient length, but in no wise too long forward, and [Page 195] that they should for the strengthning of them, be armed with two cheekes downe the staffe of a soote and more long, and that such battleaxes, or halbardes for the squa­dron should not be aboue 6. foot long from the top of the points to the lowest end of the little iron hoopes common­ly called the Feralles of their staues.

Also I would haue certen other halbardes that should be incorporated in euerie band of archers and likewise of harquebuziers, who should ser [...]e vpon diuers occasions, to doo execution vpon the enemie: And those Halbarders I would haue them called extraordinarie be­cause they are not for the squadron; And those I would haue to be armed only with burgonets with collers, verie light Cuirasses and backes, and without any tasses, and in stead of pouldrons; vambrases, and gauntlets, the sleeues of their doublets I meane within the fustian striped with certen narrow stripes of serecloth, or of maile, to defend the Cutt of a sword, and if that some of those extraordina­rie battleaxes, or halbarders, were armed but only with burgonets and with short skirted Ierkins of buffe, with a double buffe vpon their brests, and the sleeues of their dou blets with stripes of maile or serecloth as aforesaid, and their swordes and daggers worne after th [...]same sort, as the piquers before mentioned, I thinke it allowable: But the staues of the halbards of such halbarders extraordinarie, I would wish to be longer by a foote, or a foote and a halfe or more, then the armed and ordinarie halbardes that are to enter into squadron, that is of 7. foote and a halfe long, or more, because that they being to succor troupes and so­cieties of loose shot, or to do execution vppon diuers acci­dents as aforesaid, and often times to fight with the enemy hand to hand, and sometimes to encounter with two, or three against one, it is requisite that their halbards for their aduauntage in fig [...]t should be longer then the ordinarie halbardes that are to enter into squadron; And incase that those halbards were lighter also thē the others that are for the squadron, being of good strength, it weare not amisse.

[Page 196]But whereas I haue before armed all the piquers, and battleaxes ordinarie, I meane, that are to enter into squa­dron in Corslets complete, and that contrariwise I do vn­derstand that diuers of our Captaines of this time when they receaue any English bandes readie armed and furni­shed to serue withall either in Fraunce,It is contrary to altrue discipline militarie for soldiors to leaue of their poul­drons vambra­ses and tasses. or the Lowe Coun­tries, and that the piquers of those bandes are deliuered vnto them armed in corslets complet all sauing gauntlets; they presentlie giue, or throw awaie all their pouldrons, vambraces and tasses in such sorte as the soldiors doo re­maine armed only with burgonets, Collers, Cuirasses and backes, contrarie to all true discipline: Certenly, it seemeth vnto me verie strange, that the lacke of Iudgement, or ra­ther the ignorance of this time in matters Militarie should be so great,The greate­ [...]illes ensuing to soldiors by leauing of their pouldrons vambraces and tasses. that they should contemne the arming of their shoulders, armes, handes, and thighes, and only seeke to guarde their brests, bellies and backes, in respect as I doo thinke that they would preserue only those their vital parts: when it is verie well knowne by all experience Militarie, that such as come to be wounded in their shoulders, armes hands or thighes, do oftentimes by such woundes, come to be in their Enemies handes, and mercie, who many times vpon such aduauntages do put them to the sworde▪ Besides that it is more then strange that such Captains do not censider that soldiors with their legges and thighes do march forward to incounter with their Enemies, and with their shoulders, armes, and hands, they do vse their wea­pons and fight with their Enemies; whereas cotrariwise with their bellies and backs, (which they altogether seeke to guarde) they do neither march forward against the ene­mies, nor fight: which is a great skorne and mockerie that some of the men of warre of this time should so imitate the French, and Flemish fashions, who of late yeares, haue scarce remained one whole yeare in one order and man­ner of arming, but haue still chaunged from fashion to fa­shion. Howbeit such of our Captaines as do contemne the wearing of pouldrons, vambraces, gauntlets, and tasses [Page 197] doo vainelie alledge for the reason and excuse of their so dooing;A verie val [...]e opinion and friuolous ex­cuse. that battles now a daies doo neuer come to ioine, but that they doo onely fight in skirmish; which is a verie vaine conceit and a friuolous excuse, and contrarie to all reason and true experience of diuers battles, that them­selues may remember haue beene fought in France, and in diuers other Countries, within these few yeares: consi­dering that whensoeuer there are two Armies of Enemies in the field, or two puissant powers of horsemen and foot­men, and that the one armie or power of them vpon any aduantage or conueniencie of ground espied, shal resolue to giue battle or fight, that the contrarie power or armie shall not be able to refuse the battle, vnlesse they will turne their backs and betake themselues to their heeles; and that by reason that armies when they are in march, cannot as­sure themselues alwaies to find grounds of such aduantage and strength, wherevpon the enemies resolution to fight they may suddenly intrench, or incampe & fortifie them­selues. Besides al which, it is to be noted as Vigetius and di­uers other ancient,The Romaines obseruing their auncient or­ders and disci­pline militarie preuailed: but neglecting the same, came to vtter ruine and destruction. and more moderne notable historio­graphers do write, that so long as the Romanes did obserue their ancient orders and discipline militarie, they did pre­uaile against all other Nations; but that assoone as they be­gan through effeminacie to neglect the same, and to leaue the couering and guarding of diuers partes of their bodies with armour in respect of the poise and heueth therof, and other su [...]h important matters, that presently their Empire began to decline:The neglecting of the well ar­ming of them­selues with the contempte of archerie were the vtter ruine of the two no­table Christian Empires of constantinople & Tr [...]pisonda. in such sort as y^e Gothes, Vandals, Hunnes, & other septrional Nations, as also of later years the Ara­bians, and the Sarasins did chieflie with weapons of volee, ouerthrow them in many, and manie battles, wherof and of the contempt of their archery insued the losse of a great part of the Romain Empire, and finallie vpon y^e neglecting & forgetting of the like discipline did likwise ensue y^e vtter ruine of y^e two notable christian Empires of Constantinople & Trepisonda with diuers other christian Kingdoms. And thus far concerning the apparelling, arming & weaponing [Page 198] of halbarders, or battleaxes: So as I haue now finished the apparelling arming, and weaponing of all sortes of foote­men by our Nation in these daies vsed, and therfore I will God willing proceed to the apparelling, arming, weapo­ning, and horsing of all such different sorts of horsmen, as we now a daies doo vse, with some other such sortes of horsemen also, as I would wish should be in vse and exer­cise for the defence of the Crowne and Realme, as also for any forren inuasion.

And therfore to begin with light horsmen, such as in di­uers shires of england we doo now vse,How light hors­men should be apparelled, ar­med, horsed & weaponed. armed with red or pied cappes and steele sculles within them, and with Iackes and speares by some called Gads; in stead of this rude kinde of arming as I account it, `I would wish that they should bee armed with burgonets, or else with vpright morrions after the Spanish manner, with collers, cuirasses, and backs, and short tasses, and with sleeues of maile and gauntlets, or else gloues of maile in stead of gauntlets; And to the intent they should bee the more easely & fitly armed, I would wish that they should be apparelled I mean in doublets & Greigescoes, in the very same sort as is before for armed men declared; And as for their speares I would wish them to be of 18. foot long, and those I would wish to bee so long, because they might not only vse them to charge vpon their thighes, but also that they might by taking and houlding them in the midst, vse them in stead of punching staues: And as for their geldings, I would haue them to be of good life and size, and swift of ca [...]rire, and that they should ride them with light short cheeked bittes, according to their horses mouthes, & that their sadles should not bee so little and ill fashioned, as those which we commonly call scottish sadles, but rather that they should bee of that fashion, which wee call nowe a daies Morocco sadles, with pommells of suche conuenient heigth as one single pistoll in a case might bee buckled and set fast to the same, as also that the same should be made fast and buckled athwarte the lower end vpon a little boulster to make it to sit the more firme, and fitly vpon all occasions to [Page 199] be vsed according to the manner of the Reistres: Also I would that no saddle should be without 3. girthes, and ther withal should haue Patrells, and croupers with the raines and headstalles light and of very good fashion. Besides al this, I would haue those kind of light horsmen to bee verie wel practised in the wel riding and vsing of their horses, and handling of their weapons in euery kind and sort. And thus far concerning that kind of light horsmen. And now to the apparelling, arming, & weaponing of stradiots by me men­cioned in my former instructions, and discourses.

Stradiots are a kind of light horsmen that haue been v­sed by manie Nations,Concerning the appareling, arming, horsing and weaponing of stradiots. aswell Pagans, as Christians, and haue beene armed and weaponed in diuers different sorts according to the liking of such different Nations: How­be it according to my opinion and best liking, I would wish those kind of souldiors to be verie well elected and chosen of such men as haue dispositions of bodies and mindes to learne very well to ride, as also to diet, vse, and keepe their horses, & therwithall to learne to handle al their weapons with great dexteritie: And as for their apparel, I meane their arming doublets & hosen, I would haue them to be after the verie same sort as I haue appointed vnto other ar­med men. And I would wish them all to bee armed with good burgonets and buffes, with Collers, with Cuirasses, with backs, and with long Cuisses, from vnder the lowest lam, or skirt of their Cuiras [...]es to vnder the knee, and in stead of pouldrons and vambrases, [...]leeues of maile com­pleat, with gloues of maile also, or gauntlets, with all the vpper parts of their thums and forefingers of their right handed gaunt [...]ets couered with maile, thereby the better to vse their pistols and other weapons; with such good swordes, daggers, and girdles, as I haue before appointed to other armed men, and in stead of Launces or speares, I woulde wish them to haue Launces commonlie called Laun [...]ezagayas of good, tite, and stiffe ash, coloured black, with double heads of good and hard temper according to the vse of the Moores, of 18. or 20. footlong; to the intent that taking them in the midst, they may strike both for­ward [Page 200] and backewarde, I meane aswell their enemies that they haue in frunt or in flanks, as also their enimies & their horses that may vppon any retrait pursue them: I woulde wish them also to haue horses or geldings, strong, of good size and Carrire, with saddles of the fashion of the Reistres of Saxony, with Croupers, pat [...]els, good headstalles and raines with small chaines, to the intent that if their raines should happen to be cut, they should not be straight at the mercie of their horses, or of their enemies. And I would wish them to haue at their saddle po [...]mels very good sin­gle pistolles, in good cases well and firmelie sette at their saddles as I haue before mentioned, with touch boxes full of fine powder in some conuenient places about them ca­ried, and with a Cartage boxe of Iron of 7. or 8. cartages fast set vpon euerie pistoll case, and the Cannons of the pistolles ranforced backeward, and of small bullet; and of the length of 12. inches, with good firelocks and no snap­haunces, because in true vnderstanding for diuers causes that I could alledge, firelocks are a great deale more certen and of lesse failing then snaphaunces are. Also I woulde that they should haue at their saddle pommels of the con­trarie side to the pistolles, men at armes axes; which be­sides that they are good to fight withall, are verie com­modious for horsemen to vse for manie requisit purposes, and vses, which because they are thinges so well knowne to all men of Warre of experience, I omit. And these kind of light horsemen Stradiots thus horsed, armed, and weaponed, are meet for all sorts of skirmishes and incoun­tries, and also are of great execution against harquebuzi­ers and mosquetiers, and to bee briefe against al sortes of horsemen and footmen.

But because their so many weapons, as are before mentioned for one horseman to vse may seeme strange to such of this time as do not loue to trouble themselues but with very few weapons, I say it is no strange matter, consi­dering that such as doo meane to fight wel, do like to haue store of weapons, that incase one or two should faile, they [Page 201] may presentlie betake themselues to the choise and vse of others, according to the time and occasion: But such as would thinke those weapons by me before mentioned to be too many for one man to vse, woulde thinke it a great deale more strange, to see a Turky horsman that trauelling by the way doth besides his Cemeterie, and his crooked dagger, voluntarily carrie his Launce, his harquebuze, and his Turkie bowe, with his sheafe of arrowes, with another weapon which now I haue forgot, and all those weapons they doo weare and carie so conuenientlie, and aptlie, as they may vse euery one of them in his most conuenient time and place. And thus far concerning Stradiots. And now concerning dimilaunces.

Dimilaunces are horsemen next in degree and account vnto men at armes, as well in greatnesse,Concerning the apparelling arming, ho [...]sing and weaponing of dimilaunces and puissance of horses, as in strong and sure arming; and they ought to be apparelled, as I haue in diuers partes before mentioned. They ought to be armed also, with their helmettes, with their beauers, with their sights not too high nor too lowe, with collers, cuirasses, with rests verie conueniently set not too high nor too low, backs, tasses, & short cuisses too vn­der the knee, or else with long Cuisses from vnder the low­est lam of their Cuyrasses to vnder the knee, without tas­ses. Also they ought to haue good and well compassed pouldrons, vambrases, and gauntlets, and gussets of maile well set for the defence of their armeholes, and their wea­pons ought to be arming swords, and daggers, worne in good and strong girdles, long, and strong launces, with a curtilace of the one side of the saddle pommell, or a steele mace, or a man at armes axe on the other side as aforsaid. Howbeit I haue seene some both men at armes, and dimi­launces vse tocks very conueniently worne after the Hon­garian & Turkie manner vnder their thighs; which Tocks are long narrow stiffe swords onlie for the thrust: And o­thers I haue seene that in stead of Curtilaces & tocks haue worn single pistols, which pistols bicause men at armes or dimilances are to giue their charge in squadron with the [Page 202] pointes of their Launces and shocke of their horses, they cannot haue so much leisure to pull out, and to pul down [...] their cocks, as stradiots and other light horsemen that do fight loose in skirmish or in other little troupes may: Be­sides that the gauntlets of men at Armes and dimilaunces are not fitlie made to handle pistols in, as all men may see that list to prooue them: and those dimilaunces ought to be all horsed vppon puissant horses for the shocke and not vpon geldings vnlesse they be very puissant; And their fur­niture for their horses ought to bee steele saddles of good forme, and of a conuenient bignesse, and as light as they conuenientlie may bee made with good headstalles and raines with chaines as aforesaid; with good patrells and croupers. Also if there were any gentlemen in those bands of dimilaunces, I would wish them not to bee with­out the forepart of steele barbes, to the intent that vppon any day that were likelie to be of great seruice against the enemie, they should arme and barbe the forepart of their horses, because that they being placed in the first rank, or two rankes, should bee the better able to giue and receiue the charge and shocke with the lesse daunger to their hor­ses. And thus far for dimilaunces.

Now as for men at Armes because all men that are of any experience and vnderstanding in matters militarie,Men at armes out of vse in Christendome. doo well know that they must bee all armed, cap a pie, and their horses verie puissant, and all barbed aswell behind as before, with the number of weapons that they ought of ordinary to weare and vse: And because that in these daies partlie in respect of their great pay; but chiefly because the art and science militarie hath beene of late years, and pre­sentl [...]e is in great declination and decaie, they are not in vse in England, nor in any part of Christendome as they haue beene, I ouerpasse them.

But now it is likely enough that some Gentlemen that haue beene trained vp in these late Ciuill wars of the Low Countries or France may thinke that I haue forgotten my selfe in not making mention in these aforesaid musters, of [Page 203] Carabins or Argolettiers; vnto which kinde of horsemen they are greatly affected: Whereunto I say that for the smalle effect that by experience I haue seene those Cara­bins in seruices worke,An obiection a [...]nswered. through their great and manie fai­lings, which I haue sufficientlie proued in the latter end of my booke of discourses that I did set forth, and cause to be printed the yeare 1590. as also in the former discourses of this booke, where I haue written of them; I doo not any waies hold them worthie to be compared in their effects neither to archers on horsebacke, nor Crosbowers on horsebacke; and therefore will in this place make but very small mention of them, but do in stead of them wish that there should be an election and inrollement made of cer­ten archers and Crosbowers on horsebacke in euery shire who should be armed weaponed and horsed, and reduced into [...] bands vnder their Captains and leaders, as here in this place I will out of my former booke sette downe a­gaine, and that is in this sorte following.

All the Crosbowers on horsbacke vnder sufficient Conductors well skilled in the weapon,How Cros­bowers on hors backe should be horsed, ar­med, and wea­poned. I would they should haue Crosbowes of two pound and a halfe of the best sort, with crooked gaffles hanging at their strong girdles after the manner of Germanie, that they might on horsebacke bend their Crosbowes the more easelie and readilie with 24. quarrels in a case, well, fitlie, and firmelie sette at their saddle pommels, and mounted vpon good colde geldings, of meane size, the [...]selues armed with good morrions of the spanish fashion vpon their heads, Collers, light, and short wasted Cuirasses, and backes, with sleeues of maile, or their doublet sleeues chained with ma [...]le, betwixt the li­ning and outside of their said sleeues; or with certen nar­row stripes of serecloth within their sleeues, as aforesaid; or else chat they should be armed with morrions, light and easie brigandines, and sleeues chained with maile, with broade short swordes by their sides of not aboue a yard in length, and short daggers. The archers on h [...]rsebacke vn­der their Captaines or conductors skilfull in archerie, I [Page 204] would likewise haue mounted vpon good quiet geldings of mean size with deepe steele sculles in very narrow brimd hattes, well stuffed for the easines of their heades: or rather with certen light morrions of some gallant fashion inuen­ted and deuised for them; and either Iacks of maile accor­ding to the auncient manner when they were called Lo­ricati Sagittar [...], or else light and easie brigandines, or at least Ilet holed doublets, verie easie and well fitted to their bodies; their sleeues chained within with maile, or else with certen narrow stripes of serecloth betwixt the lining and outside of their sleeues for the easines of their armes; with broade short swordes and short daggers, their bowes of good yewgh, long, and well nocked and backed, and all their stringes well whipt, with sheafes of .24. arrowes [...] peece in cases, with shooting gloues and bracers after the manner of our archers in times past. And all these both ar­chers & crosbowers I would haue them to be well practi­sed, that they might know how to discharge their arrowes and quarrells galloping vpon the hand and in al other mo­tions of their horses, and the Crosbowers to bend againe with great readines; and diuers bands being thus horsed, armed,Crosbowers & archers on hors back of greater seruice then weapons of sire on horsebacke. weaponed, and exercised, as also reduced into bands of fifties vnder sufficient conductors and other offi­cers skilfull in those weapons, should in mine opiniō be a­ble to performe far greater seruice in y^e field either against horsemen or footmen, then any of the forenamed wea­pons offire on horsebacke: Considering that both archers and Crosbowers may with their arrowes and quarrels ve­rie certenlie wound or kill in their points and blanks either horsemen or footmen, that are in squadron, or troupe. 2. or 3. skores of, and rouing 6. 7. or 8. skores or a great deale furder may greatlie mischiefe and annoie any squadron ei­ther of horsemen or footmen: where as the Argolettiers or Pistolettiers are not to worke any effect against squadrons or troupes of horsmen or footmen aboue 10 or 15. yardes off, at the furdest, and if it be enemie to enemie single, then they are not to discharge their peeces aboue 4. or 5. yardes [Page 205] off; vnles they wil faile 5. times, before they hit once, so vn­certaine are those weapons of fire: The iudgement wher­of because this mine opinion may seeme strange to such as doo not know the imperfections of those weapons of fire on horsebacke, I refer vnto any Captaines or conductors of those weapons, either Italians, Spaniards, Wallouns, or French, that are souldiors of experience and iudgement.

But now because I haue diuers times seene new bandes of diuers sortes of horsmen verie sleightlie mustered,With what cur [...] os [...]tie musters of bands of horsmen, and footmen ought to be taken. aswel beyond the seas, as also in England, I thinke it good in this place brieflie to write with what curiositie I woulde wish musters of bandes of horsemen and footmen for the de­fence of the Realme to be taken: And therfore I say, that I would wish that the Mustermaister of horsemen & foot­men of euery shire,Of what calling the muster­maister of eue­ry shire should bee. should bee a knight or an Esquire of greatworship of the same shire, or some other shire next adioyning, and such a one as had serued in some warre or warres in former times, and therefore of some good expe­rience in matters militarie, who in respect of his good cal­ling and worship would haue speciall care to the good and faithfull seruice of the king and Realme, without any waies abusing the performance of his dutie in those seruices, as most of the common Mustermaisters of this time do; who being either Captaines newlie come vppe and of small ac­count, or else such as haue beene souldiors and officers of bandes, and now reteiners and seruants to Noblemen, and doo procure and sue for such offices, rather to haue ordi­narie and yearely stipendes at the charge of the shires, as also by diuers other waies and meanes to make their vn­lawfull gaines and profits of the subiectes (then any waies to perform their duties in taking right and skilful musters, and reforming of militarie lackes and imperfections) doo wittinglie and willinglie in respect of gaine worke but very little good effect in those emploiments.

And because al the bands of horsmen of euerie shire are composed of knights, of gentlemēs, & of yeomens seruāts and that betwixt musters and musters they doo somtimes [Page 206] change by putting out of their seruice, or otherwise, their men that are inrolled into the bands of horsemen, wherof it commeth to passe that sometimes a meane man of sta­ture, putteth on a tall mans armor, and sometimes a taller man putteth on the armour of a man of smaller stature, in such sort as many of them are very vnfitlie and vneasily ar­med, and as vnskilfull in souldiorlie wearing, and vsing of their weapons, and altogither ignorant to ride, handle, & vse their horses: and that armed men being on horseback may seeme to bee conuenientlie apparelled and armed, when if they were a foot they would shew to be far other­wise;The order that all muster mai­sters are to vse in mustering o [...] their bands of horsmen. I would therefore that euerie such principall Gen­tleman Mustermaster should in calling ouer of euery hors­man by name in order as they are in his muster roll set downe, make euery one of them in order as they are called one after another to alight a foot, and to view euery hors­man well, whether hee haue an arming doublet fit for his armour or no, and whether both the armour and doublet be fit for the man, and [...]hether there bee any buckles, or leathers broken, or any peece, or peeces lacking; none of the which particular lackes are sufferable.

Then he is to peruse whether he haue all the weapons belonging to horsemen of his sort, as if he be a dimilaunce with such weapons as I haue before particulerlie named that do belong to a dimilaunce; and if he be a stradiot, then the Mustermaister is to view him a foote as aforesaid, to see whether his apparell and armor be fitte for his person, and therewithall aptly and soldiorlie worne, as also whe­ther he haue all his weapons belonging vnto horsemen of his sorte, and whether they bee good, and that he doth weare them aptly and soldiorly, yea he ought to view how he doth weare his hosen and Greigescoes, bootehosen, bootes and spurres, and whether he doth weare them apt­ly and fitly like a horseman or like a Clowne: And incase there be any imperfections or imperfection in any of those particularities, he is presentlie to giue order vpon some conuenient penaltie according to the desault or imperfec­tion [Page 207] to be imposed vpon the partie that doth set forth the horse and horseman, that the same with al speede by a cer­ten prefixed day be supplied or amended; Then he is to view his horse, and euerie part of the furniture of his horse to see whether there be any lacke, vnfitnesse, or imperfec­tion in any part of the same, or whether his horse since the last muster hath bene chaunged, or whether since that time he hath by misusage bene broken winded or made lame; and therefore it behoueth the Mustermaister to haue a skilfull Ferrar with him at his taking of Musters, that can with skill Iudge of their lamenesse or soundnesse. All which performed, then the Mustermaister must command the horsman to mount on horseback,Muster mai­sters are to see that the horse­men can well vse their horses and weapons. and to put his horse orderlie into his Carrire, and to charge his staffe presentlie and soldiorlie from his thigh into his rest if he be a launce, and not as they doo commonlie vse to carrie their staues at the tilt to beautifie their courses, as is before declared, and againe at the end of his Carrire to discharge the same, and to set it againe vpon his thigh and to stoppe and turne his horse both of the right and lefte hand; and if he be a Stradiot, after that he is remounted againe on horseback he is to commaund him to gallop the field as if he were in skirmish, and to vse his double headed Launcegaie in stri­king both forward and backward, as also on euerie side, as though he were in action with his enemie, and suddenly to cast frō him his double headed Launce, as if the same were broken, or by some accident lost, and to draw his pistoll, and pull downe the Cocke, and discharge the same, and presentlie againe to pull vp the cocke, and to thrust it into his case, and to draw his sword, or to handle some other weapon of his with dexteritie; which being soldiorlike per­formed, he is to be allowed to passe the muster for a suffici­ent soldior: but in case his horse be restie or headstrong, such a horse how sound soeuer, is not to be allowed, vnlesse he may in short time be reformed. And so likewise if he be an archer, or Crosbower on horsebacke, he must verie particulerlie view, and see; whether his apparell, armor and [Page 208] weapons with all other furniture belonging to the same, bee all in as great, or greater order and perfection then I haue before particularlie set downe: and so likewise hee is verie curiouslie to view euerie one of their horses that they be of conuenient age, and size, and sound of wind and lim, as also whether their saddles, bridles, bittes, pattrels, and croupers, and other furniture be in perfection.

All which beeing by the mustermaister throughoutlie viewed and found in order and perfection, then hee is to command the archer to mount on horsebacke, and to gal­loppe vppon the hand, and passing by some marke set vp in the fielde, to drawe 2. or 3. arrowes out of his sheafe one after another, and drawing euery one of them to the head, to discharge them at the same marke, some 3. or 4. scores off; which being by him souldiorlike performed, he is to al­low him for a sufficient soldior and archer on horsback; & so al other archers that he shall muster & find to be armed, horsed, weaponed and furnished, and of sufficiencie as a­foresaid. And so likewise, hauing viewed, and perused eue­rie Crosbower on horseback, with all their armor, Wea­pons and furniture, as also their horses with all other fur­niture belonging to them, and finding them all in perfecti­on, then hee is likewise to commaund the Crosbower to mount on horsback, and to gallop vpon the hande, and in passing by to discharge a quarrell at some mark set vp some 30. paces off, and againe presentlie with his gaffle to bend his crosbow and to discharge a second quarrell at that or some other marke; which being by him, and al other cros­bowers orderlie and souldiorlike performed; then he is to allow them to passe the muster as sufficient souldiors, and so likewise he ought to allowe the Archers beeing in such perfection as aforesaid.The reducing of bands into one or diuers formes apper­taineth to the Captaine and not to the mus­termaister.

And in this curious sort a Mustermaister is to take the view and Muster of euerie different sort, and kinde of hors­men; For as for reducing any number of them into any forme or formes with many other particularities. [...]hose things doo apperteine to their Captaines, and higher and [Page 209] lower officers; and so likewise the mustering of them in such curious sort as aforsaid, doth appertain also vnto eue­ry good and careful Captain, that dooth desire to haue his band in good order.When muster­maisters are to take their muster. But because some such gentlemen as are appointed Captains of horsemen and footmen for the defence of the Realm, are for lack of skil or care, not so cu­rious in hauing their bands in order as they ought to bee: therefore the forsaid knight or principal gentleman that is appointed to take musters, shoulde at certen conuenient times in the yeare, when al sorts of men are at most leisure from their country affaires & busines, muster them in con­uenient places, some at one time and some at another, to see y^• they should be alwaies in order, to be emploied for y^e defence of their Prince, and country: & should also in cal­ling them ouer one after another by his muster roll, bee as curious in viewing not onlie the sufficiencie of the person of euery soldior, whether he be any waies by any accident decaied since his first election & inrolment: but also should very curiously view y^e fitnes of his apparell and armor, least that since the first election and inrolment, or since the last musters, the man, his apparel, or armour had beene chan­ged. Then he is to view his weapons, and y^e apt and fit wea­ring of them, & whether both armor & weapons be clean and neat,Mustermaisters finding any a­buses, lackes, or imperfections, are to giue or­der that the same be reme­died, vpō some seuere penaltie to be imposed vpon the part [...] vnto whome the same doth appertaine. and in such perfection as I haue before very par­ticularly set down, in the election, apparelling, arming and weaponing of al sorts of footmen by vs in these daies vsed: and incase that he doth find any abuses, lacks, or imperfec­tions in any of the particularities aforsaid, or any other, he is presently to giue order for the reforming of the same by a prefixed day vpon some seuere penalty to be imposed ei­ther vpon the parish that hath set foorth that souldior, or vpon the priuate rich man that dooth finde and set foorth the same souldior, or vppon the Souldior himselfe, incase he be of that wealth that he is at his owne arming, and fur­nishing.

Also wheras such soldiors either horsmen or footmen [Page 210] as are inrolled in such bands as aforesaid,The order that is to be vsed for the suppliyng of soldiors mai­med, or mischieued, or othe [...] wise decaied. do somtimes be­come so maimed or mischieued by some accidental chaū ­ces that they shall neuer be after able effectually to vse such weapons as they were inrolled vnto, or that by long sick­nes they are so decayed as they are not likely in a long time or neuer to recouer their forces therby soldiorlike to weare their armors, and vse their weapons; Vpon those and other like causes and accidents I would wish that the parish that doth find such soldiors, or else the priuate rich men, incase they be set forth and found by them, should presently note­fie the same vnto y^e captain vnder whom & in whose band the said soldior or soldiors do serue, & that they should with in a certen and a prefixed day after, present vnto him three other allowable, & able men, alreadie from their youth ex­ercised, in case they be archers, or apte and willing to learn to be soldiors, incase they bee of other weapons, to the in­tent that the captaine should to his best liking, make choice of one of them to be inrolled and supplie the place of the soldior maimed or by long sicknesse decaied.

Also incase that the soldior, or soldiors of any band or bands of horsmen or footmen should happen to die,The order that is to be vsed for the supplying of any soldiors deceased; or departing from their habita­tion into some other toune or hundred, or out of their maisters ser­ [...]ice. or vp­on occasion of newe habitation, should remoue out of the parish or hundred, wheras he at his first inrolment did inha­bit, or that any seruaunt, or seruingman inrolled to any wea­pon to serue on horseback, should depart out of his miasters seruice; that in those and other like cases, the parishes vpon the death of any such soldior or soldiors, should presently notifie the same vnto his or their captaine or captains, and should within a certen prefixed daie after, present vnto him 3. other able and sufficient men to make his choice of one of them, to serue with the armor and weapons of the party, or parties deceased. But incase that such a soldior or soldi­ors either horsman or footman should vpon the accasion of inhabiting else where, depart out of the Townes where they before had inhabited, or bene resident, or that such souldiors had departed out of their maisters seruices to serue elsewhere, as aforesaid: then I would in those or any [Page 211] the like cases, that either the parish where such souldiors did dwell, or the maisters of such seruantes should signifie their intention of remouing and departure of such souldi­ors, vnto their Captaines, a full moneth before their de­parture, and that they should either 15. or 10. daies be­fore their departure at the least, present vnto him 2. or 3. verie able men, of the which he may make choice of one to be inrolled and to serue and supplie in the place of such a souldior remoouing.

And whereas all the armors and weapons of the souldi­ors footmen are at this time placed diuersly in al the shires of England,The di [...]ersitie of the placing of the soldiors armors and weapons, in all the shiers of England. in such partes whereas there are inrolmentes of horsemen and footemen, as in some places that they are placed in the chiefe Towne or Townes of the shire, and in other places in the Captaines, or other gentlemens houses, and in other partes that al the Corporals haue the custodie of all the armor and weapons that doo belong to the corporolates or societies that are vnder their charge; and all this vnder pretence for the more safe, and clean, and neat keeping of them, as also to take awaie the opportuni­ties of the peoples sudden arming of themselues incase they should take armes,Not the pla­cing of armors nor weapons here, nor there that can keepe a people dispo­sed to rebell from rebellion. the same beeing alreadie in their houses, with intention to reuolt, and rebell. Therevnto I say, that it is not the keeping or placing of the armour and weapons of a shire or diuers shires, heere or there out of the souldiors handes as aforesaid, that can keepe them, or a people disposed to rebell, from rebelling, if the souldi­ors oathes of fidelitie at their first election and inrolments will not restraine and conteine them; by reason that rebel­lions doo begin so diuerslie, and vpon so many prepensed or accidentall opportunities, as they cannot be any waies preuented by such poore deuises.Rebellions be­gin sometimes vpon the ambi­tion or discon­tentacion of some noble­man, or [...] [...]en.

For as rebellions in diuers Empires, kingdomes and Common wealthes haue begun vppon the ambition or discontentation of some Noble man, or Noblemen for wronges and iniustices at their princes handes receiued, that doo confederate togither, or otherwise resolue to take [Page 212] Armes against the Prince: Vpon such conspiracies, or re­solutions I say, it is not the placing of armor or weapons, heere or there in shires, that can [...]eepe the same out of the handes of them,Armors placed in great tounes are more ready to arme an vntuly multi­tude, then if they were dis­persed in the soldiors houses. and the people that follow them, the re­uoult and rebllion being once begun, but the armor being placed in great Townes vnfortefied, as all our Townes of England are, those armors and weapons being in such Townes vnfortefied kepte, are a great deale the more rea­die to arme and weapon a great multitude reuolted all at one time, then if they were dispearsed in the soldiors custo­dies and houses to whome they belong, to serue withall, throughout such a whole Shire or diuers Shires. So som­times also rebellions do happen through the discontenta­tion of the Ignobile vulgus, or common people, and those most commonly do begin in great Townes vpon the as­semblie of many people; as of faires, markets, and other such assemblies of people,Rebellions do often happen vpon the dis­contentation of the ignobile vulgus so as great quantitie of armor, and weapons being kepte in such great Townes, they are the more readie for the people reuolting to possesse them­selues of them. And so likewise, armors & weapons, being placed either in the Captaines or Corporalls houses, they are a great deale more readie vpon a rebellion by the com­mō people begon, to be by them taken to arme themselues withal, then if they were dispersed into al the soldiors hou­ses vnto whome they belong to serue withall for defence of the Realme, according to their oathes, throughout a whole shire. But incase that the rebellion be vniuersall througout one, or diuers whole shires, then it cannot be avoided but that wheresoeuer the armor and weapons of such shires are placed, they will presentlie possesse them­selues of them.

And incase that all the armor and weapons not only of a few shires, but of all the kingdome, were taken out of all the shires throughout, and were placed in some place, or places well fortified, and vnder great garrison to be the more safelie and surelie kept: I say that the same out of the handes of the people without other preuention, can no [Page 213] waies hinder nor keepe a common people from rebellion that are disposed to rebell, considering that according to Virgill. Furor arma ministrat; as it may be apparant, by the Bellum seruile, Bellum seruile that happened t [...] the romains when they flou rished most, be­gon and main­tained by Spar­tacus & other fencers. that hapned against the Romaines in all their greatnesse, which consisted most of slaues, and bond­men, hauing one Spartacus a Fenser, and other Fensers for their Chief [...]aines, who at y^e beginning of their reuoult had but verie few or no armors and weapons of warre, but such as their rage and furie taught them to inuent, take, and vse, and so likewise the common people of the kingdome of Hongarie,The daunge­rous rebellion of the peasants of hongary and [...]raunce, who at the first had litle or no ar­mors. and the peasants termed in the French Cro­nicles, the Iaccarie of Fraunce when they first reuolted and [...]ooke Armes against the Nobilite of those kingdoms were vtterly disarmed, and all the Nobilitie of those King­domes verie notablie armed, both for on horsbacke and on foote; and yet after the rebellion was once begun, those common people presentlie inuented & forged both armor and weapons of warre in great numbers both offen­siue and defensiue, and in short time reduced themselues into so great strength, as before that they could be vtterlie suppressed, it cost the liues of a great parte of the Nobiltie and gentlemen of those kingdomes: Notwithstanding that both those kingdomes, I meane Fraunce and Hon­garie had many Cities, and Townes so well fortified for the Kinges and Nobilitie to make their retraites into, as the pesantes hadde neuer the skill nor power to pos­sesse themselues of, which the Realme of England hath not.

And so likewise if we list to looke vpon the RebellionsThe rebellions of the common people of En­gland and spe­cially the rebellion vnder Ke [...] in Norffolk [...] that had at the first little or no armor. of the common people that happened in diuers partes of England in one s [...]mer in kinge Edward the sixthes time, and chiefelie the Rebellion vnder Kette in Norffolke it is most apparant, that at the first begining of the Rebellion they had verie little, or no armor, and verie few weapons of warre, but that in a verie short time after that they [Page 214] had begun their rebellion, they did inuent, forge, & make manie weapons of warre, in the which for a time vntil they were suppressed, they behaued themselues in terrible sort; And of later time within these 24. or 25. years, the Moores of the kingdome of Granada in Spaine that was a people vtterlie disarmed and without weapons and exercises of warre,The reuolt of the disarmed mores of gra­nada against king Philip of spaine in al his greatnes which was in the yeare 1568. did in al the greatnesse of king Philip of Spaine that nowe is, reuolt; and ma [...]ing of necessitie vertue, did first betake themselues to fight with stones, and a few weapons that they had long before got by stealth and hidde in their houses: But after that their rebellion was begun, they in a very short time, did inuent, and forge, and winne by force of the Spaniards Christians great numbers of armors and weapons both offensiue and defensiue, and did so resist, preuaile, and defend themselues against the king of Spains powers sent against them, that it was more then two years after the first beginning of the Rebellion, ere it could bee suppressed; in which space, it cost y^e liues of aboue 50000. Spaniardes: Amongst which number, there were manie principall Gentlemen, and Captaines of good account slaine.

By all which examples before rehearsed with many o­thers, as all men that haue read and obserued many histo­ries doo well knowe, it is most apparant, that it is not the placing of the armor and weapons, here or there, or the disarming of the cōmon people, as the peasants in France, and Hongarie, and the Moores in Spaine were disarmed, that can preuent Rebellions that doo happen and are be­gun vpon diuers occasions,Iustice dulie & equally mini­stred doth take [...]way al occasiō [...] and intentions of rebellion. and chieflie for lack of iustice dulie and equallie ministred: Howbeit Iustice duly & with great equalitie and order ministred throughout a whole Empire, kingdome, or common wealth, with great care had to protect, preserue, maintaine, increase and continue the Common wealth of the subiectes in al prosperitie, and by aduancing and fauouring the good, and by reproching and punishing the bad: the same I say, how wel armed so­euer the subiects and people are, dooth take awaie all oc­casions [Page 215] and intentions of rebellion, as it is most apparant by the notable Cittie, and state of Venice, and their domi­nions in the continent and Ilands that doo belong to that seniorie;The quiet and happie state of the Venetians these many hundred years, caused by Iustice. which haue beene euer in many ages so well ar­med, as in Venice itselfe, the common multitude of the Ci­tizens and people, who neuer beare any office in the com­mon wealth, but certen base offices, doo so well content themselues with the gouernment, and great and equal iu­stice of the Magistrates and their superiors; that although they haue all sortes of armors, and weapons of warre for footmen in all their houses; yet it is not to be found in any Chronicles or histories of Venice, that euer they did take armes or reuolt against their Duke, Senate, nor Nobilitie: And that in like sort, al the dominions that do belong vn­to Venice, that are in the continent of Italie and elsewhere, although all the common people of those dominions, bee armed and weaponed; yet through the great care had by the state of Venice of their prosperitie, with equall & great iustice ministred euen to the very least of them; they finde themselues so well contented to liue vnder the quiet and happie gouernment of the Venetians, that they haue not in many and many yeares, once offred any kinde of reuolt against them; but haue rather at such times as some parts of those dominions haue beene by force wonne and pos­sessed, sometimes by the Imperiall, and somtimes by the French and other Princes, at one time or other reuolted from the gouernment of such straungers, and returned a­gaine to the obedience of the Venetians.

Besides which, it is to be noted, that the Cantonnes and confederate people of Suitzerland, The force of Iustice duly & equally minist­red amōgst the Suissers and di­uers other principalities of Germani [...]. since they through the great extortions and iniustices of the Dukes of Austridge and their officers and substitutes, did take armes, and by battle and victorie (with the death of the Duke Lupold, and slaughter of a great part of his Nobilitie) redeeme and reduce themselues into a ciuill and popular State, haue ne­uer reuolted; nor that the people of certen principalities of Germanie through the great iustice by their princes [Page 216] and Magistrats equallie ministred, and the well ordering & vsing of the people, haue at any time rebelled: I mean the Suissers against their Magistrates, nor those Almaines a­gainst their princes. By which examples with manie o­thers, which for breuities sake I omit; this old prouerbe is verefied,Princes that do duely & equaly minister Iustice need not to doubte any re­bellion. Opus Iustitiae pax; which may be interpreted, that the effect of iustice is peace.

From all which I come to conclude, that no Emperor, King, nor Common wealth that doo gouerne their Sub­iectes with great and equall iustice, and therewithall doo effectuallie shew to haue great care of their increase, pros­perity and happinesse, need any waies to doubt any reuol [...] or Rebellion against them,A thing most requisite for all Emperors kings and com­mon wealthes to well arme, weapon and exercise their subiects. by their subiectes and people, although they haue al sorts of armors and weapons of war in their houses; but that it is rather verie requisite & need­full for all great Princes and Common Wealthes, that wil maintaine and defend themselues and their dominions against forren Nations, to well arme, weapon, and exer­cise their people in matters militarie; and that they doo establish good Lawes for the good and orderlie perfour­mance of the same.Where all the armors and weapons of all shires should be kept. All which before considered, mine opinion clearelie is, that of all other places it is most con­uenient, that the armours and Weapons of all Shieres should be kept by such rich men as doo finde those armors and weapons, in their owne houses; and such as are found by the common purse of parishes, that they should be kept in the chiefe mens houses of those parishes where the sol­diors dwell; that vppon occasion of those seruices should weare and vse them, aswell in respect that all men by all reason will be more carefull to keepe and maintain in good order such apparell, armor and weapons as were bought at their owne charges, then great Townes, or Gentlemen, or Corporalles, that neuer bought the same: Besides that vpon any sudden alarum, or giuing of fire to the beacons vpon the enemies comming to inuade, or other occasion of seruice, when the souldiors of the whole shire, shoulde with al celeritie arme themselues & march to the place of [Page 217] assembly generall, there to reduce themselues vnder their Ensignes and Captains, and vnder their higher and lower officers; I say that all sortes of souldiours may presentlie, and with a great deale more celeritie, apparell, arme and weapon themselues in warrelike manner, the same beeing in their owne houses, if they be owners of the same, or o­therwise presentlie to apparell arme and weapon them­selues in such houses of the same Towne whereas the fur­niture is kept, and themselues doo dwell, then to runne to Gentlemens or Corporalles houses, or to great townes 3. or 4. miles off; where their armors & furniture are kept, & there in hubbledeshuffe disorderlie to arme themselues; wherof, besides diuers other disorders that do ensue often times vpon such sudden Alarmes, and armings, little men doo put on great or tall mens armors, and leaue little ar­mors vnfit for great men to put on; according to the olde saying, first come first serued; And so likewise they do mis­take the right choosing of their apparell and Weapons; whereof inseweth great disorder and confusion. And these sudden disorders with others that I omit, cannot vpō such sudden alarmes be possiblie preuented, the armors & wea­pon [...] being so placed, although al the particuler names of the soldiors, were written vpon the apparel, armor & wea­pons. And now as I haue set downe mine opinion concer­ning y^e election and enrolling aswel of diuers sorts of hors­men as of footmen, to diuers different sorts of armors and weapons with many other particularities: So would I now wish (al matters military being brought into the perfectiō aforsaid) that all the souldiors aswell horsemen as footmen, should in som conuenient place appointed for y^e purpose,When and ho [...] soldiors that are enrolled to any kind of w [...]apon ought to exercise them­selues. vpon the holidaies, during certen moneths in y^e summer, in the afternoone after they come from church, exercise themselues with such weapons as they are inrolled vnto, as archers to shooting game at Rouers, & long buts, with their long bowes, according to the ancient vse of England, and that the harquebuziers in the presence of the chiefe men or officers of y^• parish in trauessing their grounds as if they [Page 218] were in skirmish, should with their peeces well, and order­ly charged (as I haue in my instructions and discourses be­fore particularly declared) at a great But discharge 4. shot; and so likewise that the mosquetiers should with their mos­quets well charged with full bullets from their restes, dis­charge 3. or 4. other shot: And this at the charge either of the parishes, or of such rich men as doo find such soul­diors, or otherwise as it may be better considered of, and deuised. Also I would that such soldiors as are piquers being disarmed should with blunt piques, learne to march soldiorly, as also with dexeritie to handle and manage them, thereby the better to know how in seruice to han­dle their sharpe piques; as also the halbarders with blunt halbardes made for the purpose, should learne to giue both blow and thrusts at their enemies with their greatest aduauntage: Howbeit as for halbarders and piquers there is no neede that they should be so often exercised to the vse of their weapons as the soldiors with weapons of volee; because that soldiors with weapons of volee, be they horsemen or footmen shal neuer be able effectually to per­forme the vse and effects of their weapons in seruices of the field in earnest, if they be not often and long before exercised in sporte with dexteritie to mannage and vse those weapons. And so likewise vpon such aforesaid ho­lydaies, I would wish that all sorts of horsemen of what weapon soeuer, should either before their maisters or some other principall men where they dwel, appointed for that purpose, ride their horses, and exercise themselues on hor­backe, with such weapons as they are inrolled vnto. And all these aforesaid priuate exercises vpon holidaies I would wish to be performed to the intent to make all the sol­diors of all sorts of armors and weapons as well on hors­back as on foote to be the more apte, & ready to performe the effects of soldiors vpon all important emploiments and seruices Militarie, as also at such generall musters, and trainings as should be appointed, & thought requisite vp­on some two speciall times in the sommer, when the peo­ple [Page] might haue best leisure to be absent from their mo [...] needefull and necessarie Countrie affaires.

Also I would that no horsemen,No foot alter their [...] vpon [...]. nor footmen to what armor and weapon soeuer they bee inrolled, should alter or chaunge themselues from the same kinde of armors and weapons that he or they are inrolled vnto vpon verie se­uere punishment, without the special appointment of their Captain, or Captaines; and therefore it is verie conueni­ent that al Captains aswell of horsmen as footmen should euer haue all their officers of their bandes alwaies ready & wel known to their whole bands,The office al bands [...] to be well knowne to soldiors of [...] bands & the [...] bands to the as also the whole bāds vnto them: as their Lieutenantes, their Ensignebearers, their Sergeants: And that all those officers should be men of credite and account, and inhabiters in the same shires, and that al those officers should haue the muster Rolles of the names of all the souldiors with their different wepons that they are inrolled vnto, in as great perfections as the Captaines: that thereby, as also for diuers other causes they should haue a continual eie that the souldiors of their bands should not through any kinde of negligence grow into any imperfections, or disorders; And therewithall that the Corporals of the footmen, who should haue 50. souldiors vnder their seuerall charges, (their own persons in that number conteined) should neuer be without a per­fect Roll of the particular names of the souldiors of their Corporalates, and to what armor and weapons euery sol­dior is inrolled, and where they dwell: And therewithall that they should haue speciall care, to see and diligently to inquire, whether the souldiors of their charge and Corpo­ralates do vpon such holidaies as aforesaid, exercise them­selues with their weapons, in the Townes, parishes, ham­lets, or pla [...]es where they are ordinarilie resident as also that at conuenient times they should see whether their arming ap [...]arell, armors and weapons be well and order­lie kept without any thing lacking: And for the orderlie obseruation and performance of all the most requisit mat­ters by me before set downe, as also others that haue no [...] [Page] [...] present fallen into my remembrance, or that may [...] better considered of and deuised by others of greater memorie and consideration then I am of, I would wish they should be with great consideration & aduise of coun­sell propounded, [...] considered of, and established by Act of Parliament with certen different penalties for the refour­ming of the neglecters of such requisite matters militarie, as also certen priuiledges, preheminences, or other ad­uancements, a [...] rewards for vertue, to be bestowed vppon such as doo best or verie well behaue themselues in their vocations, and [...]egrees militarie.

And thus hauing for the great loue that I beare to the continuall safetie and prosperity of the Crowne & Realme of England, [...] a [...]d English Nation, performed and finished my intended propositions and proiects militarie, I cease, [...] attributing all such matters as I haue rightly fallen into the reckoning of, to the most high praise, honor and glorie, of Almightie God, (as the only giuer of all right vnderstan­ding, wisdome and science) and all my failinges and errors vnto mine owne great lacke and fault, in that I haue not giuen and yeelde [...] my selfe as I ought to haue doon, to his deuine grace, and direction; thereby to haue considered, learned, and obserued more of the Art, and scien [...]e Mili­tarie, and of all other good thinges; then my simple capa­citie and power, by seeing, reading, and hearing hath been any waies able to attaine vnto.

Honor et gloria in excelsis Deo omnipotenti, sempiterno, et incomprehensibili Amen.