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IT is written in the Historie of Pietro Bizari, touching the in∣credible and maruellous obedience of the Turkish souldiers, that a certaine Gentleman at his returne from Constantino∣ple did declare vnto the Earle of Salma, that he had seene foure myracles in the Turkish dominions: which was, first an infi∣nite armie almost without number, consisting of more then
foure hundred thousand men. Secondly, that amongst so many men, he saw not one woman. Thirdly, yt there was no mention made of wine. And last, at night when they had cryed with a hye voice Alla, which is God: there continued so great a silence through the whole campe, that euen in the Pauilions they did not speak but with a low soft voice, a thing worthie to be admi∣red, to the great shame of the confusion of Christians: therefore if the infidels obserue such strict discipline, why should not we that be Christians indeuour our selues to surpasse them therin? and begin with the Spaniard, the Salue and Auemaria, which they vse thrise throughout their whole campe, recommending themselues and their affaires to God, with great reuerence and silence, which I would wish to be continued vntill the diana, when togither with the sound of the drummes, the same might be with a chéerefull crie renued. But togither with silence to set downe certaine other vertues, take them here as I finde them written.
In all places of seruice such silence must be vsed, that souldi∣ers may heare friends, and not be heard of enimies, as well in watch, ward, ambush, canuisado, or any other exploit: in which point consisteth oftentimes the safetie or perdition of the whole Campe.
Such obedience must be vsed, that none regard the persons but the office to them appointed, diligently obseruing the same: any offending to the contrarie, runneth into the danger of the law, for longer then obedience is vsed and maintained, there is no hope of good successe.
Souldiers must be secrete, and haue regard that they disclose nothing, though sometimes they vnderstand the pretence of the hier powers. The disclosers of such, merite most cruell pu∣nishment.
In Sobrietie consisteth great praise to the souldiers, who vsing the same are euer in state of preserment, such regard their
duties, and reproue the rash busibodies. Drunkerds, &c. are euer in danger of punishment.
The Captaines and souldiers that be hardie of courage, be much auailable in seruice, specially such as will ponder what may be the end of their enterprise. Some in times past haue hardly giuen the onset, and after repented the same: but the praise of the aduised cannot be expressed.
The vertue of loyaltie and truth is farre excéeding my capa∣citie to write, the practises of the contrarie, are not worthie of life, but to be soone adiudged. Subtile enimies approue to cor∣rupt souldiers with giftes, and the diuell to entrap them with the swéete intising baites of lewd libertie. But since the reward of truth is euerlasting life, & the vntrue and dissembler looseth the same in continuall darkenesse, I trust none of our countri∣men will learne the one for the other, will be false to his soue∣raigne, or flée from the assured piller of the Catholike faith: from which God kéepe all good souldiers.