Aphorismes ciuill and militarie amplified with authorities, and exemplified with historie, out of the first quarterne of Fr. Guicciardine.

APHORISME XXXV.

THe 1 rigour of the old Romanes, to punish the trans∣gression of a commandement in warre, though the good successe approoue it, is not so strictly to be forced: because in actions of this nature, we often meete with those aduantages by accident, which Reason and Iudgement could not possibly fore-think of, much lesse direct. For, things giue better counsell to men, then men to the things. 2 But he that hath once transgressed the limits of his com∣mission, and thereby hath faire occasion offered, to make an honourable a∣mends, and in ample sort to iustifie his first transgression, and wipe out the forfeit; that man makes a double fault, not to take it.

Triultio is sent Lieutenant-generall into Italie, with expresse charge to aide Battestino Fregoso late Duke of Genoa, and the Cardinall of S. Peter in Vincola, to rimpatriate them and their adherents, exiles, and to assure his master Charles the 8. of that cities deuotion and obedience. His commission stretcheth no further. Direction is giuen, that Paul-Battista Fregoso with

sixe gallies, should make his attempt vpon the VVest coast: and the King sends to Florence, to mooue that State to set vpon the Lieutenant, and Prouince of Lunigiana. The ice thus broken, and way thus made, it is resolued and ordered, that the Duke of Orleans shall follow presently after with a puissant armie, to warre vpon the State of Millan in his owne right. Triultio and Battestino take in the towne of Noui, and other peeces there∣abouts, vniustly detained from the Genowese, and vsurped by Zforza. Vincola forceth Ventimiglia, and carries it: approacheth Sauona, findes no commotion in the towne for his part, as he expected; and in despaire of preuailing, retires. To which ser∣uice, if after the taking in of Noui, Triultio had addressed his for∣ces (as by his commission he ought) it was very probable they had had a wished successe. But he desires to kindle the warres in the Duchie of Millan, (whereof he was a proscript) entreth in∣to that State, besiegeth Bosco, takes it, and brings vnder contri∣bution a great part of the Duchie. By the taking in of this Castle, the whole State is in manifest brandle and solleuation: some through feare, others through desire of innouation. The Duke himselfe is appalled, and implores the mediation of his vnkle of Ferrara, to the French king, in his behalfe. His Ge∣nerall Gaiazzo, with his forces in Alexandria, distrusts his owne strength, and is readie to giue way. So deepe an impression of feare and amazement was strooke into the whole State, by the reputation of this one action. But Triultio thinking to mend his first error, committeth indeed a greater: he marcheth no far∣ther: lets slippe this faire occasion: and sets downe with his armie betweene Noui and Bosco. Whereby the Duke hath time to settle his countrie in quiet: re-enforce his companies: and call in the aide of the Venetians.

Notes

• 1

  T. Manlius, filio è praelio prosperè gesto, redeunti: Quandoquidem aduersus edictum nostrum extra ordinem cum hoste pugnasti, &c. I lictor, deliga ad Pa∣lum.

  Manliana imperia, non in praesentia modò horrenda, sed exempli etiam tristis in posterum.

  Summum ius summa iniuria. Dictum de rigidis & austeris: nam tum maximè disceditur ab aequitate, quum maximè superstitiosè haeretur in legum literis.
• Liui. l. 8.
• Id. ibid.
• Adag. Poly.
• 2

  Res dant Consilia hominibus, non homines rebus. Itaque aptare te ijs rebus debes, praesertim in bello.

  Surculum defringere. Dictum de ijs qui non callent totam disciplinam milita∣rem, sed ex ea paululum quod ad praesens faciat decerpunt.

  Statum nutantium rerum, recto consilio in bonam partem accepto, aliquoties diuina remedia repararunt.

  Qui opportunae occasionis momentum neglexerit, neque statim rei benè gerendae occasionem arripuerit, frustra deinde praeterlapsam occasionem reuocabit.

  Hanc rebus nouis inesse oportet constantiam, vt rapienda sint consilia, non quae∣renda.

  Turpissima est iactura, quae fit per negligentiam.
• Lip. pol. l. 5.
• Cicero.
• Am. Marcel. lib. 26.
• Agath. l. 4.
• Capi. in Max
• Senec. epist.