CHAP. XII.
Of the Cavalry:
THe Cavalry anciently was raised out of the richest and most considerable of the City, but with respect to the age, and quality of the person. Of these there were only three hundred to a Legion; so that in each Consular Army, the Romans had never above six hundred Horse.
Would you have a standing Militia of Horse to exercise them at home, and employ them afterwards in the War?
To do well▪ you cannot do otherwise, if you would have Soldiers of your own and not rely wholly upon such as make War their profession.
How would you choose them?
I would imitate the Romans, choose them out of the wealthiest, give Officers as they do at this day, and see them well armed, and well exercised.
Would it be well to allow them any pay?
Yes truly it would, yet it should be no more than would keep their Horse; for otherwise lying continually upon them, they would become grievous to the Subject, and give them occasion to complain of you.
What numbers would you have, and how would you Arm them?
You are too quick, and pass from one thing to another; I'll answer you to that in another place, when I have told you how the Foot are to be Armed, and prepared for a field Battel.