The arte of vvarre Beeing the onely rare booke of myllitarie profession: drawne out of all our late and forraine seruices, by William Garrard Gentleman, who serued the King of Spayne in his warres fourteene yeeres, and died anno. Domini. 1587. Which may be called, the true steppes of warre, the perfect path of knowledge, and the playne plot of warlike exercised: as the reader heereof shall plainly see expressed. Corrected and finished by Captaine Hichcock. Anno. 1591.

THE SECOND BOOK OF MILITARIE DIRECTIONS, WHEREIN IS SET DOWNE THE office of a Sergeant, Ensigne bearer, Lieutenant, and the Gentlemen of a band, how to traine, skirmish, and discouer.

And first, the Office of the Sergeant of a Band.

SInce euerie officer through his continuall exercise and dayly diligence in executing his charge, doth attaine vnto perfite experience by dayly practise, which is as it were conuerted into nature: there∣fore he which determines with himselfe to be ac∣counted sufficient and of abilitie, to discharge the place of a good Sergeant of a band, with a forward intent to learne and bée thorowly instructed, ought first to be a souldier that hath séene much, and a Corporall of good experience, according to the dire∣rections of my first booke: In which two roomes it is verie con∣uenient, that he haue tasted and bene present at great diuersitie of seruice, & warlike enterprises, and to carrie a resolute mind to delight in y^e exercise of this office, to the end he be not found therin irresolute and ignorant: and that likewise he faile not in the readie performing of any enterprise, when martiall affaires do call him forth to put the same in execution.

First of all it is verie requisite that he haue most perfitely in memorie, the number of all the souldiers of the band, and di∣stinctly with what weapons they are armed, what quantitie of Cors•…•…ets and pikes, how many armed and disarmed carrie short weapons, what number of hargabusiers with murrians and without, how many musket-eares, how many light armed pikes and targets of proofe, that the better & more redily vpon a sodaine, he may put the company in order.

He must euer plant the best armed in places most necessarie, as at the front and backe, the right and left side of a square. The

first ranck in ordinarie long marching, y^e targets of proofe must go in as a readie rouer and bulwarke against the enimies shot: next to them the musketyres, then the hargabuziers, and after them the armed & light armed pykes: amidst whose ranckes he must at al times place y^e Ensigne, garded with halberds or bils▪ & then againe the light armed and armed pikes, hargabuse and musket-eares, and last of all targets of proofe: by this equalitie of deuision, y^e whole band at one instant shalbe readie to receiue any suddain surprise of the enimy. The sergeant carrying these things in his mind, hauing laid a distinct plat, he may verie ea∣sily varie their forme and order as he shall be appointed, and as the situation of the place doth require, or the accidents of warre do constraine.

He must neuer worke vnwarily, or at al aduentures, and ten∣ding to no determined purpose, as those that doe not remember the perfite rules and reckonings of their office, whereof there be now adayes ouer many, for when it is necessarie for them to alter their order, and that perforce they must quite change the forme and fashion that then they obserue, they know not which way to begin. Therefore to the end his order and ranckes may be to the purpose duely and directly changed, and with facilitie disposed: let him euer disseuer and deuide one part of his wea∣pons from another, causing euery one to turne and enter into their ranckes and order by themselues, so shall he procéed in ta∣king away, setting forward, and intermixing one sort of rancks within another very orderly. And thereby the ful proportion of his bād shalbe framed, as he hath determined, or as it is deuised by him that commands, either in marching forward and back∣ward, or in turning without disorder, by 3. 5. 7. or 9. in a ranck, as the Lieutenant, Captaine, or Sergeant Maior appoints.

He ought euer to beware that in ordering the rancks, and ap∣pointing the souldiers their places, that they begin not to make debate or stomake one another for dignitie of place, the which doth oftentimes fal out to their great anoy and domage, and the officers tedious toile, for in enterprises of great importance, e∣uen in the presence of the inuading enimy, some vaine glorious fellowes are accustomed to striue for the chiefest places: the which roomes by all reason & of duetie appertaine to the best ar∣med, and not to any others, whose vnrewly rashnes may be the

ruine of the whole band. Therefore fit and conuenient places are to be obserued with humilitie, the naked in their places, and the armed in theirs: but to touch one point which we haue alredie spoken of, I iudge it most conuenient that the armed (those for skirmish excepted) must remaine in Maine stands and battailes, as some say, so abide by the stake, who ought to be so wel armed as they may beare and support the blowes of their enimies, and resist any furious charge, either of horsemen or sootemen. Whereas besides their well ordered ranckes, by rea∣son they be armed they make a more galant shew: giuing cou∣rage to thy owne people, and discourage to the enimie, and in proofe are more profitable then the disarmed, who remaining in their roomes, the contrarie succéeds.

The Sergeant of the companie must haue speciall regard when victuals cannot be had for money, by forage or otherwise, to make repaire togither with the clarke of the band, to the prin∣cipal munitions, that his companie •…•…ast not of famine: and from thence procure to haue so much as he wel cā, or as is cōuenient, and according to his receiued order, so must he depart and distri∣bute all manner of munitions amongst the Corporals, that eue∣rie one of them may giue to their souldier their portion.

The like ought he to vse, touching powder for the Hargabu∣syres and Musketyres, lead for bullets, match for them to burne, and ech thing else whereof they haue néede, to the end they may alwayes remaine in order, and be verie well prouided and sto∣red, as néere as is possible, & as is most conuenient and to per∣swade the souldier that to gaine a place of more account, he will spare his pay to arme himselfe the more brauely. He must like∣wise haue diligent eye, that the said munition of match & pow∣der be conserued warily from wetting, and kept with a speciall spare from vntimely spending: for this prouident precept doth import verie much in all enterprises, by reason that the negli∣gence of the Sergeant, touching this necessarie foresight & care, hath bene the cause that the shot haue not bene able readily to performe their duties according to the appointed determinati∣ons, or as necessitie did require, by reason of their vnwarie kée∣ping their munition in wet weather, or their generall want through vain mispence, by which meanes many & most notable •…•…rrors haue succéeded of great losse and moment, & to the hinde∣rance,

shame, and totall ruine of a whole companie or campe. Therfore it is most expedient that the Sergeant, togither with the seuerall corporals, do diligently and narrowly examine, vi∣site, search, and view the proper flaskes, tutch-boxes, pockets, & other places where the souldiers are accustomed to carie & kéepe their powder and match, and peruse diligently all those things without negligence, faining, or fauouring: diuers haue receiued great ignomie & shame in their office, for want of y^e performāce thereof: wheras by carying a contrary care, they haue bene vni∣uersally wel thought of, and commended of al good souldiers and valiant Captaines. Therefore as occasion doth serue and offer, he may admonish, put in minde, and reprehend with dexteritie the souldiers vnder his charge and guiding. To him it apper∣taines to lay his helping hand about al things necessarie for his companie, as well in prouiding for them, as dispencing, or de∣ferring necessarie charges, except for the prouision and deuiding of lodgings, which is the office of the Furrier or Harbinger, who ought to be very tractable, diligent, & altogither officious, not being partial to any one for peculiar profite or pleasure, and therfore it is necessarie a Sergeant should know how to write, for it is hard by memorie to discharge his charge.

The Sergeant must be careful to accompanie, at the houre ap∣pointed, the guard to the place of the watch, in going vp and downe alongst their stanckes when he hath placed them in or∣der, to sée them kéepe due distance, make the Laumband, march in straight line, with their ranckes carrie their armes in con∣formable proportion: and if vpon pleasure they giue a volée of shot in passing, to aduertise them to doe it orderly with due forme, one rancke after another, as they passe ouer against the Generall, or other great officer or personage, and not in a confused sort altogither, or by péeces.

When he is arriued at the Corps of gard, and hath placed euery one in order, and prouided for all things necessarie for the watch of that night, he must then giue his aduise and counsell to the Corporals, that they kéepe good order in their Sentinels, yea sometimes and verie often, it is good that he himselfe aide them to choose out the most fit places for them to stand in, to the end that the circuit of ground, which for all their safties is to be kept, may be conueniently garded.

At the ioyning of the day & the night, or somwhat later, he shal secretly giue the Corporals the watchword, with the which they are to gouerne the gard as wel by night as day: the which word by the commandement of his Captaine, he must procure the Sergeant maior to giue him, or of some other that shall haue the charge to giue the same for want of his presence, or in place of this great officer.

He must arme himselfe in such sort, that he be no lesse apt then any other souldier to be able at time of néed, both to defend him∣selfe, and offend the enimie: touching which effect, Duke Octa∣u•…•…o Farnese in the expedition of 12000▪ footemen and 600. horse∣men, which Paulus the third Pope of Rome sent into Germa∣nie against the Lutherans in aid of Charles the fift, did dispose, that all the Sergeants of his bands should arme themselues with hargabuzes and murrians: saying, that so great a number of valiant men being Sergeants, as was in so great an assem∣blie and expedition of such importance, it was neither good nor commendable, that they should onely be armed with their hal∣berds, and therefore he ought to haue his Page or Muchacho second him with those furnitures: Neither séemes it inconue∣nient, but hauing placed in order all things pertaining to his office, that he place himselfe in ranke with the rest of the soul∣diers, yet in such a place as he may easily depart from thence when necessitie calles him away, to reforme or vse remedie to any disorder he vnderstands of.

He must with dexteritie procéed in reprehending and exhor∣ting the souldiers to kéepe their due order, and not to disband and stray abroad, but vpon néedfull and lawfull occasions, and to take order in all other particular points, which are requisite to be obserued for the honour and profite of the companie, which thinges are chiefely to be procured and obserued by other of∣ficers.

Let him beware and abstaine from beating of souldiers at any time, that thereby he grow not odius: for it is not conue∣nient nor comely for an officer to strike a souldier, for thereby he so offends, that he doth incurre the paine to receiue pu∣nishment for so doing, of his Captaine or the master of the Campe.

He must be diligent, carefull, and vigilant in all his affaires,

for in this office, diligence and dexteritie is both to the purpose and most necessarie.

It is necessarie he be alwaies conformable vnto the sergeant Maior, by imitation and obedience in action, and like his sha∣dow, to second him in all his doings: Of whom he may alwaies receiue information and order of all such things as be necessary for seruice of his band. And of him he may learne to proceede by conformitie, in that which is conuenient for his office. For hee that is in companie with men of vertue and valor, that be of more excellent qualitie then he himselfe, shall euer reape some profite, and the rather for that he is bound to be in the sight, and néere about the sergeant Maior, at all such times as anie thing is to be done: where he ought with a good •…•…are, and diligent eye, giue readie attendance, to execute such commission as shall be giuen him: specially those which appertaines to the ordering of the ranckes, and euerie thing else whatsoeuer without do∣ing anie thing vpon his owne iudgement, but conferre with that great officer, towards whom he mus•…•… alwaies be courteous and conformable, and with an obedient and beneuolent minde, diligently imitate him.

I suppose it moreouer necessarie as I said before, that he be able to write and read, considering the infinit number of things which are to passe through his hands, and which he ought to exe∣cute for the benefite of his companie, which cannot be alwaies ordered, disposed, and guided only by memorie: So consquently the sergeant is to take diligent & care of all the foresaid thinges to execute the pointes of his office spéedily, and to rebuke and teach such as do amisse with lenitie, and although hee cannot violently strike and hurt anie man, yet neuerthelesse no man can resist his authoritie, but obserue the same as to the Cap∣taines owne person, if he were present.

He is not to heare anie mutinous or rebellious wordes amongst the companie, but immediatly to reueale the same, that speedie reformation may be had, and faults amended. And thus must he be still occupied to reform mens maners, mispence of munition, broken araies, and to be readie daie and night to seruice, by the captaine or Lieutenants commandement, to in∣strust the companie, to march, traine, and trauaile, aswell by signes from him framed, as otherwise by wordes spoken, and to

haue speciall regard to the companie, to see that their armour and weapons be in a readinesse alwayes for seruice, for the di∣ligent and skilfull vsage of this office, is of no small momen∣tanie good order throughout the whole band, no lesse then the Centurion amongest the Romaines, who was captaine ouer a hundreth, and so likewise euerie hundreth in ech band ought to haue a seuerall sergeant to direct and gouerne.

The office of an Alsierus or ensigne bearer.

IF it be a thing most requisite that a priuate soul∣dier should haue a speciall zeale ouer his proper honour and credite, how much more is the same necessarie for a valiant Alfierus or Ensigne bea∣rer. Therefore hée must with all carefull diligence, and due discretion, ascend the fourth degree of this honourable discipline, being alreadie trained vp in the thrée first degrees, which is, of a priuate souldier, a corporal, and a sergeant, where∣by to his great commendation he may sufficiently merite the swaie of this office.

Hauing solemnly receiued the Ensigne of his Captaine, like a noble and expert Souldier, hée ought carefullie to keepe the same, and beare a certaine reuerent respect to it, as to a holie thing, yea and to be gelouse ouer the safetie thereof, no lesse then an amorous person ouer his louing mi∣stresse: Since that onely with the sacred shade of the ensigne, being well guided, the generall reputation of all the band and companie is conseruer.

Therefore the Alfierus ought to be indowed with such cu∣stome, and vse himselfe with such courtesie and ciuilitie, that he may not onely procure the loue of his confederates, and

friends, but of all the entire companie.

Besides, it is necessarie to haue neere vnto him a couple of assistantes at the least, that be practised and good Souldiers, which may be of the number of the Halbardyres that go next his Ensigne, to the end that when hee is constrained to ab∣sent himselfe from the same, through some vrgent and necessa∣rie occasion (for otherwise it is not to be permitted) hée may cause one of them take care and charge of his Ensigne, in what accident soeuer might fall out during that time. For that thing ought neuer to be left alone or abandoned to a slender and loose gard, which is of such a great importance, whereupon euerie mans honour and estimation dependeth: wherefore it ought at all to be carefully kept, and well accom∣panied.

Note that the Alsierus, to defend his ensigne and himselfe at one instant, must haue in his one hand his drawne sword, and in the other the Ensigne: which thing is conuenient of him particularly to be performed, when it is time to assault the ene∣mies vpon a Wall, Trench, S•…•…alade, Bulwarcke, Breach, or in anie strait passage, or enterprise, since that with the poynt of Iron of the Ensigne staffe small defence can be made, aswell for the weakenesse of the staffe, as through the trouble and continuall wauering of the silke which is about it, so that in bearing the same displayed, hée ought rather to haue regard where he shall set his foote, then to the top of the staffe, or anie other place lesse necessarie, aswell thereby to flée affectation, which in carying thereof, is made manifest, as also to conduct the same with more assured courage.

Moreouer note that the most honourable place of the threde or rancke is the right hand, and the second the left hand, which degrees likewise be obserued in all the rancks of other souldiers, a•…•…wel as when diuers ensignes do march tog•…•…ther in one ranck, for amongest the handes and squares of souldiers, the fiankes d•…•…e alwaies resist the assaultes and furie of the enemie: as the sides which be néerest to them, be alwaies garded of those that be most practised, and the middle part not, onely except the first and last rancke of the ordinance or batta•…•…le, wh•…•… the middest is the place of greatest estimation: for the head or backe of the square being assaulted they then withstand the

greatest furie. And by good reason, for this place of the midst is euer much more broken and endomaged of the enemies armes and force, then anie other part: wherefore amongest expert and valiant souldiers, this roome is of greatest honour, and of most estimation, as the place that hath greatest néed of defence, which being subiect to more open and manifest perill then the rest be, is of greatest dignitie. For Captaines are accustomed to shew notable and singular fauor to that souldier which they pre∣ferre to an enterprise of perill and danger: so that it be capeable of issue and altogither desperate.

Neither is this to be accounted for a maruell, for as this pro∣fession is altogither different from others, so likewise the or∣ders, and ceremonies are diuersly managed: if a man may terme those things ceremonies, which of necessitie ought with dili∣gence to be gouerned with great care, art, and industrie: It be∣hooues the Alfierus, whilest he doth march in ordinance amidst the band, to go with a graue and stately pace, aduisedly and cou∣ragiously ioyned with modesty, and without affectation or vain brauerie: neither eught he to bew or decline his bodie at any time to anie person, that thereby he may represent and main∣taine the reputation and excellencie of armes, and the ensigne before his Prince, chiefe ruler, Lord Generall, Coronell, Cap∣taine, Gouernour, &c. As he passeth before them, he ought to a∣base the point and tip of the ensigne, or rather with his arme bow down néer-hand all the rest of the ensigne, & so much more, by how much he is of greater dignitie & authoritie. In this sort shall he make signe of reuerence, and not pull off his cap or hat, neither bend his knée, nor moue anie one part of his person, thereby to retaine that dignitie due to the ensigne & his office.

The Alfierus being in square, rancke, or ordinance, with the ensigne displaid, doth change (almost neuer) the place where he is planted to march, which is in the midst of the footmen, as a place most safe and best defended. Therefore those that other∣wise would vse it, doe ground their opinion vpon some ancient order of the Romaines or Grecians, wherein they are deceiued, because at this day we are constrained to varie our order, consi∣dering our armes be varied, which do now fetch and vound much more and further off, and are more pearcing then those of anti∣ent time.

Neither is it expedient to put this officer, which is of such great respect, alwaies in hazard, aswell for the good qualitie of his person, y^e which we must alwaies presuppose him to be of, as also for the office of great importance he supplyes, si•…•…ce he doth sustaine the displaid ensigne wherein the reputation and honor of all the companie consists. But at such times as he shal march to a Scalade, breach and batterie: the valiant Alfierus with his ensigne in one hand and his sword in another, as is before said, ought to enforce himselfe to be the first, and by all meanes to mount vp, to enter amongest the enemies, and to aduance and inuite the rest forward, both his inferiours, compani∣ons, & betters: for in effect at such times the particular guiding of the band appertains to him. Now to the intent that the soul∣diers at the instāt time of a dangerous enterprise, andin a com∣bersome & perilous time and place, may be inuited, & feruently stirred vp to follow the ensigne. He must therfore vse such cour∣tesie to all men, that in all hazardes and great exployts, he be∣ing beloued of the Souldiers, may be verie much ayded and de∣fended by them, where as otherwise they doe either suffer open ignomie, or danger of death, when as they be either abandoned at the point of extremitie, or traiterously staine or wounded by their owne companions and followers: as at the assault of Da∣lahani, and a skirmish of brauerie at Louaine, chanced vnto two seuerall Ensigne-bearers: of the Baron of Sheueran, Coronell ouer te•…•…ne Ensignes of shot. Therefore since he is the shadow of the valor and good condition of his captaine and companie, let him be carfull of his dutie.

The Ensigne bearer may of his discretion and authoritie, espying the companie trauaile, or follow enemies to their dis∣commoditie and perill, loosing the wind, hill, or ground of ad∣uantage, disordering the aray, may stand still, and cause the drums and fifes to stand and sound the retreat, that the compa∣nie may resort and come to the Ensigne, and order the aray by the aduantage of the ground, rather then abide the comming of the enemy.

He ought alwaies to haue about him, and to lodge where hée doth himselfe, so manie good Drums as there be hundreth in his band: that at all times he may make Raccolte, and gather his souldiers togither, and for such like necessarie respects.

He ought neuer craue licence to go to anie enteprise whatso∣euer, for anie desire he hath to make himselfe known, or to win fame, but ought to remaine stedfast and firme, when his turne of seruice comes, in respect of the great charge he doth carie in the manage of the ensigne.

It is necssarie he haue a horse for his owne vse, the which whilest he marcheth ought to go neere the Ensigne, whether he be in square vattaile or long march, for by taking his ease on horse-backe, he may kéepe himselfe continually lus•…•…y and fresh, and therewithall may accomodate his cariage, or bagage, as some souldiers may likewise doe among the ordinarie cariage, prouided for by the captaine.

Note that the Ensigne which he receiued of his Captaine, must by him be res•…•…ored again at such times as he is discharged out of the company: if during the time of his seruice, there hath not chanced a battaile, assault, or other enterprise, wherein the Alfierus being present, he hath not made manifest apparance, that he hath merited and deserued the same. For in such cases it is to be vnderstood, that he hath wonne and gained the same and not otherwise, vnlesse the captaine of his free will doth not giue it him, which is a verie ancient custome, specally amongst the Italians.

It is verie requisite the Alfierus haue besides his two assi∣stantes, a valiant and couragious seruant, who is a practised souldier, and not a nouice or yoongling, as some verie fondly and vnaduisedly do entertain now adaies, that continually being néere him, as well in the maine square battaile or elswhere, to second him with a péece, pike, or target of proofe, & may haue in such a one that intyre faith and assured credite that he should haue of a faithful companion, whom he must not kéepe as an ab∣iect seruant, but he ought to maintaine him, apparell him, and arme him with conuenient armes of defence, for sometimes it shall fall out in the daie of a fought battaile of a whole armie, that those deputed seruants may haue the custodie of all the En∣signes in the maine square battaile, and the Alfierus of ech com∣panie, as men well armed be placed in the head of the battaile, or in some other principall or necessarie places which are to be gouerned and defended by practised and valiant Souldiers: as particularly fell out at •…•…uch time as the Marques of Vasto,

fought at Cresola in Lombardie against the Frenchmen, which iourney was lost by the Emperialistes, although that daie they fought valiantly, and besides in other enterprises, such men haue executed gallant seruice.

He must alwaies prouide a sufficient corpes de gard about his ensigne, as well by day as night, in what place soeuer he shal be, although no suspition were to be had of the enemy, that thereby he may remaine safe from all sodaine surprises, or vnprouided casualties, and the rather to maintaine the honour and reputa∣tion due to the ensigne, whereby all sinister inconuenience may be auoyded, and the maiestie and office of the same generally well respected: Specially when time and place of suspect mini∣sters occasion. The Alfierus must march to y^e gard, either arme•…•… with a Curase of proofe, or some other conuenient garment of defence, being still seconded with his seruant, who is to carie either target, halberd, péece or pike, or such weapon as he doth delight in, which at the seat of the gard, taking his Ensigne in his hand, he must let rest in the kéeping of his seruant. Neither is it requisite in going or marching, that he vnlose and display the ensigne, without some speciall occasion, but ought to reserue the aduancing and displaying of the same at full, vntill he come in the sight of chieftaine or prince, or in the sight of the enemy, or other places of seruice.

It is necessary his ensigne haue certain special countersignes and markes, that it may easily be knowne of his souldiers, both néere hand and farre off, to the intent that in all exployts, and at vnknowne sodains, his souldiers may perfectly perceiue the same amongst the other ensignes, different from the rest, wher∣in the Alfierus must vse an exquisite manage, that by his wise and valorous actions without anie other mans relation, may discerne his vertuous actions and forward procéedinges, which he ought to make apparant by some notable enterprise.

The Alfierus must be a man of good account, of a good race, honest and vertuous, braue in apparell, therby to honour his of∣fice, and continually armed as well when no perill is feared, as in time of danger, to giue example to the rest of the souldiers not to thinke their armor burthenous, but by vse to make it as familiar to him as his skin.

Finally he must be a man skilfull, hardy, and couragious, of

able courage to aduance and beare vp the Ensigne in all extre∣mities, secret, silent, and zealous, able often to comfort, animate and encurage the company to take in hand, and maintaine such extremisies, enterprises, as they are appointed vnto, and neuer to retyre, but whē of noble policie the higher officers command the same. Unto this officer there should be certaine ceremonies vsed in deliuerie of the Ensigne, reseruing it by oath in the pre∣sence of his hand, at which time he must make vow and professe the same rather to be his winding shéete, and therein to lose his life, then through his default to lose the same: whereunto euery priuat souldier should likewise be sworn, as among the Romans it was vsed when he was not accounted a souldier, but a théefe, or robber, •…•…ill he had taken his oth. And therefore their warres was called Militia Sacrata.

The office of the Lieutenant of a companie▪

THat persons vpon whom anie charge doth depend, and doth deseruedly manage anie affaire, must frame himselfe to vse due diligence, and with dexteritie suffer such tedious toyle, as in these serious affaires succéed, since that charge (as I haue al∣readie said) signifieth nothing else but a burthen of affaires.

Therfore that a souldier may deseruedly mount vp to this de∣grée of worthy honour and martiall dignitie, he must vse all cir∣cumspect care to performe his office like an expert Lieutenant, that the companie be well gouerned, which he must accomplish with a forward and willing mind (though of duetie he is bound to performe the same) aswell to content the minde of his cap∣taine, as to augment his own honour and reputation. He must neuer appropriat vnto himselfe any one point of authoritie, but diligently discipher and vnderstand all thinges, and make rela∣tion thereof to his captaine, of whom it is necessarie he take all his commissions and directions. His part is to giue willingly and readily counsell and aduise to his captaine, as often as he is demanded, and otherwise neuer, vnlesse he sée that the same may do manifest good, or in case of present perill.

The Lieutenant ought to carie w^t him a diligent care of con∣cord, for that particularly the pacification of discords & difference amongst y^e souldiers of his company, appertains vnto him, which

must be done without choler or passion, and must still handle them verie indifferently and curteously. For his indifferencie, besides the gaining of him trustie credite, doth make easie the desciding of any difference or disagreement, and is one point which of necessitie is most conuenient to an honorable peace∣maker, although it be a verie difficile thing to pro•…•…ure peace in points of honour, specially amongst souldiers that stand much vpon their Punctos, and for that respect is it very hard to vse a iust balance: therefore in such causes it is most requisite that euerie one of the interessed, shew at the full his entire cause, th•…•… which is a thing not vulgar, neither of small importance. And although the pacifier ought neuer to hang more vpon the one side then the other, yet it is conuenient he haue some small re∣spect to him that is wronged against reason, rather then to him that is y^e vnlawfull worker of y^e iniurie. But if he finde any dif∣ficultie in resoluing these differences, let him confer with the Captaine, to the end that he, who is knowne to be the occasion, and wil not agrée to an honest end, may be immediatly dischar∣ged: but if it be thought good that he remaine to serue a time, for the execution of some speciall enterprise, then the word both of the one and the other ought to be taken, vntill the same be performed or the pay past, and then may discharge him, as is said, to shunne a greater scandale: for to enter into vnquiet quarrelling and discord, one equal with an other, and with one that receiues the like stipend, is not the part and qualitie of a subiect souldier, but of a frée carelesse cutter, and band buckle•…•…, and of an insolent and importunate person, whose nature doth argue in him that his doings tend to an other end, then to be∣come excellent in the honorable exercise of armes. P•…•…t the case that one of them should valiantly ouercome the other, yet vnto the Captaine doth arise no other then want, losse, and euill sa∣tisfaction: for when first he did receiue them into his seruice, he did presume that they were both of them equally to be esteemed, men of good credite and behamour, and that for such they were conducted, and receiued stipend. So that quarelling and •…•…illing one the other, as often it fals out in resolute persons o•…•… putting him so a dishonour or open foile: such a one doth not o•…•…ely de∣priue the Captaine of a souldier, but also of himselfe likewise: For the law of reason doth binde the Captaine not to maintain

an importunate person, a malefactour, and an homecide, in one band no lesse then a well ordered citie: Considering it is requi∣site and conuenient his souldiers, rather then to imploy them∣selues in such quarrels, should indeuour and aduenture their bodies so ouerthrow and kill the enimie, thereby to procure his owne proper praise and peculier profite. Always prouided, that the occasion of y^e wars be concluded and published to be lawfull and honest, which easily in this respect doth remoue all difficul∣ties, whilest a man doth place himselfe in the seruice of a prince that is religious, prudent, and iust, and that haue expresse and lawfull power to louie armes, and not with those which are of small authoritie, or tyrannous vsurpers of other mens states, and wicked blood suckers.

Therefore when the Lieutenant cannot by his owne dea∣lings supply these wants, or pacifie and accord them, in such causes he may remit the care thereof vnto his superior & Cap∣taine: And thus let him haue speciall care that by his meanes no quarrels do grow, neither that he suffer any faction or discē∣tion to take déepe roote, for feare of banding and mutinies.

He ought to haue speciall respect that the Corporals and Ser∣geants be able duely to execute their office with due diligence, for the better performance of seruice, and personally aid them in setting the watch.

Likewise, to the intent that the Sergeant persist not igno∣rantly, or fall in any one point of his office: it behooues the Lieutenant in many particular pointes to aid him, both in re∣spect of his owne credite, and for the generall benefite of the whole band: as in vsing diuers directions, disciplines, inue•…•…∣tions, putting the band in order, rancke, square, in accompany∣ing them to the watch, and in executing such like enterprises which commonly are to be performed.

So ought he likewise to delight himselfe extraordenarily (besides the other necessarie parts of his office) in taking view of the Corps de gard, and the Sentinels of his proper companie, to the intent they may remaine continually vigilant and redie, and ech mans duetie duly executed, the martial lawes read and examined, and a solemne silence generally maintained.

He must obserue great affabilitie and fraternitie with the Alfierus, and friendly consult with him (specially if the Lieute∣nant

doth not manage both the one and the other office, as the Spaniards and other nations doe vse, and might very well be vsed of vs, if the Generall or Coronell thinke good, 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ for a∣uoyding of emulation and charge of pay,) but if they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 par∣ticular officers, and beare distinct sway in the hand, then 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Lieutenant be very carefull (as he that is the chiefe) to auoide all stomaking and strife that might arise •…•…etwixt him & the Al∣sierus, for therby oftentimes great scandales haue fa•…•…ne out, and the diuision of the company, a thing aboue all other to be care∣fully forséene and shunned. He ought to vse a gracious iesture, & a curteous entertainment to all his souldiers, countenance eue∣rie one ioyfully, and solicite their causes carefully towards the captaine & the other officers, as the treasurers, pay-masters, cō∣missaries and such like, yet euer by the captaines consent, yea & to the captain himselfe, by whose friendly fauour inferiour offi∣cers may be relieued for their pay or other wantes. Besides he ought to giue order and direction to all the company, deuiding & distributing the Squadres indifferently and discréetly, to the in∣tent the Corporals & other officers may be obeyed, & that ech en∣terprise may be performed without reply or contradiction.

It is necessarie that he put in euerie Squadre an equal num∣ber of euery sort of armes, and that ech weapon be sorted in a re∣dinesse, to the intent y^e in what place & time soeuer occasion doth require, euery one of them may to his great aduantage, procéede and front the inuading enimie with a forceable strength.

Like wise it is good sometimes not to suffer a Squadre or ra∣ther a whole Corps de gard to consist of souldiers al of one coun∣trie and nation, but ought rather to be artificially mixed, and to separate them, thereby to auoid quarrell and generalitie of fa∣ctions, which by reason of their being togither may the rather a∣rise amongst consorts of one natiue countrie, & that more com∣modiously then if they were separated.

The Captain being absent, the Lieutenant possesseth y^e prin∣cipall and chiefe place, and ought to be obeyed as captaine. Ne∣uerthelesse in his presence, it is requisite he vse a certaine br•…•…∣therly friendship and familiaritie towards al, yet that notwith∣standing, he must proceede in al things with such modestie and grauitie, as he may retaine such authoritie and reputation, as the office he doth hold, doth most worthily inuest him withall.

There ought to be in him a reasonable good knowledge and fa∣•…•… in expressing his conceit and meaning sensiblie, that the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 may vnderstand what they haue to do, to the intent he may 〈◊〉〈◊〉 m•…•…re easily imprint in the heartes and mindes of his 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉, all such things as he determines, and that be necessa∣rie for the better 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his Prince, and the benefite of his countrie and companie, whereunto he ought to apply himselfe with all possible diligence, since that of the Prince he is liberal∣ly paid, hath his being of his countrie, and is diligently obeyed of his band, where he swayes his present office & charge, which is truely of great credite and no lesse commoditie.

Let him prouide himself of a horse to beare him, to y^e intent he may be lustie and fresh in all enterprises▪ and that he may con∣tinually take the view and diligently suruey the order which they are to kéepe in marching, or in making Alta, and at al other times besides in what enterprise soeuer.

He must take order that his baggage or carriage, which ought to be as little as may be, (which rule y^e common souldiers ought likewise obserue) be borne and conuaide amongst the common cariage, which the Captaine hath ordained and prouided for the vse of the whole band.

He must take diligent care to the redéeming of prest or lent money, which the Captaine shall make according to occasion or neede amongst the companie, & to distribute the same conueni∣ently amongst y^e souldiers, & therof to rēder & yéeld good account to the Captaine, by doing whereof he shall pleasure the souldi∣ers much, in which time of pay he hath verie good opertunitie to put the souldiers in minde, and to teach them to procéede in wel doing, and to desist from euill.

It appertaines generally to euerie Lieutenant of a band to be of great experience and ripenesse of seruice, whose authoritie in the absence of the Captaine (as partly I touched before) ex∣tendeth to examine, trie, reforme, correct, and amend any of∣fence committed within the band, and also day & night to bring the companie with the Ensigne to the place of assemblie, there in order traine and exercise the same, as to the necessitie of ser∣uice doth appertaine, and being commanded by the higher pow∣ers to march towards the enimie, must encounter and fight with them, as if the Captaine were in presence, who vpon im∣pediment,

must sometimes be absent.

Finally, it appertaines to the Lieutenant to watch, ward, approch, conduct, aduance against the enimies, and to encoun∣ter, animate•…•…, comfort, and also to encourage the companie by* 1.1 word and déede as néed serueth: to retyre continually, maintai∣ning skirmish, vntil he haue recouered some place of safegard.

The office and duetie that appertaines to the Lanze-spezzaté, volentarie Lieutenants, the Gentlemen of a Band, or Caualliere of S. Georges squadrons.

THe sundrie degrées whereunto valiant souldiers with aspi∣ring minds séeke to ascend, for that they be many, & for that those which haue attained and serued in those roomes and other great offices, by diuers sinister meanes and accidents, be now and then disseuered and made frustrate from their charge, as ex∣perience hath made many times apparant, who yet neuerthe∣lesse being naturally desirous to continue in seruice, and per∣chance through forrain necessitie are driuen to remaine in pay, in attending further preferment: Therefore this place was first inuented for such persons, as a speciall seat wherein the flower of warlike souldiers doe sit, like a gréene Laurell garland that doth enuiron the martiall head of a mightie armie, whose order for warlike force or fame, giues not place to the Grecian Fa∣langes, the chiefest of the Romaine legions, or to the knightly cōstitution or couragious enterprises of those of Arthurs round table. For there neither hath bene, nor can be found any place of such honour or reputation, as to be a Gentleman of a Band, whether we serue for pleasure or for profite, or haue attained thereunto by merite: or whether we haue bene Corporal, Ser∣geant, Alfierus or Lieutenant, wherein Captaines somtimes •…•…o plant themselues, specially in the Collonels Squadre, and temporise the time, vntill preferment do fall: for thereby their former reputation is nothing disgraced, nor their charge had, in or of any other company, nothing derogated: Considering that those in these Squadrons either are, or ought to be souldiers of such policie and perfite experence, that they be capeable of any office vnder the degree of a Collonell, and may supplie any of those foresaid offices, or performe any other enterprise of great importance, commanded by the Captain, Collonel, or Generall.

And for that many youthes of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 parentage, and Gentle∣men of ancient houses do likewise follow the warres, I would that vpon due triall of their merite, they should enter into these* 1.2 Squadrons, which the Prince or Generall is to confirme, and make a distinct order of valiant aduenturous souldiers, and call them Caualliers of S. Georges Squadrons, at whose entrance thereinto, they shall take a solemne oth appertaining to their order, and their Corporall shall inuest them with some Band∣•…•…oll, Medall or Scarfe, whereu•…•…on is portrayed S. George his armes, which they must be bound to weare openly at all times and in all places, enterprises, skirmishes, battailes and as∣saults.

It is requisite that a singular good souldier, being the Gentle∣man of a band, and Cauallier of S. George his Squadron, if hée meane to gain the grace and fauour of his Captaine & Collonel, that not onely he be sufficiently valiant and wise, as of necessi∣tie is required at his hands: but it is also conuenient for him to be reasonable well horsed, and to haue in store all sortes of armes, as a Halberd, Hargabuse for the match or firelocke, Ar∣mour and Target of proofe, his Lance and case of Pistolets, his Pike, his Pertisan or Epieu to go the Round withall, that he may both day and night vary and change his armes at the offer of all enterprises is requisite, and as change of seruice doth call him foorth.

He must alwayes of necessitie haue more then one seruant, and ought to apparel him in galant order: these are to be néere his elbow to follow him with his armes. He ought alwayes to lodge himselfe as néere as is possible, to the lodging of his Col∣lonel or captain, to the intent y^e either armed, or without armes, he may alwayes, according as y^e cause doth require, be about his person, either on horseback or on foote, for that the principal gard of this singular personage, y^t is to say, the Collonel or Captaine, doth consist in the diligence and custodie of the Caualliers of S. George his Squadrons. These things notwithstanding, day & night whē it fals to his lot, or that he shalbe commanded by his Corporall to watch, he must dispose himselfe to be able to make particular gard, & that after a most exquisite order: wherein he must haue a special care (without making refusall at any time) to performe that which shalbe appointed him by his Corporall,

or by any other that shal command in the name of his Collonell or Captaine. His office in time of watch, for the most part con∣sistes in going the Round, searching the watch, kéeping good or∣der in the Corps of Gard, in being a coadiutour to y^e officer that guides the company or rules the watch, and is for the most part exempted from standing Sentinel, and such like dueties of a com∣mon souldier, vnlesse great necessitie or special seruice cōstrain.

It appertaines to him to haue good experience in going the Round, that in performing the same, he may discréetely gouerne in the ouersight of the watch, called the Sopraguardia, for in this point doth very much consist the prouident good order and forme that is to be obserued, in auoyding the stratagems, surprises, Sallies and disceits of the enimie. Approching néere to y^e Senti∣nel, he must giue eye and diligent regard in what order and sort he doth finde him vigilant, how readie he is in demanding and taking the word, & after comming nearer him, he must examine all that hath passed or fallen out whilest he hath bene in Senti∣nel, & the order he doth obserue, and what hath bene appointed him to do: the which if it be good he must confirme, and when he doth find it to be otherwise, he must rehearse & refer the same to the Corporal of the Sentinel, that he may vse diligent redresse.

Arriuing in any Corps de gard, he must aboue all things ad∣uertise them, that they alwayes kéepe fire light for the necessary commoditie of Hargabusiers, and for light in the night, taking order with the souldiers that they and their armes may remain in a forceable redinesse: through which his good instruction, there may grow to be no want, & so consequently he must in like cases procéed with like prouident diligence.

After this he must with great consideration and modestie, ex∣amine euerie particular thing, carrying a mind with himself to cōtinue & increase the same from better to better, & both in him∣selfe and to them vse necessarie aduertisemēts, & in such sort shall he passe through all the Corps de gards and Sentinels.

If it chance him to incounter another Sopraguardia or round, to shun the occasion of dangerous difference, which somtimes is accustomed to follow: or for pollicie, in fearing to giue y^e watch word to him that purposely comes to robbe the same, that com∣ming from the enimie secretly, counterfaits the Sentinell, or by some other practise, as it sometimes hath caused domage

to the grieuous losse and total preiudice of the armie, to preuent such inconuenience, let that Sopraguardia which shalbe nearest to the next adioyning Sentinell, turne backe, giuing the word after a due accustomed sort vnto the said Sentinel, to the intent the foresaid Sopraguardia may do the like▪ and when they are of accord, euerie one may follow his owne path, but if otherwise they do disagrée, the disceit remaines discouered: not onely in that counterfeit round, but also in the sained Sentinel, whom the Sopraguardia must examine and demand at his hand some speciall countersigne or double word, that thereby he may know him for an assured friend, or finde him an enimie or negligent person, the which of all men is verie well knowne to merite sharpe and extreame chastisement, which at no time, so néere as is possible, is to be omitted.

This former rule is to be obserued of those souldiers that be of one selfe nation: but when the Rounds or Sopraguardes be many and of sundrie nations, and the Corps of Gards likewise: then the Sopraguard comming into a quarter that is stranger vnto him, is bound to giue the word to the Sopraguard of that nation, & of that quarter: so that by such meanes as wel y^e suspi∣tion of disceit, as the occasion of discord shall be auoyded.

And if in case the said ordinarie Round or Sopraguard, do in∣counter in their owne quarter, with the extraordinarie, those that be ordinarie shall indeuour themselues to take the word of those that be extraordinarie. For so is it conuenient and most conformable to that order beforesaid, wherein I haue set downe what is necessarie for a Sopraguard or Round to do in a strange quarter. And for that it is requisite, as I haue alredie touched, that the Caualliers be alwayes about the person of his chiefe captain, without either being bound to Standerd, Guidon, or o∣ther Ensigne whatsoeuer, he must indeuour himselfe, when any enterprise or warlike affaires is committed to his charge, to be apt and readie to vse practised experience in directing & guiding a skirmish, in taking the view of a battery, in discouering of the enimie, in marching or making Alta, in Passa parde in the va∣lia•…•…nt repulse of a sodaine inuading enimie by Bawll en bouche, in taking view of the situation of a place, in guiding a Roade or troupe of Horsemen, in giuing Alarome to the eni∣mie, in plucking aduertisementes from the enimie, in pla∣cing

Imbas•…•…ades, in giuing Canuasados, and to know ve∣rie well how to execute with sound iudgement these and such like important affaires, the which for the most part apper∣taine to the Cauallieres of this Squadrone to performe. As likewise it hath bin the custome to giue thē the charge to plant Gabiones for the defence of the Artillarie, to batter and endo∣mage the walles, the Trenches, the lodinges, and the enemies Squadrones.

Let him remember when hée hath bin at any exploite, to bring backe againe into his Quarter, those souldiers hee hath led foorth to any enterprise, vnited and in rancke, marching together behind him, and neuer suffer them to returne disban∣ded one by one out of order, which is an occasion of great con∣fusion, and brings but small reputation to the Captaine and conductor of them.

Moreouer it is verie necessarie hée knowe how to make a roade and distroie the enemies countrie, the which likewise doth oftentimes appertaine to him to performe: in which ex∣ploite hee must beware aboue all thinges, that no souldier in those enterprises disperse or disband themselues, but with an assured good order, for the most part conformable to my follow∣ing discourse, wherein I set downe directions, how to conduct Souldiers to the skirmish. And particularlie where I declare that he ought to kéepe and maintaine for his people the stron∣gest place of situation, wherein he must skirmish, for that com∣monly souldiers being in disorder, wearied and loaden with spoile, may bée easilie put to flight, broken and oppressed of the enemies, vnlesse they bée seconded or shaded by some force∣able succour.

I suppose it likewise most necessarie, that hée indeuour him∣selfe to bee apt and sufficient at all times, and in all places to sollicite and negociate for his Prince or Chieftaine, any cause of what weight or moment soeuer, considering that most men are not fit to attempt the performance of such doubtfull and dif∣ficile causes: for although manie make great estimation of them selues, and presume much by their dailie reading and Theoricke of those weightie affaires, yet do they want and come farre short of that bold and readie practise, which plainly appeares, that the worthy professors of Armes possesse: and

specially in the presence of great Princes, whose Maiestie and reuerence for the most part, doth make cold and bring out of countenance the hoatest and most resolute determination. As Demosthenes before Philip of Macedone made apparent, when he was not able to pronoūce thrée woords of a long premeditate Oration, in behalfe of the Athenians.

This worthie gentleman of a band, this Caualliere of Saint Georges squadre, and likewise all other professors of warlike armes, ought to carie in mind, that of him and his equals the exercise of Armes is to be applied, and diligentlie to practise the same, to the intent he bée not for want of knowledge dispised of others: and not ignorantlie to dispise them that deserue due commendations, but rather to carie and vse the countenance of authoritie to those persons that merite not to beare swaie and gouernement, then towards forward souldiers. Yet for all that towards the rest in •…•…some other respects, hée ought to gratifie them and helpe them to his power, and so courteously win the good wils and friendly fauor of all souldiers his equals, to in∣struct and courteously to admonish euerie souldier priuatelie and apart, what appertaines to his duetie.

This Caualliere must be able also to traine souldiers, to make them march in orderly proporcions, to cast them in Ringes, Esses, Snailes, Hearses, Squadres, to receiue and giue charge, to faine skirmishes, onsets, retraites, and how to order any number of Souldiers, from a hundreth to fiue hundreth, for so manie may be in a band, and vnder one Ensigne, as the Swi∣•…•…ers and Germains yet vse at this day, and as in former ages our Countriemen haue vsed, which in some respects may passe without reprehension. If a Captaine be disposed to haue so ma∣nie vnder his Ensigne, when hée is not able to bring the num∣ber vnto a whole Collonelship, together with the knowledge of the order how to traine, hée must indeuour himselfe to be per∣fect in drawing platformes, in the Mathematickes, in the mar∣tiall Lawes, in besieging of townes, batteries, mynes, and ech thing else belonging to Martiall discipline.

Let this worthie Caualliere of Saint Georges squadre haue then before his eyes such like precepts, and manage of martiall affaires, that he may encrease his owne credite, win his coun∣trie fame, fauor of his Prince, & honor of his house and friends,

rather then for the regard of riches, statelie houses, liuings, and such like, but rather prefer prudent pollicie, courage, valor and approued experience before such base benefites, whereby hée may attaine to the lawrell Crowne, wherewith diuers mightie conquerors haue their heades adorned: That hée may be an ex∣ample to the reproch of such as lewdlie spend their daies in idlenes, prodigalitie, lust and obloquie.

The order of trayning Footemen, necessarie to be obserued of all Sergeants, Lieutenants, and Cauallieres of the band.

FOr that the ignorance and decay of Armes in the be∣ginning of this age, and in these partes of Europe haue brought great confusion to diuers, which haue rawlie and rashlie professed the same, to the hazard of their liues and countrie: And for that Mustering and trayning of souldiers to make them expert to seruice is one of the greatest errors hath bin committed: therefore I haue thought good to borrow out of Master Stywards Booke of Martial discipline, his maner and forme of trayning, which I find in him set downe in more plaine and exquisite maner, according to the moderne vse, then of any that hath hitherto written so particularlie ei∣ther in our owne tongue, or in any other forraine language, wherein the Authour doth merite great commendations, whe∣ther the same procéedes of his owne experience, or that he hath drawne it out of other mens trauailes.

But first before I enter into particulars, I thinke it good to set downe, what Charecters I meane to vse in these discripti∣ons, that they may bée the better vnderstood, together with other notes appertaining to these present directions.

The Letters and Charecters.

• C for Captaines.
• L for Lieutenants.
• S for Sergeants.
• D for Drums.
• F for Fiftes.
• s for Hargabusiers.
• a for Archers.
• b for Halberdiers.
• p for Pikes.
• h for Horsemen.

The Orders which are to be obserued for the furnishing of the foresaid weapons.

Caliuers or Hargabuzieres, or Mu•…•…ketieres

SUch must haue either of them a good and sufficient péece, flask, tutch-boxe, pouder, shot, yron, mold, worme, tyrebale, ram∣mer, swoord and dagger, and a morrion. The like must the Muskete are haue, with a forked staffe brest hye, with a stringe to fasten to his wrest. Such as serue with shot in raine, mistes and windes, must haue their péeces chardged and primed: They must carie the tutch hoale of their péeces vnder their arme∣hoales, match light in their hands couertly and drie, their péeces faire and cleane within and without, so bée they seruiceable at all times, hauing regard they kéepe their march and retyre of good distance in sunder, their match and pouder verie drie, and their péeces often chardged and discharged.

Archers or long Bowes.

NEcessarie it is that euery man haue a good and méete bowe, according to his draught and strength, light & easie, a light side iacke hanging loose to his knée, with a skul, swoord & dagger, nothing vpon his armes, wherby in time of seruice hée may ea∣silie draw the arrow to the head, that they may deliuer the same with strength and art, as Englishmen bée accustomed. They must haue also a bracer and shooting gloue, their stringes whip∣ped and waxed ouer with glew, their feathers drie: and so is h•…•… seruiceable.

Pykemen.

THose bearing that warlike weapons, especiallie the fronts, where sometimes Captaines, Lieutenants, Sergeants, and Cauallieres of bandes, be oftentimes planted with Pikes, and is the place for Gentlemen to serue in, must haue a fayre Millan corsse•…•…, with al peeces appertaining to the same: that is, the curats, the collers, the paldrons, wyth the vambraces, also the long taces with the burganet, with sword and dagger, their pykes of the vsuall length (for the strength of the battaile doth consist in the same) bearing the pykes on their sholders, setting their thumbes vnder the same, whereby it is ruled. They must oftentimes practise to trayle, push, ward, couch, crosse, &c. as for the necessitie of the skirmish or battaile appertaineth.

Halberdeares or Bill-men.

THese bée gards vnto Captaines & Ensignes, which be most times chosen gentlemen of experience, or Cauallieres of the squadre, who as occasion serueth, giue orders to the numbers in aray, and the enemie approching to giue an onset, certain of them bée appointed to aduance and maintaine the receit of them: whose discréete leading and valiant courage doth much comfort the rest to follow the same. These Cauallieres bee ar∣med with corselets, and bée placed in the hart of the battail, vsu∣allie called the slaughter of the field, or execution of the same, who commonlie doe not fight but in verie great extremitie.

Because there is great alteration and deuision of weapons, I meane to note vnto you the iust numbers to euerie hundreth at this present vsed, which shall greatly profit to the making of your battailes, from 100. vnto 1500.

Men.	Pikes.	Halberds & Tar∣gets of proofe.	Shot.
100 Men.	40 P.	10 H.	50 Shot.
200 Men.	80 P.	20 H.	100 Shot.
300 Men.	120 P.	30 H.	150 Shot.
400 Men.	160 P.	40 H.	200 Shot.
500 Men.	200 P.	50 H.	250 Shot.
600 Men.	240 P.	60 H.	300 Shot.
700 Men.	280 P.	70 H.	350 Shot.
800 Men.	320 P.	80 H.	400 Shot.
900 Men.	340 P.	90 H.	450 Shot.
1000 Men.	400 P.	100 H.	500 Shot.
1100 Men.	440 P.	110 H.	550 Shot.
1200 Men.	480 P.	120 H.	600 Shot.
1300 Men.	520 P.	130 H.	650 Shot.
1400 Men.	560 P.	140 H.	700 Shot.
1500 Men.	600 P.	150 H.	750 Shot.

Of Mustering and Training.

A Band or Companie being furnished with Officers, Souldiers, Armour, Weapons and Munitions, as aforesaid: In times connenient resort whollie toge∣ther, to some ground necessarie, to must•…•…r, march and

traine, exercise and instruct such as are not perfect in feates of warre, which bee ordered sometimes by wordes and déedes, and sometimes by framed signes from the officers, that souldiers may learne and obserue the meaning of the same. At such times of assemblie, as at watch or ward, the Clerke ought to read the bill, and to call euerie souldier by his name, that euerie man may aunswere for himselfe, and none to be absent vpon paine, without sicknes or licence. The Sergeant (as they bée called) putteth them in Aray, that euerie man follow his loades∣man, kéeping his ranck-fellowes iustlie on both sides, placing the shot in voward and rerewarde: the Ensigne and Hal∣berds in the midst of the Pikes, so bée they placed in beautie and strength, as is accustomed: sometimes to stand and aduance their weapons, turne their faces, and march any waie assig∣ned: and sometimes to receiue a woord that shall passe from man to man, from the one end to the other, with such silence, that none heare the same, but those in aray assembled.

Certaine woords to be vsed of the Officer that traynes.

VVHen any Officer determines to exercise his companie to traine them, he must cast them into a King or such like necessarie forme, and vse these or like woords.

My louing friends, fellowes, and companions in Armes, wée bée gathered togither for the seruice of God, his holie Church, our Prince and Countrie, and for that none through ignorance shall perish or run in daunger of the lawes of the field, you shal from time to time by mée or other Officers of the band bée in∣structed by woords or déedes in such points, as to your calling and the necessitie of seruice shall require, the which you must diligently obserue and follow, though the same shal séeme vnto you many times both dangerous and paynfull. Also if any of you my followes shall find an occasion conuenient to declare to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or any other officer, his mind and opinion in any thing tou∣ching seruice, w•…•… shall diligentlie heare, and gratifie the partie the double value thereof, and (God willing) equitie and iustice shall be ministred. Also regard that all souldiers know & obey their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in their place, according to their calling.

To teach and trayne Souldiers to march* 1.3 in Ranckes, Squares, bat∣tailes, &c.

FIrst, for that one hundreth is the least num∣ber that a Captaine can haue in charge, I wil therefore begin with 100. setting your weapons in this order following: that is, twentie fiue shot, next your shot twentie Pykes, then tenne Halberds to gard the Ensigne, and next your Halberds other twentie Pykes, and then your other fiue and twentie shotte, the which béeing thus placed may be brought to those proporti∣ons here set downe, greatlie auailable to diuers seruices.

VVHen the souldiers are taught to march thrée in a ranke right forth, you shall bring them in this proportion of a ring, otherwise called a Limasson: & although it is not of any force, it is necessarie to traine y^e vnperfect, also by bringing them in close compasse togither, they may better heare and vnderstand any preceptes touching their charge, spoken by the Captain or any other officers, as oft as is méete. This figure folow∣ing of the ring is not of force, because the En∣signe lieth open to the enimies without gard of Pikes.

[illustration]

The Ring.

Sometimes vpon good occasion you shall bring your Pykes in order of an S. your Halberds planted in the midst with the Ensigne, whereby it may be enuironed with Pykes for defence of horse, your shot placed betwéene euerie rancke of Pikes, so that they may serue to the skirmish, either rescuing other with∣in gard, the which retyring into the void place, the Pikes cou∣ched euerie way for defence, the ouerplus of the shot with the Captaine and Lieutenant with other officers to be placed in the midst of the S. with the Ensigne.

[illustration]

An S.

SOmetimes vpon the suddaine bring them into this order of a D. otherwise called a Snaile: Place your Halberds and En∣signe in the Rereward of your Pikes, and cast your selfe round, so that you may enuiron your Ensigne, hauing first placed your shot amongst the ranckes of Pikes, euerie Captaine, Lieute∣nant, and other officer togither with the ouerplus of shot, to be placed within the circuite of the weapons. This is a strength at néede, but in this order they cannot march or retire.

[illustration]

A D. or a Snaile.

How to traine souldiers and bring them to the vse of their weapon.

AFter you haue taught your company to martch thrée in a rancke right forth, likewise to kéepe their order in Limasson or Ring, in S. or D. you shall command your officers to teach them how to vse their weapons. First deuide your shot from your pikes and Halberds, causing a marke to be set vpon the water, whereby you shall the better perceiue where the bullet falleth or striketh. Then cause your drumme to go before, and your shot to follow single, teaching thē how to hold their péeces, and to put pouder in the pan, the match in the cocke, how to couch and giue fire the better to bolden them: and that those haue experience to discharge at the marke, and euerie one for to follow his loadsman. This done, cast them all about round, and bring them to the place where they began, then afterward teach them to charge with bullet.

Sometimes deuide your pikes and halberds in* 1.4 two parts, commanding your officers that they turne their broad sides, as if they should encounter the enimie, causing your drums to sound. Then charge your officers to go in y^e front of your pikes, to shew them how that they should vse their wea∣pons, as first, to cause your pikes to sarie close to∣gither, then to traile their pikes with the sharpe end towards the enimie, two yards from the end of the blade, and to offer the push one at another. This being done, cause your drums to sound re∣trait, that is, to retire with your faces on the eni∣mie. Then must you teach them to ward with their pikes when the push is offered against them: also to couch and crosse, for defence of horse. Like∣wise to aduance, &c.

How to traine or place an hundreth men.

THis figure here placed doth sh•…•…w how the hundred men before mentioned cast in a ring, may march three in a ranke, the which may be brought vnto these proportions of strength following.

SOmetimes marching in the ray before said, you shall deuide the same into thrée parts by •…•…1. ranks in ech part, deuiding your shot into foure partes, and your pikes into foure parts also, placing your halberds to gard the Ensigne, so be they readie at the sodaine in quadrant as appeareth following.

[illustration]

LIkewise you must instruct them from thrée to march fiue in ranke, to the intent when néede serueth to ioyne vnto other bands. In thus marching, place halfe your shot before the other in the rereward.

ALso you may practise them to march seuen in ranke, placing your halberds in the Rere∣ward with your Ensigne, the which maketh a iust quad•…•…ant, placing your shot in the wings and rereward as appeareth following.* 1.5

[illustration]

YOu may likewise by placing seuē in ranke, the which is the greatest force that 100. men may be brought into, place 21. shot in the front, and fiftéene in •…•…ch wing, the which seruice be∣ing very apt to skirmish, is greatly vnto the anoying of the eni∣mie: also it is readie to retyre to serue round about the battaile of pikes, as before.

[illustration]

IF in marching you vnderstand or perceiue that horsemen will assault you, then place fiue pikes in ranke, and betwixt euerie pike a shot, so marching forward, they fall to be ten ranke quadrant, placing your halbe•…•…ds and Ensigne in the midst

[illustration]

A quadrant mixed with shot.

LIkewise you may for y^e defence of horsemen, place ten ranks of pikes euerie way, your shot next vnto thē, your halberds and Ensigne in the midst, the pikes ends couched on the ground the better to defend the enimie.

[illustration]

A quadrant defending the shot.

THis proportion sheweth the march or quadrant order at large of a hundreth men, verie necessary to bee vsed in shew to the enemies, when thou vnderstandest their •…•…umbers to excéede thine: Placing 7. Pikes in the Uoward, also 7. pikes in the Rereward, next vnto them 6. pikes in the second rankes, your Billes or Halberds together with your Ensigne in the midst with the Drum and Fifte, as is before mentioned, the which number (when thou perceiuest the enemie to take view of thine) thou shalt alter and cause the second rankes of the Uoward and Rereward to steppe forward to furnish the voide spaces, the which shall make of 7. thirtéene in a ranke. Also if thou perceiuest the enemie pretending to encounter thee, ha∣uing no place of refuge, shall cause the ranks that stepped for∣ward to retire to their places, and to sarrie close together, remo∣uing out of the second rankes into the winges, the Halberds to step forward in their places, wil be 7. euery way quadrāt, as in the order before is mentioned, your shot to bée placed in the Uoward & rereward, may skirmish & retire as occasion serueth,

[illustration]

The March at large,

Practises of training, appertaining to the* 1.6 charge of two hundreth Men.

FIrst marching fiue in Ranke, 40. rankes containe two hundreth men, suting their weapons, as before, they may bée brought to these orders following, auailable for diuers intents, although the same for a time séeme painfull, & although Archers bee not as heretofore they haue bin, yet is it good in some of my figures following, to shew you when you haue Archers how to place them.

SOmetimes deuide the Pikes and the Halberds into three parts, by 1•…•…. rankes, 7, to a ranke, placing your Ensigne in the midst, so ioining them together maketh a Hearse battaile, readie at the suddaine against the enemie, placing in the Uo∣ward 40. Hargabuzers, and 20. Archers, and in the Rereward 10. Hargabuzers and 30. Archers.

[illustration]

LIkewise according to your ground you shall place your vt∣termost rankes with your best and fairest Corselets, the which serueth not only to the shew, but otherwise to the strength of the battaile, commaunding your Officers to place 10. in a ranke, the rest to follow on their march 10. in a ranke. Likewise your Halberds and Ensigne in the midst, which fal∣leth to bée 10. euery way quadrant, the which is a iust hundreth•…•… your Hargabuzers placed in the Uoward and Rereward, and your Archers in the flankes, the which is a iust 100. also, as héere followeth▪

[illustration]

SOmetimes by commaundement of the General or head Offi∣cers, you are to accomplish some exploit by night, the which béeing led by your guides through straites, wrong ground, woods &c. It is nedefull that euerie pikeman and bilman take holde of his loadsmans weapon, placing your shot betwixt your Pikes, and your Ensigne in the midst, your Pykes to march fiue in a ranke, 16. rankes is iust 80. Pikes beside your Hal∣berds. The ouerplus of your shot to bee placed in the Rere∣ward.

[illustration]

SOmetimes occasion scrueth to march through long broome, corne, fearne, &c. so that souldiers must traile their pikes from the ground, close together at the halfe pikes, in the Uo∣ward the sharp ends of the pikes forward, and in the Rereward the sharp ends of the pikes to the ground, who may at the sud∣daine béeing assailed with Horsemen, presently aduance and couch their pikes euery way for defence from the Horse, your Hargabuzers in the front and Rereward, the Archers in the flankes.

[illustration]

ALso when you shall bée called to the assaults of Townes, Fortes, trenches, &c. you must endure the great shot, if it bée not dismounted, wherefore the Officers must cause the sol∣diers to march a good distance a sunder, and euerie man close to his loadsman, march with expedition, the shot making

way to the hand weapons, and all iointly together to employ themselues vnto victorie, your Hargabuzers vnto the Uoward, your Archers next to your Pikes, as this example sheweth.

[illustration]

Certaine pointes to exercise and traine 300. men to seruice.

A Captaine hauing charge of 300. men that bée expert in ser∣uice, may oftentimes victoriouslie accomplish exploites and pointes of seruice to them com∣mitted, which great numbers vnperfect may not attaine vn∣to. The better to instruct the same, here follow certaine Or∣ders and strengthes in aray, which practised in time conue∣nient, may bring perfection of seruice at neede.

Sometime placing such numbers by 5. in ranke, may bée brought to diuerse points of seruice conuenient, 60. rankes containe 300. men, 5. in ranke.

[illustration]

[illustration]

TO bring the first march of 5. in a ranke into a quadrant pro∣portion, you must deuide your long weapons into thrée parts, placing soure in ranke, your halbers and Ensigne in the midst, and ioyned close togither fall out to be 12. quadrant eue∣rie way, your shot placed in the wings readie to skirmish, in the bodie of the battaile are 120. pikes, thirtie halberds, and in the wings 140. shot, in the rereward thirtie shot, thus is the num∣ber at the sodaine brought to strength.

[illustration]

SOmetimes augment your rankes from fiue to seuen▪ •…•…o 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ rankes containes 300. men, which are to be ioyned vnto other numbers, and to be brought to force.

[illustration]

[illustration]

SOmetimes augment these 7. rankes here adioyning to 9. the long weapons of the same containe 18. rankes, your shot placed in the voward & rereward, as the ground may serue, is a hearse or broade square.

By these exercises of augmenting rankes as doe appeare, souldiers may be brought to perfection of order in aray, and by the same be brought in quadrant or herse battaile, according as numbers and ground will serue.

Orders of training three hundred men.

[illustration]

SOmtimes the Captaines with their bandes afore∣said, be appointed to some e•…•…∣polits with such silence that Drums sound not, nor clap weapons, neither vse any noise vntill they haue reco∣uered the place conuenient for their enterprises. Also sometimes the Officers in Rereward sendeth a woor•…•… passing from man to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vntil it come to the voward, from one ranke to an other, which may bée said Sar•…•…a, ad∣uance, Bullet in the mouth▪ &c. or such like, appointing two or three rankes of Gen∣tlemen▪ of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of S. Georges Squa•…•…ie, to lead the voward, who know the encounter and how to ioyne, and thereby that way by or∣der of the officers, the shot doth issue to skirmish be∣twixt the skilfull 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be∣foresaid. The battaile may ioyne close togither if o•…•…casi∣on requireth: also the rest of the shot may wa•…•…e thorow to helpe the voward.

EUen as presently you haue placed 12. in ranke, with your hal∣berds and Ensigne in the midst, so may they likewise fal out to be 12. in ranke in bredth, and 13. in length, if you place your shot in the front & rereward, the which as occasion serueth, may be brought to skirmish any wayes. This battell as the ground serueth is verie strong against the enimie.

[illustration]

SOmtimes marching in straights, and especially hauing some gard in the rereward for the safetie of the Ensigne, you may send certaine rankes of pikes in the front towards the enimie, which shall wade through to strengthen the battaile, placing the one halfe of your shot to skirmish in the front, the other halfe in the rereward.

[illustration]

SOmtimes hauing scope of ground, standing in doubt of horse∣men, cause the numbers to march 12▪ in a ranke at large, a good distance a sunder, and so to stand stil, euerie man towards their quarters, placing their shot on al sides betwixt the pikes, which after they haue discharged, being charged with horse, may retire to the halberds, and your outward fronts farrie close togither vntil the shot haue charged, & at the repulse of the horsemen to open your pikes at large, and the shot to be commanded to issue and to skirmish as they were in the fronts. This battell is of great force.

[illustration]

To order and imbattell 400. in quadrant proportion.

FOure hundreth men, whether they serue in one band or vn∣der two seuerall Ensignes, may be brought to this quadrant proportion against the defence of the enimie by placing 15. in the front, ioyning foure rankes of pikes in the voward, & foure in the rereward, and foure in the flanks, your halberds and En∣signe in the midst, placing your shot in sixe wings for the rescu∣ing of ech other, the rest of your shot in the voward and rere∣ward in Diamond wise. This battell for so small a number is of great force.

[illustration]

THe ground may be such as it shalbe necessarie to place the same number in manner of a herse, or twofold battaile, placing ten in ranke in length, and 20. in bredth, placing your halberds and Ensigne in the midst, encountring the enimie on your broad side, so shall you occupie more hands then the quadrant battaile doth, taking vp lesse ground in marching, then the other battaile. You must cause them to sarrie close to∣gither, trailing their pikes on the ground, being readie to offer the push to the footemen, and to crosse for the defence of horse∣men, your shot to be placed as before you appeareth. This is of great strength, so that the enimie cannot enuiron you.

[illustration]

To embattaile 500. men in a quadrant proportion.

ACcording to the worthinesse of the Captaine, the greater is his charge, as one Captaine to haue charge of 500. men vn∣der one Ensigne, the which if any Caualliere of the order would bring into quadrant battaile, hée must place 16 Pikes in front, making 4. rankes quadrant, placing his halberds in the midst with the Ensigne, so hath hée in the bodie of the battaile 250. men, his shot to be placed in the front and Rereward 110. and in the flanks of the battaile in the 8. winges 140. the which béeing discharged may discharge & retire, whereby to be rescued by the rest. They may in this proportion March any way vnto them néedefull, bée it either to trauaile, or else to win grounds by any aduantage.

[illustration]

SOmetimes by reason of the ground it is necessarie to bring such a number into an hearse or twofold battaile, which may bée more auailable then the Quadrant battaile. To bring them into this proportion, you must place 13. Pikes in breadth, and 21. in length, your Halberds and Ensigne in the midst, your shot in the f•…•…onts and wings. Thus in order they may turne their faces, and march any way to them néedefull, which prac∣tise may greatly auaile at time of néede, as vnto great numbers appertaineth.

[illustration]

In what sort Hargabuziers and Archers are to be guided to skirmish.

FOr that in all skirmishes shot is the first that beginneth the fight, I haue thought good in some few figures to set downe how they may March, skirmish, inuade, and retire in politik•…•… maner, and how by rankes to rescue one another, whereof the practise in this smal number wil giue a light to greater know∣ledge, which still may increase as the deuises of new inuenti∣ons do spring, wherein I would wish all worthie Gentlemen & couragious minds to whet their politike industrie, that ther∣by they may shun diuers discommodities and vnknowen daun∣gers, & attaine to the tipe of true valiancie: but to procéede.

This number following vpon the sight of the enemies, must march thrée in a ranke, casting themselues in the proportion of a Ring, so to abide there, appointing themselues to approch stil in aray, there to discharge by rankes, and so in the Rereward to charge againe, being readie for seruice, still marching round and whéeling about like vnto the Rutters.

[illustration]

THis number encoūtring the Ring must discharge by ranks, and after the first ranke hath discharged, to retyre betwixt the rankes vntil they come to the Rereward, there to charge and

to follow his loadsman to seruice againe. Thus may you con∣tinually maintaine skirmish, how litle or great soeuer your number bée, it giueth great encouragement to the Souldiers standing but one shot and retireth.

[illustration]

THese two bands of Hargabuzers set to encounter the enemy on their broad sides, the fronts discharge & turne their faces, retyring betwixt the other, which aduance in like maner for their rescue. These retire and charge againe to seruice, by prac∣tising the skirmish in this sort, you may bring bands of Archers to seruice, to the great anoying & discomfiting of the enemie.

[illustration]

These two bands change rankes, and place on their broade sides.

These bands of Archers be brought to seruice by the Callieuers afore them.

THese bands of Archers béeing brought to seruice by the Har∣gabuziers, although the hargabuziers bée accompted to be of greater force then they bee of, and the Archers not now so much vsed in the field as they haue bin, yet hauing light shaftes made to shot 12. or 14. scoore, may kéepe their place, shooting al together ouer the heads of the hargabuziers, to the gauling, blemishing, and great annoy of the enemie.

[illustration]

THese two bands following discharge by rankes and returne to the Rereward, and charge againe, who béeing placed fiue in a ranke like to two hornes, are to bée brought to skirmish in like proportion to this figure. The fronts or voward hauing discharged, the one retyreth on the left hand, the other on the right hand vnto the Rereward, & there to charge againe euery one a fresh, following his loadsman to seruice.

[illustration]

Orders of shot verie necessarie for diuers intents of seruice auailable.

ACcording to the number of the enimies, you must answers them with like proportion and numbers, hauing great re∣gard to obtaine the hill, wind, water, wood, marish, strength of vitch, coppes, &c. the which greatly auaileth. Sometimes the aduantage of ground is such, that small numbers may repulse greater numbers. The grounds large and plaine, make your main-ward of shot large and strong, the better to answere the enimie, the fronts to discharge and retyre to the Rereward, there to charge againe, and béeing thus ioined in skirmish with the enimie, the Officer or hée that guides, must foresée the best way to repulse and ouerthrow the enimie, sending two wings to slanke the enimies and to encounter them, the which béeing wisely foreseene will greatly profit.

[illustration]

SOuldiers likewise in marching, charging or discharging, inuading and skirmishing, may from the first rankes and front of the square, returne and wind himselfe thorow the

ranke, béeing seconded by his companions, following this example.

[illustration]

THese thrée bands marching at large may wade thorough in skirmish, or retyre betwixt the rankes, as occasion serueth, either band rescuing other, to charge in the Rereward, and to aduance to seruice againe. Thus may you continually main∣taine skirmish or volles of whole shot.

[illustration]

These practises and others of better inuention, together with such like warlike exercises in times conuentent, may bring per∣fection to seruice with shot at néede, the rather through the good industrie and painfull trauaile of the Officers and the Souldi∣ers, by whose gentle patience it is sooner obtained.

The order of skirmish, how it is to bee gouerned, when it is to bee accepted, and when to bee auoided.

IT béeing necessary for euery Sergeant, Lieutenant and Ca∣ual liere of the band, to know when, where, and in what order a skirmish is to bee gouerned, when to bee auoided, and when to bée accepted to the benefite of the whole band, regiment, or Armie, I thought good to ioine to those proportions of training, somewhat touching the same: wherein for that there bée sundrie occasions which moue and constraine men to enter into skir∣mish, I wil amongst the rest choose out thrée which I iudge most principall and of greatest importance.

The first is, when wee will giue the enimie experience and triall of our valour and force, and cunningly to perswade him (by a souldier that yéelds of purpose, or alter sides) to giue cre∣dite to some thing which may arise to our commoditie and his domage. Likewise by taking some of his souldiers prisoners, to vnderstand the state of our enemies, the which may bée more aptly termed the winning of aduertisements, the which things is most expedient wée put in practise.

The second is, when wée determine to gaine any passage, or any fortresse or strength, which is in the enemies possession, or like to fall into his hands if preuention bee not vsed, and hauing occupied and gained the same, to retaine it for the seruice of our Campe.

The third is, when wée are of mind to kéepe the enimie so occupied as hée march not at his pleasure, or that when wée do march our selues he become not domageable to our own people, or to the bagage, or any thing that is ours being of importance.

When therfore wée will giue trial or experience of our selues to the enemie, & gaine intelligences, or win aduertisements of him: it is requisite there be election made of a leader, some wor∣thie Caualliere, that is indued with prudent pollicie and noble valour, who must gouerne this skirmish: which leader, must take with him a quantitie of chosen souldiers, & according as the accustomed vse is, must haue culled out of euery band so many as wil amount to the number of 10. out of ech hundreth, a hun∣dreth out of a thousand, and a thousand out of ten thousand, or some such like reasonable portion.

When the leader of the skirmish hath made choise of the place and ground (fit for his purpose) wherein hée meanes to méete with the enimies (the which will not be difficile for that he is the chooser, inuentor, and author thereof,) he must then conduct thither a quantitie of good souldiers, with an assu∣red array and order. Hauing first and beforehand exhorted thē to due obedience, and opened and conferred with them y^e chiefe circumstance of his meaning, both how long, and in what man∣ner the enterprise is to be performed, to the intent that when he hath accomplished and erecuted so much as he was determi∣ned, it do not séeme strange vnto them to make retire. For the which there did arise great quarrell and bloodie issue in Germa∣nie, betwixt two Italian captaines, Giouan Dominico Napo∣lello of Naples, and captaine Loatello of Cremen•…•…, both valiant gentlemen, the one of them perswading the other to retyre from a skirmish, begin to the purpose before mentioned, by appoint∣ment of their superiours, but by reason the one would not obey, it was the cause of great disorder. He must likewise haue a pro∣uident foresight and be verie circumspect, that like a good soul∣dier he go verie warily & considerately into the fight and skir∣mish, euer watching & attending for his continuall aduantage, to the end that retyring himselfe vpon a sodaine, the enimy may remaine & rest repulsed, amazed, and oppressed, that the whole armie may conceiue and be kept in a good impression, and opi∣nion of victorie.

Now this foresaid leader being arriued with the people in the sight of the enimie, he must immediatly with his souldiers, occupie and take possession of the ground, which doth best please him, which is most apt for his purpose, & in effect is y^e strongest▪ He must take order y^t these hargabussers be accompanied with armed pikes and corselets, without whose fellowship hargab•…•…∣siers ought neuer to be sent about any enterprise, specially whē they suspect they shall méete with the enimy, or with horsemen.

Whensoeuer souldiers are to enter into skirmi•…•…h, their lea∣der must deuide them into so manie parts as he shall think ex∣pedient, which diuision must be vsed according as the quantitie of the people will beare, so that in euerie part their ought to be at the least 50. souldiers, and 5. or 6. seuerall parts and compa∣nies: Neuerthelesse alwayes foreséeing and prouiding, that

as well all the parts togither, as the number of the souldiers of euer to part by themselues, be like in proportion to the qualitie and force of the enimy, and equal to the quantitie of their num∣ber, the which may be knowne verie well, there by view and discouered by meanes of spies, or by manifest and assured fame. To euerie which part he must appoint a sufficient head & guid, a noble Cauallier of Saint Georges squadre.

Then must he send out certaine souldiers that be most nim∣ble and readie to prouoke the enimie, and when they be ioyned in skirmish, he must sodainely increase the fight with sending forth the second part: and then rest a little to behold, to the in∣tent the skirmish may begin to grow whotter: at which time he must likewise send the third troope for a new supplie, and so consequently •…•…ne after another▪ continue on the incounter.

The most fit and apt time when the souldiers must enter the skirmish, make retyre, & giue a fresh onset, ought to be shewed and made manifest by the sound of trumpets to horsemen, and stroke or batterie of drummes to the footemen, from the maine stand, which is placed in some plot of ground, resting vigilant in a forceable squadron, for the sure defence and retrait of those that skirmish: to the end they may both couragiously fight, and the enimie rest confounded & despaire of his victorie, when hée doth perceiue so perfect and pollitike an order. The which for y^e most part makes euerie hard difficultie to be performed with great facilitie, specially in y^e discréet & famous exercise of armes.

To giue more light to some new inuentions of skirmish, I cannot omit to declare in what sort I haue séene skirmish a gui∣don of horsemen Rutters, who comming to the fight in their accustomed squadres, and from thence pricking forward some of the first rankes and threds prouoke the enimie▪, and when these of the first ranks haue discharged their Pistolets, making Carier & being charged, they place thēselues againe at the backe of their owne squadre, from whence at the same instant time others of the first ranks do disband themselues, and giue charge vpon the enimie: but being charged themselues of the enimie, retyring, they conuey themselues behind their owne people, which already before them are ranged for their saftie in their square, so that as many more immediatly giuing a fresh onset, by breaking out of the squadre, which is maintained and renued

by this speciall order, doe with maruellous furie force the eni∣mie, & in this order skirmishing in a winding ring, in round, as is before set downe by figure, do still maintaine themselues lusty and fresh, the which forme of fight may in some respectes serue in this place for an example.

But to returne to my former matter, I say, when the skir∣mish and fight hath bene maintained valiantly in the front and face of the enimie an houre and a halfe, or else two houres, and that he hath taken some of his enimies prisoners, for the obtai∣ning whereof he must very couragiously and whotly procéede, which is to be vnderstood, the winning of aduertisements and intelligences from the enimie: since by that meanes he may haue of them choise and contentation, he may then at his plea∣sure make retraite and take vp the skirmish.

Moreouer, to the intent he may retyre with aduantage and with safetie, he must send to sustaine the fight, a fresh band of souldiers that with greater facilitie he may front the surie of the enimie, if there rise desire in them to vrge or pursue him in his retyre.

There is one note most necessarie to be obserued in an army, regiment or band, that neither any famous Generall or prince, any pollitike personage, or worthy souldier of estimation, enter into the faction of a skirmish, but rather that the same be guided and gouerned prudently by others of meaner calling. For al∣though the enterprise did fall out to the aduantage of the same partie, yet if there should follow the losse of any famous and no∣table person, the same hath not onely bene of great domage, but also hath bene oftentimes of such force, that it hath stroken a terror and feare in the minds of the souldiers, specially amongst those that were not at the enterprise, neither in like cases will it satisfie or suffice them to declare or solemnely expresse vnto them the truth, but that vpon such special losse, they will grow into vnaduised iudgementes and timerous dispositi∣ons.

If in case the enimie take the charge and malte retyre, it is good to haue takē order with the Caualliers, heads & guids of the skirmish, that as néere as possible they can, they force their peo∣ple to make stay, and that they follow the enimie no further, since that in this point they do not contend to any other end,

then to bréede a certaine impression and good opinion in the minds of our owne souldiers, to the confusion of the contrarie part, and to winne aduertisements, if it be possible, the which is all the effect they haue to performe, the which was the onely motion that moued them to attempt this enterprise.

Now when he determines to gaine a passage, or any other strong place against the enimie, which will arise to their dis∣profite and our owne commoditie, and hauing wonne it, to su∣staine and defend the same: first choise must be made of a vigi∣lant and valiant leader, although it hath often fallen out that without entring into skirmish a diligent captaine or leader, hath with his people taken possession of such passages or strong places. And by this prouidence, it ariseth to be neither difficile nor hard to be defended against the enimie, considering that all such suspected extremities & bands, be accustomed to be strong by nature, whereunto afterwards ioyning some little Art, for the most part they become expugnable. But neuerthelesse if by incountring with the enimie it is requisite he should skirmish, I iudge it verie good that he should rashly go no further, then so farre as the souldiers which he hath sent to the skirmish haue gained.

To obserue perfite gouernement, it is neuer good to depart from the order before rehersed, saue onely when he doth sée the enimie bend and shrinke away, in place of aduised stay & polli∣tike retention in procéeding, I thē iudge it worthie cōmendati∣on to follow the victorie, but for al that, with such consideration and so aduisedly, that their ouer-great courage and carelesse ioy be not the occasion of disorder and confusion, togither with the which prosperitie, he must diligently procure his people to gaine the passage or strong place, to the end if the enimy should go about to succour his flying and broken people, he become not a let and hinderance to his determination.

It is verie requisite he likewise note, that when the enimie is so fresh and of such force, that it is impossible to ouerthrow or repulse him face to face: then shall it be to the purpose to mo∣derate the same euen vntill night, at which time he must vse al the pollicies and stratagems he can possible to performe his de∣termination: for the onely marke whereat this leader must shoote, must onely be to worke such meanes as he may gaine

the passage, and take possession of the strong place, and not to passe the time in skirmish and fight: hauing wonne the same, he must indeuour himselfe to defend and repaire it, that they may be able to resist all the furie and force that the enimie is a∣ble to make, vntill such time as succours come to him from his campe.

When he is of minde to entertaine and kéepe the enimie oc∣cupied, to the intent he march nor iourney not at his pleasure, or that if your armie doe march, he worke not any domage to your people, to your baggage, to your munitions & other things of importance: It is verie expedient that the leader of this skir∣mish be valiant and wise: who must determine to keepe occu∣pied the enimie, that by the practise thereof it may arise to bee profitable to the performance of some other his purposed enter∣prise.

After he hath made choise amongst his souldiers of those which must skirmish, he must deuide them as is before rehersed: and he with the rest of the people to him vnited, as néere as is possi∣ble, must march alongst the strongest situation of the ground, & then must send those that are deputed and appointed to the skir∣mish, one after another to the taile of the enimies battel, against whom they must skirmish and fight, euen as an old beaten dog about some Bul or furious beast doth here and there snatch, bite and turne about him, that in the end he doth kéepe him occupied & wearie him, if not ouercome. When he hath put these things in execution, he must gather togither his people in the best sort he can, in the aforesaid order.

If in marching his owne campe doe feare to be assaulted at the backe, or that he hath suspicion of his baggage, or doubts some impediments on the flankes: then must the leader of the skirmish make repaire with his people to that place, where hee suspects the enimie will take aduantage: and march farre off, and with such distance from his campe and his battailes, as he shall thinke conuenient, and as the nature of the place doth re∣quire, to the intent he may bring to effect his determination, and prosecute the same to a good end, the which is to auoid the inconuenience, that the enimy neither hurt nor hinder his bag∣gage and munition. And in this sort with good order he must follow and accompany his owne people, and with those that be

appointed for the fight, must kéepe occupied and intertaine the enimy stil skirmishing, retyring, and marching as it alwayes fals out and chanceth to him that valiantly defends him∣selfe.

Concluding then, I say, that it séemes good and verie requi∣site that the skirmish for the most part should be fled and shun∣ned, except it be in respect of some of the thrée foresaid occasions, or some such like, which thereunto may be adioyned, procéeding of a practised and aduised iudgement, for it is a verie rash and vnaduised thing to loose men of valour to no purpose, as of ne∣cessitie in skirmishes doth succéede. And besides the losse of such persons of estimation, which ariseth by reason of rash disorder: Moreouer it hath bene oftentimes séene, that whilest he goeth about to succour one band presently enclosed by the enimie and put to flight (by reason it hath bene negligently gouerned, as for the most part it fals out, whē men go to skirmish moued by a fantastical rage, vain ambition, and to smal purpose without a sufficient appointed chiefe or head, or rather without speciall commission from the captaine Generall, the which aduertise∣ment is principally to be noted) there hath such inconuenience succéeded, that an armie hath sometimes bene constrained to ha∣zard and come to the fight of a maine battell vpon a suddaine, a thing maruellous perillous, and that ought of necessitie to be fled, without manifest aduantage of a perfite and a well practi∣sed Generall.

Sundrie aduertisements fit for a worthie Cauallier to obserue.

• 1 First in the view of a batterie.
• 2 Secondly in describing the condition of a situation of any place.
• 3 And thirdly in disclosing the order the enimie obserues, either encamping or marching.

Although an excellent and prudent captaine Generall in all his affaires must vse the seruice of practised souldiers, such as may be supposed to haue sufficient knowledge in these afore∣said respects: yet doe I coniecture it verie necessarie to make choise of a man that besides his sufficient experience in diuerse

warlike practises of training, ordering, directing, and leading souldiers, yet would I wish the said worthy Cauallier to carrie a hautie and hardie heart, a bold and valiant bodie, and more∣ouer that he be accompanied with an excellent iudgement in matters appertaining to the exercise of Armes: specially in those causes cōuenient to be accomplished by him or his equals. Who after he hath receiued commission to view any batterie, and that he is sufficiently armed, able to defend himselfe (which as néere as is possible he must finde the meanes to be) he ought to take with him some one hargabusier, a man of valour, to re∣pulse and annoy the enimies which are at the defence, if hée should stand in néede or be discouered, and to the intent he may aid him in other accidents that might fall out: but after he is guided and entred into the action of his enterprise, he must ad∣uisedly enforme himselfe, and take the view how great the breach is, and how hye the entrance is of ruinated earth, and both what and how great the difficultie is to ascend thereupon, considering well what effect the fall of the wall hath made, and being ascended or at leastwise so néere as is possible, hauing done his indeuour to mount vp the breach, he must go about to view secreatly and sufficiently the largenesse within, which is betwixt the battered wall and the houses, and how much the fal of the battery is in that place: and togither with this he must indeuour himselfe to sée if the said batterie be flancked within or not, if it be safe or secure, if the place be plaine, easie, or hard and headlong to ascend: and in sum, he must consider by what means and which is the best way, that they within may defend themselues. Al the which, so néere as is possible, he ought to doe with great diligence and wisdome, as well in perfite discouery of all these important difficulties, as in spéedie returne, taking view and making choise at the same instant of the most close & couert way, wherein the souldiers may with greatest commo∣ditie approch to giue assault to the breach and batterie. Ouer which troopes it doth for the most part appertaine to this Caual∣lier to be the guide: Now vpon his returne, he must make full discourse of euerie particular to him that hath sent him, to the intent that his prince or General may with al spéed appoint the order of the assault, that the lesse time may be giuē the enimy to make contermures, bulwarks, and trenches to defend himselfe.

I am of opinion likewise, that that souldier or worthy Cauallier ought to be no lesse then the foresaid, of a practised and pregnant wit, to whom charge is giuen to discouer the qualitie and condition of the situation of the enimies countrie, or the place where he remaines: who after he hath considered of the same, although he that sent him hath not expresly declared him his meaning and intention touching the same, or his ful mea∣ning: yet being conducted to the place, he must with the least shew, rumour or noise possible, cause the people that go with him to enter into ambush, to the intent he be not discouered or disturbed by the enimie, which done, he must warily and dis∣créetly view and ouerview, search and go through euery place, noting out the quantitie of the waters which run through the countrie, the capacitie of y^e plains, if therein be marish grounds or not, the depth and bredth of the vales, the roughnesse of the mountaines, their height and capacitie, if they be naked, clo∣thed with hye or lowe wood, or else plowed and pasture ground: and if there be townes and habitations, whether they be placed vpon plaines, mountaines, or néere the water, whether they be inclosed with wals and fortified or not, and of what bignesse and qualitie of forme they be: and so consequently he shal make note of euerie particular point, as I haue written in a speciall discourse hereunto adioyned, considering that some of these and like particulars, may verie often helpe and do good seruice, and arise to be of great importance. In this selfe sort & order he may very well discouer all the passages and wayes from the time he doth depart, euen vntill he ariue againe, alwayes marking and making aduised choise of the best and shortest: so that he may giue to his prince or Generall a true information and full rela∣tion of euerie thing, to the intent his Generall may with great reason and to his most aduantage, determine of that which shall arise to his greatest profite, and to the enimies disaduantage: as was by Charles the fift obserued at the riuer Alba, by the Spaniards at Sirick sea, and by that famous Prince Don Iohn D'austria at sundrie times, specially when in person the day af∣ter he returned from Luxemburge to Namures, he made discouerie of the ground about the prince of Orange and States Campe, lying at Templo, where by the commaundement of my Collonell the Baron of Cherau, I amongst the rest of his owne

squadrons lay in Ambascade, for the safetie of our Gene∣rals retire, by whose prudent discouerie and valiant courage, the next day with two thousand fiue hundred footemen and nine hundred horsemen, wée ouerthrew eightéene thousand of the enimies, slew 12000 ▪ tooke all their bagage and Artil∣larie.

Now lastlie when it is requisite to disclose and discouer the order and maner which the enimie obserues, either béeing en∣camped or in marching, it behooues a good souldier aduisedly to take the view and knowledge thereof, in as good order as time and occasion wil permit. And if in case the enimie remaine firme and encamped, I iudge it verie requisite if it bée possible, to take view of the Campe round about, at leastwise as much as hée can well, taking notice how many Corps de garde they kéepe without their Campe, and so likewise what part of the situation thereof doth make it most weake, what part is stron∣gest, and which part is betwixt both, béeing able to render ac∣compt with good reason of all these things in discourse like a po∣litike and practised souldier: The performance whereof some∣times is with more assurance and better brought to passe in the night then in the day.

If in case the enimie bée in his iourney and do march, I sup∣pose it verie necessary to discouer in what order they march, and in what manner and forme they haue planted their squadrons, set in order and armed the Rereward, the battaile & vantgard, and both the one flanke and the other, if they haue Artillarie, or that they bée without, and together with this he must discouer the condition and situation of the ground where they march, and which way they bend their course to encamp, where they make alta and stay. Hée must likewise search out and diligently dis∣cipher, whether they march with feare, whether they kéepe good order, whether they make hast: all this as néere as is possible hée must discerne, and with spéede indeuour himselfe to giue infor∣mation of ech particular thing vnto his Prince or Generall, to the intent when the first occasion doth offer, (which is common∣ly when they make stay at their lodging) hée may determine to molest them by suddaine Alarums, Canuasados, and other such like surprises or attemptes. And that in this second and last dis∣couery which is of marching, to the end (béeing informed of their

qualitie) hée may determine what to doe, if not than, at least•…•… wise when occasion doth offer: wherefore I am of opinion, that together with approued practise, and the due consideration of these Rules and aduertisements, it makes much to the purpose that a good souldier should haue some knowledge of drawing and painting proportions of Cities, fortresses, bulwarkes, &c. toge∣ther with some vnderstanding in the art prospectiue & of pro∣portion: for it often chanceth to be a thing verie difficile to giue directions, and driue him that gouernes or is Generall to vnderstand some particularities, like to these onely by plaine woordes, although they were ample and manifest, whereof the discription by draught béeing well knowen, accompanied with the liuely voice of the Relator, it makes the Prince more capa∣ble to determine what is to bee executed for performance of his important enterprises.

Diuerse notes due for a singuler good Souldier and Caual∣liere to obserue, when hee must giue to his Captaine Generall or Prince, a true discription and full rela∣tion of the Countries, Cities, and Castels of a whole state or kingdome.

IT is the opinion of all men that bee of perfect experience in Armes, that it particularlie appertaines to the Captain Ge∣nerall, to haue a perfect discription, and diligent relation of the fortified places, & the particular state in euery point of all the Prouince that is committed to the Generals custodie, whether generally or particularlie.

Therefore a worthy souldier & noble Caualliere may alwaies increase in his Princes sauor: hée must be euer readie to pre∣fer his important affaires, chiefly in this speciall seruice of ad∣uertisement & discouerie: (Touching which Guichardines dis∣criptions of the low Countries may bée a patterne), for the per∣formance whereof, hauing receiued his full Commission of au∣thoritie, it is most conuenient for him, both particularly and in generall, to examine, discouer, view, take notice, the prospectiue & plot of euery place with aduised iudgement, & not by fortune as many are accustomed, for that they cannot otherwise do, not hauing sufficient knowledge of the Bussola, which with great industrie hath bin to this end found out and made more ample

by the Conte Iulio de Tiene.

For which respect it is conuenient he take the platforme of euery walled towne in that state, and with due measured dis∣tance therein, must note & make the proportion of the walles, bulwarkes, the mounts, rockes, gates, ditches, the market pla∣ces with their bignes, the principall stréetes with their circum∣stances, specially whether there bée any hanging or high hill or ground, that vpon any side is opposite of a iust space and reaso∣nable distance, from whence according to sufficiēt consideration and examination therein, artillarie or any other engine may offend and endomage the same.

Hée must set out likewise, whether the bulwarkes, walles or rocks be weake or strong, old or new, repaired or ruinous, ram∣piers, or otherwise, if their situation lie hie or low, on marish ground, sand, grauell, or rockes, or vpon auncient buildings or ruines. Likewise let him discribe towards what part of the world they stand, whether East, West, South or North: If they will suffer or bée in danger to bée myned, to bée battered, to bée assaulted with ladders, or with any other manifest or secret er•…•… pugnation, and vpon what side and place.

Hée must set downe notice if there bée fountains or cesternes, if great ryuers or floodes, and if the said water bée possible to bee taken away, stopt, or infected of the enimie: and must aduertise what remedie may bée vsed to the contrarie.

Moreouer hee must consider in what ayre those Cities stand, if in whoat or cold, drie or moist, or rather mirt and temperate, & if the places be apt to be kept & defended: If the ayre wil suffer that victuales, munitions, and souldiers will bee conserued, or otherwise.

What store of victuales is in ech Towne or Fortresse, or the countrie adioining, and whether there bee fit commoditie to carie and recarie the same by water or by land. And if the place bée vpon the sea coast, whether it bée a hauen Towne or fisher towne, what depth the barre is of at the ebbe and full, the capaci∣tie of the harbour, and what s•…•…oare of vessels belong to the same, together with the disposition of the sea faring men, the goodnes of the shippes, both for swift saile and fight, how they are stoar•…•… with ordinance and munitions, and armde with netting, grates and feightes &c▪

Let him diligently obserue how many housholds and houses bée in euerie towne, how many persons, how many able men for souldiers vpon foote, how many for horsemen, and how many for pioners, how many oxen, how many horses to dra•…•… cartes or artillarie, how many beastes of burden to carrie victuales ech place is able to kéepe or make, what artillarie, what muni∣tion and victuales bee found in ech Towne or fortresse, from whence euery place may be succoured and victualed, and from whence victuales may bée had to sustain those places which are apt to bée defended and kept.

How many souldiers there bée of the infantarie, and how many of the Cauallarie, if they oftentimes vse exercise of Armes, and make shewes or Musters, whether they bée well or euill armed, coragious or cowards, politike or rash, obedient or muti∣nous, expert or ignorant, old or new bands, and shall in effect consider what is to bée looked for at their hands, or what their abilitie is apt to performe.

This done, hée may with all other requisite diligence, set downe notice of any other particular or necessarie thing. If the Riuers and floodes bée nauegable, if they ebbe or flow, if they bée easie to bée kept, and their bridges, foords, and passages be defen∣ded, where they bée weake or stronge, ebbe or déepe, the which is easie to bée knowen: for where the water is most ebbe or shal∣low & most fit for a foard, there doth appeare a rigge or streame caused of the substance and matter which doth run by the depth and doth make stay there, the which for that it hath oftentimes bin experimented, is most true as diuers haue tried.

Hée must discrie the condition of the hilles, of the vallies, the qualitie of the confines, of the waters, of the fennes, of the myres and lakes and other thinges worthie to bée noted, and in what part of the prouince the ground is fertile or barraine, if abundantly it bringes foorth graine, grapes, fruites, oyles, séedes, flaxe or hempe: what store of cattell and beastes there bée, and of what sorts: If that there bée woodes, and towards what part: If therein grow wood for building or for fire.

Let him likewise aduertise whether the entrance of the coun∣trie bée difficile, and the issue easie: or contrarie.

And amongst other things to bée considered, it is a thing of great importance, to vnderstand perfectly whether the people

bée industrious or ydle, if warlike or labourers, if quiet or dis∣quiet, if friendly or factious. If the footemen for weapons vse the hargabuze, musket, halberd & pike, or the bow, the dart, and browne bill, if short swords and poynaldes, or long swords and great daggers. If the horsemen vse firelocke peeces, or snap∣haunces, if pistolets, launces, and long chasing staues: or else what manner of weapon they vse, their nature and order in feight: and what policies and stratagemes they are accustomed to vse. And to conclude, hée must thus in writing, in notes, in plaine draughts and painting, let him with good deliberation and aduisement, and not rashlie make manifest and apparant euery small particular thing, to the intent that his Prince, Generall, Collonell, or Captaine, béeginning at the one end, may with the eye of his mind, run ouer & peruse the whole, one by one in due proportion, briefly & plainly in a table, as y^e view of a gallant Theater, from whence the veile of the shading cur∣taine is suddainlie drawne, and make apparant to the eyes of all the beholders, the sight of some sumpteous shew, or that taking hold at the one end, hée may draw altogether like a well linked chaine: so that any one which hath not séene the place, beholding the portrature thereof, may thinke hée doth view the same with his eyes, whereby all these discriptions of the said countrie in generall, or any parcel in particular, may verie wel serue, and with great aide direct him that must enter into or gouerne a Prouince, to the great increase of the honour of any noble Prince or worthy Captaine.

These and such like bée the qualities I would wish to bée in a valiant Caualliere of Saint Georges squadre, in a Lieute∣nant, Sergeant, or any other good souldiers, that hée may know how to direct, guid, gouerne, traine, skirmish, view, discouer, and discribe the proportion and situation of Countries. And for the better performance thereof, to haue good knowledge in the Mathematikes, speciallie in Algarosme, Algebra, and Geo∣metrie, whereby hée may worthily merite a good Souldiers name.

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A rule to set any number of Souldiers in aray.

THe footemen béeing brought into the place where they are to bée put in aray: First you must foresée, that it bée fit for the purpose, and so capable, that the aray may commodiously turne on the right and the left hand, as much as may bée: ne∣uerthelesse according to the number of the souldiers you haue, afterwardes proceede in this fort.

First the Pikes must bee drawen by themselues on one side together with the Ensignes, and vpon the other side all the Hargabuziers, somewhat aloofe off distant from the pikes, bée∣ginning to make the hargabuziers march, so many in a ranke as you list, parting them neuerthelesse according to their num∣ber: You may put them from 3. to 12. in a ranke, for it is not often séene that more then a leuen is put in a ranke, how great soeuer the number of the footmen bée, neither in troath ought they to bee more then a leuen, for when they passe a leuen or twelue they are not to bée accompted an aray, but rather a battaile.

Hauing then placed the number of the Hargabuziers you shal thinke good of, to bee in a ranke, you shall cause them to march in good proportion, sending foorth one ranke after another, the Sergeant standing still on one side, causing them to passe be∣fore him, iudging by eye-sight from ranke to ranke of all the Souldiers one by one, whether they bee right in lyne, obserue distance, and whether they doe moue foorth of their order and aray, for this is the beautie and importance of an aray.

Moreouer, the Sergeant hauing speciall respect to accommo∣date and place at the head of the aray, all the Corporals or Lancia Spezzata which carie Calliuers, placing next vnto them the best and the best furnished Souldiers, putting a Drumme behinde the second ranke, that is to say, before the third, placing at the taile of the aray the best and best armed, to the intent the aray may shew the better, forasmuch as when they are deuided into aray, the hargabuziers from the Pikes, and that they turne their faces, then the backe part is made the

front, therefore the backe ought to bée as well furnished as the front, or the head of the aray, as you will please to tearme it: The which if you desire to doe, it is necessarie you put in the midst of the rankes the weakest and worst furnished, aduerti∣sing the Sergeant that the souldiers are best furnished, when they haue all sortes of armes and furniments that bee ne∣cessarie for them, and appertaines to a Hargabuzier, good match, fyer, coall, pouder and bullet, and moreouer L'az∣zino: And this is to bee obserued with that spéede and dili∣gence, that the time or occasion doth carie, and the suspition of the enimie doth import.

And in one present time, if the Sergeant haue commis∣sion, hee must distribute munition to the Hargabuziers, as bullet, match, or pouder, and to haue a man about him to carrie the munition, and hee afterwardes goe about disper∣sing of it, and in giuing the pouder, hee must haue a Tun∣nell with a small and narrowe pipe, to the intent it may enter into the pipe of euery one of their flaskes, and with a measure that doth holde so much pouder, as hee will giue vnto euerie Hargabuzier at one time, or at twice: and so to euery ranke one by one as they goe passing forwardes, the Serge∣ant causing to march forward his aray before him, faire and softlie ranke by ranke, by which meanes hée shall not con∣found them.

If it chaunce that hée do not distribute munition at one selfe time, hee shall cause the Pikes on an other side to put themselues in aray, as manie in a ranke as the Hargabuzi∣ers shall bee, deuiding the best armed with Corselets, the one halfe to the head, and the other halfe to the backe, and the dis∣armed pikes in the midst, and in the midst of them place the Ensignes with their garde of Halberdes, with certaine Drummes about the said Ensignes, that is, in the Piazza or void place, where the Ensigne is to bée managed: those Drummes and Fiftes that you haue, shall march before the Standerd bearers:

And the Sergeant causing the Pikes to march foreward, shall number howe manie rankes they bée, and shall kéepe them in memorie, to the intent that if hee bee to make a battil∣lion, hée may knowe how to gouerne himselfe, and so cause

the said Pikes to march and turne once againe, and hauing then well accommodated the aray of the Pikes, with the En∣signes placed iust in the midst, with the Drumm•…•…s and Fiftes before them, as I haue said, causing the Ensignes to haue an ample and large roome and P•…•…azzo, from the two rankes that bee about him, that is, from that which is before, and from the other that doth march right behind him, to the intent the En∣signes may bee well shewed and managed.

When they bee well set in order, it is necessarie to cause the Pikes to stay and stand, and the Sergeant hauing staied them, hée shall then go where hée hath first accommodated the Harga∣buziers, and shall cause them to march forward, néere where the Pikes are in order of aray. And the Sergeant hauing first numbred likewise the rankes of the Hargabuziers, and béeing staied where the Pikes, after the one halfe of the Hargabuziers is past, that is, if they bée in all 50. rankes, when 25. bée past, the Sergeant shall enter with his Halberd ouerthwart them, and staying and pressing backe the other 25. rankes, hée shall cause to enter after a goodlie and readie manner, all the Pikes and Ensignes, causing them euer to march forward, and when they bée all past away, vpon the approching of the last rankes of Pikes, hée shall cause the rest of the Hargabuziers to enter into aray, the which béeing done, the aray shall bée faire and perfect, and it will bée good that hée cause them to march and turne thrée or sower times, to the intent they may settle them∣selues the better, and that they may enter into their pace, their aray, and the vnderstanding of the Drumme, for that makes them more apt to go iust, learning one of an other a stately and conuenient pace, and to beare their weapons of all sorts with a good grace, and specially the Pikes.

A good Sergeant must take care to make stay in euery dis∣commodious place, or streit passage, as when they go downe or discend from some Mountaine, at the passage of a foarde or streit bridge, or at a ditch, or a water, or some such other vn∣easie and streit passage, that hée iudgeth would breake the aray, as oftentimes is found in marching. And orderly with∣out confusion cause them to passe ranke after ranke faire and easilie, holding back with the end of his Halberd the ranke next to that which is in passing, vntil it be thorowly ouer and placed

in array as before, to the intent the order of aray be not con∣founded in any ranke, neither let him depart from that place vntill such time as all the rankes be past, for so the aray wil not be disordered, but shall march right and iust, which is a thing of great importance, specially in marching in doubt of the eni∣mie: and therefore hauing caused them all first to make Alta, he shall command them to obserue aray, distance and rankes, without thrusting or crouding vntill all be past the straite pas∣sage.

A rule how to make the aray of the Bissa.

SInce there be sundry souldiers and persons, which presuppose they know much more then others, who discommend the ma∣king of the Bissa or Caraguolo, as a thing not necessary amongst the orders of aray: saying that the same is superfluous and of small moment. I am of a contrarie opinion, and make answere that they are much deceiued, and haue small knowledge & lesse iudgement in the benefite and vse thereof: for it séemes to mee according to the opinion of diuers expert persons, that they are not onely commendable, but also most profitable, and doe helpe those souldiers much that do learne and exercise them: and the reason is this, That those souldiers which haue not as yet had discipline, and be litle practised in the managing of s•…•…reite aray, and in turning thémselues in their aray, and in managing all sorts of weapons, as pikes, & specially the hargabusiers, with the which it is requisite to cause them make certaine salutati∣ons in shooting of the Bissa, and also in opening of the same, in such sort as the hargabusiers may stand in continuall motion & redinesse to charge & discharge their péeces, alwayes marching in aray, sometimes large, sometimes straite, and sometimes softly, and sometimes fast, it makes them very disposed, nimble and readie, as wel in managing their weapons as in marching iustly, and with a good grace in their aray and in the battell, whereby it may appeare that the making of the Bissa and Cara∣guolo, it of great profite and of importance, and those are to be reprehended that despi•…•…e and forgoe them, as I haue said before, Therefore all good souldiers are to command the iudgement of him that was first the inuentor thereof, and we are to search

with all diligence to imitate the same rule, which I will here God willing go about succinctly and at large to declare, because in my former proportions of a King, an S, a D and a Snaite, I haue not done, neither touched the manner of this Bissa or Ca∣raguolo, the which I the rather thinke necessarie, to the intent euery souldier may sée with his eyes a perfect example and way how to make it, and to the end his error in this his wilfulnesse arise not to be his discredite in greater causes, and to those that hold them méere trifles, and feare to faile therin, with a litle ex∣ercise shall find it easie. I haue séene some Captaines that hath made the same most gallantly to their great commendation by men of the greatest authorite in the field. If therfore you would make a single Bissa, obserue the order set downe in this propor∣tion.

[illustration]

Presupposing that the figure of this Bissa here set downe, is the plaine or ground where the muster is made, you must be∣gin to enter with your aray, where the taile of this Bissa is, tur∣ning first on the right hand, & afterward on the left hand, win∣ding your aray about another time on the right hand and on the left, vntil such time as you sée the Ensigne be come iust into the midst of the Bissa, and that you thinke it be well: issuing forth after out of the head of the Bissa, as here is set downe, causing them to make a goodly salutation, your Hargabusiers at the ope∣ning and disclosing of the aray: aduertising you that these three and thrée in the Bissa, are the ranks of the footemen and the D signifying the Drums, & the E the Ensigne, so that beginning this order and well obseruing it, you cannot erre.

The double Bissa.

[illustration]

Desiring to make a double Bissa that is more inuironed and closed then the single, as here appeares, you must note that the rankes ought not to be past fiue in a ranke, or sixe, or seuen at the most: for when they are ouer large, they make the aray o∣uer broad, taking care likewise that the place be commodious and capeable, that the footemen may be spred, that they may march without perill of entangling: aduertising them that are at the front of the aray, when they march in their entring into the place of armes, where they are to make the said Bissa to take so much space in the same, as is conuenient to do that which in your minde you haue determined. Alwayes in turning and doubling the aray, holding the path and way large, and mar∣ching as streit as is possible, if you desire that the same shal fal out well, beginning the entrie at the taile, as in the single is declared: turning alwayes as you may perceiue is set downe by the figure before. And after that you haue made an end, to double it sufficiently in the last doubling, as in the single Bissa, you must issue forth making large: So in this double hauing en∣ded all your turning, you must go compassing and making a cir∣cuit: after issuing forth, you must make a generall Salua with your péeces, and this will be easie, and to the beholders shal ap∣peare intricate firie.

A plaine rule to set the Ring in aray.

IT is requisite if you desire to make the King a Caraguolo, to hold the same order that is set down in making of the Bissa, which is, that the rankes do not passe the number of sixe or 7. footemen, to the intent they do not confound them in going out, although they may be made of a greater nūber, but thē it is re∣quisite that those y^t guide thē at the front of y^e maine be wel pra∣ctised, for that it is perilous to intangle themselues. Therefore you must take care to vse greater diligence in the ring and Ca∣raguolo, then you doe in the Bissa, and the guider thereof must stand at the front of the aray, and conduct them into the market place or where the assemblie of Armes is.

[illustration]

Presuppose therefore in your minde, hauing in charge to make this ring or Caraguolo, that here you sée set down in por∣trature, to be likewise figured in your mind vpon the earth and vpon the place where you are to make it, entring first where you sée the crosse, and go forward marching at large, and frame a round circle, alwayes turning vpon the right hand, leauing betwixt one circle & another a large way, so great that at your returne you may come within the said way, where this word the issue out is set downe, which doth note the turning backe when you are in the midst of the King or Caraguolo: that is, when you do sée you haue closed and shut them togither suffici∣ently, hauing left betwixt the one circle and the other of the a∣ray, so much space that in the same you may returne backe, so the one do not touch another: Then shall you cause a goodly Salua to be made of all the Hargabusiers generally at one

instant. Afterwards returning backe by the left hand, you shall issue foorth by that way that you haue left betwixt the one circle and the other, as it is drawne in the plat where this word The issue out is: marching alwayes right forth, and as equally as you can: and cause to be made at your issue forth another gene∣rall Salua by the Hargabusiers. You may begin the said Cara∣guolo vpon what side yée list, either vpon the right or vpon the left hand, hauing care that if you begin it vpon your right, in your issue forth to turne towards the left hand. And so likewise if you begin vpon the left, in your issuing forth to turne to the right, for so you shall finde the way to issue without any impe∣diment. But it is verie néedfull for you in the beginning to make large and take roome inough.

Notes

• * 1.1

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  To augment from three vnto fiue.
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