THE FIRST OBSERVATION.
WE may see here the saying verified touching the disposition of the Galles for matter of valour:* 1.1 which in the beginning seemed so great, that it needed no further strain to countervail the worth of Caesars army, and was expressed with such industry and resolution, both in spoil∣ing and disappointing the Roman works, as also by ingenious fortifying and making good their own labours; that a man would have deemed them virtute pares, equall in valour. But being a little spent in the action, like a pot that hath a mouth as big as the belly, and powreth out all the liquor at an instant, they fell at length to that baseness, as shewed less spirit then the wo∣men did, who chose rather to betray their hus∣bands purposes to the enemy, then to hazard their lives by escaping to Vercingetorix. And this is that which is so often noted by Historio∣graphers; Quod multa bella impetu valida per taedia & moras evanuere: That many warrs which are hot at the first, slacken and vanish up∣on a tedious continuance. The first thing that I observe, is, that which Caesar himself noteth: Quod plerumque in summo periculo, timor mi∣sericordiam non recipit; That usually in case of extreme danger, fear hath no mercy. Which was true on either side. For the Galles were so set upon flying to Vercingetorix, that they re∣garded not the wofull laments of the women and children, whom they were well content to hazard, whilest they themselves might escape in safety. And on the other side, the women did forget to be pitifull to their husbands, whom they would not suffer to escape, and leave them in their weakness behind as a prey to appease the wrath of the bloudy souldier, which would consequently follow in that escape. Which sheweth, that there is notice comparable to the bond of nature, specially when it concerneth the preservation of life. For as in other things, re∣spect and affection may easily work a commu∣nication of good things unto others, as also a participation of their evils for their relief: so herein we are altogether senseless, and the love we owe to our lives is so great, that it admitteth no respect. Agesilaus to his friend was without respect a friend: and yet notwithstanding being driven one day to remove upon the sudden, and to leave one sick behind him whom he loved dearly; the sick man calling him by his name as he was going away, besought him that he