CHAP. XLI.
That ones Country is to be defended by all means, and whether honourable or dishonourable it imports not, 'tis well defended.
THe Roman Army and their Consul (as is said before) were block'd up by the Samnites, who having proposed terms to them which were very dishonourable, as that they should be dismissed sub jugum, and disarm'd (in token of bondage,) and then sent back again to Rome. The Consuls were amazed at the motion, and the whole Army was in despair; when Lentulus the Roman Legate stood up, and told them that in his judgment no conditions were to be scrupled at that time when their Country was at stake: for the safety of Rome consisting in the safety of that Army, the Army was to be preserved, and that Country which is defended, is well defended, let the way be as it will, honoura∣ble or not honourable, it matters not: for if that Army was preserved, in time Rome might work off that disgrace; but if it were lost, (though it perished never so bravely) Country, and Liberty and all would be lost with it: and so his Counsel was followed. And this ought to be considered and observed by every man whose office it is to advise for the good of his Country; for where the safety of that is in question, no other consideration ought