Politique Observation.

STratagems have been much used and commended by great Commanders, skill and craft do many times as much as force and strength, and are so much the more to be esteemed, because they shed lesse blood. This Prudence hath no cer∣tain rules to be learnt by, but must be acquired by it self. It's true, we are made ca∣pable of it by nature, but it is formed and confirmed by use and Experience. So Sci•io that valiant Commander, who being desirous to take in a strong hold in Africk which was well provided by the Carthaginians, made as if he had other de∣signs, and caused his Army to march another way; by this means he surprised Hari∣bal who drawing forth all his Garrison, to pursue him with the more strength, left the place undefended, and gave Scipio an advantage of facing about, and sending a Page  333party under the Conduct of Massanissa, to surprise and make himself Master of it, which he effected with a handfull of men, the inhabitants not having strength enough to defend themselves.