Politique Observation.
DElay, which a man granteth to an Enemy, is frequently of such consequence, that a good or bad successe doth depend on it: One dayes time gives the be∣sieged leave to make such trenches, as will not be regained in a whole month, Henry the second, for having attended thus but a very little, was forced to raise the siege of Perpignan; and if Pyrrhus had assaulted Sparta, the same night that he sat down before it, he had then taken it without difficulty, which he could not the next day: Memorable is that example of Peter de Medicis, recorded by Guiccardine, who stayed only one or two hours, to let the rain passe, and so came too late to Florence, and found that his Enemies had but one hours notice of his arrival, which gave them time enough to Arm themselves to resist him, and in fine they did hinder and pre∣vent his entrance, which otherwise he had gained, had it not been for that little stop. It is as much follie to give time to a mans Enemies to fortifie themselves, as it is discretion and advantagious to take them unprovided, and before they have time to prepare themselves for a defence.