Compendium Belli: OR THE TOVCHSTONE of Martiall Discipline.
Principall and especiall Rules for euery Commaunder to be perfect in.
THose things that helpeth the Enemie greatly, annoyeth thee, and the same that helpeth thee, hurteth him.
Hee that is more carefull and vigelant, to obserue the cunning and polliticke deuises of the Enemy, and also taketh most paines in the exercising his Company, or Army, shall be sure to incurre least perills, and may haue greatest hope of victorie.
[Page 2] Neuer enterprise any dangerous incounter with thy Souldiers, but first by thy pollicie, let there be giuen out, hope of victorie.
It is better to conq [...]er the Enemy with famine, then with the sword; in the victory of which, fortune may doe much more then valoure.
No plot or purpose is better then that which is hid from the Enemy, vntill it be executed.
To know in the warre how to vnderstand occasion, and take it, more auayleth then any thing.
Nature breedeth few strong and valient men, but industry and exercise maketh many.
Discipline may doe much more in time of battell, then furie.
If any of the Enemies Souldiers depart from them and fly to thee (so they prooue faythfull) they shall be allwaies vnto thee great gaines, and stand thee in great steede, for that the power of thy Enemies are thereby deminished, and much more weakened, then of those that be slaine, though the name of a Fugitiue be to old frinds odious, to new suspected.
Better it is in pitching the field, to reserue behinde the first front ayde enough, then to make a big front, which will doe great hurt, and disperse the Companies.
He is difficultly ouercome, which knoweth his owne strength, and the power of his enemies.
The valour of the Souldiers, more auaileth then the multitude.
[Page 3] Sometimes the situation helpeth more then valour.
New & sodaine thinges make Armies affraide; slowe and accustomed things be little regarded: Therefore make thy Armie practise; and know, with small fightes a new enemy, before thou aduenterest to fight a field with them.
He that with disorder followeth the enemie after that their order is broken, will become of a Conquerour a Conquered.
He that prepareth not necessary victualls, with all manner of Amunition, is ouercome without the Sword.
He that trusteth more in Foote-men then Horse-men, or in Horse-men more then in Foote-men, must accomodate himselfe with the situation.
When thou wouldst see if in the day there be come any Spie into the Campe, make proclamation that euery man goe to his lodging, so shall you know your owne men from strangers.
Change purpose if thou perceiuest that thy enemie hath foreseene it.
Consult with many aboute the thinges thou oughtest to doe, the same thou wilt after doe, conferre with few.
Souldiers when they abide at home, are mainteyned with feare and punishment; after, when they are led to the warre, with hope and rewarde.
Be sure the enemie know not how thou wilt order thy Army in battell; and whatsoeuer manner [Page 4] sets the battell, make that the first Bande be receiued off first and second.
In fight neuer occupie the battell to any other thing then to the same for which thou hast appointed it, if thou meanest to make no disorder.
Suddaine accidents are remedyed with difficulty, those that are thought vpon with facility.
Before thou bringest thy Souldiers to giue battell, cause them to be ranged in forme of battell, making of his Foote-men sundry Battalions, and of those sundry fronts; to deuide the Horse-men also in sundry troopes, placing the Lances, Light-horsemen, and Hargubusiers, euery front in seuerall troupes by themselues, to cause the forlorne to issue out, and skirmish them before the battalions, as if the enemy were indeed present, and vpon a retreate sounded and beaten, suddenly to retire: The Horse-men to charge, and suddenly to returne againe into their place; vpon their retreate to cause certaine sleeues of Pikes, and light armed, to runne out to their reskew, as though the enemie did pursue them: Then the Battalions of the first front to march forward, and charge the enemie, and suddenly after the sound of the retreate, to retire themselues orderly, betweene the Battalions of the second front: Then the second front must charge, and march forward together with the other that last retired, and make head together vpon the enemy.
Last of all, the light armed Foote-men and [Page 5] Horse-men must issue out, as it were to doe execution vpon the enemie.
Whilst fayre weather is, the Generall must acquaint the Souldiers to sleepe vpon bare ground: Although the enemy be farre absent, yet duely to mainteine the Skoutes, lay out their Pardues, set forth their Centryes, and performe all manner of Millitary Orders, as curiously and carefully as if the enemie were present: He must keepe his Souldiers in continuall exercise; and by feigned Allarums, to see in what readinesse his Forces would be (if necessity required:) But if the enemie chance to cause any Allarum indeede, it is his pollicie then to cause the Campe to be in armes by the sound only of the Drumbestickes, or some other priuate watch-word, or some Warning-peece, which when the enemie perceiues that the Campe is in Armes without any manner of Allarum, will much amaze and terrify them, to finde them in such readinesse, daring them and their affronts.
Also, the Generall ought to shew them all manner of wayes how the enemie may attempt them, discouering also to them their remedy, and how they are to answere to those attempts; for no Man is borne a Souldier, but by exercise and industry it is attayned, and by discontinuance againe it is lost, as all other Artes and Sciences are.
[Page 6] You must haue a speciall care, that the Army haue not in their faces the dust to blinde them, the winde to disturbe them, or the Sunne beames to annoy them, before they enter into any maine Encounter; the which Impediments, not only altogether, but each one by himselfe alone, doth bring great toyle, trouble, and disaduantage.
[Page 8] IF you meane to exercise a Company, you must bring them into this forme. viz. The Muskatiers must be placed on both sides of the Pikes, fiue Files on one side, and fiue on the other, the Pikes ten deepe, and so many square in the middle.
To your Right Hand.
First note, that before you begin to exercise the Company, you first commaund them to aduance their Pikes, and to shoulder their Muskets: Then you haue no more to doe, but to cause them to turne to their Right-hand, which is thus; They must not remooue their Left legge from the ground, but turue vpon it, and remooue only the Right, to make the Right hand File the Front, as you see in this Figure.
As you were.
As you turned to your Right, so in the same manner you must turne backe to your Left, keeping your Left legge still vpon the ground, vntill you come euen with the Front.
To the Left Hand.
Because the Enemy may sometimes Charge on the Left Hand Flanke; Therefore, that you may be sudainely ready to defend your selues, and offend them; and for diuers reasons besides, this Motion is vsed: And to doe it, you must mooue with your Right Foote, vntill your Faces front toward the Left Flanke, your Left Foote not moouing from the place where it stood before, but turning.
As you Were.
Then hauing performed the aforesaid Motion, the Captaine commaunds, As you weare, and then they mooue all towards the Right Hand, vntill they are turned to the first Front, moouing vpon the same Foote you did before.
To the Right Hand About.
This Motion is vsed, when the Enemy doth Charge in the Reare; then keepe your Left Foote still, and turne to the Reare, and Charge, or otherwise for exercise.
To the Left Hand as you were.
Hauing performed the former Motion, the Captaine commaunds them, To the Left hand as you were, the Left Foote remaines fixed, vntill their faces be turned to the former front.
To the Left Hand about.
Sometimes it is more conuenient to turne to the Left Hand then to the Right, therefore this Motion is vsed, the Left Legge still standing.
To the Right hand as you were.
It is but turning towards your Right Hand, vntill you come to the former Front.
Rankes to your Right Hand Double.
This Motion is onely vsed, to double and strengthen the Front; and thus it is done, all in the second Ranke, march vp in the first; and first, they must set forward the Right Legge, and then the Left, making but two Paces to the Front, and so the Fourth, the Sixth, the Eight, and Tenth Ranke, must likewise doe all at one instant.
Rankes to your Left Hand as you were.
Hauing performed the former Motion, you turne about at the Word of Commaund, and set forward your Left Foote, and so make two Paces, comming into your forme againe, all at one instant.
Rankes to your Left Hand double.
This is almost all one as you did with the Right, saue you must set forward your Left Leg fi [...]st, and put your selfe on the Left Hand of your Leader.
Rankes to your Right Hand as you were.
You must first t [...]rne to your Right, because you will come the better into your place; and then set forward your Right Foote, it is more seemely and Souldier like by much then any other way.
Because you see there is an odde File of Muskatiers, you must place the Muskatiers all to the Right Flanke, and it is easely donne thus, causing the Left Wing to stand still, and the rest to mooue one pace forwards; then the word of Commaund is; Left Flanke to the Right Hand, and march through thy Files, which with ease is to be done.
Files to your Right Hand double.
There is occasion sometimes to strengthen the Flankes, and then they vse this word of Commaund, which is no more to performe then this, if it be to the Right Hand; then the Right Flanke standeth still, and the next File doubleth it, that is, fall iust behinde his Side-man, in File with him; Then the Third, Fifth, Seuenth, and euery other stands: Remember that you must make them doe it all at one motion together.
Files as you were.
All those that doubled, returne into their proper places, by setting their left Legge first to pace: Remember when you double to your right hand, you put your right Legge forward, and when on the left, your left Legge, and so backwards.
Files to your Left Hand double.
This motion differeth little from the other, saue that the left flancke doe stand still, and the Second doubles it in this action; in doubling the left Legge, goeth to double, and the right comming backe.
Files as you were.
Is iust as the other was, saue they fall backe to the right hand, with the right legge.
[Page 20] Hauing performed the doubling of Files, which was don with the Shot in the Right Hand Flanck of the Pikes: Now you must place them as they were before, one halfe on the Right Flancke, the other on the Left of the Pikes.
Halfe Files to your Right Hand, Double your Rankes.
This must be done by the sixt Rancke, and you must doe it at ten Paces thus; First with your Right Leg set forward, you must March forward, and aduance your Ground towards the Front, all the Rancke obseruing the Right Hand Leader, and so mooue altogether to the Front, with whom you must Ranke; obseruing likewise that when you thus begin to double, you Aduance your Pikes, & when you haue doubled the Front, Order your Pikes, the Sixt must rancke with the First, the Seuenth with the Second, the Eight with the Third, and so all the rest.
[Page 22] When you haue performed the former Motion, they must turne to the Right Hand, which is more gracefull and comely, with the Right Foote set forward, and so Retreate to the Reare, at ten Paces more, obseruing your Left Hand, and then you will be tenn deepe againe as you were.
Halfe Files to your Left Hand, Double your Rankes.
There is no difference, but onely that the halfe Files must march vp to the Left Hand of the Files that stand.
Halfe Files to the Right Hand, As you were.
The halfe Files aduance their Pikes, and falles back with their Right Legge, to be cleare of their Side-men, & so march into their proper places.
Files to your Right hand Countermarch.
When a Charge is expected in the Reare, and it being thought conuenient to haue the Leaders of the Files in the places of the bringers vp, because they are men best able to receiue the Enemie. The Leaders aduancing with their Right Legge turned to the Right Hand, and march downe towards the Reare, all the body of the Company, mouing together: for when the first Filers turne, the Second aduanceth in their places, and doth the like, and so Third, Fourth, and Fifth, &c. There is also another kinde of Countermarch, which is called the Lacedemonian Countermarch, which is for the First Rancke to Face towards the Reare; the Second, and all the rest of the Body to March vp, and turne behinde their Leaders, you may Countermarch likewise by Ranckes as you doe by Files.
Files to your Right Hand Countermarch.
This motion differeth nothing in the world from the other, for you must turne vp on the same Hand againe, and aduance with the Left Legge, and turne to the Right Hand, and then you March iust in the place you were in before.
Close your Files both wayes at a Foote and Halfe.
If a Charge of Horse bee expected, then the Foote are to be in the closest Order, which is one Foote and a Halfe in File, and there in Rancke.
Close your Ranckes to three Foote.
Which is nothing else, but to Pace on to the Sword point, which is the iust distance of Three Foote,
Ranckes to the Right Hand wheele.
If the Enemie Charge on the Right Hand Flancke, to receiue them with the most able men which are commonly in the Front, it may be thus performed; the Leader of the Right Hand File standeth fixed, onely turning his body, and the rest moue vpon him as the Centre, obseruing still the distance and straightnesse of their Rancks and File, without which, this motion will not be performed gracefully.
Rancks to your Left Hand wheele.
There is no difference in the performance of this motion, and the latter, but that the Left Hand Leader stands, and the rest wheeles towards him.
Ranckes to the Right Hand wheele vpon a Center.
All to the Right Hand of the middle of the Front goe backwards, and on the Left forwards.
Rancks to the Left Hand wheele vpon the Center.
All the Left Hand of the Center wheeles backwards, and the right forwards.
[Page 29] Rankes to your Right Hand Wheele.
Rankes to your Left Hand Wheele.
Rankes to your Right Hand wheele vpon the Center.
Rankes to your Left hand, wheele vpon the Center.
Open your Ranckes backward.
To open the Banckes, vnderstand that the Front or First Rancke standeth still, and the other nine Ranckes fall backwards altogether, vntill the Second Rancke bee Sixe Foote distant from the first, and then it stands still: so likewise must you doe with all the Ranckes, vntill they bee distant sixe foote one from another.
Open your Files both wayes.
In opening your Files, halfe the body moue towards the right hand, and halfe towards the left hand ingrosse, and then the two middlemost files when they are three foote distant, stand still, and the rest of the body continues moouing both wayes vntill the next two files, are distant three foote more, and so of all the rest.
Here you are in your Order as you were at first, three foote in File, and sixe foote in Rancke.
How to exercise Muskatieres.
First Rancke giue Fire, and Countermarch to the Reare.
First, you must vnderstand that they must bee three foote in file, and three foote in rancke, and then the Captain giues the Word of Command, and they Countermarch to the reare, and there ranke: note alwayes that you Countermarch still to the right hand, and neuer to the left: this is done standing, and therefore looseth ground; some will say Countermarching with Muskets in skirmishing is improper, but I say it is as the scituation is, for if you haue but little ground to make a front, and haue a bigg front to oppose you, then you may vse Countermarching, because you haue not ground enough for to fight by diuisions.
The Second Order.
You must make a diuision in the midst, of sixe foote, then the Captaine commands first and second ranks, make ready, and then Marcheth with them some sixe paces from the front, and then sayes, First rancke giue fire, which when they haue performed, they Marchone halfe through the Deuision, and the other by the right flancke to the Reare.
The Third Order.
As you did before, so you must doe now, but that as soone as you haue drawne out the two first rancks, and when the first is come in place to present, you may vse this Word of Command, Second Rancke to your right hand, Double your Front, and giue Fire then as you were: Lastly, let them March one halfe through the Diuision, and the other by the right hand flancke, as afore to the rancke in the reare; obserue that as soone as the first falls off to the reare; the second immediatly followes, and this demonstration is of gayning ground, for the body is still marching softly forward.
The Fourth Order.
The Company retreating, the Captaine sayes to the last rancke, To the right hand about and giue Fire, and then they rancke in the reare, and performes the same, the one halfe marcheth through the Deuision, and the other by the right hand flancke, to the front, and so by the last ranke continually; this is an order of loosing ground.
The Fifth Order.
Vpon your Retreate, the Enemie following hard neere you, to annoy them, you cause the last rancke to doubl [...] the reare still, and giue Fire, which before you gaue Fire with ten; now you doe with twenty, and so done, they March in their places as afore.
The Sixth Order.
To this Order you must make no Diuision at all, and when you haue giuen Fire according to the Word of Command, you must cause them to stand still, onely turning their faces to the front, and prime vpon their Rests, and when the other File is cleare of the right flanke, they performe the like, I meane, turne to the right hand, and giue fire; then instantly the right flanke Marcheth vp to the front of that File, and the other File primeth vpon their Rest the while, and so all the Files doth the like: note that the body still Marcheth, this Order is vsed when you are Charged vpon the right flanke.
The Seauenth Order.
This order is all one with the last, saue that the flanke as soone as they haue giuen fire, the one halfe marcheth through the Diuision, and the other by the reare, and rankes in the left flanke, iust as they were before; so the second, third, and all the Files, one after another giues fire.
You must cause the first ranke to giue fire, and stand, then the second rancke doth March vp through the first rancke and Files with them, and giues fire, and so of all the rest: note that as soone as the second ranke begins to moue, the body all moues vp to the same distance, as their Order was at first.
The Eighth Order.
Closing your Diuision, you cause the Company to March, and commaund them, make ready all together, then you giue the Word of Command to them, as soone as they haue discharged, they must Countermarch to the reare; this Order is getting ground, all one with the first Order, saue one marcheth and getteth ground, the other standeth and looseth ground.
The Ninth Order.
The Captaine commaunds them to make readie altogether, then saith to the first ranke, Giue fire, which done, the one halfe of the Pikes marcheth through the midst of the body, which for that end is deuided, euery man falling into his owne File; this Order is standing, and moues only by rankes.
The Tenth Order.
As you are marching, the right flanke stands still, and the second File, which is next vnto doubles him, and then they turne to the right hand, and giues fire, presently vpon that they fall into their first Order, and primes vpon their rest, vntill the rest of the Company bee cleare of them, and then the two vtmost files againe doth the like; looke vpon the sixt Order, and there is no difference, but onely still in doubling the flanckes.
The Eleuenth Order.
This Order differeth nothing from the last, but onely the action must bee performed on the left hand.
The Twelfth Order.
First, you must cause the second rancke to double the first; then commaund them as they were; next, make them two rankes to Countermarch: so of all the rest.
The Thirteenth Order.
Let the first rancke giue Fire, and Countermarch, the second must March vp where the front was before, and giue fire as the first did, and so of all the rest.
The Fourteenth Order.
The second, third, and fourth Rankes, must March vp, and giue Fire, and Countermarch; so likewise the same Word of commaund, must bee vsed still to make them fall into a square, so shall you haue a square Battalia out of a Diamond, thus.
The Fifteenth Order.
To this Order, there is no more but commaund them giue fire, and Countermarch, and they will fall into the same Order as they did before, if you would get ground, they must March, if loose ground, they must stand still.
The Sixteenth Order.
Looke in the fifteenth Order, and as you did that, so must you doe this without any alteration, obseruing that eight giue fire at one time, and no more.
The Seuenteenth Order.
The rankes must be ten foote asunder if the files be fiue, if sixe, then they must be twelue, and as soone as you haue giuen the word of Command, they fall into one file, the right hand flanke standing still, onely turning his face to the right hand, and so likewise if any occasion serue, you may performe it on the left hand, as followeth in the next Order.
The Eighteenth Order.
The same Order you obserued on the right, the like must you doe on the left; remember that the files when they doe this, must be in their closest Order: also if you haue any occasion, you may doe it both wayes at once by making a diuision in the midst, the word of Command, is Rankes to your right and left hand, by Conuersion, but then your files must be euen, as foure, or sixe, or eight, or any other euen number, the which is performed in the next following Order.
Ranks to your right and left hand by Conuersion.
This Order is done by making a deuision in the middle, to charge the Enemie vpon both flankes, or for to make a lane for great Ordnance, to play betweene them, and is no more but to cause them to be done at once, iust as the former is, onely you must turne to the right and left hand in your Conuersion. Some doe hold that the proper word is, Wheele to the right and left hand, now you are acquainted with both, choose of the two which you list.
Deuisions of Pikes and Muskatieres to your right and left hand by Conuersion.
Make two deuisions of Pikes, and two of Muskets, then the Pikes next to the right hand deuision, of that must turne to the right flanke of Muskatieres by Conuersion, and the Pikes next the left flanke of that, must conuert themselues to that deuision, and the Shot also, as they did in the precedent Order, so shall you make of twenty files but foure files onely.
The Twentieth Order.
If you please you may discharge by doubling your rankes, or by fingling; as you see occasion you must commaund them to make ready altogether, this Order is of great force.
How to reduce a Diamond out of a Square, and also out of a Diamond, into a trianguler forme.
If you are disposed to turne a square into a Diamond, looke vpon this figure, and you may easily performe it, it is no more but to turne their faces to him that leades the right or left hand file, and so march with the Corner forwards: Likewise out of a Diamond to make suddenly a triangle: first I as you see marcheth vp to make euen with D and K, then N O, the rest as you see it performed in the figure: note that any iust square will make a Diamond, and out of a Diamond a triangular fashion, and no other number will make them but a iust square.
The reason I set downe here so many seuerall sorts of Battalias, is, because you must when you Imbattell, order them according to the scituation, wherefore you cannot obserue one order, therefore as you finde cause take choyse, for variety is neuer hurtfull.
The first Battalia of Pikes and Muskets.
The square that you see marked with A, must be 49. Pikes, seauen times seauen, and three in the reare; the two flankes marked with B 18. a peece, which are three files, and sixe deepe, the reare C seauen files, and three deepe.
100.
The square A in the second Battalia, is 49. whose roote is seauen, the front B is seauen files and three deepe; the two flankes C are three files a peece, and sixe deepe.
204.
The Diamond in the midst A, must be 84. beginning first with two, next with foure, and so Diamond wise, vntill you come vnto 84. the foure crosses B, flankes 30. a peece, fiue in file, and sixe deepe.
200.
The Border that must goe round the square A, must containe 90. Pikes, the vppermost must haue 11. Files, and three deepe, the lowermost as many, placed in the same manner, flankt with three Files, and foure deepe, the odde you must place in the front and reare, which are ten: the wings of Muskets B are foure Files, and ten deepe, at the front and reare of the Pikes C, are fiue Files, and two deepe: when you see cause, the Shott may retire in within the Pikes, and when you list issue out againe; the midst of the Battalia marked with D are empty for the Shott to retire in.
301.
The front A, reare C, and both wings B and D are Muskateres, the last ranke of Muskets (I meane of euery flanke) are mixt and rankt with Pikes, there are three Files of Muskets eleuen deepe, the Pikes E are 13. square, charging to euery corner of the Battalia, as you may perceiue by the forme of the Battalia; when you please the Shott may retreat in within the Pikes, from any noyance of Horse.
392.
The square A of Pikes twenty rankes, the files tenne, which is 195. the halfe Diamonds B in the front and reare 36. a peece, the ground ranke eleuen, the next nine, and so vntill they be 36. the sixe wings C on the flanks twenty, each one fiue files, and foure deepe.
400.
The long square of Pikes A are ten rankes, the files twenty, the both flankes B of Muskets 80. foure files, and ten deepe, the sixe loose wings C 120. foure files, and fiue deepe, the Ensignes in all manner of Battalias in the midst.
506.
The Pikes A sixteene square, the Forlorne Hope B 55. that is foure rankes, and eleuen in file, the reare C as much more, the foure small wings D in the corners fifteene a peece, fiue files and foure deepe, the foure other wings E in the flanks are fiue Files, and foure deepe also.
600.
The two squadrons of Pikes A and B, are 144. a peece, eighteene Files, and eight deepe, which amount vnto 288. the twelue odde Pikes place in the reare of the last deuision of Pikes, the deuisions of Shott in the front C, are 64. a peece, that is sixteene files and foure deepe, the flankes D are eight files, and fourteene deepe, which are 236. the foure odde place in the reare.
511.
The Pikes A are 21. files, and thirteene deepe, the two halfe Diamonds B 49. a peece, the foure small wings at the corners C fifteen a peece three files, and fiue deepe, the foure greater D are twenty files, and foure deepe.
714.
The Pikes A are eighteene square, and the remainder 26. the wings of Shot marked with B are eight, sixe files, and eight deepe a peece.
750.
The two long squares A B of Pikes in the midst, are 180. each one fiue files and eighteene deepe, and tenne odde Pikes, the two flankes of Muskets C are 90. a peece sixe files, and fifteene deepe, the foure long squares D in the front 180. that is 45. a peece, fiue files, and nine deepe.
800.
The Pikes A B C D are 400. twenty files, and fiue deepe, 100. in euery squadron, the wings of Shot E fifty a peece, fiue files, ten deepe: this Order and all the rest where you see the Shot placed round about the Pikes, are to be vsed where you are surrounded by the Enemie.
900.
The Pikes A are 21. square, and nine odde, the Muskatieres must bee 108. in euery square 8, 36▪ that is sixe square, the long squares C 36. more, foure files, and nine deepe, which are in all 444. the odde sixe.
1500.
The great squadron A of Pikes 27. square, the reare B of Shott 300. thirty files, and ten deepe, the Forlorne Hope C fifty, fiue files, and tenne deepe, the foure other wings D 100. which is ten square, there are thirty odde Pikes.
2000.
The foure long squadrons of Pikes A are 250. a peece, twenty files, and tenne deepe, the foure long squares B of Muskets, are tenne files, and twelue deepe, which are 480. the sixe lesser C which are in the Forlorne Hope and reare, are nine a peece square, the two little squares D are eight a peece, two in files, and foure deepe.
1000.
The square A in the middle are 22. Pikes euery way, the halfe Moones B are 100. a peece, files fiue, and ten deepe, in one deuision, the long wings C in the midst of the halfe, Moones are six files, foure deepe.
1200.
The foure squares or squadrons A B C D of Pikes, are 144. a peece, twelue square, the odde Pikes are 24. the foure triangular squadrons E of Shot, are 72. a peece, the ground ranke sixteene, the next fourteene, and lessen euery ranke by two, which foure winges or squadrons are 288. the foure long squares F are 77. a peece, seauen files, and eleuen rankes, and foure odde Muskatieres vnplaced.
4500.
The two squares A B must bee thirty three a peece square, the remainder of Pikes are 36. the two flankes of Shot C, 300. a peece, twelue files, and twenty fiue deepe, the foure wings D in the front 361. a peece, nineteene square, the reare E are 206. Pikes, twenty files, and ten deepe, there are sixe odde Pikes.
The great square A must be fifty square, euery one of the wings B 200. a peece, ten file, and twentie deepe, the small wings in the front and reare C, which are squares, are 196. a peece, fourteene square, the foure lesser wings D in the right, and left hand flanke, are 56. a peece, seauen files, and eight deepe, and one odde Muskatiere.
3000.
The Pikes A which are in the midst, I meane the long square are thirty files, and fifty deepe, which are 1500. the two flankes C D of Muskets on the right and left of the Pikes are 420. each one, that is six files, and 70. deepe, the two squares at the front and reare D are also 600. ten files, and thirty deepe, there are 60. shot remaining, which must be placed in the front or reare.
4000.
The squadrons of Pikes innermost, A are fifteene square, and the odde Pikes are 224. which are placed in the midst to guard the Ensignes, the Shot are all in the outside, and are as many more square; likewise the remainder of them are 208. if you note it, the Muskets may issue or retreat in within the Pikes vpon any occasion, also the remainder of Pikes and Shot, may be placed in the midst C to guard the Ensignes.
6000.
The long squares that are like vnto a Crosse, are 510. a peece, fifteene in file, and 35. rankes, which are foure of them, that is in all 2040. the long squares B adioyning, are tenne files, and 24. deepe; the eight squares C that you see placed by the heads of the Crosses, a [...]e Muskatieres, and are thirteene files, and fourteene deepe, 48. remaining, the twelue other wings D that are placed betwixt the heads of the Crosses are 126. a peece, nine files, and fourteene deepe; but out of the 48. odde men, you must borrow twelue to make vp your full number.
6690.
The foure middle squadrons of Pikes A B C D are 860. a peece, 43. files, and twenty deepe, the [...]wo flankes E of Muskatieres, are thirty files, and [...]fty deepe, the two bigger squares F in the front, [...] one hundred a peece, ten square, the least G, at [...]e head of them two are fifty, fiue files, and ten [...]eepe.
9000.
The eight squares A in the midst, are 460. a peece, two files, and 28. deepe, the odde Pikes are sixteene, all the out wings noted with B are Muskatieres, twenty files, and 28. deepe, and as many Shot vnplaced, the Shot may retire through the lanes and galleries of the Pikes, then may the Pikes ioyne the longest wayes together, and make a iust square to inuiron the Pikes; and againe when you see cause, forme your selues after this manner againe to skirmish with your Shott, this fashion may be vsed with any number.
10000.
All those squares you see within the circle noted with A B C are squadrons of Pikes, the foure great long squares must be 936. a peece, 36. files, and 26. deepe, the foure other long squares B are 206. a peece, twenty files, and tenne deepe, the squares at the corners C are 100. a peece, tenne square. The Shott are all placed without the circumference noted with D, and doe containe 24. wings that will doe seruice all at one time without the hinderance one of another, two hundred each one, ten files, and twenty deepe, the remainder two hundred: vpon any occasion, the wings of Shott may retire within the squadrons of Pikes, and the Pikes but straighten their squadrons, will make a iust square to secure and inpall the Shot from any anoyance of Horse.
11000.
The halfe Moone Battalia A is 5400. twenty files, and 270 deepe, the odde hundred is placed in the square B within the halfe Moone, to shut vp the Muskets, when the fury of the Horse shall force them to retreat within the Pikes, the two longest squares C are 1000 a peece, twenty files, and fifty deepe, the foure other long squares D are 34 files, and 22 deepe, and eight vnplaced, the foure lesser wings E in the middle of the fourelast named, are 120 a peece, eight files, and twelue deepe, besides twenty vnplaced.
12000.
The two middle most squadrons with the foure corner squadrons marked with P are Pikes, the other sixe marked with M are Muskets, and are 1000 a peece, wanting 39 each squadron and wing, which are in all 468, those you may imploy for the guard of the Artillery, or in small wings at your pleasure.
14000.
The three Battalias or Squadrons of Pikes A are in the midst, and are 2310 a peece, 77 files, and thirty deepe, the odde Pikes 70, the Forlorne B and reare 1750 a peece, 70 files, and 25 deepe, the foure flankers C are 870 a peece, ten files, and 57 deepe, there are twenty Muskatieres to be spared, the Hargabusers D are 200, Lances E 200, and the light Horse F as many.
16000.
The great square A in the middle is 77 square, which some is 5929, and 71 vnplaced, the vtmost Pikes B that doe impall, the foure squares, and the eight long squadrons of Shot are 2000, fiue in file, and 100 deepe, the Forlorne Hope are 2100, one hundred in euery square, the reare 2000 more squared, as the others are halfe Diamond way, the foure squares D in the corners are 96 a peece, fourteene square, there are sixteene vnplaced, the eight long squares are 385, each one 77 files, and fiue deepe: The Horse E 6000, a thousand in each wing.
20000.
The foure squadrons A in the midst, are 961 a peece, that is 31. square, the Impall B are 4000 which is ten files, and 100 deepe, the squares C that comes from the Impalment B to the foure squares A in the midst, are 1600, one hundred in euery square, the long square I in the foote is 300, ten deepe, and 30 files, the remainder 356 to guard the Ordnance, the flankes D E and reare of Shot 3000, ten files, and 100 deepe, the Forlorne Hope G 3000, an hundred each one; the foure squares H as the corners 441, twenty one square a peece, the remainder 236, you may vse as many Horse as you please, and place them at the letter K.
22000.
The triangular Forlorne Hope A are 3600, a hundred in euery square, the two wings B 800 a peece, the reare C triangular forme 2800, the wings D are also 800 a peece, the long squares E that flanke the Pikes 1400, which are 700 a peece, seauen files, and 100 deepe, the foure squadrons marked with F of Pikes, are 10304 each one, are 1156, which are 24 square, the Horse G 1000 a peece, and vpon any occasion the reare may march vp through the lanes and galleries of the Squadrons of Pikes, to assist the Forlorne, and the Forlorne to retire backe, the odde Pikes are to close in the galleries of Pikes, and to defend the Shot from the anoyance of the Enemies Horse.
30400.
Euery one of the little squares are 100 men, ten square, the long squadrons of Pikes A 2500 a peece, 25 files, and 100 deepe, the foure corners B, which are like right angles, are 1000 a peece, fifty files, and twenty deepe, the squares C in the corners, are 225 a peece, fifteene square, the remainder are 100, by the figure here placed, you may plainely see how the Muskatieres may issue out, and againe retire in within the Pikes, vpon any occasion as they see good, and vpon any occasion the squadrons of Pikes A B C, may inuiron them in, and preserue them from the assault and fury of the Horse.
24000.
The Impall A is 133 deepe, and fifteene files, which is 5985, the Vanguard of Pikes B, which are eight squadrons, are 37 files, and ten deepe, which are 370 each one, which in all the eight squadrons are 2960, the reareward C are deuided into foure squadrons, [...]4 files, and ten deepe each one, which are 750 a peece; the totall of them foure are 3000, the remainder 55. Each of the wings of Shott which are 120 wings, are 100 a peece, ten square, the Horse D 6000, a thousand in each Troope.
40000.
The three Squadrons ABC of Pikes, are 4000, 100 files, and forty deepe, the Impalls D also are 4000 a peece, forty files, and 100 deepe, the foure wings of Shot in the Forlorne Hope, are 961 a peece, 31 square, the fiue wings F in the front of the first Deuision of Pikes, are 1000 a peece, twenty files, and fifty deepe, the reareward G are 1060, that is 53 files, and twenty deep, the vtmost Impalls H are 5000 a peece, fifty files, and 100 deepe, the remainder of Shot are 96: you may vse as many Horse as you please, and place them in the squares noted with I.
The proportion of a Campe, or Camps.
I Will onely at this time set downe some fewe particulars concerning Encamping; note that you ought not to be ruled by the scituation of any place, but let the scituation be ruled by you, by which meanes you may keepe alwayes one manner of Encamping, which is a great benefit, for thereby the Souldiers by that meanes will be almost able, their own selues to know where they must build their Hutts, especially those that are neere the Generalls lodging, and those of the vtmost workes: note that where the scituation wanteth strength, you must supply the same with Art and industry: take heede likewise that wheresoeuer you encampe, you foresee that there bee roome enough to range your Bands according to your owne desired Discipline. And because it is wisedome to deuide the Armed from the Vnarmed, I would therefore seperate the men that be comberd with any thing from the vncombred. Therefore I would lodge all, or the greatest part of the Armed men on the side towards the East, and vnarmed, and the combred on the West side, making East the head, and West the back part of the Campe, and South, and North, the flankes. The Artillery I would dispose a long the bank of the Trench, and in the space that should remaine [Page 53] towards the West, I would lodge the impedement of the Campe, and note that forthwith with cords and staues you may ordaine euery man his lodging, especially if you make (as I said before) your Campe one way. A Generall should not so much seeke to place his Campe in seates strong by nature, as to fortifie them by Art, as well to keepe his Souldiers from idlenes (the only ruine of Armies) as also that due order in Camps may bee maintained: therefore immitate the ancient Romanes, the very Schoolemasters of the Art of Warre, who neuer coueted other then the plaine to Camp vpon, entrenching themselues nightly in as strong and sure manner, as if the Enemy had encamped by them, and that euen in places vtterly voyde of all suspition, to make these Millitary trauailes familiar vnto them, and to auoyde those idle, or rather dissolute effrenate pastimes, that our Christian Camps are still too much bewitched and sorted withall, to the vtter ruine of all good Millitarie Discipline, and confusion of our Armies. In setling of a Campe, besides the commodities of Wood, Water, and Forage, you must also consider how victualls may safely come, and leaue no Castles at your back to annoy you, but that you seeke to possesse them ere you march forward, for great is the annoyance that a little pile at the back of an Army may doe as well against Forragers, as to cut off Victualers from the Campe. And thus much for Encamping.
The strongest and perfects fashion of all other for the building of a Curtaine or Wall of a Towne or Fort.
THE Circular fashion is counted the best, so that the Curtaines or Walls bee made straight, and of such length, that of the Bulwarkes they may be flanked, which fashion being made of many Corners, is most meete, if it be erected in a sufficient place, otherwise not, for there it must be builded with fewe Corners, else the one Bulwarke will hurt the other: Therefore the farther that they bee made distant from the Bulwarke (the duelength of the Curtaine being kept) so much the blunter the corners will come to bee, which by them must be defended, and the more of those Corners that are there in the same fashion, so much the blunter they shall also come to bee; likewise the more men they may haue to defend them, and more commodious space within for to retire, with great and strong fortifications, and the plot formes may bee made much further in, and haue the corners of their Bulwarks blunt, with a large backe, meete for defence, and in an assault much surer then the sharpe, because the sharpe pointed Bulwarke being batterd, defendeth the Enemie from the platformes, so that vnder the same, being couered, hee may almost out [Page 56] of danger make an assault, where against a Fortresse, after the fashion of these plots, following in whatsoeuer part of such places the Enemie should anproach marching towards them, to encampe, or in Battell ray to assault them, or with Trenches, and Artillery to batter them, either high or low, or by Curraine within, or otherwise, he shall alwayes from many of those flankers of the same place, be greatly hurt and repulsed, and of the platformes, especially more then from any other where, because they bee most neere, and stand higher then any other, and they shall also hurt him more when hee shall bee somewhat farre off then neere hand, as may be seene by the plaine plot, that hath the number three; and so much concerning Fortifications for this time.
The manner that is vsed of Lading and blowing of great Ordnance.
FOrasmuch as if the Gunners should chance to be slaine, or otherwise lacking, to the intent that euery Souldier, in the time of neede, may know how to serue in their places, I haue thought good to shew someting of the manner of Lading Blowing off, and Disparting of a Peece of Ordnance. Some doe take ⅔ parts of Powder, some halfe, and others aboue ⅔ parts; but that Peece must bee well fortified that may, or will safely blow out ⅔ parts of Powder of the weight of the Bullet. After you know the quantity of Powder, you must put in the soule or concaue of the Peece the said quantity, with the Ladle, and then when the Ladle comes to the Coyle, turne about your hand, and the Powder will be left behinde, then pull out the Ladle, and turne the other ende, and ramm it in softly, then wadd it afterwards, and last put in your Bullet, and wadd him likewise. But note that before you doe any of these things, you get the dispart of the Peece, which is no more to doe then to put a wyre into the touch-hole of the Peece, to the lower part of the concaue, then marke how high the wyre beares vpon the quoile, which marked, pull him out, and place him at the mussell to the bottome of the Concaue there, and make your Dispart [Page 59] iust as high as the notch was at the touch-hole: afterwards place the quoile and the toppe of the Dispart in an euen line to the vppermost marke: Thus haue you the true Horizontall line, or line of Leuell; now for quicke dispatch you may make cartreges of Paper, or Linnen baggs, and put a full Charge of Powder in them: So may you make a hole with a Gunners gimlett into the Cartrege, then prime with fine Corner powder, which is more readier to blowe him off: and when hast requires, you may be the sooner ready vpon any occasion. Also Wine or Vineger are the best things to coole any Peece of Ordnance when they are hott.
Questions and Rules concerning Great Ordnance.
IF a Saker at Point blancke conuey her Bullet 300. paces, and at the best of her randome shoote 1500. what will that Cannon doe, which at point blanke shootes 360. paces.
Multiply 1500. by 360. and deuide it by 300. your question is answered.
If a Saker of 4. Inches Diameter weigh 1600. pound weight, what will a Culuerin weigh of 6. Inches Diameter
Multiply the Diameter Cubically, then say, if [Page 60] 64. giue 1600. what will 216. giue: Multiply 216. by 1600 your question is resolued.
If a Cannon at point blanke range 300 paces, and at the best of her Randome shoot 1500 paces, how farre shall shee shoot at the mount of one Degree.
Abate 300 from 1500, rests 1200 which diuided by 45 the quotient is 26⅔ so many paces shall shee shoot at euery degree.
If a Cannon of 10 foot long bee shot at a marke 700 yeards from the Peece, the dispart being planting an inch wide, how farre shall the bullet light wide of the marke.
Looke how many times the length of the Cilender or Concaue of the Peece is to the marke, so many inches shall the Peece shoot amisse, being layd ouer or vnder one inche, if the winde be not to rough to alter it.
If you measure with a paire of Callaper Compasses the greatest height of mettall, at the mossell of the Peece, and likewise at the Coyle; abating the lesser out of the greater, ½ the remainder is the iust disparture.
It is a general rule, that look how much a Peece is thicker of mettall in any one side at the quoyle then at the thickest part of the mussell: as also, looke how many times the length of the Peece is to the Marke; so many times that ouerplus of thickenesse shall the bullet flye ouer the marke, being no higher then the Peece, and the Peece [Page 61] blowne off without her disparture.
How to make Granados to shoote in a Peece of Ordnance.
THe Balles of mettall must be of the bignesse of the Peeces concaue, and a quarter of an Inch thicke, made three parts of Brasse, and one part of Tinne, but the Brasse ought to bee melted before the Tinn bee put to it; which Balles you must fill halfe full of fine powder, and the other halfe full of grosser powder mingled vvith Rosen vvell beaten: so that for three parts of grosse powder, there be one part of Rosen, and then putting in the holes some small Corne powder to make the rest fire, and after they be fired, and throwne, they will breake and flye into a thousand pieces, and both hurt and kill whomsoeuer are neere them.
How to find out the square Root; of any number by this Table from 16 to 10000.
| Number. | Roote | Square | Remainder |
| 16 | 4 | 16 | 0 |
| 25 | 5 | 25 | 0 |
| 36 | 6 | 3 | 0 |
| 49 | 7 | 46 | 0 |
| 64 | 8 | 64 | 0 |
| 81 | 9 | 81 | 0 |
| 100 | 10 | 100 | 0 |
| 150 | 11 | 121 | 29 |
| 200 | 14 | 196 | 4 |
| 250 | 15 | 225 | 25 |
| 300 | 17 | 289 | 11 |
| 350 | 18 | 324 | 26 |
| 400 | 20 | 400 | 0 |
| 450 | 21 | 441 | 9 |
| 500 | 22 | 484 | 16 |
| 500 | 23 | 529 | 21 |
| 600 | 24 | 576 | 24 |
| 650 | 25 | 625 | 25 |
| 700 | 26 | 676 | 24 |
| 750 | 27 | 729 | 21 |
| 800 | 28 | 784 | 16 |
| 850 | 29 | 841 | 9 |
| 900 | 30 | 900 | 0 |
| 950 | 30 | 900 | 50 |
| 1000 | 31 | 961 | 39 |
| 1100. | 32 | 1024 | 76 |
| [Page 63]1200 | 33 | 1156 | 11 |
| 1300 | 34 | 1225 | 44 |
| 1400 | 37 | 1369 | 74 |
| 1500 | 38 | 1444 | 31 |
| 1600 | 40 | 1680 | 56 |
| 1700 | 41 | 1681 | 0 |
| 1800 | 42 | 1764 | 19 |
| 1900 | 43 | 1849 | 36 |
| 2000 | 44 | 1936 | 64 |
| 2200 | 46 | 2116 | 84 |
| 2400 | 48 | 2304 | 96 |
| 2600 | 50 | 2500 | 100 |
| 2800 | 52 | 2704 | 96 |
| 3000 | 54 | 2916 | 84 |
| 3500 | 59 | 3481 | 19 |
| 4000 | 63 | 3969 | 31 |
| 4500 | 67 | 4489 | 11 |
| 5000 | 70 | 4900 | 110 |
| 5500 | 74 | 5476 | 24 |
| 6000 | 77 | 5929 | 71 |
| 6500 | 80 | 6400 | 100 |
| 7000 | 83 | 6889 | 111 |
| 7500 | 86 | 7396 | 104 |
| 8000 | 89 | 79 [...]1 | 79 |
| 8500 | 92 | 8464 | 36 |
| 9000 | 94 | 8836 | 164 |
| 9000 | 97 | 94 [...]9 | 21 |
| 10000 | 100 | 10 [...]00 | 0 |
[Page 64] And so you may proceede infinitely, but now the meanes to extract the roote of any number, is thus found: Suppose your number to be 200, first you must put a prick in euery odde place, beginning first on the right hand with the first, third, fift, and so continue vntill you come to the end of the number, except the last, which somtimes hath but one.
Secondly, marke the numbers that belong vnto the last prick towards the left hand: Or whether he haue belonging vnto him one number or two, looke the roote of that number if it be square, and that roote set by a crooked line, as you place the quotient in deuision, and cansell all that square number belonging to that prick.
But if the number belonging to that prick bee not a square number, then take the roote of the greatest square, which is contained in it, and place the roote as I said before, and the square of it shall you abate from the number which belong to the last & prick, let the rest be set ouer those numbers cancelled, as you doe in deuision, and so haue you ended that prick, then in the same manner goe forward with the rest. As for example 200, you place your prickes first on the cipher next your right hand, the next 2 the first figure, then I aske what is the roote of 2, and I finde 1, therefore I put that in my quotient, and substract it out of 2, and there remaines 1, then I double the quotient, and it is 2 that I place still betweene the two [Page 65] pricks, then I aske how many times 2 is in 10, and I finde 4 that I put also in my quotient, and substract it out of 10, then remaines 2, now I square the last figure 4, saying 4 times 4 is 16, which I substract also out of 20, the remainder is 4, which is the truest and speediest way of all.
Here I will produce some questions of Arithmetick, which shall be to the purpose wee haue in hand, and also to shew and make manifest vnto you, how necessary it is for euery Souldier, whether he be Captaine, Lieutenant, or other Officer whatsoeuer that followes the Warres, to haue good skill in the depth of Arithmetick, as in the extraction of rootes, and also in the Rule of Algebra.
1 A Captaine Generall hauing three great Armies, would cast them into three square Battels, but he knoweth not how many men he shall set in the front of each Battell. The numbers of the three Armies are these: of the first there are 5625, the second are 9216, the third 15129.
Now you must search out the square roote by the former rules, so shall you haue the answer.
2 A Prince hath an Army very great, with which he passeth in a valewe, so that in marching the Front can be but 18 men, and by that meanes the flanke containeth [...]49352. After that the Armie hath passed that valewe, the King minding to occupie all the best ground, willeth the Battell to be set square.
[Page 66] You must multiply the flanke by the front, and then your number will be 8088336, and extract the roote, and you shall haue 2844 for your square roote.
A Citie should be scaled being double ditched, and the inner ditch 32 foote broad, and the wall 21 foote high: the Captaine commandeth skalling Ladders to be made of the iust height, that would reach from the vtter browe of the inner ditch, to the top of the wall, as in this figure is partly expressed.
As thus 32 multiplied in it selfe 1024, then 21 multiplied by it selfe maketh 441, now you must adde both these summes together, and there make 146 [...], then extract the roote which is 3812/76, and that is the iust length of the line A C.
Note also this, that if at any time you haue occasion to double any square as a square battaile, or a square Campe: you must take the side of that square, which you would double suppose that battell was before 210: now you haue as many more Souldiers as you had, therefore you must double it, the way to double either, the ground or men is thus, multiply 210 by it selfe, and thereof commeth 44100. that must I double 88200, the roote of which number extracted, is the double [Page 67] and iust square of that number which you had before 296. [...]84/296.
And hereby you may perceiue the ouersight of many men, which being required to double a square plot, doe double the side of it, thinking it easily done.
But if they marke it well, he may perceiue that they doe make by that meanes a square 4 times, as bigge as their first figure, was as by this figure any man may see.
A peece of Ordnance of 6 inches Diameter in the soule, doth carrie a Bullet of 20 pound waight, what waight shall that Bullet be, that serueth for a peece of Ordnance of 14 inches in the soule.
Note that all Globes beare together triple that proposition, that their Diameters doe: So in this example, the proportion of their Diameter being as 14 to 6, or as 7 to 3, I must triple it, and then haue I the proportion of their Globes.
Wherfore I set the three fractions thus 777/333, and there make 34 [...]/27, that is 1219/27, and so are the proportions of the Globes as well in weight as bignesse.
[Page 68] Therefore I must multiply 20, which is the waight of the lesser Bullet, by the numerator of the proportion, and deuide it by the Denominator, and so shall I haue 25427/2 for the weight of the greater Bullet.
There was a King with a great Armie, and his Aduersarie corrupteth one of his Heraulds with gifts, and maketh him sweare, that hee will tell him how many Dukes, Earles, and other Souldiers there are in that Armie: The Herauld loath to loose those gifts, and as loath to bee vntrue to his Prince, deuiseth this answer which was true, but yet not so plaine, that the aduersary could thereby vnderstand that which hee desired, and that answer was this.
Looke how many Dukes there are, and for each of them there are twice so many Earles, and vnder euery Earle there are foure times so many Souldiers as there bee Dukes in the field. And when the Master of the Souldiers was taken, the 200 part of them was 9 times so many as the number of the Dukes.
This is a true declaration of each number, quoth the Herauld, and I haue discharged my oath, now guesse how many of each sort there was, marke the worke.
And first for the number of Dukes, I set 1 (powerof1) then will the number of Earles be 2 (powerof2) that is 1 (powerof1) by 1 (powerof1) multiplied twice, and the number of Souldiers [Page 69] are 8 (powerof3) that is 2 (powerof2) multiplied by 1 (powerof1) foure times, but because the 200 part of the Souldiers are nine times so many as the number of the Dukes, therefore must 200 part of 8 (powerof3) be equall to 9 (powerof2) and so consequently 8 (powerof3) [...] 1800 (powerof1) and 1 (powerof2) [...] 225 (powerof1) or [...]
For if I set 1/200 and 9 as equall together, and would by the Art of Fractions bring the same proportion in whole numbers, I shall haue for 9. this Fraction 1800/200 and seeing the Denominators be all one in 8/200 and is 1600/200 the proportion consisteth betweene the numerators.
Then to proceede if 229 be equall vnto one I shall take the roote out of the 225 for 1 and that is 15, which must be the number of the Dukes.
And so haue I the first number, wherefore the second number which is the number of Earles, must be 15 times 15 twice, that is 450, and the number of Souldiers shall be foure times 15, multiplied by 4, 0, that is 27000, and for iust triall of this worke, I take the 200 of the Souldiers that 1350, and I finde it to be nine times 15, that is nine times so many as the number of the Dukes, and so is the question ended.
[Page 70] A Table to discouer numbers by hundreds, placed by 3. 5. 7. 9. and so forth to 15, as from 100 vnto 1500, as thus 7 in ranke, and 34 in File is 102.
Ranks men
Ranks men
Admonitions for the Citizens of London and Bristoll.
ANd since I haue waded so farre into the Art Millitary, I haue thought good to aduertise thus much in generall; But perticularly, the Citizens of London and Bristoll.
There are in these Cities sundry Companies of three hundred a peece, which are to great by much to obserue Rankes and Files, and diuers other Orders necessary and much vsefull, vnlesse they are often vsed to be exercised by Deuisions: Neuerthelesse, it was absolutely denyed by the auncient Romanes, who neuer desired more then a hundred in one Company, and therefore they were called Centurions, as much to say as Captaines ouer Hundreds.
They who were the terrour of Christendome, for feates of Armes, be our Presidents; and let vs follow the imitation of the Mightiest, rather then of others, whose populous assaults are scaled by the very eye of the Enemie, and repulsed by the disorder of the Multitude. I will similize this to the Husband man, who sayes, one Acre well manured, yeeldes more profite then ten ill tillde; so one hundred well experienced, are able encounter with two hundred rawe Souldiers.
Some will (peraduenture) say, nay grumble at [Page 62] this my aduertisement, because they know it may be a greater charge vnto them then now it is, by reason of more Officers that must be vsed, if you lessen your Companies, and not deminish your full Muster.
To this I answere; The Cities Lands and Moneyes are infinite, and therefore able to vndergoe so small a burden for the payment of more Officers, the ripenesse and expertnesse in Millitary skill but lame, and extreme decreped: Adde the assistance of Money to the decrepidnesse of Discipline, and you shall be sure to haue a meane of both sides, the strength of the City will be thereby much the more inabled, the Honor of it the moe renowned, and the furie the more feared: For what a terror will it strike into the hearts of Strangers, and an amazement to our neighbouring Kingdomes, to see euery Man so skilfull and compleate, Marching, Trouping, and Standing in Battell-ray, like so many Commaunders, the worst not vnworthy the gouernement of a Noble Company, daring Bellona and her fiercest assaults, ready to encounter the worst of Stratagems?
Now Noble Citizens, the Honor will be your owne, the Strength the Kings, and the Wonder the Worldes, which I hope will be no long time deferred, to the glory of [...]od, the defence of true Christian Religion, and to the generall preseruation of your selues.
[Page 73] Also, there is an other matter, which is not so seemely and Souldier like performed as I haue seene it in Forregine parts: That is, your Marching into the Field, for you obserue no manner of Order; therefore marke this: Let euery priuate Captaine repaire, to and atend his Colonells Ensigne, and so let the Eldest Colonell march first into the Field, then his Captaines, according to their antiquity: And in comming out, or Trouping in, first the Youngest, then the next, by which meanes, you shall be able and ready to ioyne Battle, without the trauerse vp and downe of so much ground, before you know your right range; for you spend a great part of the day in placing your Companies right in their order.
These things amended, and orderly performed, will adde much Honour to your Cities, and commendations to the Leaders and Officers: and so I rest.
The Authors Farewell to his faythfull Friends: Or, his Caueats to his louing Countrey-men.
IT is bad Pollicy to let Danger knock at the Doore. Sollid and grounded Courses which keepe dangers aloofe, are better then fine shiffts, and neate deliuerances, when they are neere.
Meditation without Practise, is like an vnstringed Instrument, whereon no Man plaies: Practise without the Theoricke, is like a stringed Instrument, but not well Tunde.
It is a Maxime in Millitary proceedings, that those things determined, should not be communicated, but to those without whome it can not be effected.
Beware of too long Consultations, least they flye away with the time: Delayes and protractions prooue dangerous many times frustrary.
An Army of Sagges led by a Lyon, is better then an Army of Lyons led by a Stagge.
In Warre, nothing can be worse, then to say, Had I Wist.
A Generall told his excusing Souldier, Thou must not fayle twice in Warre.
The wisest Captaines, needes not thinke it a derogation to their Valour, or a deminution to their Honor, to rely on Counsell.
[Page 39] Youth are like the first cogitations, not so wise as the second, fitter to Inuent then to Iudge; fitter for Execution then for Counsell; fitter for new Proiects then for setled Businesse. They in conduct and managing of Martiall affayres, imbrace more then they can hold, fire more then they can quench, stirre more then they can quiet, flye to the end, without consideration of the meanes.
Old men obect too much, consult too long, aduenture too little, seldome driues businesse home to the full: Therefore a mixture must be vsed: Ages Wisedome, and experimentall aduise, ioynd with Youths Valour, and quick dispatch, prooues inuincible.