Politique Observation.
A Generous mind is never dismaid at the fear of danger, or if perchance it make any impression on him, it is onely to oblige him to give necessary orders to overcome them. It is enough that he know he must vanguish and that his duty obli∣geth him to make a virtue of necessity. He is more apprehensive of the discredit to loose an occasion of glory, then of the mis-fortune, and is alwayes more careful to preserve his honour▪ than his life, his courage fortifies him, and makes him confi∣dent of the means dictated by his prudence; he doth not fight rashly with his eyes shut as the Andabates, or precipitate himself into dangers without looking what is necessary to secure himself, but guiding his courage by reason, he takes such Order as is fit and needful▪ and then engageth without fear. There is no courage so com∣mendable as that which is accompanied with prudence, and when the heat of Anger exciteth an obligation to repel al obstacles, his reason ought to serve him in exami∣ning his designs, his prudence to make choise of those means which are most likely to obtain an happy successe, and his Anger to make him quick in action. Last of all he delay, not the exposing himself to combates, where his prudence tell him there is not any danger, but knowing that fortune is the friend of courage, and doth often favour the bold, he assaults his enemies as soon as ever his prudence hath given Or∣ders for the fight: he carrieth deeply engraved in his heart that saying of Salust, They who are most fearful, run most hazards; and sure it is, confidence is a ram∣part, and every thing gives way to him who fals in with courage, as every thing re∣pelleth him who is carried away with cowardize. To apprehend resistance is to be half overcome and he who scornes danger is half master of his enterprise. Valour is very needful for the obtaining of an happy successe in all af••airs. Fire is the no∣blest of all the Elements, because it worketh quickest, and nothing resisteth it; and that man is most to be commended for his courage, who acteth the most boldly, and whom no dangers are able to affright: It is also true, that resoluteness doth oftentimes bring a good issue, where prudence and counsel had no part: whence it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 appears that in many affairs of war, long deliberation is unnecessary and often prejudical in the successe of attempts, besides the diminishing of his honour, who conducteth them. Something must be ventured, and where there is no clear demonstration of a good successe, there a good resolution seconded with judgment will go far, which once concluded on, then comes action into play and the sword to execute.