Sciliee••••st aliud quod nos cogatque regat{que}
Majus, et in proprias ducat mortalia leges.
Notwithstanding, forasmuch as our wisdome
is not so subject to fortune, but that it may com∣prehend
within it self the good direction of most
of the occurrences which fall within the course of
our business••▪ or if we must needs miscarry,
yet it somewhat helpeth our ill fortune to think
that we went upon best probabilities; it shall not
be amisse to set down some rules for the better
directing of a mature consultation. Wherein we
are to understand that as all our knowledge ari∣seth
from some of our senses, and our senses
comprehend only particularities, which being
carried unto the apprehension are disposed into
formes and degrees, according as they either
concur or disagree in their severall properties;
from whence there arise intellectuall notions,
and rules of Art, wherein the science of the said
particulars consisteth: so he that intendeth to
debate a matter with sound deliberation, must
descend from confused conceptions and a know∣ledge
in generall, to the exact distinction of par∣ticular
parts, which are the occurrences to be
directed, and the materiall substance of every
action. He therefore that can give best directi∣on,
either by experience or judicious discourse,
concerning such particularities as are incident to
the matter propounded, can best advise which is
the safest way to avoid the opposition of contra∣dicting
natures. But to make this somewhat
plainer, I will alledge two examples: the one
modern in case of consultation; the other an∣cient,
and may seeme not so pertinent to this
matter, in regard it is a meer Apology: yet for∣asmuch
as it freely censureth the quality of parti∣cular
circumstances, it may give great light to
that which we seek after.
The modern example is taken out of Guicer∣ardin,
from the wars which Lewis the French
King had with the Pope and the Venetians, con∣cerning
the State of Ferrara and the Dutchy of
Millain: wherein there arose a controversie a∣mong
the French Captains, whether it were
better to go directly to seek the Enemy, who al∣beit
they were lodged in a strong and secure
place, yet there was hope that with the vertue of
Arms and importunity of artillery they might be
dislodged, and driven to retreat; or otherwise
to take the way either of Modena or Bolognia,
that so the Enemy for fear of losing either of
those towns might quit their hold, and by that
means Ferrara should be freed from the war.
Monsieur Chaumont the General of the French
inclined to the former advise: But Trivulce, a
man of great authority and experience, having
been an executioner in 18. battells, reasoned
thus in particulars to the contrary. We debate
(saith he) to go seek the Enemy to fight with
him; and I have alwayes heard great Captains
hold this as a firm principle, Not to attempt the
fortune of a battell, unless there be either an offer
of an especial advantage, or otherwise compulsion
by necessity. The rules of war give it to the enemy
that is the invader, and hath undertaken the
conquest of Ferrara, to seek to assail and charge
us; but to us, to whom it is sufficient to defend our
selves, it cannot be but impertinent to under∣take
an action contrary to all direction and
discipline of war. I am of opinion, which is
confirmed by evident reason, that there is no
possibility to execute that devise but to our harms
and disadvantage: for we cannot go to their
camp but by the side of a hill, a streight and nar∣row
way, where all our forces cannot be imploy∣ed;
and yet they with small numbers will make
resistance, having the opportunity of the place
favourable to their vertues. We must march by
the rising of a hill, one horse after another, nei∣ther
have we any other way to draw our Ar∣tillery,
our baggage, our carts and bridges, but by
the streight of the hill: and who doubteth not
but in a way so narrow and cumbrous, every ar∣tillery,
every cart, or every wheel that shall
break will stay the Army a whole hour at
the least? By which impediments every contrary
accident may put us to disorder. The Enemy is
lodged in covert, provided of victuals and for∣rage;
and we must incamp all bare and naked,
not carrying with us that which should serve for
our necessary nouriture, but expect the things to
come after, which in reason ought to go with us.
To attempt new enterprises, whereof the victo∣ry
is lesse certain then the perill, is contrary to
the gravity and reputation of a Leader; and in
actions of the war, those enterprises are put to ad∣venture
that are done by will and not by reason.
Many difficulties may compell us to make our a∣bode
there two or three dayes; yea the snows and
rains, joined with the extremity of the season,
may suffice to detain us: how shall we then do
for victualls and forrages? What shall we be a∣ble
to do in the wars, wanting the things that
should give us strength and sustenance? what is
he that considereth not how dangerous it is to go
seek the Enemy in a strong camp, and to be dri∣ven
at one time to fight against them & against
the discommodity of the place? If we compell
them not to abandon their camp, we cannot but
be inforced to retire; a matter of great difficulty in
a country so wholly against us, and where every
little disfavour will turn to our great disadvan∣tage,
&c.
And thus proceeded that grave discourse, in
the discovery of the particular occurrences inci∣dent
to that enterprise; which being laied open
to their confused judgements, did manifestly
point at the great disadvantages which were to
be undergone by that attempt.
The other example is of more antiquity, taken
out of Tacitus, and concerneth the arraignment
of certain Senators for the friendship that had