THe Art Military is of its selfe so Excel­lent, that it is fit for the knowledge of all Noble Personadges, and a quality most especially necessary for all Kings and Princes, whether they live either in peace or war, for without it their tranquillity cannot be preser­ved, nor their warre prosecuted, nor yet their own persons and subjects defended, for force and strength of men though valorous, sufficeth not unlesse the same be governed by Military Coun­sell and Martiall wisdome, Duo sunt quibus Res­pub: servatur, in hostes fortitudo & dom [...] concordia. [...] [Page 8] cipiatur, ut nihil aliud quam pax quaesita videatur. Cicero &c. Let warre be so undertaken, that nought else but peace may seem to be sought for thereby.

AS we have shewed unjust Warre to be unlaw­full, so we will shew that temerity and unad­vised warre is an Enterprise most worthy of discommendation. Omnes bellum sumunt facilè, aeger­rimè definunt, net in ejusdem potestate initium & fi­nis est. Sallust. &c. All Princes undertake a warre easily, but leave it off difficultly; neither is the beginning and end in the power of one and the same person.

AS a wise Prince ought not to undertake any unlawfull invasion, so ought he not without mature deliberation enter into any warre at all, [Page 9] as one that is unwilling to offend others, though yet of courage enough to defend himselfe and his, Nec provoces bella, nec timeas. Plin: Neither may'st thou stirre up, neither stand in feare of warre.

TO make a warre three things are required, 1. Money. 2. Men. 3. and Armes, and to maintaine this warre, Provision, and Counsell are needfull; therefore the undertaking Chieftaine before he beginneth a warre, doth care­fully consider not onely his forces, but the char­ges that doth belong thereunto, Diu apparandum est bellum, ut vincas melius, Pub: Warre is long before hand to be provided for, that so thou may'st conquer the better.

ABove all the provisions of warre, Care must be held, that Bread be not wanting, for with­out [Page 10] it nor victory, no nor life can bee looked for or expected. Quifr [...]mentum necessarium (que) c [...]m­meatum non praparat vincitur sineferro: Vigetius. He is vanquished without weapon, who prepares not bread and other necessarie provision of victu­als.

A Prince or Chieftaine that intends warre ei­ther offensive or defensive, must have armes alwaies in readinesse, whereby is understood Harnesse, Horses, Weapons, Engins of artillery, powder and every other thing necessary for ser­vice, either of foot, or horse, and where the Prin­ces territories are marittime, we may add hereunto shipps and shipping of all sorts, with every furniture thereto belonging both of defence and offence: these preparations make a Prince formidable, because no man dare doe or attempt against that King or people, where preparation is ever ready to revenge. Qui desider at pacem, praeparet bellum. Caes. He that desireth peace, fore-provide's for warre.

VVHen I say people, men &c. I meane a multitude of Subjects, armed and trained to defend or offend, and these by the cu­stome of these times are of two sorts, Viz. Sould­jers and Captaines, and souldiers are also of two sorts, foot-men and horsemen, the one most usefull in the Champion, and the other in mo [...]tan [...]us places, and likewise for defence, or assault of townes or grounds fortified, they are most necessary, and consequently meet for service in all places, which moved Tacitus to say, Omne in pedite Robur Iacet. &c. All the strength lyes in the footmen.

FOr sudden service, the horse hath ever beene judged most meete, and the Execution of any speedy service is by them soonest performed: Neverthelesse all Captaines doe judge the actions [Page 12] of the footemen, most certaine of Execution, chief­ly if well trained, and skilfully lead, for so Expe­rience hath of late dayes proved, besides that, they carrie with them ever a lesse Expence, and are commonly of greater number. In universu [...] aestimar [...] plus penes pedittem roboris esse, Tacit. &c. Generally more strength is reputed to bee in the forces on foot.

BY these aforegoing observations, it is suffici­ently proved that both horsemen and foote­men be necessary: yet let us remember withall, that unlesse they be also serviceable, great numbers are but to small purpose. Manibusopus est bel­lo, non multis nominibus. In warre not many names, but many hands are requisite.

TWo things is conceaved to make souldiers serviceable, the first consisteth in good choise, [Page 13] and the other in good discipline: both of them, but especially the latter, at this day little regard­ed. Emunt militem, non legunt. Liv. &c. They doe not carelesly take up, but purchase a souldjer.

THe Election of souldiers ought ever to be out of the most honest and able number of bo­dies, and every campe is ever ablest, when it is composed of men knowne to one another, for there­by they are made the more confident, and their love to each other will make them adventure the one for another, but small heed is taken hereof in these dayes, for they are for the most part Pur­gamenta Vrbium suorum. Curtius &c. The off­scouring of their Cities.

IN discipline it is now a dayes seene in armies, that the Externall forme, and not the certaine [Page 14] substance thereof is observed, for whereas soul­diers in former ages indeavoured to be vertuous and modest, so now they studie rather how to excell in Riot then in Martiall knowledge. Ex­ercitus lingu [...] quam Manu promptior: praedator [...] sociis, & ipse praeda hostium, Sall: The Army is nimbler in their tongue than their hand; a rob­ber among it's companions, and it selfe be­comes the enemies booty.

NOw in as much as souldiers are made good by choise and Election, and that the founda­tion and ground of service seemeth to consist in the discretion, and judgement of those that have authority to make this Election, yet we must adde, that they must be chosen of the number of Natu­rall subjects, for strangers are covetous, and con­sequently corruptible, they are also mutenous, and not seldome time cowardly: the custome like­wise is to robbe, burne; and spoile, both friends and foes, and consume the Princes treasure. Ossa vides regum vacuis exsucta medullis. Iuvenal. &c. By this meanes I professe Kings bones behold you may cleane marrowlesse.

NOw in the naturall souldier, few or none of these exorbitances are found, for he is faith­full and obedient, resolute in fight, loving to his country, and loyall to his Soveraigne. Gentes quae sub regibus sunt, pro Deo colunt, Curtius &c. Nations which are under King [...], honour them for Gods.

STatesmen and Politicians have noted, that Naturall souldiers are of two sortes, the first are they that are in continuall pay, and the second are they that are trained ready to serve, but doe notwithstanding attend their owne private af­faires untill they be called, the first sort are ne­cessary for all Princes. In pace decus, in bello prae­ [...]id [...], Tacit. An ornament they are in peace, a guard in warre.

But these doe hold, that of this sort, no great numbers ought to be, partly to eschew disorders incident thereto, and partly to avoide the expences thereof, the second kind of foote soul­diers, are to be trained in Shires, Townes, and Villages, as people more patient of paines, and fit for the warres, yet not so ambitiously disposed, as the citizens of Eminent Cities. Odio praesenti­um, & cupidine mutationis. Tacit. &c. With a loathing of the present, and a desire of cha [...]ge.

DIvers have left us their severall opinions touching the number of their Extraordina­ry souldiers, but this must be referred to the dis­cretion and wisedome of the Prince, and Chieftaine. Bellum parare, & simul aerario parcere, Sa. To make provision for the warre, and with all to favour the treasurie.

THe number of ordinary Souldiers, as well as of the extraordinary, must also bee left to the wisdome of the Prince commanding, yet some hold that the same ought to be according to the number of common people in a kingdom, not inser­ting the Gentlemen, for to such say they, is onely proper the service on horseback. Alas rusticis non tribu [...]; in nobilitatem & in divites, haec à paupe­ribus onera inclines. Livins, &c. I doe not allot the wings of the army among countrie fellowes; decline these charges from the poorer sort, and lay them upon the Nobility, and wealthy men.

FIve certaine notes have been observed where­by the disposition of men fit to become soul­diers hath beene discerned. First the Country, where they are borne, second their Age, third their Proportion of body, fourth their quality of minde, fift their faculty. Touching their Country, it is a thing apparently opened, that mo [...]anous regions, or barren places, and northerne habitations, doe breed wits well disposed to the warre. Locorum asperit as hominum quoque ingenia durat. Curt. &c. [Page 18] The ruggednesse of their habitation doth also make the disposition of the inhabitants hardy.

THe age in the second place most apt for the warre, was antiently observed to be about eighteene yeares, and so the Romans used. Facilius est ad virtutem instruere novos milites quàm revocare praeteri [...]os, Vig. &c. It is easier to traine up fresh­water Souldiers to Discipline, then to reclaime over-growne ones.

IN the third place the stature of the soldier ought to be observed: C. Marius liked best the longest bodies, Pirrhus prefered large and well proportioned men, but Vigetius seemed in his choise rather to esteeme strength then stature,. Utilius est fortes milites esse qu àm grandes. Viget. &c. It is more advantagious, that the Souldiers be strong then great.

IN the next place, the mind and Spirit of a Soldi­er, is to be considered, for that mind which is quick, nimble, bold and confident, seemeth apt for Warre: he also is of good hope that loueth honor more then Ease, or profit. In briefe: Is qui n [...]hil metuit, nisi turpem famam. Sall. He that is afraid of nothing but an ill name.

IN the last place, it is to be marked in what Art or Faculty a man hath beene brought up, for it may be presumed, that Fishers, Fowlers, Cookes, &c. trained up in esseminate Arts, are unfit for Martiall indeavor, and as these men were in re­spect of their Trades, thought unmeet; so in old time, Slaves, and Masterlesse-men, were repulsed from Armes, as in famous persons. Sed nunc tales sociantur armis quales domini habere fastidiunt. Vig. &c. But now a dayes such fellowes are entertai­ned in their Armies, as they fowlely scorne to keepe in their houses.

HOw Soldiers are to be chosen, these few words which wee have spoken may suffice to de­monstrate: let us now in the next place say som­what of Discipline, for though choise findeth out Soldiers, yet it is Discipline doth make them such, and continueth them fit for service. Paucos Viros forles Natura procreat, bona institutione plures reddit industria. Vig. &c. Nature bring's forth but a few very strong-men; Industrie by good instructi­on breed's up very many.

MIlitarie Discipline is a certaine severe confir­matīion of Soldiers, in their Valor and Vertue, and is seene to be performed by foure meanes, I Exercise, 2 Order, 3 Compulsion, 4 Example; the two first of these do appertaine to Valor, the third to Vertue, and the last both to Valor, and Vertue.

But first for Exercise, I say that a Soldier being chosen, ought to be informed in Armes, and used in action, the word it selfe Exercitium importeth nothing els. Exercitus dicitur quod melius fit Ex­ercitando, Varro. It is called Exercitus, an Ar­my, because it is made better by often exercising.

ORder in Martiall Discipline consisteth in di­viding, disposing and placing of men, aptly at all occasions, to be commanded, as the leaders shall direct: this in it selfe requireth with the parts thereto appertaining a longer discourse, therefore I refer it to Experienced Captaines, and skillfull. Leaders, that have written thereof, as Polibius, Vigetius, Dela-Nove, and others &c.

MIlitary Compulsion, or coertion, is that which bridleth, and governeth the manners of Soldi­ers, for no order can be observed a mongst them, vnlesse they be indewed with the qualities of Con­tinency, Modesty, and Abstinency, but first Continency is chiefely to be shewed in their Diet, and mode­rate desires. Degenerat aè Robore ac Virtute miles assuetudine Voluptatum, Tacitus. A Souldier, by custome of Pleasures, degenerates from's Cour­age, and Manlinesse.

THe modesty of a Soldier is best perceived in his words, his apparell, and his actions, for to be a Vanter or a vaine-glorious boaster, is far unfit in him that professeth honour, or Armes, but that which hath bene held true Vertu is silent, Viri mi­litiae natifactis magni ad Verborum linguaeque certa­mina rudes. Tacit. &c. Men borne to Martiall Discipline, and renowned by famous exploits, are altogether unacquainted how to skirmish with words, or the tongue.

THe modesty of a Soldier is also shewed in his apparell, if therein hee do not Exceed: for al­beit it fitteth well the Profession of Armes, to be well Armed, and decently apparelled, yet all super­fluity and Excesse, savoreth either of ignorance or Vanity; Horridum militem esse decet, non caelato auro argentoque, sed ferro. Liv. It best beseemes a Souldier, to appeare terrible: not to be garnish­ed with Gold and Silver, but with Steele.

ABstinence is also fit for all Soldiers, for there­by guided, they refraine from Violence, and insolency, by which rule also they are informed to governe themselves civilly, in the place or country where they serve, and likewise in their lodgings, never taking away any thing from the owners, nor yet committing outrage, though urged thereto by great necessity; Vivant cum provincialibus jure civili, nec insolescat animus, quise sentit armatum. Cast.

Let them live with their provincialls in a ci­vill manner; neither let his mind grow insolent, who perceives himselfe Armed.

THe last mark of Military Discipline, wee cal­led Example: vnder which word is compre­hended Reward, and Punishment, for Soldiers are rewarded, whensoever they receve for any Excellent or singular service, Honor, or Riches, and for Evill they have their due, when they tast the punishment thereunto belonging, Necessarium est acrius ille di­micet quem ad opes ac dignitates ordo militiae et im­peratoris iudicium consueuit evehere. Vig. &c. Tis requisite that they should stand to it more stifly, [Page 24] whom the course of Service in the Warres, and the respect of the Generall hath thought good to advance.

AS gold and glory doth truely belong to the good and welldeserving Soldier, so punish­ment is dew to those, that be Vicious and Cowardly, for nothing is conceived so much to hold Soldiers in dew obedience, as the severity of true Martiall Discipline: Milites, imperatorempotius quàm ho­stem metuere debent. Vig. &c. Souldiers ought to stand in more awe of their Generall, then feare of their Enemy.

Of Soldiers let these observations suffice: Wee will now speak of what quality Chieftaines, and Leaders ought to be, for upon them dependeth the welfare of whole Armies; Militar is turba sine duce, Corpus fine spiritu, Curtius. A Band of Souldiers without a Captaine, is a Body without breath.

A Chiefe or Generall in Warre, is either of his owne authority, a Chiefe, or a Generall, that doth command in the name of another; of the first [Page 25] sort are Emperors, Kings, and Princes: of the second, be the Deputies, Lieutenants, Colonels, and indeed all Generall Commanders, in Warre: Now whether it be more Expedient that the Prince should command in person, or by his Deputy, divers wise-statesmen have diversly discussed, from which it may be in effect thus farr concluded, that if the Warre do onely concerne some particular part or province, then may the same be performed by a Lieutenant; but if the whole fortune of the Prince doe thereupon depend, then is he to com­mand in his owne Person, and not otherwise.

Dubijs praeliorum exemptus, summae rerum et im­perij seipsum reservat. Tacit. &c. Being free'd from the dangers of battaile, he reserves himselfe for authority and chiefe command.

AS therefore it importeth the Prince by his owne presence, and somtimes by deputation, to performe this most eminent office, yet how ever occasion shall require, it ever behoveth accord­ing to the greatest, and generall opinion of Authors that but one onely Commander, ought to be in chiefe, for Plurality of Generalls, doe rarely or ne­ver worke any good effect: with this proviso and caution that to his experience, and wisdome, he have the other properties of such a Commander. In bel­lica [Page 26] praefectura major aspectus habendus peritiae, quam Virtutis aut morum. Aristot. &c. In Warlike authority, a greater consideration is to be had of the experience, than of the Vertue or condition of the Commander.

MAny are the qualities required by Authors, in a compleat Chi [...]taine, the principall in­sisted upon are five, Skill, Vertue, Providence, Au­thority, and Fortune. First by Skill, is meant, he should be of great knowledg, and long experience, for to make and fashion out a sufficient Captaine, neither the information of others, nor yet his owne reading, is not prevalent. Qui nor it quis Ordo agminis, quae cura explorandi, quantus Vrgendo tra­hendoue bello modus. Cicero. &c. Who knowe's what is the Order of a troupe, what the care, of e­spying, how great the measure of hast'ning or de­laying the Warre.

BY the V [...]rtue of a Generall, is understood a certaine Vigor or force, both of body and mind, to exercise Souldiers, as well in feigned warre as in a reall fight with the Enemy, and therefore [Page 27] to say summarily, a Captaine ought to be laboriosus in negotio, fortis in periculo, industriosus in agendo, et celeris in conficiend [...]. Cicero. Painefull in im­ployment, hardy in danger, industrious in action, and swift in execution.

NExt to Vertue is placed providence, to be a needfull quality, in a Generall: for being of such wisdom, they will not hazard, nor yet com­mit more to fortune, then necessity shall inforce: yet too true it is, the fooles, and vulgar folkes, that commend, or discommend actions according to the issue or successe, were wont to say, Cunctatio servilis, statim exequi regium est, Delay is base; to put in present execution, is Princely. But the more advised, and provident Captaines, do think, Temeritas, praeter quam quod stulta, est etiam infaelix, Livius. That Rashnes is not onely foolish, but also infortunate.

THough Providence be ever accounted the best meanes of good speed, yet some Captaines of that Quality, and in skill excellent, have beene in their actions, and Enterprises, vn [...]ucky; when o­thers [Page 28] of lesse sufficiency, by good fortune, have mervailously prevailed, as is plentifully manifest­ed to us by Histories, in all ages; we may there­fore reasonably say with Cicero, Quodolim Maxi­mo, Marcello, Scipioni, Mario, et caeter is magnis Impe­ratoribus, non solum propter v [...]rtutem, sed etiam propter fortunam saepius imperia mandata, atque exercitus esse commissos. Cicero. That heretofore not one­ly for their Valour, but also for their good For­tune, that authority was frequently imposed, and the command of the Army was committed to Maximus, Marcellus, Scipio, Marius, and other those great Generals.

AVthority was the last thing we wished to be in a Generall, for it greatly importeth his actions, and designes; what opinion, or conceit the Enemy may have of such a Commander, and likwise how much his friends, and confederates doe e­steeme him: but the onely chiefe and principall meanes to maintaine this authority, as sundry au­thors have left us in their writings, is Austerity, and Terror. Dux authoritatem maximam sever [...]ta­ [...]e sumat, omnes culpas militares legibus vindicet, n [...]lli Errantium credatur ignoscere. Viget. &c. Let a Generall take upon him selfe very great autho­rity, with gravity; let him punish the Souldiers [Page 29] delinquencies according to the lawes, let him be believed to pardon no Offenders.

TO conclude these Observations, collected up­on the due properties, of a Generall; experience hath proved, that such Chieftaines, as were affable, and kind to their Soldiers, became ever much loved, yet did they incurre contempt; but on the other side, those that have commanded severely, and ter­ribly, albeit they gained no good-will, yet were they ever best obeyed. Dux facilis inutilis. App. A favorable Generall is worth little.

AFter that a Prince hath found out, and ele­cted his men, and framed them fitt for the Warres, whom now I terme Soldiers; yet serve they to small or no purpose, unlesse they be im­ployed according to Military wisdome, of warlike counsell. Non minus est Imperatoris consilio quam Vip [...]rfecisse. Tacit. It is of no lesse moment to be instructed by the advise, than the valour of the Generall.

COunsell in Warre, or Military Counsells, is by som wri [...]ers branched into two several sorts, that is, Direct Counsell, and indirect Counsell: the first extendeth it selfe to a plaine and orderly de­monstration and course, for proceeding; as to lay hold upon fitt and due occasion: for as in all other humane actions, so (chiefly in Warre) Occasion is of great force, and consequence. Occasio in bell [...], solet amplius juvare quam Virtus. Vig. &c. Oppor­tunity in Warre commonly help's more than Valour.

MAny Authors have left us in writing, that occasions presented, being then taken hold of, have often bee the meanes of good successe, and that the fame of him, that knoweth when to em­brace the same, hath wrought great effects: Con­stancy in Resolutions, determined in Counsells, is then behooffull: Therefore a Captaine ought not to give credit, nor be apt to believe the vaine Ru­mors, and reports of every man. Malè imperatur cum regit V [...]lgus duces suos. Seneca. Things are ill governed, when the foot rules the head.

AS inconstancy is to be avoided in counsels of Warre, so confidence is likewise to be eschew­ed; for no man is sooner surprized, then he who feareth least: and who knowes not, but that the contempt of the Enemy, hath beene the maine cause of great discomfitures: Therefore as a Captaine that commands an Army, or a Towne, ought not to feare, so should he not contemne his Enemy. Ni­mia fiducia semper noxia. Emil. Too much con­fidence is alwaies hurtfull.

AS overmuch estimation, of our owne Vertue and Valour, is hurtfull to us, causing thereby a security in us; so to prevent the same, it doth im­port every good Captaine, to be well and truely informed, not onely of his owne forces, but also of the strength, and Vertue, of his Enemy, to which is to be added, the knowledg of the scituation, of the place and Country, where he abideth, or is seated, the quality of the people, and Soldiers he comman­deth, together with every other needfull circum­stance, thereunto belonging; moreover the G [...]ne­ralls humor, and capacity, is not to be omitted; to­gether [Page 32] with the particular condition and Nature, of the Enemy. Impetus acres cunctatione langues­cunt, aut in perfidiam mutantur. Tacit. Violent resolutions languish through delay, or else are turned into treachery.

TEmerity in Military actions is to be avoided as most dangerous, for iudicious Captaines are not to enterprise any thing without Mature deli­bration, and faire opportunity, vnlesse they be thereto by necessity inforced. In rebus asperis et tenui spe, fortissima quaeque consilio tutissima sunt. Livi. &c. In dangerous matters, and slender hopes, the strongest things are safest by counsell.

SOme wise men, & those not superstitiously, but discreetly, do think and have noated to Mili­tary-men, that Prodigious Signes from Heaven, or on Earth, are not to be neglected; neither yet, ac­cording to their opinion, are dreames to be contemned. Nam amat benignit as numinis, seu quod merentur homines, seu quod tangitur eorum affectione, his quoque rationibus prodere quae impendunt. Ami. &c. For the goodnesse of the Deity, whe­ther because that mortalls deserve it, or els being [Page 33] with their afflictions, loves by these meanes, to fore-shew those things, which hang over thier heads.

OPportunity is by a judicious Captaine, to be a­waited, and fit time to be spied out, when ei­ther the Enemy is wearied, or by pretending feare, draw him into ambushes, and danger, all which ad­vantages? with many others, is principally gai­ned, by observations, of time and seasons. Quia si in occasioni [...] momento, cujus praetervolat opportunit as cunctatu [...] paulum fueris, nequicquam mox omissam quierare. Liv. Because if thou shalt never so littleslacken, in the very nick of occasion, whose opportunity slips quickly away; 'twill be too late afterward to seeke for what is let passe.

AS Time, and the observation thereof is to be laid hold on; so likewise is place also to be well and judiciously considered, especially whether it conduce to a Captaines advantage, or to his Ene­mies. Amplius prodest locus saepe quàm Virtus. Viget. &c. Oft' times, the Place more advan­tageth, than Valour.

DOubtlesse in a Military action, or designe, it importeth much, that the Soldiers be well trained, ordered, and prepared for the fight: for it is ever seene that the want of Art, either in Cap­taine or Soldier, is cause of many disadventures, and we find in a skirmish-battell, or such incounter, that many times a small supply of ther Soldiers comming opportuely, whether on Horseback, or on foote, doth seeme to the Enemy, very terrible, and much daunteth them: And in Histories, we find noted, that a sudden showt, or such conceit, hath often­times amazed a whole Army. Milites Vanis & inanibus, mag is quàm justis formidinis causis moven­tur. Curtius. Souldiers are terrified, more with Vaine, and naked, then with just causes of feare.

THe most expert Commanders, have ever found it to best end, and purpose, that in ordering of Souldiers to fight, those of one, and the same country and Nation, should be still placed & ranged together; and have ever beene so vigilant and carefull, to foresee, that the least losse of blood [Page 35] may fall upō the naturall Subjects, & so handle the designe and skirmish as the chiefe slaughter may light upon the mercenary-men, and strangers. In­gens victoriae decus citra domesticum sanguinem bel­lanti. Tacit. In a victory, the chiefe renowne arising to the Commander, is that which is got without domesti (que) bloodshedde.

QUestionlesse, it is to a Commanders great ad­vantage, that his forces should be ordered, and in a readines for the fight, before the Enemy be pre­pared: first, for that he may the better performe what he thinkes fittest to be done, and secondly, that [...] thereby his owne forces will thereof re­ceive great courage, being readiest to assatle the Enemy, and to begin the Combate. Plus animiest inferenti periculum quàm propulsanti, Lin. &c. He certainly hath greater courage who inforceth, and rusheth violently upon a danger, than he that withstands it.

THe Genera [...]ls, or Commanders owne readines, courage, and lively disposition to fight, doth undoubtedly, greatly animate, the multitude of [Page 36] Soldiers, to the Battell: as a contrary countenance or the least appearance, of feare, will exceeding­ly amaze, and daunt, his company, and Army. N [...] ­cesse est, ad fugam parati sin [...], qui ducem su [...]m sentuint desperare. Viget. Needs must they prepare them­selves for flight, who perceive their Commanders despairing.

SOme Captaines have held it good policie, to make the Victory famous by much blood-shed: but in the opinion of most Chieftaines, to execute the Enemy, with an extreame cruelty, is no sound policie, nor Christianlike practise: But rather to proceed with dew [...]oderacy, for to such it sufficeth the Victory is theirs, and the honour thereof, dew­ly both his, and his Soldiers. Clausis ex despera­tione cresct audac i [...], et▪ cum spei [...]ibil est, sumit arm [...] formido. Vig. &c. Those who are incompas­sed, with despaire, take stomacke afresh, and feare reassume's weapons, when no hope at all re­maines.

HEreto it is to be added, that the provident Commander, be circumspect, in all his enter­prizes, [Page 37] and every of his actions, that the common Soldier be frustrated from spoyle, and Pilledg. S [...] ­pe obstitit vince [...]tibus pravum interipsos certamen omi­ssohoste, spoli [...] consectandi. Tacit. The pursuit of the Conquered ommitted, many times a greedy strife among themselves for the Pillage, hath not a little hindred the Conquering.

OF direct Counsells, let that we have said suf­fice, and now speak of Indirect Counsells, commonly called by the Greek word, Stratagems, or subtill practises; which manner of proceeding hath been in times-past, and of divers grave wri­ters, greatly condemned. Vir [...]em [...] mentis al [...]ae clanculum Velit occiderehostem. Eurip. No one of a Noble Spirit will privily kill his Enemy.

BUt waving in these dayes, the opinion of this, and of divers other writers worthy cre­dit; it seemeth reasonable in these times, and in pietie allowable, that Stratagems, or subtilties, may be used in Warre; yet with this caution, that the same be such, as may stand with fidelity, and honour: for fraud, being used contrary to contracts, or a­greements, [Page 38] made with the Enemy, is meere trechery, to poyson him or hier a murtherer to kill him, were plaine impietie. Foederatum injuste fallere impium. Liv. &c. 'Tis a wicked part, to deceive him unjustly, with whom a truce is made.

IN the like nature, out of the Warre covertly to murther or kill, a particular Enemy, or by secret assault, or practice; to doe him to death, is not war­rantable, either by faith or honour: yet to use all craft, cunning, or subtilty, in open Warre, is both a­vowable, and praiseable, and so it is thought by Christian writers. Cum justum bellum suscipitur ut aperto pugnet quis, aut exinfidijs, nihil ad justiciam interest. August. &c. When a just Warre is un­dertaken, it doth nothing concerne justice, whe­ther any one do fight openly, or entrap by wiles.

This is also approved by divers Authors, of great credit. Confice sive dolo seu stricto comminus ense. Plut. &c. By treachery do't, or fight it out at sharpe.

And this is also confirmed by Xenophon. Reipsa n [...]hil utilius in bello dolis &c. Verily there's not any thing better in Warre, then guile.

THe end of every just Warre is peare nad ha­ving briefely shewed what is observable in Warre, and what counsells are required thereto: Let us now consider, how Victory ought to be used: to the injoying then of a victorious peace, three things are required, 1. Warines, 2. Mercy, and 3. Modestie: Because that overgreat confidence may happily impeach the end, of good successe. Res secundae, neg ligentiam creant. Liv. &c. Prospe­rous successe begets negligence.

VIctory requires in the second place, to be handled mercifully; for in their owne nature wee find all conquests, are crueell enough, and the fury and ire of insolent Soldiers doe oftentimes force the people conquered, to become desperate. Gravissims morsus irritat aenecess [...]tatis. Curtius. &c. The nips of provoked necessity are most int olle­rable.

MOdesty, is the third thing, required in a Vi­ctory, being of it selfe, an honourable quality, in him that conquereth; for in prosperous fortune men, but especially Commanders in Warre, doe hardly refraine, covetous, insolent, and proud acti­ons; yea it hath beene found, that some good, and great Captaines, have in the like cases, forgotten, what did best become them. In rebus secum dis e­tiam egregij Duces insolescunt. Tacit. In fortu­nate events, even excellent Commanders, have done things most unworthy themselves.

IF Warre should ever continue in a Kingdom, or Country, no estate, or Government could stand, therefore after Victory, followeth peace, therefore how great, or how long soever, the Warre chance to be, th'end thereof, must of necessity determine in peace: the name whereof, is not onely sweet, but also comfortable. Pax una triumphis innumeris potior. Liv. &c. One peace alone, is more worth than a multitude of Triumphs.

PEace truely considered, and in it's owne nature, is not onely good, and profitable to him that is Victorious, but also to those, that are Victored. Pacem reduci Velle. Victori expedit Victo necesseest. Tacitus. It's profitable for the Conqueres, and needfull for the Conquered, that Peace be reesta­blished.

PEace is distinguished, by some, to be of divers kinds, the best of which, is that which is by them termed the good, and honourable Peace; and untill that be offered, Armes may not be laid aside, wherein may be wished, that Tullius advice may be followed. Bellum gerendum est; si bellum omit­tamus, pace nunquam fiuemur. Liv. &c. Warre is to be kept afoote; for if that be layd downe, we are never like to enjoy peace.

MAny things are considerable, in Treaties, of Peace: but especially, most States-men have [Page 42] held opinion, that first, the conditions be honoura­ble; for that to condescend to any base conditions, is unto a Princely mind, not onely great indignity, but also intollerable. Cum dignitate potius caden­dum, quàmcum ignominia serviendum. Plutarch. &c. Better it is, to die with Honour; then to live in disgra [...]

IT is also important, that Peace obtained, should be in it's selfe, & simple, true, reall, and unfained Peace; for all fained, and dissembled amity, is to be doubted. Pace suspectatutius est bellum. Mithrid. &c. Warre is much more safe, then a faigned Peace.

THe fittest season to speake of Peace as wisemen have observed, is either when the warre be­ginneth, or during the time that the Enemies be of equall force, for in the continuation, of the Warre, it must at last behoove the weaker, to yeeld unto necessity, and to receive conditions of peace, from the stronger, and according to the inforcement of his wants, not vnlike the Pilos, and Ship-master, who to save himselfe, is constrained to cast the [Page 43] greatest part of his lading, into the Sea. Necessi­tatipare, quam ne Dij quidem superant. Liv. &c. Obey Necessity, which the Gods themselves could nere over-master.

TO conclude these observations of Peace, when then a Comander hath generously defended himselfe, and performed all things required in a magnanimious Captaine, and finding never the lesse, his force insufficient, it cannot be dishonoura­ble to accept a Peace, wherefore laying aside hatred, the effect of revenge, and hope the effect of better successe, which are then, but two weak supporters of war fare, he may recommend both himselfe, and his estate, unto the aproved discretion, of an honoura­ble Enemy. Victores secundae res in miserationem ex irae vertunt. Liv. Good successe turnes the Conquerers displeasure into compassion.

FOrasmuch as every Peace promiseth rest, and quiet, as well to the Victorious, as to those that are Victored, we may ad thereto; that the Prince Victorious, receiveth also thereby Honour, Profit, and Security; for albeit, his present happi­nesse, may [Page 44] occasion a hope of greater successe, yet in respect of fortunes mutability, it shall be good and glorious to consent to Peace. Decorum Principi est, cum Vi­ctoriam prope in manibus habeat, pacem non abnuere, utsciant [...] mnest [...], et suscipere justè bella, et finire. Liv 'Tis seemely for a Prince, not to refuse Peace, even when the Victory is wel-neare in's owne hands, that all may see, and know, how he both undertakes and layes downe Armes justly.

THis point also seemeth to the Victorious an houorable thing to give peace, and not to take it, whereby he likewise sheweth himselfe discreet, by using a moderation in his Victory, and no extre­mity in spoyling; which course, both wise, and godly writers have commended. Pacem contem­nentes, et gloriam appetentes, pacem perdunt & glori­am. Bar. Who so despise Peace, and desire Glory, thereby lose both.

MOreover it is ever seene, that Peace is in its selfe profitable to the Victorious, because continuall Warre breedeth wearinesse, poverty, and many other calamities, and of violent proceedings, [Page] desperation, and perill cometh. Maximè [...] ri morsus esse solent morientium bestiarum. Seneca. The bitings of dying beasts are wont especially to prove mortall.

IT is out of question, but that Peace is more as­sured then any Victory; for hope of the one, is in our owne power, but the other is in the hand of the Almighty; and hereto we may add the force, and effects, of fortune, which as some write, hath power in all humane actions. In secundis rebus ni­bil in quenquam superbe ac violenter consulere decet­nec praesenti credere fortunae, c [...]m quid Vesper fer at in­certus sis. Seneca. In prosperity tis unseemely to give counsell, against any one disdainfully, and fiercely, not to trust too much unto a present for­tune, sith thou art uncertaine, what the Evening may bring with it.

IN a Peace granted, or received, the conditions of Peace ought to be reasonable, for no people can live contented under such a lawe, as forceth them to loath the state wherein they are. Misera pax, bello bene m [...]tatur. Sene. A miserable Peace, may well be turned to Warre.

HAving handled these observations that we have collected upon forraigne Warre, which happeneth betweene one Prince, and another, and observations, gathered upon Peace, which is obtai­ned, and reaped, by a modest Commander? we come now to those observations collected upon Domestique, or Civill Warre, which is the greatest, and most greevous calamity, that can come to a Common-weale, for therein Subjects do take Armes, either against their Prince, or amongst themselves whereof followeth many miseries; indeed more lamentable, then can be described. Non atas, non dignitas quenquam protegit, quo minùs stupra caedibus et caedes stupr is misceantur. Tac. Nor age, nor feature can securely protect any one, or withhold Rapes to be interlac'd with slaughters, and blood with ravishing.

DEstiny some hold in opinion is the first cause of Civill Warre, for GOD in his di­vine providence, doth fore see many yeares before that great, and mighty Empires shall be ruined. In semagna ruunt: laetis hunc numina rebus Crescendi [Page 47] modum. Lucan. Thus Heavens great Destiny de­nyes to greatest States more growth thereby.

THe second Cause is Exoesse, Riot, and dissolute life: for nothing breedeth civill fury, so soone as over great hapinesse, also pompous apparell, b [...]n­quetting, and prodigall spending, consumeth riches, and plenty is turned to poverty, for by these meanes men may be brought to desperation. Rapacissi­mo cuique ac perditissimo non agriaut foenus, sed sola instrumenta Vitiorum manebunt. Tacit. Every ravenous, and dissolute fellow, hath neither fields nor their encrease, but the instruments onely of his Vices remaining.

NOw to consider how destiny might be eschew ed were in Vaine, for no wit, or wisdom of man, can find a remedy thereto, because it is the decree of GOD, and doubtlesse inevitaole. Ita fa­to placuit nullius rei eodem semper loco stare fortunam, Seneca. GODS, providence hath so determined, that nothing shall continue alwaies in the same place and condition.

Againe, nothing is Exempt from the perill of mu­tation; [Page 48] the Earth and Heavens, and indeed the whole world is subject thereunto. Certis cun­cta temporibus nascie debent, cresecre, extingui. Sene. All things fade at their appointed times, they must take a beginning, afterward grow up, and then be dissloved.

BUt yet some remedies may be used touching the second Causes of Civill warre, because the same proceedeth from faction, sedition, or tyranny: Now faction I call a certaine association of divers persons combined to the offenc, it proceedeth many times of privat or publique displeasure, and more oftentimes of ambition. Nemo eorum qui in Re­pub: versantur, quos Vincat, sed á quibus vincatur a­spicit. Sene. None of those, who intermeddle thus in the commonwealth, regard so much whom he overcomes, but of whom he may be overcome.

FActions may be distinguished, to be of two sorts: for either they consist of many, or of a few personsi both which be dangerous, but the for­mer more apt to take Armes; and that party which proveth weakest, prayeth oftentimes aide of for­rain [Page 49] forces, the other faction wherin are fewer par­takers, becomonly greate presonages, of more impor­tance, then ordinary people, and that proveth most perilous, and bloody. Nobilium factiones trahunt ad se et in partes Vniversum etiam populum. Arist. The factions of the Nobility, draw even all the Commonalty to side with one, or th'other part.

I Confesse I have heard the opinion of some that have had the report, and esteeme of wise men alledg that factions, are necessary, yet doubtlesse that conceit cannot be well maintained unlesse it be upon confines and in such places where conspira­cies is feared, which Cato in his private famely u­sed. Semper contentiunculas aliquas, aut dissidenti­am inter servos callid [...] serebat, suspectam habens nimi­am concordiam eorum metuensque. Plut. Suspect­ing, and feareing their friendly agreement, craf­tily he gave occasion for petty quarrels, and disagreement to arise among his servants.

NOw factions amongst the Nobility is some­times suppressed by forbidding of Colours or noted and knowne badges to be worne, somtimes [Page 50] also by inhibiting of names, and watchwords of [...] ­times, and this we learne was the counsell of Mecae­nasto Augustus, and Aristotle thinketh it fit that lawes should be made against the factions of Noble men. Nobilium comemiones, etpartes etiam leg [...]bus oporte [...] prohibere conari. Aristo. It is very requi­site that the Lawes endeavor to restraine con­tentions and sidings among Noble-men.

A Nother cause of civill Warre, we called sedi­tion, which is a sudden co [...]otion, or assem­bly, of common people against their Prince, or his Magistrates, the originall of which disorders may proceed from diven causes, but commonly we find oppress [...] the prime. [...] peri­culorum [...] vem edi [...] [...]sa peric [...]la arbir [...]. Aristotle. They supposing present dangers to be the very remedy, for those mischiefes which are nere at hand.

AGaine we find, that feare may be an occasion of sedition, as well in him that hath done in­jury, as in him that looketh to be injuried, as being desirous to prevent it before it commeth: It may [Page 51] also proceed of over great mildnes in government. Non miserijs, sed liscentia tantum concitum turbarum lascivire mag is plebem quàm s [...]vire. Liv. The in­surrections of the Commons are occasion'd not so much through oppressions, whereby they grow wild, as through too much liberty, whereby they play the wantons.

SEdition is also seene somtimes to arise of pover­ty, or of those Artificers, whose Arts are grown out of use, and consequently no meanes whereof they can live, as is noted in the silver s [...]iths, by the neglect of Dianaa's shrine and Temple, Semper in civi­tate, quibusopes nullae sunt, bonis invident, Vetera o­dere, nova expetunt, odio suar [...] [...] om [...]ia student. Salust. Evermore in a City those who are poore envy the rich, distast the old, and desire new; and being out of love with their owne con­ditions, they devise how they may alter every thing.

IN the last place Sedition cometh of Tyranny, I [...] ­soleney, or mutinous disposition, of certaine Cap­taines, or ring leaders of the people, for albeit the [Page 52] multitude is apt to innovation, it doth ill stand firme untill some first mover taketh the matter in hand. Multitudo omnis, sicut mare, per seimmobi­lis. Liv. &c Every seditious multitude (as 'tis their condition) is of it selfe unalterable.

THe movers of Sedition are many, and those of many qualities: In the first ranke I account the Ambitious, who commonly wanting other meanes to aspire, do hope by a practise of Sedition, to compasse their intended designe, in the next I reckon unthrifts, who having consumed their owne do seek by that meanes to possesse themselves of o­ther mens: In the last I hold the Vaine, and light persons, who without cause, or reason, doe at­tempt innovation, themselves not knowing why, nor wherefore. Non tam praemijs periculorum, quam ipsis periculis laeti, pro certis, et olim partis, nova, am­bigua, ancipitia malunt. Tacit. Not more joyfull with the booties they expect to get through these dangers they are to undergoe, but even with the very dangers, instead of those certaineties and what they are now owners of, they rather chuse to have new, ambiguous and uncertaine ones.

And thus having told the causes of Sedition: I wish the remedies were in time prepared; for, Om­ne [Page 53] malum nascens, facilè opprimitur, inveter atum fit plerunque robustius. Any mischiefe is easily op­pressed in the beginning, after long continuance it growes more sturdy.

MAny Politicians have noted there are se­verall waies to suppresse this Sedition, before named: The first whereof is E [...]oquence, and excel­lent perswasion, which oftentimes is seene to worke great effects amongst the multitude, chiefly then, when it proceedeth from some reverend, and grave person, for wisdom, and honoured for i [...]tegrity of life, for by their opinion, the Prince himselfe is not to take this office in hand, unlesse necessity doth thereto inforce him. Integra a [...]thoritas Principls majoribus remedijs servetur. Tacitus. Let the Princes authority be reserved entire, for greater cures.

Now if perswasion cannot prevaile, then must force compell, but before such Violent proceeding, both Art, and Cunning, is to be used, either totally to apease, or at least to disunite the people, and the rather, if it apeare to the multitude, that the Prince do offer faire, and promise plausible. Verba apud populum, plurimum valent. Tacitus. Words doe most exceedingly prevaile with the multitude.

And in these, or in such like Cases, it is held, by [Page 54] reason of state, lawfull for Princes to use craft, and the same not prevailing to wash away the infany thereof with clemeucy, for when Armes are laid downe, and every one yeeldeth, generall punish­ment were needles. Omnium culpa fuit, paucorum sit poena. Tacit. Though all have alike offended, yet let but a few be punished.

THe last and principall cause of Sedition, we na­med Tyranny which is a certaine Violent govern­ment exceeding the Lawes of GOD, and Nature: The difference, betweene Kings, and Tyrants, may be this: The one imployeth Armes in defence of Peace, The other useth them to terrify those of whom his cruelty hath deserved hate. Aferre, tr [...]tidare, rapere, fallis nominibus imperium, atque vhi solitudinem fecerint, pacem appellant Tacit. By false titles to take by violence, cruelly to murther, and enter fiercely in­to the authority royall; and when they have eau­sed desolation, to call it Peace.

In the next place, the quslity of Tyranny, is to e­steeme pro [...]oters more then good Ministers, be­cause those men are the scourge of infinite others, they are also protectors of imptous persons, and stand in dayly doubt of Noble, and Vertuous men. Nobi­litas, opes, omissi gestique honores pro crimine, et ob Virtutes certissimum exitiu [...]. Tacitus. Noblenesse [Page 55] of birth, wealth, dignities, or formerlyundergon; are wither now borne accompted for a crime, and death is a most certaine reward, for vertue.

Moreover, Tyrants doe indeavor to suppresse the knowledg of letters and civill life, to the end all good Arts should be exiled, and barbarisme intro­duced. Pellunt sapientiae professores & omnes bonas artes in exilium agant. Tacit. They expell pro­fessors of wisdom, and banish all good Arts.

To conclude; these, and such like are the con­ditions of Tyrants; who for the most part are either deposed, or slaine, for as Kings doe live long, and deliver these dominions to their children, and posterity, so Tyrants being hated, and feared, cannot continue in their estate. Ad generum Cereris sine caede & Vulnere pauti descendunt Reges, & siccâ morte Tyranni. Inven.

Few Tyrant Kings went ever hence down to Hell, Without a Stab; nor heard their passing Bell.

THe Remedies which politicians have prescri­bed against these mischiefes which proceed from the Violence of such a Prince, is either perse­cution, or patience: many generous spirits have u­sed the first, perswading themselves rather to die, then indure the sight of a Tyrant: in like manner we find that the Grecians did conceive it a service [Page 56] thrise acceptable to murder the person of such an Impious Prince. Graecihommines Deorumhonores [...]ribuebant ijs qui Tyrannos necaverunt. Cicero. The Grecians dei [...]'d such as slew Tyrants.

Nevertheles, in consideration of Christianity, the other course is to be taken, and Patience is fitter to incounter this mischiefe, for seeing that all Kings, as well the good, as the bad, are sent by GOD, they must be indured. Res est gravis occidere Regalem stirpem. Homer. It is a heavy thing to be guilty of a Princes death.

AGainst those that advise, the persecution of Tyrants many things are to be disputed of, for it is not only a thing perillous in its selfe to ef­fect, but for the most part infortunate: for common­ly it is noted, that present revenge is taken thereof by the succeeding Prince. Facinoris ejusultor est quisquis successerit. Tacit. The successour com­monly revengeth that vile and villanous act.

And the murderof Tyrants is noted to have been commonly followed with many inconveniences, as publique slaughter, and intestine Warre, with other dangerous mischiefs, and that in some nature, worse then civill Warre it selfe. Principes boni, Voto expe­tendi, qualescunque tollerandi. Tacitus. Good Princes are to be wished for; & whatsoever they be, they are to be borne withall.

SOme punishment vpon mankind, such as fire, floods, & other inevitable plagues, are necessa­rily to be suffered, & so evill Princes in their Cove­teousnes, cruelty, and other enormous vices, ought patiently to be indured, because their offices is pro­perly to command, and to beare sway, and the Sub­jects to yeeld and obey. Indignadigna habenda sunt Rex quae facit. Plaut. Whatsoere unworthy things a King doth, are to be thought of otherwise.

And as we see it is the use of Vulgar people to find sa [...]iety in the long raigne of Princes, so the ambiti­on of greater Subjects, is ever desirous of Novelty. Praesens imperium subditis semper grave. Thucid. The present Rule is alwaies grievous.

TO conclude this mischiefe here in the conclu­sion of this warfare, we will say that the best remedy against Tyranny, is Patience, for questi­onles, so long as men are, so long will Vices raigne, and have their being. Ferenda Regumingenia, ne­que usui crebrae mutationes. Tacit. The disposi­tions of Kings, are to be borne withall; nor are often changes profitable.