[ 1577] Wherein the true Valour of a Captain or Soul∣dier in Warre consisteth.
IT was the saying of Scipio,* 1.1 that warlike African, who being reproached by a certain Man, that he was not so forward a fighter as he could have wished; That his Mother had born him to be a Commander, not a Fighter; intimating, that a Captain's chief place was to command all, and to choose fit times, places, and means for fighting; not that he should account it his honour to fight upon the request of his Enemy, but as he found most expedient and convenient for him∣self,* 1.2 in wisdome choosing the form, the Field, the time, the place, and all for the advantage of his Army, giving not the least foot of advance to his Enemy, whereof he could possibly hinder him. And thus it is, that many (though other∣wise high-spirited enough) do erre in a false opinion of their own valour, and thereby lose both themselves and their honours; so that whilest they affect to be called gallant Fighters, do prove indeed to be but foolish Commanders, and ill Captains, not getting that Honour and Va••our which they so eagerly seek, but the blame of temerity and rashnesse, which they should mostly avoid.