OBSERVATIONS.
VVE may here observe the sincerity and direct carriage of inferiour Comman∣ders in the Roman Army by the scandall these two S••vo••ens ran into for making false Mu∣sters, and defrauding the souldiers of their due: A matter so ordinary in these our times, as custome seemeth to justify the Abuse. For what more common in the course of our modern wars, then to make gain of Companies, by mustering more then they have in pay, and by turning that which is due to the souldier to their own benefit? The first whereof, if it be duly weighed, is an offence of a high nature against the State; and the second, such an injury to the souldier, as can hardly be answered.
It is merrily (as I take it) aid by Columella, That, in foro concessun•• latrocinium, Robbe∣ry is lawfull in courses at Law. But for those, to whom is committed the safety of a kingdom, to betray the trust reposed in them, by raising their means with dead paies, and consequently, steading the Cause with dead service; as also, by disabling their Companions and fellow-souldiers from doing those duties which are re∣quisite, for want of due entertainment; is a thing deserving a heavy censure, and will doubt∣lesse fall out unto them, as it did to these two Brethren. The sequele whereof will appear by the story,* 1.1 and confirme that of Xenophon; Dii haud impunita relinquunt imp••a & ne∣faria hominum facta: The Gods do not suf∣fer the impieties and wickednesses of men to escape unpunished.