CHAP. X.
How to repair a breach, and the way to defend it.
BUt let us come now to the present way of beleaguering of Towns: I say, that if you be assaulted in a Town that is not fortified with ditches on the in-side, (as I have mentioned before) that your enemy may not enter at the breaches which the Artil∣lery make, (for against other breaches there is no remedy) it is necessary whilst the Artillery is playing, to cut a new ditch behind the breach of at least thirty yards wide, and to throw all the earth that comes out of it towards the Town, that it may make a good Rampart, and add to the depth of the ditch; and this work is to be carried on with such diligence, that when the wall falls, the ditch may be at least five or six yards deep; and whilst they are at work to make this ditch, it is necessary that they be secured with two Caseniats, that may flank the Enemy in case he should endeavour to disturb them: and if the wall be so strong as to give you time to make your ditch and your casemats; that part which is bat∣tered will be the strongest part about the Town; for that Rampart will be of the same form and model which we proposed for the ditch within: But where the wall is so weak as to allow you no time, then you must show your courage, and present yourself bravely at the breach, your Souldiers well arm'd, and with as much chearfulness as is possible. This way of throwing up new works was observed by the Pisans when you besieged it, and they might do it well enough; for their walls were strong, which gave them time, and the earth good and proper for Ramparts; whereas had they wanted either of those conve∣niences, they must of necessity have been lost. It is wisdom therefore to make these ditches round about the Town before there be any necessity, as we said before; for in that case you may expect the enemy without fear.