Page 16
The Fourth Observation.
NOtwithstanding of the extremitie of cold, we see his Majesties dili∣gence, neglecting no time, making use of Winter, as of Summer, be∣ing an expert Generall, who in his judgement was nothing inferi∣our to the greatest Generall we read of, as doe witnesse his valorous actions. He seeing at our comming to Brandenburge, what advantage the ground yeel∣ded to the enemy, to have hindered our comming unto it, As also perceiving what hurt the enemy was able to have done us, before our down-lying (ha∣ving known their strength, that were within, both of horse and foot) if hee had beene a resolute, and a couragious Commander, as hee was not, hee had tried our fore-troopes, before our comming so neere, which made his Majesty judge they would not hold out long.
Here at this time, a young Cavaliere desirous of honour, and greedy of good instruction, could have learned frō this King the way to command well; as likewise with order to direct all things fitting, how to pursue any place or strength he came before, as his Majestie did there, being the first part, wherein I did observe his Majesties dexteritie in Command, discharging the dueties of severall Officers, being but one man, he never doubted to put in execution what he once commanded, [ Y] and it was well done; and no alteration was to be found in his Orders; neither did he like well of an Officer, that was not as capable to understand his directions, as he was ready, in giving them: Neverthelesse, hee would not suffer an Officer to part from him, till hee found he was understood, by the receiver of the Order.
Such a Generall would I gladly serve; but such a Generall I shall hardly see; whose custome was; to bee the first and last in danger him∣selfe, gayning his Officers love, in being the companion both of their la∣bours and dangers; for hee knew well how his souldiers should bee taught to behave themselves, according to the circumstances both of time and place, before they were led to fight, and being carefull of their credits, hee would not suffer their weakenesse, or defects to be discerned, being ready to foresee all things, which did belong to the health of his souldiers, and his owne credit. Hee knew also, the devices and Engines of his ene∣mie, their Counsell, their Armies, their art, their discipline: As also the nature and situation of the places they commanded; so that he could not bee neglective in any thing belonging to his charge; and he understood well, that an Army being brickle like glasse, that sometimes a vaine and idle brute was enough to ruine them; and to breake them, like the bricklest glasse that is.
His Majesties further diligence, after the intaking of Brandenburg we see, he giving neither time, nor leasure to the neerest Garrisons that were at hand, to resolve, what they had to doe; for one strength was no sooner ta∣ken, but incontinent, the commanded Musketiers, and horsemen, were presently closing up the passages of the rest, before they could either re∣tire, or send for supply; And so being long, sleeping in a carelesse securitie, some of them were taken, before they could bee prepared for to fight, or to take about their ports or bridges; so farre were they out of use with hunting, and making good cheere, that they were surprized, inter pocula: having regar∣ded their bellies, more then their credits.