reserves the casting voice for himself. Yet can I scarce believe what one tells us, how Walter Ple∣temberg, Master of the Teutonick order, with a small number slew in a battel an hundred thousand Mus∣covite enemies with the losse of but one man on his side.
He hath gained skill in his place by long experience: not beginning to lead others before himself ever knew to follow, having never before (except in Cock∣matches) beheld any battels. Surely they leap best in their providence forward, who fetch their rise farthest backward in their experience.
He either is, or is presumed valiant. Indeed courage in him is necessary, though some think that a Generall is above valour, who may command others to be so. As if it were all one whether courage were his natu∣rally, or by adoption, who can make the valiant deeds of others seem his own; and his reputation for personall manhood once rais'd, will bear it self up; like a round body, some force is required to set it, but a touch will keep it agoing. Indeed it is extreme indiscretion (except in extremities) for him to be prodigall of his person.
He is cheerfull and willing in undergoing of labour. Admi∣rable are the miracles of an industrious armie, witnesse the mighty ditch in Cambridge-shire made by the East-Angles, commonly call'd Devils-ditch, as if the Pioners thereof came from hell. Thus the effeminate∣nesse of our age, defaming what it should imitate, falsely traduces the monuments of their Ancestours endeavours.
He loves, and is beloved of his souldiers. Whose good will he attaineth,
- 1. By giving them good words in his speeches un∣to them. When wages have sometimes acciden∣tally fallen short, souldiers have accepted the pay∣ment in the fair language and promises of their Generall.
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