OBSERVATIONS.
AN Ambushment is easily at all times laid: but to do it so that it may not be suspected, and in such manner that the Enemy may fall into the danger thereof, is that which is to be armed at therein. And therefore, to give the better colour to such designes, the trick hath been to pretend fear (and so slight) or want of Corn, or somewhat else, to draw the Enemy to follow after with more boldnesse and resolu∣tion. And so to have it well done, there must be two deceits to assist each other; as in this of Domitius: to make shew of removing, through scarcity and want; and then to lie in wait for an advantage: According to that of the Spaniard,* 1.1 A un Traydor, dos Alevosos. For the prevention of such snares of deceit, the rule is generally given by Onosander, That the de∣parture or falling away of an Enemy, is alwaies to be suspected.
And for the more security therein, experien∣ced Commanders have been carefull before they stirred their Army, to make exact disco∣very, even to the place where they intended to lodge. For as in Physick, it is the greatest part of the cure, to know the disease: so in matter of war, the danger is almost over, when it is per∣ceived whence it may grow.
The manner observed in discoveries, hath u∣sually been to send the Parties out in three Companies or troups; The first, consisting of a small number, to beat the way at ease, and to range about from place to place, as shall be found convenient: the second Companie, being somewhat stronger, to second and relieve the first, if there be occasion: and the third, able to ingage a good number of the Enemy.
And after this manner Cyrus disposed of his fore-runners;* 1.2 as appeareth in Xenophon. But this being subject to the consideration of time and place, and other circumstances, may varie, as shall seem expedient to the wisedome of the Generall.