Souldiers.
Kent hath so carried away the credit, in all ages, for Man-hood, that the leading of the Front, or Van-guard (so called from Avant-guard, or Goe on guard, because first in marching) in former times hath simply and absolutely belonged unto them; I say abso∣lutely, for I find two other Shires contending for that place. The best is, it is but a Book-Combate, betwixt learned Writers, otherwise if real, such a division were enough to rout an Army, without other Enemy. But let us see how all may be peaceably composed.
It is probable, that the* 1.1 Cornish-men led the Van in the days of King Arthur, who being a Native of Cornwall, had most cause to trust his own Country-men. But I be∣hold this as a temporary honour, which outlasted not his life who bestowed it.
The men of Archenfeld in Hereford-shire, claimed by custom to lead the* 1.2 Van-guard, but surely this priviledge was Topical, and confined to the Welsh Wars, with which the aforesaid men, as Borderers were best acquainted.
As for Kent, Cantia nostra primae cohortis honorem, & primos congressus hostium usque in Hodiernum diem in omnibus praeliis obtinet, saith my* 1.3 Author.
Reader, It may rationally be concluded that the ensuing Topick had been as large in this as in any County in England, seeing it is bounded by the Sea on the East and South sides thereof, had not the Author departed this life before the finishing of the same.