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. VI.

How to disfurnish a Garrison of its men, and to bring a terror upon a Town.

Fabr.

THe Ancients have (besides these) made use of several Stratagems and Artifi∣ces to unfurnish the Enemies Garrisons of their men: When Scipio was in Affrica, being desirous to possess himself of some of the Garrisons, which the Carthagi∣nians had in their custody, he made many offers to besiege them, but pretending fear, he not only drew off on a sudden, but marched away with his Army to a great distance. Hanibal supposing our apprehension real, to follow him with a greater force, drew out his Garrisons, which Scipio understanding sent Massinissa to surprize them, and he did it with success. Pyrrhus making War in Sclavonia; advanced against the chief Town in that Province, in the defence of which Town, several people having got together; he pretended

to despair of carrying it by force, and turning his Arms against other Towns which were not visibly so strong, he prospered so well in his design, that the said Town drawing out a good part of its Garrison in relief to their Neighbours, left it self so weak, as it became a prey to the Enemy. Many have corrupted and defiled the waters, and turned Rivers out of their Channels, to make themselves Masters of a Town, and have miscarried when they have done. It is a way likewise that contributes much to the taking of a Town to affright them with reports, as of some great Victory that you have obtained, some great supplies that you have received, and an obstinate resolution if they do not surrender quickly to put them all to the Sword.