The commentaries of C. Julius Cæsar of his warres in Gallia, and the civil warres betwixt him and Pompey / translated into English with many excellent and judicious observations thereupon ; as also The art of our modern training, or, Tactick practise, by Clement Edmonds Esquire, ... ; where unto is adjoyned the eighth commentary of the warres in Gallia, with some short observations upon it ; together with the life of Cæsar, and an account of his medalls ; revised, corrected, and enlarged.

THE SECOND OBSERVATION.

THe first motive which he useth to recall their exiled judgement, discovered their breath of discipline: for contrary to the course of Milita∣ry

government, they had presumed not only to make inquiry, but to give out whether, and upon what service they were carried; which in the ri∣gour of Camp-policy could not passe without due punishment. For what can more contradict the fortunate successe of an expedition, then to suffer it to be measured with the vulgar conceit, or weighed in the balance of such false judge∣ments? especially when those weak Censors are to be Actors and Executioners of the designe: for then every man will sute the nature of the a∣ction according to his own humour; although his humour be led with blindnesse, and have no other direction then an uncertain apprehension of profit or disadvantage.

And in this case there cannot be a better pre∣sident then Nature hath prescribed: for as natu∣rall Agents, whilst they concurre to produce a work of absolute perfection, neither know what they do, nor can discern the things they look up∣on, but yield themselves to be guided by a Mo∣deratour of infinite knowledge: so ought a mul∣titude to submit their ability to the direction of some wise and prudent Captain, that beholdeth the action in true honour, and balanceth the losse of many particulars with the health and safety of the publick good. For if every man should prescribe, who should obey? Tam nesci∣re quaedam milites, quam scire oportet, saith O∣tho in Tacitus, upon the like disorder: and again, Parendo potius quam imperia ducum sciscitan∣do, res militares continentur. Which proveth that the greatest vertue which is required in a souldier is obedience; as a thing wherein the force of all discipline consisteth.