CHAP. XIII.
The Romans cast themselves into an Orbe, and are much discouraged.
BUt Cotta,* 1.1 who had before thought that these things might happen by the way, and for that cause would not be the authour of the journey, was not wanting in any thing that concerned their common safety: for both in calling upon the souldiers and incouraging them, he executed the place of a Commander; and in fighting, the duty of a souldier. And when they found that, by reason of the length of their troup, they were not able in their own per∣sons to see all things done, and to give direction in every place; they caused it to be proclaimed, that they should all for sake their baggage, and ••ast themselves into an Orbe. Which direction although in such a case it be not to be reproved, yet it fell out ill favouredly: for it both abated the courage of the Romans, & gave the Enemy greater incouragement, inasmuch as it seem∣ed that that course was not taken but upon a great fear and in extremity of perill. Moreo∣ver it hapened, as it could not otherwise chuse, that the souldiers went from their Ensignes, to take from the carriages such things as were most dear unto them: and there was nothing heard amongst them but clamours and weep∣ings. But the Barbarous Galles were not to learn how to carry themselves. For their Com∣manders caused it to be proclaimed, that no man should stir out of his place; for the prey was theirs, and all that the Romans had laid a∣part was reserved for them: and therefore let them suppose that all things consisted in the victory. The Romans were equall to the Galles both in number of men and valour; and al∣beit they were destitute of good Captains and of good fortune, yet they reposed in their man∣hood all the hope of their safety: and as often as any cohort issued out, they failed not to make a great slaughter of the Enemy on that part.
THE FIRST OBSERVATION.
I Have already handled the nature of an Orbe, with such properties as are incident to a Circle; wherein I shewed the conveniency of this fi∣gure, in regard of safe and strong imbattelling. I will now add thus much concerning the use thereof, that as it is the best manner of imbattel∣ling for a defensive strength, and therefore never used but in extremity; so we must be very care∣full that the sudden betaking of our selves to such a refuge do not more dismay the souldiers, then the advantage of that imbattelling can benefit them. For unlesse a Leader be carefull to keep his men in courage, that their hearts may be free from despair and amazement, what profit can there arise from any disposition or body soever, when the particular members shall be senselesse of that duty which belongeth unto them? For order is nothing but an assistance to courage, gi∣ving means to manage our valour with advan∣tage. In the war of Africk we rea••, that Caesars legions being incircled about with great multi∣tudes of enemies, were forced to make an Orbe; but he quickly turned it to a better use, by ad∣vancing the two Cornets two contrary wayes; and so divided the Enemy into two parts, and then beat them back, to their great disadvan∣tage.
THE SECOND OBSERVATION.
I Need not stand upon this order which the Galles here took concerning pillage, that no souldier should forsake his station, or disrank himself in hope of spoil; which is a thing that from the very infancy of wars hath often chan∣ged the fortune of the day, and sold the honour of a publick victory for private lucre and petty pilfering. Amongst other examples, let that which Guicciardine reporteth of the battel of Taro suffice to warn a well-directed Army,* 1.2 as well by the good which Charles the eighth of that name King of France received at that time, as by the losse which the Italians felt by that disorder, not to seek after pillage untill the victo∣ry be obtained.
THE THIRD OBSERVATION.
THe insufficiency of these Commanders, whereof Caesar now complaineth as the on∣ly want which these Romans had to clear them∣selves of this danger, bringeth to our considerati∣on that which former times have made a que∣stion; which is, Whether is were the vertue of the Roman Leaders, or the valour of their souldi∣ers, that inlarged their Empire to that greatnesse, and made their people and Senate Lords of the world. Polybius weighing the causes of a victo∣ry