Of an Ensign.
AN Ensign being a Commission-Officer, in the absence of his Captain and Lieutenant, is Commander in chief of the Company, and ought to march upon the head of the same, leading them with a Half-pike. His Captain and Lieutenant being present, and upon a Stand, his Colours ought to rest upon his side, being held by his right or left-hand, and unfurled; upon the March, his Colours ought to be shouldered, taking up the corner-end of them in his right-hand, and to let them be half flying; the Pikes and Muskets all conforming un∣to the same Posture. Marching through a City, for the more grace, his Colours may be wholly flying, being advanced and held up by his right-hand, or resting upon his right side. He ought to be a proper man, grave, valiant and discreet, and to be well skill'd in the Postures of the Pike; in respect he leads them, and they expect from him to be taught the Postures thereof. He ought to be well skill'd in all the lofty Figures of the displaying of the Colours above the head, and to make use of them according to discretion and command; which is not onely a healthfull exercise to his body, but also most becoming to him, or any other Gentleman or Commander whatsoever, that shall sometimes make use of the same; although condemned through sloth and ignorance by others, who will not take the pains to learn it. An Ensign upon a Troop, lodging he Colours, or in time of skirmishing, may fold them up, and retreat into the second Rank for the securing of his Colours, which he ought to stick by, and not to stir from them at such a time, although he hazardeth his last drop of blood, or makes them his winding-sheet. When the General shall pass by, or any such man of worth, he ought a little to vail his Colours, inclining the head, or narrow end thereof, a little downward; but not to bow his knee, or uncover his head. He may some∣times for his ease or recreation upon the March, request some Gentleman of knowing trust of the Pikes to carry his Colours for him, until such time as he shall come again for to take them. In the absence of his Lieutenant, when his Captain shall exercise the Company, he may stick his Colours in the ground, or deliver them to some Gentleman of the Pikes, and fall down himself in the Reer with a Half-pike or Cane, there to be an assistant to his Captain in supplying the Lieutenants place, except his Captain should command him to the contrary. He ought to have a Guard along with him, as well to the lodging of his Colours, as to any other place. He ought to perform all courteous offices for the Souldiers unto his Captain, which will gain him both love and reputation amongst them, they thereby better respecting him, and more couragiously following of him.