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. IV.

Of Commands derived by word of mouth, by Drums, and Trumpets, and of the nature of Pioneers.

Fabr.

YOur first demand is of very great importance, for many Armies have been ruined when the Captain's orders have been mistaken, or not heard: for which reason the words of Command in such great dangers ought to be clear and intelligible: and if you would signify your commands by the sound of your Trumpets or Drums, great care is to be taken, that the sounds be so different and distinguishable one from the other, that they cannot be mistaken. If your commands are by word of mouth you must use parti∣cular, and be sure to avoid general terms, and in your particular words you must be cau∣tious to use none that may be liable to an ill interpretation. Many times the crying back, back, has been the loss of an Army: wherefore that word is to be avoided, and instead of it you are to say retreat. If you would change your front, and make it either in the flank or the rear, you must not say turn, but face about to the right or the left, to the front or the rear: and in like manner all the words of command are to be plain and intelligible, as march on, stand firm, advance, retreat: and what ever may be done by word of mouth clearly and distinctly, is to be signified that way: what cannot be done that way, is to be done by the Trumpet and Drum. As to the Pioneers, which is your second demand, I would have that office performed by my own Souldiers, as well because it was the practice of ancient times, as because thereby I should have fewer idle persons in my Army, and by consequence fewer impediments. I would command out of every Battalia what number I thought necessary; I would furnish them with Pickaxes, and Spades, and cause them to leave their arms with their next ranks, who should carry them for them; so that when the enemy appeared, they should have no more to do but to fall back to their ranks, and take them again.

Zanobi.

But who should carry their Pickaxes and Spades?

Fabr.

There should be Waggons on purpose.

Zanobi.

I fear you would never prevail with your Souldiers to work.

Fabr.

We will talk of that in its proper place: at present I shall lay it aside, and discourse of the way how they are to be supplyed with provisions; for having tired them thus long, 'tis but reasonable to refresh them with victuals.