OBSERVATION.
OF all the figures which the Tactici have cho∣sen to make use of in military affairs, the circle hath ever been taken for the fittest to be ap∣plyed in the defensive part, as inclosing with an equall circuit on all parts whatsoever is contain∣ed within the circumference of that Area: and therefore Geometry termeth a circumference a simple line, forasmuch as if you alter the site of the parts, and transport one arch into the place of another, the figure notwithstanding will re∣main the same, because of the equall bending of the line throughout the whole circumference. Which property as it proveth an uniformity of strength in the whole circuit, so that it cannot be said that this is the beginning or this is the end, this is front or this is flank: so doth that which Euclide doth demonstrate in the third of his E∣lements, concerning the small affinity between a right line and a circle (which being drawn to touch the circumference, doth touch it but in a point only) shew the greatnesse of this strength in regard of any other line, by which it may be broken. Which howsoever they seem as specu∣lative qualities, conceived rather by intellectuall discourse then manifested to sensible apprehensi∣on; yet forasmuch as experience hath proved the strength of this figure in a defensive part, a∣bove any other manner of imbattelling, let us not neglect the knowledge of these naturall pro∣perties, which discover the causes of this effect: neither let us neglect this part of military know∣ledge, being so strong a means to maintain va∣lour, and the sinew of all our ability: for order correspondent to circumstances is the whole strength and power of an Army. Neither ought there any action in a wel-ordered discipline to be irregular, or void of order. And therefore the Romans did neither eat nor sleep without the di∣rection of the Consul, or chief Commander; o∣therwise their valour might rather have been ter∣med fury then vertue: but when their courage was ranged with order, and disposed according to the occurrences of the time, it never failed as long as the said order continued perfect.
It appeareth therefore how important it is for a Commander to look into the diversity of orders for imbattelling, and to weigh the nature thereof, that he may with knowledge apply them to the quality of any occasion. The Romans termed this figure Orbis, which signifieth a round body both with a concave and a convex surface: in resemblance whereof I understand this Orbe of men imbattelled to be so named; which might peradventure consist of five, or more, or fewer ranks, inclosing one another after the nature of so many circles described about one Centre; so that either the midst thereof remained void, or otherwise contained such carriages and impe∣diments, as they had with them in their march. This form of imbattelling was never used but in great extremity: for as it was the safest of all o∣ther, so it gave suspicion to the souldiers of ex∣ceeding danger, which abated much of their heat in battel; as will hereafter appear by the testimony of Caesar himself in the fifth Commentary, upon the occasion which happened unto Sabinus and Cotta.