The works of the famous Nicholas Machiavel, citizen and secretary of Florence written originally in Italian, and from thence newly and faithfully translated into English.

CHAP. XII.

Of the Baggage and Train belonging to a Company; How necessary it is that they have several Officers, and of the usefulness of Drums.

Cosimo.

I Would ask you now, what Carriages you would allot to each of these Battalia's?

Fabritio.

In the first place I would not allow that either Centurion or Corporal should march on Horseback, and if the Captain must ride, I would allow him only a Mule. I would allow him two Carriages, one to every Centurion, and two betwixt every three Corporals, because we quarter them together in our Camp, as shall be shown in its due place; so that to every Battalia there should be 36 Carriages, which I would have carry the Tents, and Utensils for their Cookery; their Hatchets, and other Iron Instru∣ments to set up their Huts, Tents, and Pavilions; and if there be afterwards any place left, let them carry what they please.

Cosimo.

I am of opinion that the Officers which you have appointed in every of these Battalia's are necessary, yet I should be afraid so many Commanders should confound them.

Fabritio.

What you say would be true, were they not subordinate to one; but de∣pending still upon one person, they proceed very regularly, nay without them, they could not possibly be governed. For a wall that is tottering in all places, requires that its But∣tresses and Supporters be rather many than strong, because the strength and goodness of one, will not hinder the ruine which will follow. And therefore in all Armies, and among every ten men, it is convenient to have one of more life, more courage, and more autho∣rity than the rest, who with his alacrity, and language, and example, may encourage the rest, and dispose them to fight. And to prove the necessity of these things in an Army, (viz. Ensigns, Officers and Drums) it appears by our Armies, where there are of them all,

but none of them do their office, according to the intent of their establishment. First your Capidieci or File-leaders, if they answer the end for which they were established, are to have their men a-part, lodge with them, charge with them, and be always in the same file with them; for being kept to their due places, the File-leaders are a rule and temper to the rest, keeping them firm and straight in their files, so as it is impossible almost that they be disordered, and if they be, they are quickly reduced. But in our days we make no other∣wise of them but to give them greater pay, and enable them to make particular factions. 'Tis the same with our Ensigns; for they are used more for pomp and parade, than any military service; whereas formerly the Captains employed them as guides, and directions in case of disorder; for every man, as soon as the Ensign was fix'd, knew his place imme∣diately, and immediately return'd to it. They knew likewise thereby how they were to move, or to halt: it is necessary therefore in an Army that there be several of these small Bodies; that every Body has its Colours, and Ensign, and Guide; for where there are ma∣ny Bodies, there ought to be many Arms, and many Officers. The Souldiers (then) are to follow the motion of their Colours, and their Colours the direction of their Drum, which (being well ordered) commands the Army, and advertizes how they are to march with a motion suitable to the time which it beats, which is a great preservation to their order. For this cause the ancients had their flutes and pipes which made an excellent har∣mony: and as he that dances, keeps himself exactly to the time of the musick; and whilst he does so, is not capable of erring: so an Army that in its motions observes the beating and direction of its Drums, cannot be easily disordered. For this reason they varied their sounds when they would excite, or asswage, or continue the courage of their men. And as their ways of beating were various, so they gave them several names. The Dorick way provoked to constancy and f••rmness; the Phrygian inflam'd the Souldiers into a martial fury and violence. It is repo••••ed that Alexander being one day at dinner, and hearing a Drum beating suddenly, the Phrygian way, was transported with so great a vehemence and commotion, that he clap'd his hand upon his Sword, and drew it, as if he had been going to fight. So that in my judgment it would be very convenient to revive the ancient dia∣lects of the Drum, and practices of our Ancestors, and if that should prove too difficult, yet those persons should not be despised and laid aside, who would teach and instruct the Souldier how to obey them; yet those ways may be changed and varied as every man pleases, provided he ensures his Souldiers ears to understand the variety: but now a-days the greatest use of the Drum, is to make a great noise.

Cosimo.

I would fain know of you (if you have ever considered it with your self) how it comes to pass that such military exercises are in our times grown so low and con∣temptible.

Fabr.

I shall tell you freely what I think may be the cause.