OBSERVATIONS.

THe Principles and Maximes of War are alwaies to be held firm, when they are taken with their due circumstances: for every Rule hath a qualified state, and consisteth more in cautions and exceptions, then in authority of precept. It is true, that nothing doth more ad∣vantage a victorie, then the counsell of La∣machus, the third Duke of the Athenians; which was,* to set upon an Enemy when he is affrighted and distracted: for so there is no∣thing to be expected on is behalf but despair and confusion. But either to be mistaken there∣in, or otherwise to make such haste to observe this rule of war (as Curio did) that the best part of the Army shall he by the way, and the rest that go on shall be so spent with labour, as they are altogether unfit for service, and yet (to make the matter worse) to bring them into a place of disadvantage, to incounter a strong and fresh Enemy, is to make the circumstances oversway the Rule, and by a Maxime of Warre, to be directed to an overthrow: neg∣lecting altogether that which is observed by Sextus Aurelius Victor, Satis celeriter fit, quicquid commode geritur, that which is well done, is done soon enough.