certain_a discourse_n write_v by_o sir_n john_n smythe_n knight_n concern_v the_o form_n and_o effect_n of_o diverse_a sort_n of_o weapon_n and_o other_o very_a important_a matter_n military_a great_o mistake_v by_o diverse_a of_o our_o man_n of_o war_n in_o these_o day_n and_o chief_o of_o the_o mosquet_n the_o caliver_n and_o the_o longbow_n as_o also_o of_o the_o great_a sufficiency_n excellency_n and_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o archer_n with_o many_o notable_a example_n and_o other_o particularity_n by_o he_o present_v to_o the_o nobility_n of_o this_o realm_n &_o publish_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o his_o native_a country_n of_o england_n at_o london_n print_v by_o richard_n johnes_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n near_o holborn_n bridge_n 1._o maij._fw-la 1590._o sir_n john_n smythe_n his_o proëme_n dedicatory_a to_o the_o nobility_n of_o the_o realm_n of_o england_n right_o honourable_a and_o most_o noble_a lord_n even_o as_o the_o wisdom_n and_o humility_n of_o the_o notable_a man_n of_o late_a age_n have_v give_v great_a honour_n to_o the_o excellency_n of_o man_n in_o all_o art_n and_o science_n of_o former_a age_n and_o great_a antiquity_n than_o to_o themselves_o not_o only_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v inferior_n unto_o they_o but_o also_o that_o the_o great_a skill_n and_o knowledge_n which_o they_o have_v attain_v unto_o have_v in_o the_o great_a part_n proceed_v from_o such_o notable_a man_n either_o by_o hear_v and_o observe_v their_o opinion_n or_o by_o read_v of_o their_o work_n or_o else_o by_o read_v of_o other_o that_o have_v write_v of_o the_o judgement_n and_o action_n of_o such_o excellent_a man_n even_o so_o the_o vanity_n and_o overween_a of_o young_a man_n and_o chief_o of_o our_o nation_n in_o this_o our_o time_n i_o mean_v within_o these_o twenty_o year_n have_v so_o exceed_v and_o superabound_v that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v ashamed_a not_o only_o to_o attribute_v unto_o themselves_o great_a wisdom_n and_o sufficiency_n in_o all_o art_n and_o science_n and_o special_o in_o the_o art_n military_a than_o to_o the_o notable_a man_n and_o great_a captain_n of_o former_a age_n and_o great_a antiquity_n but_o also_o to_o dishable_a they_o in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o sufficiency_n and_o all_o other_o also_o yet_o live_v that_o be_v man_n of_o great_a year_n and_o antiquity_n than_o they_o be_v both_o of_o our_o own_o nation_n as_o also_o foreign_a that_o have_v see_v and_o serve_v in_o the_o well_o order_a war_n of_o emperor_n or_o king_n in_o time_n past_a say_v to_o make_v the_o same_o more_o probable_a that_o their_o war_n be_v now_o grow_v to_o great_a perfection_n and_o great_o alter_v from_o the_o war_n of_o time_n past_a under_o pretence_n whereof_o they_o have_v of_o late_o seek_v both_o by_o public_a and_o private_a persuasion_n and_o inducement_n to_o reduce_v all_o our_o ancient_a proceed_n in_o matter_n military_a which_o they_o be_v utterlie_o ignorant_a of_o to_o their_o own_o error_n and_o disorder_n procure_v also_o as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v by_o their_o vain_a and_o frivolous_a objection_n against_o our_o archery_n to_o suppress_v and_o extinguish_v the_o exercise_n and_o serviceable_a use_n of_o longbow_n but_o now_o let_v we_o come_v to_o consider_v who_o be_v these_o of_o our_o nation_n that_o do_v attribute_n unto_o themselves_o great_a wisdom_n and_o sufficiency_n in_o all_o art_n and_o science_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o art_n military_a than_o to_o the_o excellent_a man_n of_o former_a time_n and_o age_n and_o to_o the_o ancient_a experience_a man_n yet_o live_v be_v they_o new_o fall_v from_o heaven_n with_o some_o divine_a instinct_n and_o gift_n to_o renew_v reform_v and_o teach_v we_o the_o art_n military_a no_o no_o such_o matter_n but_o even_o such_o as_o we_o know_v child_n or_o very_o young_a man_n within_o these_o twenty_o year_n what_o then_o be_v they_o noblemen_z themselves_o by_o title_n or_o descend_v of_o noble_a and_o excellent_a father_n or_o themselves_o of_o great_a sobriety_n continency_n and_o worthiness_n of_o mind_n no_o true_o for_o such_o as_o be_v nobleman_n by_o birth_n or_o descend_v of_o noble_a father_n or_o themselves_o worthy_a do_v know_v by_o good_a education_n and_o instruction_n that_o experience_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o science_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o neglect_v nor_o contemn_v the_o wisdom_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o former_a age_n nor_o the_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_a and_o experience_a man_n of_o this_o time_n but_o will_v with_o humility_n yield_v themselves_o to_o hear_v and_o learn_v by_o their_o experience_n what_o then_o be_v they_o endue_v with_o any_o such_o rare_a gift_n or_o corporal_a presence_n wisdom_n and_o virtue_n as_o i_o have_v in_o my_o time_n know_v diverse_a and_o do_v yet_o know_v some_o very_o few_o young_a gentleman_n endue_v withal_o that_o therefore_o we_o may_v admire_v and_o think_v they_o to_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o notable_a man_n no_o in_o troth_n but_o some_o young_a and_o some_o now_o grow_v to_o be_v of_o the_o middle_a age_n all_o which_o be_v but_o after_o the_o common_a sort_n both_o in_o their_o corporal_a presence_n and_o in_o their_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n unless_o peradventure_o sometime_o when_o they_o fall_v into_o argument_n of_o some_o such_o matter_n that_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o have_v great_a skill_n of_o then_o indeed_o they_o show_v themselves_o to_o be_v extraordinary_a for_o in_o stead_n of_o allege_v reason_n and_o example_n according_a to_o the_o use_n of_o other_o nation_n with_o quietness_n and_o courteous_a phrase_n of_o speech_n they_o argue_v for_o life_n and_o death_n with_o hasty_a and_o furious_a word_n as_o though_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o experience_n of_o man_n of_o great_a year_n but_o that_o which_o they_o say_v which_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o man_n of_o any_o judgement_n that_o be_v of_o wise_a and_o brave_a nation_n be_v think_v more_o meet_a for_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o such_o as_o be_v chide_v woman_n than_o for_o man_n that_o do_v profess_v any_o knowledge_n in_o art_n &_o science_n and_o chief_o military_a what_o be_v the_o number_n great_a of_o these_o controller_n of_o antiquity_n in_o matter_n military_a that_o be_v infect_v with_o so_o great_a a_o overween_a certain_o no_o the_o number_n of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o be_v very_o small_a and_o few_o and_o therefore_o save_v for_o arithmetike_n sake_n not_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v number_n and_o those_o that_o be_v possess_v with_o this_o overween_a be_v such_o as_o do_v presume_v of_o their_o long_a experience_n in_o such_o war_n as_o they_o have_v serve_v in_o all_o which_o be_v more_o addict_v to_o self-will_n new_a fashion_n and_o fancy_n than_o to_o any_o reason_n and_o experience_n military_a what_o have_v they_o no_o imitator_n yes_o many_o that_o be_v abuse_v by_o their_o persuasion_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v such_o as_o i_o do_v think_v may_v be_v easy_o persuade_v and_o reduce_v to_o better_a judgement_n upon_o sound_a reason_n and_o demonstration_n unto_o they_o show_v or_o upon_o the_o experience_n of_o some_o new_a and_o well_o order_v war_n but_o now_o i_o pray_v you_o in_o what_o war_n of_o emperor_n king_n or_o form_v common_a wealth_n have_v these_o our_o such_o man_n of_o war_n serve_v and_o learn_v their_o great_a pretend_a skill_n and_o sufficiency_n by_o the_o which_o they_o may_v with_o the_o more_o reason_n and_o experience_n assume_v unto_o themselves_o to_o condemn_v the_o ancient_a order_n and_o proceed_n military_a of_o diverse_a foreign_a warlike_a nation_n as_o also_o of_o our_o most_o valiant_a and_o wise_a ancestor_n or_o the_o experience_n in_o the_o art_n military_a of_o many_o both_o foreign_a as_o also_o of_o some_o ancient_a man_n yet_o live_v of_o our_o own_o nation_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o war_n that_o they_o have_v serve_v in_o and_o therefore_o that_o upon_o their_o great_a experience_n and_o judgement_n they_o shall_v seek_v to_o reduce_v all_o our_o ancient_a proceed_n and_o order_n military_a to_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o fancy_n and_o therewithal_o to_o procure_v the_o utter_a suppress_n and_o extinguish_n of_o our_o ancient_a and_o peculiar_a weapon_n the_o longbow_n certain_o all_o man_n know_v that_o the_o chief_a war_n that_o they_o ever_o serve_v in_o where_o they_o have_v learn_v any_o experience_n have_v be_v in_o the_o disorder_a and_o tumultuary_a war_n of_o the_o low_a country_n under_o the_o state_n or_o peradventure_o some_o little_a diverse_a year_n pass_v in_o the_o intestine_a &_o licentious_a war_n of_o france_n well_o if_o it_o be_v so_o without_o any_o further_a question_n i_o do_v not_o then_o marvel_v that_o they_o do_v allege_v to_o set_v forth_o and_o beautify_v their_o own_o sufficiency_n and_o to_o disable_v all_o other_o
the_o enemy_n in_o the_o heat_n of_o summer_n experience_n will_v grow_v so_o weak_a that_o thereby_o they_o will_v lose_v their_o force_n and_o effect_n whereunto_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o objection_n be_v a_o new_a fancy_n and_o a_o very_a dream_n contrary_a to_o all_o ancient_a and_o modern_a experience_n of_o english_a archer_n who_o bow_n be_v make_v of_o that_o excellent_a wood_n of_o yewgh_o do_v never_o so_o decay_v in_o strength_n neither_o by_o hot_a nor_o wet_a weather_n nor_o yet_o by_o often_o shoot_v in_o they_o but_o that_o they_o will_v with_o arrow_n wound_n and_o sometime_o kill_v both_o man_n &_o horse_n a_o great_a distance_n off_o than_o the_o shot_n and_o bullet_n of_o harquebuzier_n and_o caliver_n 〈…〉_o employ_v and_o use_v in_o the_o open_a field_n by_o skilful_a conductour_n and_o leader_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o wonderful_a fail_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o those_o and_o all_o other_o weapon_n of_o fire_n maniable_a diverse_a of_o the_o particularity_n whereof_o i_o have_v before_o in_o this_o discourse_v make_v manifest_a also_o they_o do_v further_o allege_v military_a that_o upon_o a_o invasion_n of_o foreign_a dominion_n beyond_o the_o sea_n the_o weapon_n and_o furniture_n of_o archer_n as_o of_o bow_n sheaf_n of_o arrow_n and_o bowstring_n can_v not_o be_v find_v and_o provide_v where_o archery_n be_v not_o use_v whereas_o contrariwise_o all_o kind_n of_o munition_n belong_v to_o the_o weapon_n of_o fire_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v find_v and_o provide_v in_o all_o foreign_a dominion_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o they_o shall_v say_v that_o if_o a_o army_n of_o five_o and_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o thousand_o of_o our_o english_a nation_n under_o some_o sufficient_a general_n be_v send_v to_o invade_v france_n and_o disembarking_a in_o normandy_n and_o win_v newhaven_n and_o rouen_n shall_v straight_o march_v to_o paris_n which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o diverse_a king_n of_o england_n and_o their_o general_n have_v do_v where_o after_o some_o encounter_n and_o skirmish_n the_o army_n come_v to_o lack_v powder_n and_o shot_n they_o shall_v with_o facility_n for_o money_n provide_v the_o same_o in_o the_o hart_n of_o the_o enemy_n country_n where_o all_o the_o town_n in_o which_o that_o provision_n be_v to_o be_v have_v be_v fortify_v which_o be_v a_o very_a mockery_n and_o dream_n to_o be_v think_v on_o but_o some_o of_o our_o such_o man_n of_o war_n peradventure_o will_v further_o allege_v that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o same_o provision_n by_o the_o way_n of_o convoy_n either_o from_o newhaven_n or_o rouen_n in_o case_n they_o be_v possess_v of_o those_o town_n whereunto_o it_o be_v to_o be_v answer_v that_o first_o the_o convoy_n have_v need_v to_o be_v very_o strong_a beside_o that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n of_o any_o consideration_n and_o judgement_n but_o that_o do_v very_o well_o know_v that_o mosquet_n harquebuss_n powder_n match_n and_o lead_v be_v as_o heavy_a and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o heavy_a to_o be_v carry_v than_o bow_n sheaf_n of_o arrow_n and_o bowstring_n be_v beside_o that_o by_o such_o their_o ignorant_a objection_n they_o do_v evident_o show_v that_o they_o have_v not_o read_v nor_o hear_v or_o else_o for_o lack_v of_o reason_n not_o believe_v the_o proceed_n of_o the_o notable_a king_n of_o england_n in_o their_o invasion_n of_o france_n and_o other_o dominion_n for_o if_o they_o have_v they_o will_v not_o then_o doubt_v but_o that_o a_o king_n of_o england_n or_o his_o lieutenant_n general_a invade_v foreign_a dominion_n will_v upon_o such_o a_o enterprise_n carry_v all_o sort_n of_o munition_n belong_v to_o archer_n to_o serve_v they_o for_o many_o battle_n and_o great_a encounter_n as_o well_o as_o king_n edward_n the_o three_o and_o henry_n the_o five_o and_o their_o lieutenant_n general_n do_v who_o army_n do_v sometime_o consist_v of_o nine_o or_o ten_o thousand_o all_o archer_n and_o not_o above_o four_o or_o five_o thousand_o arm_a man_n on_o horseback_n and_o on_o foot_n which_o prince_n and_o their_o lieutenant_n do_v never_o omit_v according_a to_o their_o milicia_fw-la to_o carry_v great_a plenty_n of_o sheaf_n of_o arrow_n bow_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n requisite_a aswell_o for_o their_o archer_n as_o for_o their_o arm_a man_n field_n and_o all_o other_o effect_n beside_o that_o by_o that_o their_o simple_a and_o fond_a objection_n they_o do_v discover_v that_o they_o have_v very_o seldom_o or_o never_o see_v a_o army_n royal_a march_n in_o the_o field_n for_o if_o they_o have_v they_o then_o will_v very_o well_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o puissant_a army_n form_v either_o to_o invade_v or_o defend_v that_o do_v consist_v of_o a_o well_o order_v milicia_fw-la that_o do_v not_o in_o the_o public_a carriage_n of_o the_o camp_n ordinarylie_o carry_v all_o kind_n of_o munition_n of_o weapon_n and_o armour_n offensive_a and_o defensive_a with_o all_o other_o munition_n and_o necessary_n requisite_a for_o all_o purpose_n for_o the_o public_a employment_n and_o use_n of_o camp_n town_n and_o field_n now_o whereas_o some_o of_o our_o aforesaid_a man_n of_o war_n do_v further_o allege_v rather_o upon_o fancy_n than_o upon_o any_o souldiourlyke_a reason_n and_o experience_n many_o vain_a and_o frivolous_a objection_n partly_o against_o the_o bow_n as_o aforesaid_a but_o chief_o against_o the_o archer_n that_o do_v use_v they_o archer_n how_o good_a soever_o they_o be_v say_v that_o archer_n when_o they_o have_v lyen_fw-we some_o long_a time_n in_o camp_n in_o the_o field_n will_v become_v so_o decay_v in_o strength_n either_o by_o sickness_n or_o otherwise_o that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o draw_v their_o bow_n and_o work_v that_o effect_n that_o archer_n shall_v do_v whereas_o contrariwise_o mosquettier_n and_o harquebuzier_n will_v give_v as_o great_a blow_n with_o their_o bullet_n out_o of_o their_o piece_n be_v decay_v in_o strength_n by_o long_o lie_v in_o camp_n or_o sickness_n as_o if_o they_o be_v whole_a thereunto_o i_o answer_v that_o true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o small_a love_n that_o such_o man_n of_o war_n as_o they_o be_v have_v bear_v to_o their_o soldier_n in_o the_o low_a country_n allow_v they_o nothing_o but_o provand_a and_o lodging_n they_o in_o church_n upon_o the_o bare_a stone_n and_o pavement_n aswell_o in_o winter_n as_o in_o summer_n with_o many_o other_o their_o abuse_n and_o disorder_n contrary_a to_o all_o discipline_n military_a have_v make_v most_o of_o their_o soldier_n unfit_a and_o unable_a to_o use_v any_o sort_n of_o weapon_n as_o soldier_n shall_v do_v in_o the_o field_n howbeit_o in_o favour_n of_o archer_n to_o convince_v their_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a opinion_n harquebuss_n i_o say_v that_o if_o harquebuzier_n happen_v to_o be_v decay_v in_o strength_n by_o sickness_n or_o that_o by_o long_o lie_v in_o camp_n in_o the_o field_n they_o shall_v happen_v to_o have_v any_o ache_n or_o ache_v in_o their_o neck_n shoulder_n arm_n back_n thigh_n leg_n or_o foot_n although_o that_o they_o be_v otherwise_o hart_n whole_a enough_o be_v as_o little_a or_o rather_o less_o able_a in_o service_n in_o the_o field_n to_o perform_v the_o effect_n of_o harquebuzier_n than_o archer_n the_o effect_n of_o archer_n for_o harquebuzier_n in_o such_o service_n must_v be_v lie_v in_o all_o their_o joint_n and_o sinew_n that_o they_o may_v stoop_v to_o their_o piece_n &_o traverse_v their_o ground_n now_o retire_v have_v discharge_v give_v place_n to_o their_o fellow_n and_o then_o advance_v again_o give_v their_o fellow_n retire_v time_n again_o to_o charge_n with_o such_o agility_n and_o dexterity_n that_o they_o may_v be_v ready_a upon_o every_o opportunity_n to_o stoop_v and_o take_v every_o little_a advantage_n of_o hillock_n bank_n vine_n trench_n shrub_n or_o any_o such_o like_a beside_o that_o they_o must_v have_v their_o arm_n and_o shoulder_n very_o sound_a to_o carry_v their_o piece_n firm_a in_o their_o discharging_n at_o the_o enemy_n as_o also_o to_o use_v their_o scour_a stick_n and_o charge_v again_o which_o effect_n they_o be_v no_o way_n able_a to_o perform_v if_o they_o be_v grow_v weak_a by_o lie_v in_o the_o field_n or_o if_o they_o have_v ach_n or_o crick_n in_o any_o part_n of_o their_o limb_n as_o aforesaid_a mosquettier_n also_o it_o do_v behoove_v to_o be_v strong_a and_o puissant_a of_o body_n without_o sickness_n ach_n or_o other_o impediment_n and_o every_o way_n sound_n of_o wind_n and_o limb_n for_o if_o they_o be_v decay_v in_o strength_n of_o body_n by_o lie_v in_o the_o field_n mosquet_n or_o that_o they_o have_v any_o impediment_n of_o crick_n or_o ache_v in_o their_o neck_n shoulder_n arm_n back_n thigh_n or_o leg_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o use_v their_o mosquet_n in_o the_o field_n to_o the_o annoyance_n of_o their_o enemy_n
so_o great_a number_n of_o soldier_n so_o fond_o and_o wilful_o cast_v away_o do_v redound_v great_o to_o the_o enrich_n of_o some_o of_o our_o such_o man_n of_o war_n and_o now_o in_o the_o same_o late_a time_n when_o all_o thing_n shall_v by_o all_o reason_n have_v be_v reduce_v unto_o order_n and_o discipline_n because_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o war_n be_v alter_v from_o mercenary_a and_o voluntary_a to_o princely_a authority_n i_o mean_v the_o summer_n before_o the_o earl_n of_o leicester_n go_v over_o our_o such_o man_n of_o war_n that_o have_v serve_v diverse_a year_n before_o in_o those_o part_n devise_v a_o new_a invention_n never_o hear_v nor_o read_v of_o before_o among_o any_o man_n of_o war_n but_o only_o upon_o some_o great_a lack_n and_o extremity_n and_o that_o be_v that_o their_o soldier_n in_o stead_n of_o pay_n with_o money_n shall_v be_v pay_v in_o provand_n which_o be_v bread_n and_o cheese_n and_o other_o such_o victual_n of_o the_o best_a cheap_a and_o base_a sort_n and_o that_o tax_v by_o measure_n say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o convenient_a that_o their_o soldier_n shall_v receive_v their_o own_o pay_n because_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o lay_v out_o their_o money_n but_o that_o they_o will_v spend_v it_o idle_o which_o simplicity_n and_o ignorance_n if_o it_o have_v be_v in_o they_o as_o it_o be_v not_o they_o and_o their_o officer_n by_o good_a instruction_n shall_v have_v reform_v the_o same_o but_o such_o covetous_a man_n of_o war_n under_o that_o pretence_n as_o though_o their_o soldier_n have_v be_v either_o natural_a fool_n or_o child_n do_v contrary_a to_o all_o military_a order_n put_v the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o soldier_n pay_v into_o their_o own_o purse_n allow_v they_o great_a scarcity_n of_o provand_n by_o which_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o diverse_a thousand_o of_o their_o soldier_n in_o those_o plentiful_a country_n partly_o by_o hunger_n and_o partly_o by_o evil_a lodging_n &_o altogether_o by_o the_o small_a care_n and_o misuse_v of_o our_o such_o man_n of_o war_n do_v perish_v beside_o that_o great_a number_n of_o such_o their_o sick_a and_o starve_a soldier_n by_o the_o order_n of_o the_o earl_n of_o leicester_n be_v in_o those_o part_n embark_v and_o transport_v into_o essex_n kent_n and_o other_o part_n of_o england_n to_o recover_v health_n of_o which_o foresay_a great_a number_n of_o miserable_a &_o pitiful_a ghost_n or_o rather_o shadow_n of_o man_n the_o essex_n and_o kentish_a cart_n and_o carter_n that_o carry_v they_o can_v testify_v of_o which_o scarce_o the_o forty_o man_n escape_v with_o life_n also_o when_o any_o of_o their_o soldier_n through_o the_o naughtiness_n or_o scarcity_n of_o their_o victual_n or_o by_o their_o evil_a lodging_n or_o by_o the_o pester_v or_o lie_v of_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o of_o they_o together_o in_o some_o one_o church_n and_o so_o in_o diverse_a church_n upon_o the_o bare_a pavement_n or_o upon_o diverse_a other_o disorder_n and_o misusage_n of_o some_o of_o our_o such_o man_n of_o war_n fall_v sick_a our_o such_o man_n of_o war_n present_o do_v casse_n and_o discharge_v they_o out_o of_o their_o band_n for_o dead_a man_n turn_v their_o provand_a money_n with_o all_o overpluss_n into_o their_o own_o purse_n procure_v new_a supply_n of_o well_o apparel_v and_o lusty_a young_a man_n out_o of_o england_n to_o the_o intent_n to_o serve_v their_o own_o turn_n and_o to_o consume_v people_n after_o people_n all_o which_o marvelous_a disorder_n of_o some_o of_o our_o such_o man_n of_o war_n against_o their_o soldier_n contrary_a to_o all_o discipline_n military_a by_o they_o practise_v and_o use_v with_o infinite_a other_o which_z to_z rehearse_v will_v make_v a_o huge_a volume_n be_v the_o occasion_n that_o many_o thousand_o of_o the_o lusty_a and_o dispose_v sort_n of_o our_o english_a people_n be_v in_o those_o war_n as_o it_o be_v witting_o and_o willing_o cast_v away_o beside_o great_a number_n that_o at_o diverse_a time_n do_v choose_v rather_o to_o fly_v to_o the_o enemy_n than_o to_o serve_v under_o such_o cruel_a and_o disorder_a chieftain_n and_o these_o wonderful_a disorder_n with_o innumerable_a other_o do_v continue_v and_o increase_v until_o such_o time_n as_o diverse_a young_a nobleman_n late_o come_v to_o take_v principal_a charge_n in_o those_o war_n as_o also_o diverse_a knight_n and_o gentleman_n of_o noble_a and_o of_o worshipful_a house_n and_o themselves_o of_o great_a valour_n and_o worthiness_n do_v complain_v of_o and_o discover_v those_o most_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a abuse_n unto_o the_o queen_n and_o to_o her_o counsel_n who_o understand_v thereof_o do_v very_o noble_o reform_v and_o redress_v diverse_a of_o those_o disorder_n take_v further_a order_n that_o the_o aforesaid_a new_a devise_v provand_n shall_v be_v abolish_v and_o that_o in_o stead_n thereof_o the_o soldier_n shall_v receive_v their_o own_o pay_n in_o money_n which_o with_o the_o wise_a and_o worthy_a proceed_n and_o course_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a nobleman_n knight_n and_o gentleman_n that_o begin_v with_o great_a order_n and_o discipline_n to_o serve_v in_o those_o war_n some_o at_o and_o other_o since_o the_o go_v over_o of_o the_o earl_n of_o leicester_n have_v of_o late_a great_o prevail_v and_o redound_v to_o the_o reformation_n of_o diverse_a of_o those_o strange_a invention_n and_o abuse_n invent_v and_o bring_v into_o those_o war_n by_o the_o aforesaid_a new_a fantasy_v man_n of_o war_n but_o now_o for_o excuse_v use_v by_o some_o of_o our_o such_o man_n of_o war_n for_o the_o cast_v away_o and_o loss_n of_o such_o great_a number_n and_o many_o thousand_o of_o our_o gallant_a english_a people_n in_o those_o low_a country_n war_n as_o also_o in_o late_a war_n i_o mean_v not_o in_o france_n where_o i_o never_o hear_v any_o blame_n but_o great_a honour_n impute_v to_o the_o chieftain_n and_o commendation_n to_o the_o captain_n but_o in_o a_o very_a short_a war_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n further_a distance_n but_o of_o a_o wonderful_a consumption_n of_o our_o brave_a nation_n through_o great_a disorder_n and_o lack_v of_o discipline_n military_a the_o particularity_n whereof_o because_o i_o have_v not_o hitherto_o handle_v i_o omit_v some_o of_o our_o such_o man_n of_o war_n have_v not_o be_v ashamed_a many_o time_n to_o report_n and_o say_v that_o all_o those_o brave_a people_n that_o have_v be_v consume_v and_o lose_v in_o the_o low_a country_n and_o those_o other_o forementioned_a war_n by_o their_o disorder_n as_o aforesaid_a be_v the_o very_a scum_n thief_n and_o rogue_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o have_v be_v very_o well_o lose_v and_o that_o the_o realm_n be_v too_o full_a of_o people_n be_v very_o well_o rid_v of_o they_o and_o that_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v consume_v in_o those_o war_n they_o will_v have_v die_v under_o a_o hedge_n with_o diverse_a other_o such_o brutish_a and_o infernal_a speech_n even_o like_a unto_o themselves_o and_o to_o the_o new_a discipline_n by_o they_o invent_v and_o practise_v rather_o to_o dispeople_v a_o kingdom_n of_o england_n of_o the_o youth_n and_o flower_n thereof_o than_o any_o way_n to_o do_v any_o hurt_n unto_o the_o enemy_n whereas_o contrariwise_o it_o be_v very_o welknowen_a unto_o all_o the_o justice_n of_o peace_n in_o all_o shire_n of_o england_n from_o whence_o those_o soldier_n do_v go_v voluntary_a or_o otherwise_o even_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o first_o voluntary_a war_n until_o this_o day_n save_v such_o as_o be_v levy_v in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n by_o commission_n and_o some_o few_o rogue_n in_o one_o year_n levy_v in_o other_o shire_n that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o very_a great_a part_n young_a gentleman_n and_o in_o a_o far_o great_a part_n of_o yeoman_n and_o yeoman_n son_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o brave_a sort_n of_o artificer_n and_o other_o lusty_a young_a man_n desirous_a of_o a_o gallantness_n of_o mind_n to_o adventure_v themselves_o and_o see_v the_o war_n many_o thousand_o of_o the_o which_o be_v the_o very_a flower_n of_o england_n do_v far_o exceed_v and_o excel_v our_o such_o man_n of_o war_n both_o in_o goodlines_n of_o personage_n and_o worthiness_n of_o mind_n and_o these_o be_v no_o rogue_n nor_o thief_n nor_o the_o scum_n of_o england_n as_o those_o our_o such_o man_n of_o war_n do_v ofttimes_o report_n for_o it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v in_o all_o shire_n by_o experience_n that_o such_o malefactor_n and_o base_a mind_a people_n never_o have_v any_o desire_n nor_o will_v to_o go_v into_o any_o war_n and_o action_n military_a but_o have_v hide_v and_o absent_v themselves_o away_o during_o the_o time_n of_o muster_n and_o levy_n and_o when_o the_o same_o have_v be_v past_a they_o have_v again_o follow_v their_o vile_a occupation_n of_o rob_v pilfer_a and_o steal_v
beside_o that_o it_o be_v most_o manifest_a that_o before_o some_o of_o our_o such_o man_n of_o war_n take_v those_o voluntary_a war_n in_o hand_n there_o be_v very_o few_o thief_n and_o rogue_n in_o england_n in_o comparison_n that_o there_o be_v now_o that_o have_v come_v out_o of_o their_o discipline_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o this_o new_a deform_v milicia_fw-la and_o evil_a government_n of_o our_o such_o man_n of_o war_n by_o suffer_v their_o soldier_n for_o lack_n of_o pay_n in_o those_o war_n to_o go_v a_o rob_n and_o spoil_v the_o country_n people_n their_o friend_n as_o aforesaid_a have_v bring_v many_o of_o they_o from_o good_a to_o evil_n and_o make_v most_o of_o those_o that_o have_v return_v into_o england_n impudent_a rogue_n and_o thief_n that_o be_v true_a man_n before_o they_o go_v over_o by_o which_o their_o marvellous_a disorder_a and_o deform_a discipline_n it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o many_o and_o many_o thousand_o of_o the_o brave_a and_o lusty_a sort_n of_o people_n able_a to_o wear_v arm_n and_o to_o serve_v in_o any_o war_n either_o offensive_a or_o defensive_a be_v as_o aforesaid_a consume_v in_o those_o war_n and_o the_o number_n of_o exercise_v and_o expert_a soldier_n meet_v upon_o any_o occasion_n to_o serve_v the_o prince_n and_o realm_n by_o those_o service_n no_o way_n increase_v by_o reason_n that_o all_o such_o as_o have_v come_v out_o of_o those_o service_n unless_o it_o be_v the_o captain_n and_o a_o few_o officer_n of_o band_n be_v almost_o all_o turn_v from_o miserable_a soldier_n that_o they_o be_v in_o those_o low_a country_n to_o most_o impudent_a rogue_n and_o thief_n that_o by_o no_o order_n nor_o policy_n can_v be_v reform_v and_o reduce_v to_o any_o honest_a course_n of_o life_n all_o which_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v through_o the_o extreme_a evil_a government_n of_o some_o of_o our_o such_o man_n of_o war_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o whereas_o they_o talk_v and_o boast_v so_o much_o of_o their_o new_a discipline_n military_a and_o of_o their_o own_o sufficiency_n and_o that_o they_o do_v exceed_v and_o excel_v all_o the_o ancient_a man_n of_o war_n of_o time_n past_a as_o also_o such_o as_o be_v yet_o live_v certain_o all_o man_n that_o listen_v may_v behold_v their_o new_a milicia_fw-la of_o their_o own_o form_n as_o aforesaid_a of_o thief_n and_o rogue_n that_o do_v swarm_n in_o all_o the_o high_a way_n and_o gaole_n of_o england_n which_o do_v make_v manifest_a the_o great_a insufficiency_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v author_n actor_n and_o performer_n of_o that_o infernal_a discipline_n some_o of_o the_o which_o also_o have_v not_o content_v themselves_o to_o work_v the_o aforesaid_a great_a evil_n to_o their_o country_n and_o nation_n before_o declare_v but_o have_v of_o late_a year_n since_o they_o come_v out_o of_o those_o low_a country_n war_n seek_v to_o bring_v to_o pass_v two_o other_o such_o notorious_a and_o deform_a effect_n among_o the_o english_a nation_n as_o may_v in_o time_n to_o come_v be_v the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o this_o most_o noble_a kingdom_n and_o people_n even_o as_o the_o like_a have_v be_v of_o diverse_a other_o great_a monarchy_n of_o the_o which_o two_o effect_n the_o one_o have_v be_v to_o celebrate_v the_o other_o to_o abolish_v and_o extinguish_v that_o to_o celebrate_v have_v be_v to_o the_o feast_n of_o bacchus_n with_o carouse_v and_o drunkenness_n which_o most_o foul_a and_o detestable_a vice_n be_v enemy_n to_o all_o discipline_n and_o exercise_n military_a and_o to_o be_v short_a to_o all_o virtue_n and_o excellency_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n and_o in_o the_o rest_n be_v the_o very_a mother_n and_o nurse_n of_o effeminacy_n of_o cowardice_n of_o sensuality_n of_o rebellion_n of_o covetousness_n and_o all_o other_o vice_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v as_o we_o may_v evident_o see_v by_o our_o next_o neighbour_n the_o fleming_n and_o dutch_a who_o vice_n and_o imperfection_n save_v only_o their_o policy_n to_o grow_v rich_a and_o gather_v good_n for_o brevity_n sake_n i_o overpasse_v and_o this_o foreign_a vice_n have_v be_v bring_v out_o of_o those_o low_a country_n by_o some_o of_o our_o such_o man_n of_o war_n within_o these_o very_a few_o year_n whereof_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o nowadays_o there_o be_v very_o few_o feast_n where_o our_o say_a man_n of_o war_n be_v present_a but_o that_o they_o do_v invite_v and_o procure_v all_o the_o company_n of_o what_o call_v soever_o they_o be_v to_o carouse_v and_o quaff_v and_o because_o they_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v their_o challenge_n they_o will_v with_o many_o new_a congee_n ceremony_n and_o reverence_n drink_v to_o the_o health_n and_o prosperity_n of_o prince_n to_o the_o health_n of_o counsellor_n and_o unto_o the_o health_n of_o their_o great_a friend_n both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o in_o which_o exercise_n they_o never_o cease_v till_o they_o be_v dead_a drink_v or_o as_o the_o fleming_n say_v it_o drunken_a which_o their_o quaffing_n and_o carowsing_n with_o all_o their_o ceremony_n be_v no_o other_o but_o a_o blaspheme_a and_o offend_v of_o god_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n a_o touch_v of_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o prince_n unto_o who_o health_n they_o carouse_v and_o a_o very_a offering_n of_o sacrifice_n unto_o satanas_n or_o rather_o to_o belzebub_n himself_o the_o prince_n of_o fiend_n certain_o a_o wonderful_a pitiful_a case_n that_o any_o of_o our_o such_o man_n of_o war_n or_o nation_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o souldiorie_fw-la and_o warlike_a discipline_n shall_v nowadays_o in_o stead_n of_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o the_o health_n of_o prince_n which_o have_v be_v always_o very_o commendable_o use_v among_o all_o good_a subject_n christian_n drink_n and_o carouse_v drink_v to_o the_o health_n &_o prosperity_n of_o king_n kingdom_n and_o state_n and_o that_o man_n that_o have_v be_v create_v by_o god_n to_o his_o own_o similitude_n and_o likeness_n shall_v contrary_a to_o his_o glory_n by_o such_o filthy_a disorder_n make_v themselves_o far_o inferior_a to_o most_o brute_n beast_n and_o this_o aforesaid_a detestable_a vice_n have_v within_o these_o six_o or_o seven_o year_n take_v wonderful_a root_n amongst_o our_o english_a nation_n that_o in_o time_n past_a be_v wont_a to_o be_v of_o all_o other_o nation_n of_o christendom_n one_o of_o the_o sober_a and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o fruit_n and_o merchandise_n of_o their_o discipline_n that_o our_o such_o man_n of_o war_n have_v bring_v in_o among_o us._n now_o the_o other_o effect_n that_o they_o have_v seek_v most_o blindlie_o and_o malicious_o to_o bring_v to_o pass_v to_o the_o great_a danger_n that_o upon_o diverse_a accident_n may_v hereafter_o happen_v to_o the_o crown_n and_o realm_n of_o england_n and_o english_a nation_n have_v be_v and_o be_v to_o seek_v to_o abolish_v and_o extinguish_v the_o notable_a exercise_n and_o use_v of_o our_o longbow_n and_o archery_n by_o which_o weapon_n our_o ancestor_n with_o many_o miraculous_a victory_n have_v make_v our_o nation_n famous_a both_o in_o europe_n africa_n and_o asia_n so_o that_o in_o stead_n of_o archery_n which_o be_v the_o sober_a exercise_n of_o all_o other_o to_o avoid_v drunkenness_n and_o other_o evil_n and_o a_o most_o manly_a exercise_n and_o wholesome_a for_o the_o health_n of_o the_o body_n and_o to_o increase_v strength_n and_o for_o battle_n and_o victory_n of_o far_o great_a effect_n than_o any_o other_o weapon_n that_o ever_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v invent_v our_o such_o man_n of_o war_n under_o pretence_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o weapon_n of_o fire_n by_o they_o misreport_v will_v bring_v in_o carouse_v and_o drunkenness_n which_o two_o thing_n i_o mean_v of_o the_o neglect_v and_o suppress_v of_o the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o bow_n and_o archery_n and_o bring_v in_o of_o superfluity_n and_o drunkenness_n have_v be_v the_o ruin_n of_o many_o great_a empire_n kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n as_o it_o be_v apparent_a by_o the_o testimony_n of_o many_o notable_a history_n as_o for_o example_n the_o egyptian_n before_o mention_v in_o this_o proëme_n under_o their_o most_o valiant_a and_o mighty_a king_n sesosis_n or_o sesostris_n and_o other_o their_o notable_a prince_n do_v conquer_v a_o great_a part_n of_o asia_n europe_n &_o africa_n by_o their_o notable_a milicia_fw-la which_o do_v consist_v most_o of_o archery_n and_o bow_n but_o after_o through_o long_a peace_n and_o the_o negligence_n of_o some_o of_o their_o effeminate_a king_n the_o same_o warlike_a nation_n do_v grow_v to_o such_o drunkenness_n and_o gluttony_n that_o thereby_o forget_v the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o their_o bow_n they_o be_v conquer_v and_o subdue_v alexander_n the_o great_a the_o great_a part_n of_o who_o army_n do_v consist_v of_o archery_n and_o after_o that_o many_o time_n subdue_v and_o
with_o the_o other_o great_a compartment_n of_o the_o like_a weapon_n of_o other_o great_a band_n to_o form_v their_o squadron_n with_o sleeve_n wing_n troop_n or_o forlorn_a hope_n according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o colonel_n and_o sergeant_n major_n than_o if_o their_o band_n be_v small_a either_o of_o 300._o or_o under_o that_o number_n whereby_o the_o compartment_n of_o weapon_n shall_v be_v also_o the_o small_a &_o thereby_o in_o number_n the_o great_a and_o so_o consequent_o will_v require_v a_o long_a time_n not_o only_o to_o draw_v out_o but_o also_o to_o incorporate_v compartment_n with_o compartment_n for_o the_o form_n of_o battle_n with_o sleeve_n wing_n and_o forlorn_a hope_n as_o aforesaid_a beside_o that_o such_o great_a band_n both_o by_o reason_n and_o experience_n be_v as_o ready_a or_o rather_o more_o ready_a to_o be_v employ_v either_o in_o whole_a company_n under_o their_o captain_n and_o lieutenant_n or_o divide_v into_o part_n and_o corporolate_v under_o their_o corporal_n and_o sergeant_n for_o watch_n body_n of_o watch_n sentinel_n and_o all_o other_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a employment_n &_o action_n military_a in_o camp_n town_n or_o field_n than_o any_o small_a band_n be_v now_o peradventure_o some_o such_o as_o do_v not_o understand_v this_o order_n military_a of_o the_o prince_n of_o germany_n above_o mention_v will_v say_v that_o all_o the_o regiment_n of_o footman_n almains_n that_o either_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n or_o the_o french_a king_n have_v hire_v and_o employ_v any_o way_n in_o their_o war_n have_v be_v but_o of_o 300._o to_o a_o ensign_n which_o be_v very_o true_a howbeit_o the_o cause_n thereof_o have_v be_v that_o when_o such_o prince_n have_v occasion_n to_o employ_v any_o mercenary_a regiment_n of_o almains_n prince_n they_o do_v send_v their_o commissary_n into_o germany_n to_o hire_v so_o many_o colonel_n as_o they_o will_v have_v regiment_n in_o case_n that_o they_o have_v none_o before_o in_o their_o ordinary_a stipend_n and_o pay_v and_o those_o colonel_n do_v make_v choice_n of_o captain_n for_o the_o leafy_a of_o their_o regiment_n at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n and_o therefore_o will_v accept_v of_o no_o captain_n but_o of_o such_o as_o will_v compound_v with_o they_o and_o buy_v their_o captainship_n so_o as_o the_o more_o band_n the_o more_o captain_n and_o the_o more_o captain_n the_o more_o composition_n and_o profit_n which_o peradventure_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o move_v some_o chief_a officer_n or_o officer_n under_o the_o earl_n as_o imitator_n of_o the_o almane_n mercenary_n to_o persuade_v he_o to_o reduce_v all_o the_o great_a and_o honourable_a band_n aforesaid_a into_o little_a band_n of_o 150._o or_o 200._o thereby_o to_o have_v the_o more_o composition_n and_o sum_n of_o money_n at_o our_o low_a country_n captain_n hand_n some_o of_o the_o which_o will_v not_o let_v to_o give_v large_o to_o obtain_v company_n intend_v after_o by_o fleece_v and_o ransome_v of_o their_o soldier_n be_v man_n of_o wealth_n to_o pay_v themselves_o again_o with_o great_a interest_n which_o two_o or_o three_o day_n before_o the_o break_n up_o of_o the_o camp_n they_o very_o pretty_o do_v begin_v howbeit_o it_o seem_v that_o such_o great_a officer_n and_o persuader_n have_v little_a regard_n to_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o prince_n nor_o yet_o to_o the_o reduce_n of_o the_o army_n with_o celerity_n and_o dexterity_n into_o squadron_n and_o battle_n and_o other_o form_n military_a as_o aforesaid_a consider_v that_o those_o small_a band_n of_o 150._o or_o 200._o soldier_n to_o a_o ensign_n do_v consist_v of_o five_o different_a sort_n of_o weapon_n viz._n pique_n battle-axe_n mosquet_n harquebuss_n and_o long_a bow_n and_o that_o therefore_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v reduce_v into_o five_o diverse_a division_n which_o beside_o the_o uncomely_a sight_n to_o see_v so_o many_o small_a compartment_n in_o every_o such_o little_a band_n it_o will_v have_v require_v a_o far_o long_a time_n upon_o the_o daily_a &_o ordinary_a dislodging_n of_o a_o army_n reduce_v into_o vanguard_n battle_n and_o rearward_n to_o have_v draw_v out_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o compartment_n out_o of_o such_o a_o number_n of_o little_a band_n than_o out_o of_o band_n of_o 500_o to_o have_v draw_v a_o few_o great_a compartment_n and_o to_o have_v encorporate_v and_o reduce_v they_o into_o any_o form_n military_a now_o whereas_o our_o such_o man_n of_o war_n persuade_v with_o the_o earl_n that_o the_o enemy_n will_v judge_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o army_n by_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o number_n of_o ensign_n and_o therefore_o redoubt_v the_o more_o &_o that_o by_o the_o number_n of_o such_o little_a band_n under_o so_o many_o train_a captain_n the_o army_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o full_a of_o man_n of_o service_n it_o argue_v the_o insufficiency_n and_o lack_n of_o judgement_n of_o such_o persuader_n for_o there_o be_v no_o enemy_n skilful_a in_o the_o art_n military_a that_o will_v judge_v of_o the_o greatness_n or_o smallness_n of_o a_o army_n in_o the_o field_n by_o the_o great_a or_o small_a number_n of_o ensign_n or_o piece_n of_o taffeta_n but_o by_o the_o frunt_n and_o flank_n of_o the_o squadron_n march_v and_o chief_o by_o good_a espial_n or_o by_o prisoner_n take_v and_o as_o for_o the_o dismiss_v and_o cass_v of_o the_o knight_n and_o esquier_n that_o be_v captain_n of_o such_o honourable_a company_n that_o such_o low_a country_n captain_n may_v have_v supply_v their_o place_n upon_o the_o divide_n of_o those_o great_a band_n into_o hundred_o and_o fifty_n or_o into_o two_o hundred_o i_o think_v it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o meet_a for_o the_o reason_n before_o allege_a that_o all_o the_o whole_a army_n if_o it_o have_v be_v far_o great_a than_o it_o be_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o realm_n shall_v have_v be_v reduce_v into_o great_a band_n of_o five_o hundred_o under_o the_o charge_n of_o knight_n and_o esquier_n well_o choose_v and_o of_o great_a worship_n in_o their_o country_n and_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o such_o low_a country_n captain_n 〈◊〉_d never_o know_v what_o discipline_n military_a mean_v nor_o yet_o what_o it_o be_v to_o command_v and_o govern_v as_o it_o may_v well_o appear_v by_o their_o infinite_a disorder_n in_o the_o low_a country_n shall_v have_v be_v distribute_v and_o place_v throughout_o those_o great_a band_n as_o sergeant_n or_o ensign_n bearer_n under_o such_o discreet_a and_o worshipful_a gentleman_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o they_o may_v first_o learn_v to_o obey_v before_o they_o shall_v have_v authority_n to_o command_v and_o govern_v the_o yeomanrie_n of_o england_n now_o whereas_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o some_o of_o our_o ancient_a and_o most_o sufficient_a captain_n that_o our_o english_a milicia_fw-la of_o footman_n many_o year_n past_a do_v consist_v of_o band_n but_o of_o 100_o to_o a_o ensign_n and_o that_o i_o have_v likewise_o hear_v by_o diverse_a old_a and_o notable_a captain_n italian_n that_o the_o italian_a milicia_fw-la also_o before_o the_o emperor_n charles_n as_o also_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o time_n do_v consist_v of_o band_n of_o footman_n but_o of_o 100_o to_o a_o ensign_n and_o that_o those_o band_n of_o hundred_o do_v consist_v every_o one_o of_o they_o but_o of_o one_o sort_n of_o weapon_n as_o among_o the_o italian_n of_o a_o hundred_o pique_n save_v that_o of_o that_o number_n there_o be_v a_o very_a few_o partisan_n for_o the_o guard_v of_o their_o ensign_n and_o of_o a_o hundred_o harquebuzier_n so_o our_o band_n of_o hundred_o do_v also_o consist_v of_o 100_o archer_n &_o of_o 100_o battle-axe_n without_o compose_v they_o of_o diverse_a sort_n of_o weapon_n according_a to_o the_o modern_a use_n which_o certain_o in_o my_o opinion_n save_v only_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o prince_n be_v a_o very_a convenient_a order_n consider_v that_o every_o sort_n of_o weapon_n be_v reduce_v into_o band_n by_o themselves_o without_o compartment_n of_o diverse_a sort_n of_o weapon_n in_o any_o one_o band_n unless_o it_o have_v be_v of_o battle-axe_n with_o pique_n because_o those_o two_o sort_n of_o weapon_n be_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o body_n of_o a_o squadron_n will_v have_v wrought_v that_o the_o sergeant_n major_n and_o other_o officer_n of_o the_o field_n may_v with_o great_a facility_n and_o celerity_n have_v reduce_v any_o mean_a army_n into_o many_o form_n of_o battle_n both_o to_o march_v and_o fight_v as_o also_o that_o they_o may_v have_v be_v lodge_v in_o their_o quarter_n with_o great_a order_n and_o readiness_n in_o a_o camp_n or_o camp_n form_v now_o whereas_o our_o such_o man_n of_o war_n do_v persuade_v with_o the_o earl_n for_o the_o reduce_n of_o the_o great_a band_n of_o
late_a year_n erect_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o realm_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o many_o mosquettier_n and_o caliverer_n and_o few_o pique_n and_o for_o short_a weapon_n be_v bill_n which_o i_o call_v battle-axe_n they_o make_v small_a account_n now_o for_o answer_v to_o some_o of_o these_o unsoldierlike_a opinion_n i_o say_v that_o if_o any_o such_o as_o do_v hold_v that_o wonderful_a opinion_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o mosquettier_n how_o good_a soldier_n soever_o they_o think_v themselves_o be_v at_o any_o haven_n in_o england_n with_o five_o or_o six_o thousand_o of_o the_o best_a mosquettier_n that_o they_o ever_o see_v of_o our_o english_a nation_n without_o 〈…〉_o of_o horseman_n and_o footman_n of_o other_o weapon_n to_o back_v they_o i_o think_v they_o will_v work_v very_o small_a effect_n against_o the_o enemy_n land_v although_o they_o have_v ensconse_v themselves_o as_o they_o term_v it_o in_o such_o sconce_n as_o they_o and_o their_o engineer_n form_v this_o last_o summer_n 1588._o upon_o the_o sea_n coast_n of_o suffolk_n and_o in_o essex_n and_o kent_n on_o both_o side_n of_o the_o river_n of_o thames_n for_o if_o they_o shall_v see_v a_o navy_n with_o a_o army_n of_o thirty_o or_o forty_o thousand_o man_n beside_o seaman_n and_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v leave_v for_o the_o guard_n of_o the_o ship_n under_o some_o notable_a and_o sufficient_a general_n enter_v into_o any_o capable_a haven_n of_o england_n with_o wind_n and_o weather_n fit_a for_o their_o purpose_n with_o intention_n to_o invade_v which_o god_n forbid_v they_o shall_v find_v themselves_o in_o their_o opinion_n wonderful_o deceive_v for_o this_o they_o be_v to_o know_v that_o such_o a_o general_n be_v with_o his_o whole_a navy_n enter_v into_o such_o a_o haven_n do_v take_v order_n before_o that_o proclamation_n be_v make_v throughout_o all_o his_o ship_n and_o vessel_n that_o no_o man_n upon_o pain_n of_o death_n be_v land_v shall_v straggle_v or_o stray_v abroad_o but_o all_o soldier_n to_o reduce_v themselves_o with_o all_o celerity_n under_o their_o ensign_n which_o do_v a_o cannon_n be_v discharge_v out_o of_o the_o general_n ship_n which_o be_v a_o warn_n for_o all_o captain_n officer_n and_o soldier_n to_o arm_v themselves_o and_o to_o take_v their_o weapon_n and_o upon_o the_o second_o cannon_n discharge_v the_o captain_n and_o ensign-bearer_n with_o their_o ensign_n in_o their_o hand_n with_o such_o convenient_a number_n of_o mosquettier_n harquebuzier_n piquer_n and_o halbarder_n as_o the_o long_a boat_n shallop_n fregatt_n azabres_fw-es and_o other_o such_o vessel_n of_o oar_n lie_v ready_a at_o the_o ship_n side_n be_v capable_a of_o do_v enter_v into_o they_o every_o long_a boat_n have_v two_o base_n afore-ship_n ready_o charge_v and_o gunner_n ready_a to_o discharge_v they_o then_o upon_o the_o three_o cannon_n discharge_v all_o the_o long_a boat_n and_o vessel_n of_o oar_n for_o the_o land_n of_o man_n do_v row_n with_o all_o fury_n towards_o the_o land_n with_o a_o wonderful_a terrible_a noise_n of_o trumpet_n &_o drum_n now_o if_o our_o such_o man_n of_o war_n with_o their_o mosquettier_n will_v give_v their_o volee_n of_o mosquet_n shoot_v upon_o these_o shipboate_n full_a of_o man_n with_o intent_n to_o destroy_v great_a number_n of_o they_o be_v so_o thick_a and_o so_o many_o they_o shall_v find_v that_o discharge_v their_o mosquet_n shoot_v from_o high_a ground_n downward_o into_o the_o sea_n which_o by_o the_o italian_n be_v call_v botti_n di_fw-it ficco_fw-it account_v of_o all_o other_o discharging_n most_v uncertain_a as_o also_o by_o the_o overmuch_o distance_n and_o continual_a motion_n of_o the_o shipboate_n row_v and_o with_o the_o swell_n of_o the_o salt_n water_n how_o calm_a soever_o it_o be_v make_v more_o uncertain_a they_o shall_v shoot_v very_o uncertainlie_o &_o therefore_o work_v very_o little_a or_o no_o effect_n to_o the_o destroy_n of_o their_o enemy_n or_o any_o way_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o land_v beside_o that_o the_o enemy_n out_o of_o such_o their_o ship_n as_o be_v near_o unto_o they_o will_v discharge_v cannon_n culverin_n and_o saker_n shoot_v to_o the_o terrify_n of_o they_o so_o as_o their_o shipboate_n in_o despite_n of_o their_o mosquet_n come_v to_o land_n and_o they_o present_o send_v certain_a troop_n of_o harquebuzier_n with_o some_o halbarder_n under_o their_o conductor_n to_o skirmish_v and_o entertain_v the_o mosquettier_n while_o the_o piquer_n and_o other_o weapon_n do_v reduce_v themselves_o into_o form_n under_o their_o ensign_n they_o shall_v find_v in_o the_o space_n of_o three_o or_o four_o hour_n above_o twelve_o or_o fifteen_o thousand_o man_n land_v who_o then_o take_v some_o ground_n of_o advantage_n to_o fortify_v and_o to_o place_v their_o victual_n powder_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o munition_n they_o with_o all_o speed_n possible_a do_v proceed_v to_o the_o land_n of_o their_o artillery_n and_o munition_n with_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o army_n both_o of_o horseman_n and_o footman_n which_o be_v by_o they_o perform_v they_o present_o make_v their_o approach_n upon_o their_o indent_a sconce_n not_o with_o any_o crooked_a or_o cross_a trench_n gabions_z nor_o mount_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o approach_v and_o batter_v of_o place_n in_o form_n fortify_v but_o with_o other_o invention_n gardable_a against_o mosquet_n shoot_v that_o peradventure_o our_o such_o man_n of_o war_n be_v ignorant_a of_o as_o also_o with_o mosquet_n and_o harquebus_n shoot_v with_o pique_n and_o half_a pique_n sword_n and_o target_n and_o with_o ladder_n if_o it_o be_v needful_a in_o such_o terrible_a sort_n as_o that_o great_a number_n of_o our_o unskilful_a mosquettier_n and_o caliverer_n within_o their_o sconce_n will_v be_v find_v scarce_o able_a to_o abide_v the_o first_o charge_n and_o assault_n see_v so_o puissant_a a_o enemy_n land_v and_o i_o doubt_v rather_o when_o they_o shall_v see_v with_o what_o terror_n the_o enemy_n do_v approach_v the_o land_n and_o the_o small_a annoyance_n that_o they_o with_o their_o mosquet_n shot_n shall_v work_v upon_o they_o that_o they_o will_v scarce_o abide_v the_o land_n of_o the_o first_o boat_n full_a of_o soldier_n without_o abandon_v both_o sconce_n and_o shore_n to_o the_o enemy_n and_o whereas_o our_o such_o man_n of_o war_n the_o last_o summer_n have_v many_o devise_n in_o their_o head_n of_o ensconce_v of_o sconce_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o diverse_a haven_n england_n if_o they_o be_v man_n of_o understanding_n in_o fortification_n as_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v they_o may_v very_o well_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o situation_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o dry_a ground_n of_o england_n and_o those_o of_o holland_n frizeland_n and_o other_o such_o low_a and_o flat_a country_n full_a of_o river_n great_a ditch_n marsh_n and_o wet_a ground_n where_o they_o may_v ensconce_v themselves_o with_o small_a cost_n within_o little_a land_n or_o upon_o point_n &_o meeting_n of_o river_n or_o elsewhere_o by_o the_o open_n of_o sluice_n and_o dyke_n or_o cut_v of_o bank_n and_o trench_n they_o may_v environ_v themselves_o with_o water_n on_o every_o side_n the_o best_a sort_n of_o which_o sconce_n be_v more_o strong_a by_o nature_n and_o situation_n than_o by_o any_o art_n or_o form_n of_o fortification_n may_v in_o those_o part_n resist_v and_o hold_v out_o a_o weak_a or_o a_o unskilful_a enemy_n some_o long_a while_n but_o such_o their_o ensconcing_n in_o the_o dry_a ground_n upon_o the_o haven_n of_o england_n be_v to_o small_a purpose_n to_o hold_v out_o a_o puissant_a enemy_n if_o he_o shall_v land_n or_o any_o way_n to_o keep_v he_o from_o land_v and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o such_o fortification_n in_o england_n be_v very_a scorn_n and_o mockery_n and_o will_v be_v rather_o profitable_a for_o the_o enemy_n land_v than_o any_o way_n to_o annoy_v or_o to_o resist_v the_o enemy_n beside_o all_o which_o before_o allege_v it_o be_v further_a to_o be_v note_v that_o a_o puissant_a and_o mighty_a enemy_n that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o summer_n intend_v the_o invasion_n of_o foreign_a dominion_n by_o sea_n to_o the_o intent_n to_o give_v battle_n and_o subdue_v do_v not_o always_o bind_v himself_o to_o land_n his_o army_n in_o a_o haven_n but_o sometime_o upon_o a_o open_a coast_n and_o shore_n if_o the_o sea_n without_o hide_a rock_n and_o flatt_n be_v deep_a and_o the_o wind_n and_o weather_n fair_a have_v commodity_n by_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n to_o approach_v his_o navy_n and_o to_o cast_v anchor_n in_o open_a road_n near_o unto_o a_o commodious_a shore_n &_o country_n to_o land_n and_o march_v upon_o so_o as_o it_o behove_v all_o such_o prince_n as_o doubt_v the_o invasion_n of_o their_o dominion_n by_o sea_n not_o only_o to_o expect_v and_o provide_v for_o the_o
action_n give_v singular_a commendation_n of_o the_o archery_n of_o england_n to_o the_o like_a effect_n and_o singular_a commendation_n of_o archer_n i_o have_v also_o hear_v the_o aforesaid_a earl_n of_o warwick_n diverse_a time_n further_o report_n himself_o that_o in_o the_o year_n 1562._o he_o being_n at_o newhaven_n in_o normandy_n lieutenant_n general_a for_o the_o queen_n that_o now_o be_v the_o notable_a and_o great_a captain_n chastillon_n admiral_n of_o france_n be_v then_o at_o the_o siege_n of_o caen_n in_o normandy_n and_o at_o that_o time_n favour_v by_o the_o queen_n of_o england_n do_v send_v to_o the_o earl_n for_o a_o succour_n of_o some_o english_a band_n of_o the_o which_o he_o desire_v that_o the_o most_o may_v be_v archer_n but_o the_o earl_n at_o that_o time_n have_v no_o archer_n on_o that_o side_n the_o sea_n send_v unto_o he_o a_o supply_n of_o six_o hundred_o brave_a harquebuzier_n with_o some_o arm_a man_n also_o which_o he_o very_o thankful_o receive_v but_o therewithal_o signify_v unto_o the_o earl_n that_o he_o have_v rather_o have_v have_v two_o hundred_o archer_n archer_n and_o that_o he_o will_v have_v perform_v great_a service_n with_o that_o small_a number_n of_o bow_n than_o with_o all_o those_o brave_a harquebuzier_n and_o this_o message_n be_v send_v from_o that_o great_a captain_n to_o the_o earl_n by_o sir_n francis_n somserset_n sir_n nicholas_n throgmorton_n and_o sir_n william_n pelham_n and_o short_o after_o that_o notable_a colonel_n alman_n the_o reingrave_n who_o have_v serve_v many_o year_n in_o france_n accompany_v with_o many_o other_o brave_a captain_n both_o french_a and_o almain_n with_o a_o great_a power_n both_o of_o horseman_n and_o footman_n come_v down_o and_o encamp_v not_o far_o from_o newhaven_n there_o happen_v a_o great_a skirmish_n betwixt_o certain_a english_a band_n of_o newhaven_n and_o the_o french_a and_o alman_n company_n which_o continue_v very_o hot_a with_o many_o volee_n of_o harquebus_n shoot_v and_o new_a supply_n on_o every_o side_n but_o at_o the_o length_n the_o french_a and_o almain_n exceed_v the_o english_a far_o in_o multitude_n force_v they_o to_o retire_v with_o disorder_n even_o to_o the_o very_a gate_n of_o newhaven_n during_o which_o action_n it_o happen_v that_o fourscore_o tall_a archer_n hamshire_n man_n do_v at_o that_o time_n land_n in_o the_o haven_n who_o take_v their_o bow_n and_o sheaf_n of_o arrow_n with_o their_o other_o furniture_n do_v present_o march_v without_o any_o tarriance_n through_o the_o town_n into_o the_o field_n where_o the_o skirmish_n be_v upon_o who_o come_v the_o english_a band_n that_o a_o little_a before_o be_v force_v by_o the_o often_o charge_n and_o great_a multitude_n of_o the_o shot_n of_o their_o enemy_n to_o retire_v even_o to_o the_o very_a town-ditche_n and_o gate_n take_v courage_n a_o fresh_a they_o and_o the_o bowman_n enter_v again_o into_o skirmish_n with_o the_o almain_n and_o french_a where_o the_o fourscore_o archer_n do_v behave_v themselves_o so_o notable_o against_o the_o enemy_n with_o their_o volee_n of_o arrow_n that_o with_o the_o brave_a and_o valiant_a charge_n which_o they_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o english_a band_n give_v upon_o their_o enemy_n but_o chief_o with_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o archer_n they_o force_v they_o not_o only_o to_o retire_v but_o to_o turn_v their_o back_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o put_v a_o great_a number_n of_o they_o to_o the_o sword_n they_o become_v master_n of_o the_o field_n upon_o which_o notable_a effect_n of_o those_o few_o archer_n as_o also_o upon_o diverse_a other_o that_o the_o reingrave_n have_v before_o time_n see_v in_o serve_v against_o the_o english_a he_o short_o after_o upon_o the_o return_n of_o a_o message_n that_o have_v be_v send_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o earl_n of_o warwick_n sir_n edward_n horsey_n be_v the_o messenger_n do_v most_o high_o commend_v the_o notable_a effect_n that_o he_o long_v before_o in_o diverse_a service_n have_v see_v perform_v by_o the_o english_a archer_n against_o both_o horseman_n and_o footman_n &_o say_v also_o that_o long_o before_o that_o time_n he_o know_v by_o experience_n that_o great_a number_n of_o english_a archer_n be_v able_a to_o perform_v very_o great_a matter_n in_o the_o field_n but_o that_o so_o small_a a_o number_n of_o bowman_n as_o be_v in_o that_o last_o great_a conflict_n shall_v be_v able_a with_o their_o arrow_n to_o do_v so_o great_a mischief_n against_o his_o old_a band_n of_o almain_n french_a and_o gascoignes_n archer_n he_o will_v not_o have_v believe_v if_o he_o himself_o have_v not_o see_v it_o and_o therefore_o do_v with_o great_a reason_n and_o experience_n protest_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o longbow_n of_o england_n to_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a weapon_n for_o the_o field_n that_o be_v use_v by_o any_o nation_n in_o christendom_n and_o say_v that_o the_o queen_n of_o england_n have_v great_a cause_n so_o to_o esteem_v and_o account_v of_o they_o and_o to_o this_o effect_n i_o have_v diverse_a time_n hear_v the_o earl_n of_o warwick_n himself_o very_o notable_o report_v archer_n i_o have_v also_o hear_v sir_n james_n croft_n that_o honourable_a and_o most_o sufficient_a gentleman_n that_o have_v serve_v diverse_a of_o our_o prince_n in_o many_o great_a and_o principal_a office_n and_o charge_n military_a both_o in_o england_n france_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n declare_v very_o notable_a effect_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v see_v by_o our_o archer_n in_o diverse_a action_n perform_v the_o particularity_n whereof_o as_o also_o his_o opinion_n concern_v the_o excellency_n of_o that_o weapon_n i_o remit_v to_o his_o own_o report_n now_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o notable_a experience_n and_o example_n of_o the_o excellent_a effect_n of_o archer_n against_o harquebuzier_n our_o such_o man_n of_o war_n have_v use_v to_o allege_v that_o neither_o the_o harquebuss_n be_v so_o good_a nor_o yet_o the_o harquebuzier_n so_o skilful_a in_o those_o day_n as_o now_o their_o caliverer_n be_v whereunto_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v with_o great_a reason_n and_o experience_n of_o diverse_a ancient_a captain_n both_o italian_n and_o spaniard_n be_v that_o i_o have_v know_v of_o the_o which_o some_o be_v yet_o live_a that_o not_o only_o the_o harquebuss_n which_o the_o italian_n &_o spaniard_n do_v use_v fifty_o or_o three_o score_n year_n past_a be_v as_o maniable_a and_o of_o as_o good_a form_n as_o now_o they_o be_v but_o also_o that_o the_o harquebuzier_n be_v as_o skilful_a and_o perfect_a with_o that_o kind_n of_o weapon_n as_o they_o be_v now_o in_o these_o our_o day_n be_v and_o that_o have_v manifest_o appear_v by_o the_o infinite_a number_n of_o great_a skirmish_n that_o have_v be_v very_o effectual_o perform_v with_o harquebus_n shoot_v in_o the_o emperor_n charles_n &_o the_o french_a king_n war_n in_o italy_n france_n the_o low_a country_n and_o burgundy_n as_o also_o in_o barbary_n against_o the_o turk_n and_o moor_n and_o in_o the_o war_n of_o germany_n betwixt_o the_o say_a emperor_n and_o the_o duke_n of_o saxony_n &_o other_o reystate_n and_o prince_n of_o germany_n which_o opinion_n aforesaid_a misconceive_v and_o very_o ignorantlie_o allege_v by_o our_o such_o man_n of_o war_n to_o the_o disable_n of_o the_o harquebuzier_n of_o other_o nation_n in_o time_n past_a and_o enhable_v their_o caliverer_n of_o this_o time_n thereby_o to_o detract_v the_o excellent_a effect_n of_o our_o longbow_n do_v further_a manifest_v their_o lack_n of_o sufficiency_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o exercise_n and_o use_n of_o those_o weapon_n of_o fire_n not_o only_o of_o time_n past_a but_o also_o of_o this_o present_a time_n and_o that_o have_v appear_v in_o diverse_a of_o their_o service_n of_o the_o low_a country_n as_o i_o have_v hear_v certain_a of_o our_o old_a captain_n of_o good_a experience_n affirm_v that_o have_v see_v some_o of_o their_o unskilful_a service_n in_o those_o part_n and_o be_v also_o confirm_v by_o the_o feign_a skirmish_n that_o some_o of_o their_o captain_n officer_n and_o old_a band_n of_o harquebuzier_n and_o mosquettier_n of_o the_o low_a country_n of_o their_o own_o train_n do_v the_o last_o summer_n most_o disorderlie_o perform_v before_o my_o lord_n treasurer_n at_o tilburie_n where_o they_o discharge_v one_o in_o another_o neck_n and_o have_v discharge_v their_o piece_n do_v run_v out_o of_o their_o troop_n and_o stand_v still_o and_o charge_v their_o piece_n again_o and_o return_v to_o give_v new_a volee_n do_v discharge_v their_o piece_n at_o their_o fellow_n ham_n leg_n and_o back_n run_v together_o thick_a and_o threefold_a so_o disorderlie_o that_o it_o be_v a_o scorn_n to_o behold_v they_o and_o this_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o many_o gentleman_n &_o some_o old_a captain_n of_o good_a service_n and_o experience_n that_o be_v there_o present_a and_o behold_v the_o same_o who_o conclude_v the_o
their_o discharge_n beside_o the_o difficulty_n that_o they_o shall_v find_v at_o one_o time_n to_o charge_v their_o piece_n to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o their_o enemy_n and_o to_o govern_v their_o horse_n use_v also_o their_o scour_a stick_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v which_o imperfection_n of_o weapon_n of_o fire_n with_o many_o more_o in_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o old_a and_o skilful_a soldier_n be_v the_o cause_n that_o the_o shot_n of_o they_o do_v terrify_v and_o scare_v new_a soldier_n and_o novice_n of_o war_n a_o great_a deal_n more_o with_o crack_n smoke_n and_o noise_n than_o with_o any_o often_o hurt_v with_o the_o bullet_n all_o which_o unreadiness_n disadvantage_n and_o imperfection_n of_o argolettier_n carabin_n pistolettier_n or_o reisters_n consider_v with_o the_o readiness_n advantage_n and_o perfection_n of_o archer_n and_o crossebower_n for_o all_o service_n in_o the_o field_n i_o come_v to_o conclude_v that_o crossebower_n on_o horseback_n use_v by_o many_o foreign_a nation_n of_o great_a antiquity_n and_o that_o archer_n on_o horseback_n use_v by_o our_o ancestor_n many_o year_n past_a as_o also_o at_o this_o present_a by_o the_o turk_n tartar_n persian_n arabian_n and_o other_o mighty_a nation_n do_v far_o exceed_v and_o excel_v all_o weapon_n of_o fire_n on_o horseback_n a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o gentleman_n of_o england_n these_o discourse_n which_o i_o have_v handle_v &_o set_v down_o with_o many_o reason_n allege_v as_o also_o with_o very_o notable_a example_n &_o opinion_n of_o great_a captain_n &_o testimony_n of_o most_o approve_a history_n concern_v the_o excellency_n of_o archer_n and_o diverse_a other_o weapon_n in_o their_o due_a time_n and_o place_n with_o many_o error_n and_o abuse_n military_a by_o our_o such_o man_n of_o war_n practise_v and_o in_o public_a place_n persuade_v and_o teach_v i_o have_v not_o take_v in_o hand_n and_o perform_v with_o any_o intention_n or_o hope_n to_o reduce_v they_o from_o their_o erroneous_a opinion_n martial_a or_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o any_o thing_n by_o i_o allege_v and_o prove_v because_o they_o be_v grow_v to_o such_o a_o selfe-wil_a &_o like_v of_o their_o own_o opinion_n or_o rather_o fancy_n military_a that_o their_o overween_a wilfulness_n &_o presumption_n do_v extend_v so_o far_o that_o diverse_a of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o will_v give_v no_o credit_n to_o any_o history_n allege_v nor_o any_o experience_n nor_o example_n that_o they_o hear_v by_o their_o elder_n report_v nor_o yet_o any_o thing_n by_o diverse_a reason_n prove_v but_o only_o unto_o their_o own_o fancy_n &_o such_o few_o thing_n as_o they_o themselves_o have_v see_v which_o do_v most_o evident_o argue_v in_o they_o a_o wonderful_a arrogancy_n and_o obstinate_a barbarousnes_n &_o that_o they_o neither_o have_v nor_o ever_o will_v have_v any_o understanding_n in_o the_o science_n military_a for_o it_o have_v be_v always_o a_o principle_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o great_a captain_n as_o also_o in_o all_o reason_n &_o experience_n that_o no_o man_n can_v attain_v to_o any_o sufficiency_n and_o excellency_n in_o the_o art_n and_o discipline_n military_a but_o by_o three_o principal_a mean_n that_o be_v by_o see_v action_n of_o arm_n &_o of_o war_n perform_v by_o conference_n with_o other_o to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o thing_n in_o action_n or_o already_o do_v &_o by_o the_o discourse_n of_o man_n of_o experience_n and_o history_n of_o thing_n in_o time_n past_o perform_v &_o do_v as_o for_o example_n what_o do_v it_o avail_v any_o nobleman_n or_o gentleman_n how_o excellent_a a_o wit_n &_o courage_n soever_o he_o have_v incase_o he_o have_v see_v all_o the_o chief_a and_o best_a fortification_n that_o be_v in_o europe_n as_o also_o many_o encamp_n of_o army_n in_o camp_n form_v dislodging_n marching_n in_o diverse_a form_n with_o many_o battle_n skirmish_n and_o great_a encounter_n if_o he_o neglect_v to_o learn_v and_o understand_v the_o cause_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v see_v have_v give_v himself_o to_o dice_v card_v make_v of_o love_n and_o drunkenness_n or_o if_o his_o pride_n arrogancy_n &_o overween_a have_v so_o possess_v he_o that_o he_o have_v disdain_v to_o harken_v or_o confer_v with_o other_o that_o have_v be_v able_a by_o experience_n to_o instruct_v and_o give_v he_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n by_o he_o see_v little_a which_o in_o truth_n be_v the_o very_a cause_n that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o captain_n &_o gentleman_n of_o diverse_a nation_n that_o have_v be_v in_o many_o camp_n and_o have_v see_v diverse_a army_n and_o action_n and_o yet_o do_v understand_v very_o little_a of_o the_o art_n and_o discipline_n military_a now_o therefore_o those_o our_o man_n of_o war_n be_v such_o as_o i_o have_v before_o declare_v and_o that_o notwithstanding_o there_o have_v be_v such_o wonderful_a opinion_n conceive_v here_o at_o home_n of_o their_o sufficiency_n that_o they_o have_v be_v not_o only_o compare_v with_o the_o great_a captain_n of_o this_o age_n but_o also_o think_v to_o be_v the_o only_o man_n of_o war_n of_o christendom_n certeinlie_o it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v marvel_v at_o how_o any_o such_o opinion_n shall_v be_v conceive_v of_o they_o consider_v that_o they_o never_o serve_v in_o any_o imperial_a or_o royal_a war_n of_o emperor_n king_n nor_o form_v common_a wealth_n within_o the_o continent_n of_o europe_n africa_n nor_o asia_n where_o they_o may_v attain_v to_o any_o such_o knowledge_n in_o the_o art_n military_a but_o only_o in_o the_o disorder_a and_o tumultuary_a war_n of_o the_o low_a country_n under_o the_o state_n where_o the_o sovereign_a government_n and_o commandment_n have_v consist_v of_o a_o break_a and_o uncertain_a authority_n all_o thing_n tend_v with_o great_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n more_o to_o the_o spoil_n than_o to_o any_o discipline_n or_o martial_a service_n or_o peradventure_o some_o very_a little_a or_o nothing_o in_o the_o licentious_a and_o civil_a war_n of_o france_n in_o both_o which_o war_n for_o the_o lack_n of_o certain_a and_o assure_a pay_n for_o the_o man_n of_o war_n as_o also_o reward_n for_o particular_a and_o extraordinary_a desert_n and_o worthiness_n it_o have_v be_v impossible_a to_o establish_v and_o continue_v any_o form_v milicia_fw-la &_o discipline_n military_a war_n whereby_o either_o captain_n or_o soldier_n shall_v grow_v to_o any_o skill_n and_o sufficiency_n but_o rather_o to_o error_n and_o ignorances_n as_o it_o may_v very_o well_o appear_v by_o the_o politic_a and_o military_a discourse_n of_o that_o notable_a and_o brave_a soldier_n mounseur_fw-fr de_fw-fr la_fw-fr noüe_n where_o the_o imperfection_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o such_o as_o have_v attain_v to_o their_o chief_a skill_n in_o those_o war_n be_v very_o manifest_o set_v down_o to_o the_o particularity_n whereof_o because_o his_o book_n be_v not_o only_o extant_a in_o french_a but_o also_o translate_v into_o english_a i_o remit_v those_o that_o be_v dispose_v to_o see_v and_o consider_v beside_o all_o which_o the_o wonderful_a disorder_n and_o lack_v of_o understanding_n of_o our_o such_o man_n of_o war_n in_o all_o their_o proceed_n and_o action_n military_a have_v be_v such_o so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a almost_o in_o all_o matter_n that_o they_o have_v take_v in_o hand_n in_o the_o low_a country_n war_n that_o not_o only_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o great_a captain_n italian_n spaniard_n burgonnion_n and_o other_o nation_n that_o either_o have_v know_v their_o service_n or_o serve_v against_o they_o but_o also_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o of_o the_o wise_a sort_n of_o the_o state_n themselves_o they_o have_v be_v judge_v to_o be_v man_n of_o no_o understanding_n nor_o sufficiency_n in_o matter_n of_o war_n although_o it_o have_v be_v give_v out_o and_o report_v far_o otherwise_o to_o their_o advantage_n here_o at_o home_n among_o we_o altogether_o to_o their_o marvellous_a and_o incredible_a commendation_n and_o praise_n whereupon_o there_o have_v be_v such_o credit_n give_v to_o their_o fond_a speech_n and_o ignorant_a persuasion_n by_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o our_o nation_n that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o since_o our_o nation_n begin_v first_o to_o go_v over_o to_o serve_v as_o mercenary_a soldier_n in_o the_o low_a country_n under_o the_o state_n bring_v in_o great_a number_n of_o disorder_n and_o abuse_v military_a far_o different_a or_o rather_o clean_a contrary_n to_o the_o ancient_a and_o modern_a experience_n use_v and_o proceed_n of_o all_o warlike_a nation_n but_o also_o in_o a_o great_a part_n deface_v and_o decay_v the_o account_n use_n and_o exercise_v of_o our_o most_o excellent_a weapon_n the_o longbow_n which_o in_o short_a time_n to_o come_v if_o it_o be_v not_o very_o speedy_o provide_v for_o by_o the_o execution_n of_o such_o penal_a statute_n law_n as_o
have_v be_v in_o time_n past_o ordain_v and_o establish_v for_o the_o exercise_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o same_o will_v grow_v to_o be_v forget_v and_o in_o a_o manner_n utterlie_o extinguish_v which_o if_o through_o the_o negligence_n of_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o our_o nation_n imitate_v and_o follow_v the_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a opinion_n of_o our_o such_o unskilful_a man_n of_o war_n it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v it_o do_v in_o my_o opinion_n argue_v nothing_o more_o than_o that_o god_n have_v withdraw_v his_o hand_n and_o all_o right_a judgement_n in_o matter_n military_a from_o we_o and_o that_o in_o time_n to_o come_v upon_o any_o great_a war_n either_o offensive_a or_o defencive_a we_o shall_v when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o repent_v the_o same_o great_o to_o the_o hazard_n and_o peril_n of_o our_o prince_n country_n and_o nation_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o for_o the_o great_a love_n that_o i_o have_v always_o bear_v and_o do_v still_o according_a to_o my_o duty_n discourse_n bear_v to_o the_o crown_n and_o realm_n of_o england_n and_o english_a nation_n be_v the_o first_o and_o principal_a cause_n that_o move_v i_o to_o take_v these_o discourse_n in_o hand_n to_o the_o intent_n to_o advise_v &_o persuade_v as_o much_o as_o in_o my_o power_n and_o small_a ability_n be_v the_o nobility_n magistrate_n and_o better_a sort_n of_o our_o nation_n with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n to_o revive_v and_o put_v in_o execution_n the_o ancient_a statute_n provide_v and_o establish_v for_o the_o increase_n and_o exercise_v of_o the_o youth_n of_o england_n in_o archery_n that_o as_o god_n of_o his_o great_a goodness_n have_v bless_v our_o nation_n with_o a_o wonderful_a aptness_n and_o dexterity_n in_o that_o weapon_n archer_n more_o than_o any_o other_o nation_n that_o i_o have_v see_v hear_v or_o read_v of_o throughout_o the_o universal_a world_n so_o that_o we_o may_v not_o through_o the_o frivolous_a and_o vain_a persuasion_n of_o a_o few_o unskilful_a and_o ignorant_a man_n in_o these_o our_o day_n as_o unthankful_a neglect_v that_o great_a and_o especial_a goodness_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o singular_a gift_n that_o he_o have_v endue_v we_o withal_o but_o that_o we_o do_v with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n believe_v and_o imitate_v the_o great_a experience_n of_o our_o most_o worthy_a ancestor_n that_o in_o diverse_a age_n with_o the_o advantage_n of_o that_o most_o excellent_a weapon_n have_v achieve_v such_o and_o so_o many_o wonderful_a and_o miraculous_a victory_n against_o diverse_a nation_n both_o christian_n and_o pagan_n as_o also_o that_o we_o do_v give_v credit_n to_o the_o great_a captain_n of_o our_o nation_n and_o diverse_a other_o nation_n that_o have_v live_v in_o our_o time_n some_o of_o the_o which_o be_v yet_o alive_a and_o of_o principal_a sort_n and_o calling_n have_v see_v the_o mighty_a work_n and_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o our_o english_a archer_n and_o therefore_o with_o all_o right_a judgement_n reject_v all_o new_a fancy_n and_o toy_n that_o we_o do_v embrace_v and_o esteem_v that_o singular_a weapon_n to_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_n of_o all_o other_o for_o battle_n victory_n and_o conquest_n and_o now_o to_o make_v a_o end_n i_o do_v again_o as_o i_o do_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o my_o discourse_n notify_v that_o my_o intention_n have_v no_o way_n extend_v by_o any_o thing_n in_o my_o discourse_n contain_v discourse_n to_o touch_v the_o reputation_n or_o honour_n of_o any_o nobleman_n nor_o gentleman_n of_o noble_a or_o worshipful_a house_n nor_o yet_o any_o other_o of_o worthy_a mind_n that_o have_v enter_v into_o those_o low_a country_n service_n rather_o to_o win_v reputation_n knowledge_n and_o honour_n than_o for_o any_o hope_n or_o desire_v of_o spoil_n or_o greedy_a gain_n but_o only_o such_o of_o our_o man_n of_o war_n as_o neglect_v and_o contemn_v all_o true_a honour_n &_o discipline_n military_a have_v bring_v in_o among_o we_o a_o most_o shameful_a and_o detestable_a art_n and_o discipline_n of_o carouse_v and_o drunkenness_n turn_v all_o matter_n military_a to_o their_o own_o profit_n and_o gain_v neglect_v to_o love_n and_o to_o win_v the_o love_n of_o their_o soldier_n under_o their_o government_n &_o charge_n make_v in_o a_o manner_n no_o account_n of_o they_o nor_o of_o their_o life_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o by_o their_o evil_a conduction_n starve_a and_o consume_v great_a number_n and_o many_o thousand_o of_o our_o most_o brave_a english_a people_n as_o also_o by_o their_o infinite_a other_o disorder_n they_o have_v make_v a_o far_o great_a war_n upon_o the_o crown_n and_o realm_n of_o england_n and_o english_a nation_n than_o any_o way_n upon_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o country_n honour_n &_o gloria_fw-la in_o excelsis_fw-la deo_fw-la omnipotenti_fw-la sempiterno_fw-la &_o incomprehensibili_fw-la amen_n no_o noble_a nor_o worthy_a man_n any_o way_n intend_v to_o be_v touch_v in_o this_o discourse_n vain_a innovation_n of_o our_o ancient_a term_n of_o war_n they_o fond_o scorn_v our_o ancient_a manner_n of_o arm_v their_o mistake_n of_o sword_n their_o mistake_n of_o dagger_n i_o will_v wish_v that_o all_o the_o pique_n throughout_o england_n that_o be_v for_o the_o field_n shall_v be_v reduce_v into_o one_o uniformity_n of_o length_n that_o be_v either_o to_o seventeen_o foot_n long_o by_o the_o rule_n or_o else_o to_o eighteen_o foot_n and_o not_o above_o which_o be_v two_o foot_n long_o than_o the_o spaniard_n do_v use_v in_o their_o milicia_fw-la &_o therewithal_o i_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v make_v so_o light_a &_o of_o very_o good_a wood_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v both_o portable_a and_o maniable_a which_o many_o of_o our_o pique_n at_o this_o present_a be_v not_o not_o their_o mistake_n of_o pique_n their_o mistake_n of_o halberd_n their_o mistake_n of_o the_o convenient_a height_n and_o length_n of_o caliver_n harquebuss_n of_o convenient_a height_n and_o length_n ranforce_v better_o than_o the_o ordinary_a long_a and_o heavy_a caliver_n their_o mistake_n of_o small_a band_n to_o be_v better_a than_o great_a the_o reason_n and_o cause_n wherefore_o the_o prince_n of_o germany_n do_v use_v great_a band_n of_o 500_o in_o their_o service_n of_o the_o empire_n the_o cause_n wherefore_o the_o mercenary_a almane_n colonel_n do_v use_v small_a band_n of_o 300._o in_o the_o service_n of_o foreign_a prince_n their_o mistake_n of_o small_a regiment_n to_o be_v better_a than_o great_a their_o vain_a opinion_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o caliver_n &_o mosquet_n a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o ensconce_v of_o sconce_n in_o the_o dry_a ground_n of_o england_n a_o unsoldierlike_a opinion_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o mosquet_n for_o service_n in_o the_o field_n mosquettier_n on_o horseback_n be_v use_v in_o the_o emperor_n charles_n and_o henry_n the_o french_a king_n time_n to_o flank_v a_o square_a of_o lance_n and_o to_o give_v a_o volee_n at_o another_o square_n of_o lance_n their_o enemy_n and_o they_o do_v use_v to_o wear_v half_a cuirass_n with_o rest_n of_o iron_n to_o pull_v forward_o or_o put_v backward_o to_o discharge_v their_o mosquet_n from_o if_o mosquettier_n may_v give_v effectual_a volee_n 24._o score_n of_o as_o it_o be_v fond_o report_v then_o some_o number_n of_o archer_n be_v choose_v that_o can_v with_o their_o flight_n shoot_v 24._o or_o 20._o score_n as_o there_o be_v many_o that_o can_v may_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n give_v volee_n of_o flight_n at_o their_o enemy_n 18._o score_n of_o which_o both_o the_o one_o &_o the_o other_o be_v mockery_n to_o be_v think_v of_o because_o there_o be_v no_o weapon_n in_o the_o field_n effectual_a further_o than_o to_o a_o convenient_a and_o certain_a distance_n this_o phrase_n may_v be_v interpret_v discharge_v a_o far_o of_o to_o draw_v on_o and_o deceive_v dotterel_n the_o proper_a time_n and_o place_n for_o harquebuzier_n the_o most_o apt_a and_o proper_a place_n for_o mosquettier_n to_o work_v good_a effect_n the_o imperfection_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o harquebus_n and_o mosquet_n very_o few_o hurt_n in_o skirmish_n with_o harquebus_n shoot_v in_o the_o field_n another_o great_a insufficiency_n of_o harquebuzier_n and_o mosquettier_n in_o the_o field_n mosquettier_n and_o harquebuzier_n not_o able_a to_o abide_v the_o charge_n of_o lance_n nor_o stradiott_n the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o long_a bow_n archer_n do_v far_o exceed_v and_o excel_v all_o mosquettier_n and_o harquebuzier_n in_o three_o most_o principal_a effect_n a_o wrong_a opinion_n conceive_v by_o the_o french_a captain_n and_o gentleman_n of_o our_o english_a archer_n a_o objection_n against_o bow_n contrary_a to_o all_o experience_n another_o vain_a objection_n contrary_a to_o all_o experience_n and_o use_v military_a by_o this_o objection_n they_o discover_v that_o they_o never_o see_v any_o army_n royal_a march_n in_o the_o field_n a_o objection_n that_o they_o