hills, and the course of the rivers, hath all these
particularities as main advantages, to give means
of so many severall attempts upon an enemy.
And in this point Hannibal had a singular dex∣terity,
and excelled all the Commanders of his
time, in making use of the way by which he
was to passe. But he that leadeth an Army by
an unknown and undiscovered way, and mar∣cheth
blindfold upon uncertain adventures, is
subject to as many casualties and disadvantages
as the other hath opportunities of good fortune.
Let every man therefore perswade himself that
good Discoverers are as the eyes of an Army,
and serve for lights in the darknesse of igno∣rance,
to direct the resolutions of good pro∣vidence,
and make the path of safety so mani∣fest,
that we need not stumble upon casualties.
Caesar in his journey to Ariovistus, used the
help of Divitiacus the Heduan, in whom a∣mongst
all the Galles he reposed greatest confi∣dence,
to discover the way, and acquaint him
with the passages: and before he would under∣take
his voyage unto Britanie, he well in∣formed
himself by Merchants and travailers of
the quantity of the Iland, the quality of the peo∣ple,
their use of war, and the opportunity of their
havens. Neither was he satisfied with their rela∣tions,
but he sent Caius Volusenus in a ship of
war, to see what he could further discover con∣cerning
these points. Suetonius addeth more∣over,
that he never carried his Army per insidiosa
itinera, through places where they were subject
to be way-laid, unlesse he had first well discover∣ed
the places.
Concerning the order which skilfull Leaders
have observed in discoveries, we are to know
that this point consisteth of two parts; the one,
in understanding the perfect description of the
country; the second, in observing the moti∣ons
of the enemy. Touching the first, we find
as well by this as other histories, that the Ro∣mans
used the inhabitants of the country for
Guides, as best acquainted with their native
places, that they might not erre in so important
a matter; provided alwaies that their own scouts
were ever abroad to understand what they
could of themselves, that they might not alto∣gether
rely upon a strangers direction. The mo∣tions
of the Enemy were observed by the horse∣men:
and these for the most part were Veterani,
well experienced in the matter of warre, and
so the Generall received sound advertisements:
and yet they were not too forward upon any
new motion, unlesse they found it confirmed by
divers wayes; for some Espials may erre, either
through passion or affection, as it happened in
the Hel••••tian war. If therefore the use and be∣nefit
which prudent and wise Commanders made
of this ••••igence, or the misfortune which the
want of this knowledge brought upon the igno∣rant,
have any authority to perswade a circum∣spect
care herein, this little that hath been spoken
may be sufficient for this point.