Pikes Bringers vp Leaders Second diuision of Pikes Bringers vp Leaders Second diuision of Muskets Bringers vp AFter that the company hath marched in such order as aforesaid in the former figure then the first diuisiō of shot when they are come to the place where they should exercise traine or drill makes a stand and the first diuision of the pikes marcheth vp to the front with them on the left hand Then the second diuision of the pikes marcheth vp to the front with the first diuision of pikes on the left hand of them also lastly the second diuision of musketiers marcheth vp on the left hand of the second diuision of pikes which done they are commanded to stand right in their files and right in their rankes at 6 foote distance and commanded silence that euery one may heare the words of command and be ready to execute the same The figure on the other side pag. 149 sheweth the forme and station of the company all things performed as aforesaid note the distance is reckoned from the middle part of a man Front left flanke 〈…〉 Reare To the right hand The Company standing right in their files and rankes at six foote distance as in the figure before vnto which the Captaine hath an eye in the front and the Lieutenant in the Reare and the Sargeants in the flanks the Sargeants hauing an eare to the Captaine are ready to informe the company what he commands then the Captaine commands them to turne to the right hand and then they moue all togither keeping their left foote fixed and mouing with the right foote onely and hauing performed it the front is where the right hand flanke was as in the figure pag. 151 is plainely demonstrated Note that in or at their facing to any quarter the pikes are to auoide wearinesse ordered and the muskets shouldred for ease and fitnesse The reason of this motion is to make the company perfect to be sodainely prepared for a charge in the right hand flanke or wing As you were HAuing stood a while according to the forme in the former figure the Captaine commands As you were and then they moue all towards the left hand till their faces are turned to the first Front according to the demonstration pag. 153. To the left hand BEcause the enemie may sometimes charge on the left hand flanke therfore that you may sodainely be ready to defend your selues and for diuers other reasons this motion is vsed to turne to the left hand which is done by mouing the right foot the left foot standing still till your faces front towards the left hand flanke according to the demonstration pag. 155. As you were THen hauing performed the aforesaid motion the Captaine Commands As you were and then they moue all towards the right hand till they are turned to the first Front according to the demonstration pag. 157. To the right hand about BEcause there may be a charge giuen in the Reare therefore is this Motion to be practised to turne towards the right hand the left foote remaining fixed till your faces front to that Quarter which was before the Reare and then will they be ready to receiue the Enemie and defend themselues this forme is demonstrated in the next side marked with the number of 159. To the left hand as you were HAuing performed the former Motion the Captaine commands them To the left hand as you were and then they moue all towards the left hand the left foot remaining fixed vntill their faces are turned to the former front according to that of pag. 161. To the left hand about BEcause it is sometimes more conuenient to turne to the left hand then to the right therefore this Motion is also vsed which is to turne towards the left hand till their faces front to the Reare according to the figure in the pag. 163. To the right hand as you were HAuing performed the former Motion the Captaine cōmands them To the right hand as you were and then they turne all towards the right hand vntill their faces are towards the first Front as in the figure pag. 165. To the right hand double your Ranckes BEcause there will be an occasion sometimes to strengthen the Front it may one way be done thus when all in the second Rancke march vp into the first Rancke to the right or left hand according to the command as here to the right hand and all in the fourth Rancke march vp into the third and so of the rest as in the Example or Figure pag. 167. Where you may perceiue by the letters marked with a Starre that the motion is to the right hand and the Starres in the second fourth sixt eighth and tenth Ranckes shew the places from whence they moued and the figures in the lest flank demonstrating the number of your Ranckes which did moue being ten Ranckes as you may perceiue thereby Ranckes as you were HAuing performed the former motion the Captaine commands Ranckes as you were and then euery one marcheth into his owne place all at one instant and so are againe like the forme in the figure pag. 169. To the left hand double your Ranckes THis Motion differeth nothing in effect from that pag. 167. but that there those that doubled did it to the right hand of their Leaders and here they do it to the left hand which is plaine by the Starres in the Figure pag. 171. Ranckes as you were THe former motion performed the Captaine commands Ranckes as you were and then euery one that doubled marcheth into his owne place or Rancke and so are in forme againe according to the figure pag. 173. BEcause that there was an odde file of musketeares in either flanke and wing of my former figures and being desirous to make the double files perfit without intermixing the pikes with the shot I was forced therefore to change the forme of the Company and to place all the Musketeares in the Right hand flanke of the Pikes according to the demonstration in the other side marked with the number of 175. Note then to alter the forme of the former station and to bring the Company into the forme set downe in the other side as I said before you are to doe as followeth First you are to lead forth the Right wing of shot then the first diuision of Pikes which be in the right hand flanke of the second diuision of pikes and march with them to stand iust against the first diuision of musketeares on the left hand of them leauing a space to place the second diuision of shot betweene them both then you are to march vp with the second diuision of Pikes to stand on the left hand of the first diuision of Pikes Lastly the second diuision of Musketeares marcheth vp to stand on the left hand of the first diuision of Musketeares which will be on the right hand of the first diuision of Pikes which done they are commanded to stand right in their Files and right in
their Rankes at six foot distance and commanded silence that so euery one may heare the words of Command and to be ready to execute the same c. Front Reare To the right hand double your files BEcause there may be occasion of strengthning the Flankes as also for other purposes these words of Command are vsed To the right hand double your Files which is thus performed All the second file from the right hand march euery one behinde his side-man into the first or right hand File and so the fourth File into the third and the sixt into the fift c. which is done of all at one instant after the command is giuen The order whereof is plainely demonstrated in the Figure marked with 177. In which you may perceiue by the Starres from and to what place each man marcheth The Stars are onely set downe in the first and second Files but you are to vnderstand the same order in the third and fourth Files and so of all the rest c. Files as you were HAuing performed the former Motion the Captaine commands them Files as you were and then all those which doubled returne vnto their owne proper places the which is plainely demonstrated in the Figure marked with 179. by the Starres in the first and second Files the which order you must conceiue in the third and fourth fift and sixt c. To the left hand double your files THis Motion differeth little from that marked with 177. but that here the Motion is to the left hand as there it was to the right hand so that those Files which moued then stand still now and those which stood still then moue now all which is so plainly demonstrated by the Starres in the figure marked with 181. that it needs no further explanation Files as you were THe former Motion orderly performed the Captaine commands Files as you were and then those which doubled returne into their proper places according as you may plainely vnderstand by the figure pag 183. in which the Starres demonstrate both from what place they come and whither they march HAuing performed the doubling of Files in all points and orders demonstrated in my figures before this which was done with the shot in the right hand flanke of the pikes hereafter followeth the exercise in the very same forme and station of the Company where with I began the exercise of training the which Musketiers are diuided and placed in both the flankes of the pikes according to the figure in the next side pag. 185. Halfe Files to the right hand double your Ranckes IN the figure pag. 166. was shewed one way how that vpon occasion the Front might be strengthned here is another forme of strengthning the same which requireth two demonstrations or Figures for explanation In the first marked with D. is shewed the manner of acting this Motion and in the second marked with E. is demonstrated the action performed wherein you may perceiue how the sixt Rancke or as some improperly call them middle men doubleth the first Rancke the seuenth the second Rancke the eight the third Rancke the ninth the fourth Rancke and the tenth the fift Rancke Note that in performing this motion the halfe files of Pikes that doubled aduance their Pikes till they haue doubled and then order them D E Halfe Files as you were WHen they haue performed the former Motion according to the direction the Captaine commands Halfe Files as you were and then the halfe Files aduance their Pikes and fall backe with their right legge and so march into their proper places and then they are againe ten deepe at six foote distance according to the demonstration pag. 189. Note that in turning into their places euery one ought to turne to the right hand which is both easier and more pleasing to the eye then turning to the left hand Halfe Files to the left hand double your Ranckes THis Motion differeth nothing in effect from that before demonstrated in the 187. Figure the difference onely is that here the halfe Files which moue march vp to the left hand of the halfe Files that stand whereas according to those Figures they marched vp to the right hand of them The Figures marked pag. 191. make this very plaine Halfe Files as you were HAuing performed the former Motion the Captaine commands Halfe Files as you were and then the Halfe Files which doubled aduance their Pikes and fall backe with their right leg to be cleare of their Side-men and so march into their proper places turning into the same towards the left hand which done they will be in the forme marked with 193. Files to the Right hand Countermarch WHen a charge is expected in the Reare and it being thought conuenient to haue the Leaders of files to be in the places of the bringers vp because they are men best able to receiue the enemie it may be performed in this manner The Captaine commands Files to the right hand Counter-march and then the Leaders of Files aduancing with their right legge turne to the right hand and march downe towards the Reare all the body of the company mouing together and so the second rancke turning as the Front or Leaders of the files did when they haue marched vp to the place where the front was and so doth the third fourth and fift rankes c. The manner whereof is plainely demonstrated in the figure marked with B. and the figure marked with C. sheweth the motion performed B C Files to the left hand Counter-march THis Motion differeth nothing in vse from the former the difference of acting it is onely that there they aduance with the right legge and turne to the right hand and here they aduance with the left legge and turne to the left hand The manner of doing this is demonstrated in the next page marked with G. And the thing done in that marked with H. And therefore needs no further explanation G H The Postures of the Pike HAndle your Pike Aduance your Pike Shoulder your Pike To the right hand charge As you were To the left hand charge As you were To the Front charge As you were To the Reare charge As you were Aduance your Pike Porte your Pike Comport your Pike Traile your Pike Cheeke your Pike Aduance your Pike To your funerall posture traile your Pike Recouer your Pike Order your Pike Your open order at foote Your close order at foote To the Front charge To the right hand charge To the right hand charge To the right hand charge To the right hand charge Order your Pike Aduance your Pike Lay downe your Pike Take vp your Pike Shoulder your Pike Slope your Pike Leuell your Pike Traile your Pike Recouer your Pike Charge your Pike and aduance your ground Retreat charging Aduance your Pike Lay downe your Pike The Postures of the Musket HAndle your Musket Lay downe your Musket Lay downe your bandeleers Hold your Rest in your left hand Take vp your bandeleers with
hold their Pikes continually in marching in the right hand and vpon the right shoulder without euer changing it and so likewise being vpon the left side of the ranke to hold it alwaies vpon the left shoulder those that be in the midst of the rankes haue libertie to vse that side that is best for their commoditie either vpon the right or left hand and to moue their Pikes from shoulder to shoulder at their choise and pleasure It is true that the iust carying of the Pike of those that march in the midst of the rankes is to hold it vpon the left shoulder and to carie their right hand behind vpon their dagger or vpon their side and so generally all as well they that be in the midst as those that be in the head of the rankes are to obserue this order to carie that hand which is at libertie behinde them or vpon their sides Let him march then with a good grace holding vp his head gallantly his pace full of grauitie and state and such as is fit for his person and let his body bee straight and as much vpright as is possible and that which most imports is that they haue alwaies their eies vpon their companions which are in ranke with them and before them going iust one with the other and keeping perfit distance without committing error in the least pace or step and euery pace and motion with one accord and consent they ought to make at one instant time And in this sort all the rankes entirely are to go sometimes softly somtimes fast according to the stroke of the drumme The heele and tippe of their pikes would bee equally holden both of length and height as neere as is possible to auoide that they fall not out to be by bearing them otherwise like vnto organ-pipes some long some short The measure and proportion thereof to hold the heel of the Pike is this It is necessarie for him to haue an eye to the ranke that doth march before him and so carie the Butt-end or heele of his pike that it may bee iust ouer against the ioynt of the hamme of the souldier that in march shall be straight before him and so euery one from hand to hand must obserue the proportion of that height that is right behind vpon the ioynt of the knee for by doing so they cannot commit error carying in their march that legge that is vnder that arme that sustaines and caries the Pike of iust and euen proportion by mouing their pace right vnder the staffe of the Pike going in their march as I haue said before iust and euen with a gallant and stately and sumptuous pace for by doing so they shall be esteemed honoured and commended of the Lookers on who shall take wonderfull delight to behold them march in that order THE SECOND BOOKE OF MILITARY Directions Wherein is set downe the office of a Sergeant Ensigne-bearer Lieutenant the Gentlemen of a band and how to skirmish and discouer CHAP. I. And first the Office of the Sergeant of a Band. SInce euery Officer through his continuall exercise and daily diligence in executing his charge doth attaine vnto perfit experience by daily practise which is as it were conuerted into nature therefore hee which determines with himselfe to be accounted sufficient and of abilitie to discharge the place of a good Sergeant of a band with a forward intent to learne and be thorowly instructed ought first to be a Souldier that hath seene much and a Corporall of good experience according to the directions of my first booke In which two roomes it is very conuenient that he haue tasted and beene present at great diuersitie of seruice and warlike enterprises and to carie a resolute minde to delight in the exercise of this office to the end he be not found therein irresolute and ignorant and that likewise he faile not in the ready performing of any enterprise when Martiall affaires do call him forth to put the same in execution First of all it is very requisite that he haue most perfitly in memorie the number of all the souldiers of the band and distinctly with what weapons they are armed what quantity of Corslets and Pikes how many armed and disarmed carie short weapons what number of Hargabusiers with murrians and without how many musket-eares how many light armed pikes and targets of proofe that the better and more readily vpon a sodaine hee may put the company in order He must euer plant the best armed in places most necessarie as at the front and backe the right and left side of a square The first ranke in ordinarie long marching the targets of proofe must go in as a ready couer and bulwarke against the enemies shot next to them the musket-eares then the Hargabusiers and after them the armed and light pikes amidst whose rankes he must at all times place the Ensigne garded with Halberds or bils and then againe the light armed and armed pikes hargabuse and musket-eares and last of all targets of proofe by this equality of diuision the whole band at one instant shall be ready to receiue any suddaine surprise of the enemie The Sergeant carrying these things in his minde hauing laid a distinct plat he may very easily vary their forme and order as he shall be appointed and as the situation of the place doth require or the accidents of warre doe constraine He must neuer worke vnwarily or at all aduentures and tending to no determined purpose as those that doe not remember the perfit rules and reckonings of their office whereof there be now adaies ouer many for when it is necessary for them to alter their order and that perforce they must quite change the forme and fashion that then they obserue they know not which way to beginne Therefore to the end his order and rankes may be to the purpose duely and directly changed and with facilitie disposed let him euer disseuer and diuide one part of his weapons from an other causing euery one to turne and enter into their rankes and order by themselues so shall hee proceed in taking away setting forward and intermixing one sort of rankes within another very orderly And thereby the full proportion of his band shall be framed as he hath determined or as it is deuised by him that commands either in marching forward and backward or in turning without disorder by 3. 5. 7. or 9. in a ranke as the Lieutenant Captaine or Sergeant maior appoints He ought euer to beware that in ordering the rankes and appointing the soldiers their places that they begin not to make debate or stomacke one another for dignitie of place the which doth oftentimes fall out to their great annoy and damage and the Officers tedious toile For in enterprises of great importance euen in the presence of the invading enemy some vaine-glorious fellowes are accustomed to striue for the chiefest places the which roomes by all reason and of dutie appertaine to the best
receiue punishment for so doing of his Captaine or the Master of the Campe. He must be diligent carefull and vigilant in all his affaires for in this office diligence and dexteritie is both to the purpose and most necessarie It is necessarie he be alwaies conformable vnto the Sargeant maior by imitation and obedience in action and like his shadow to second him in all his doings of whom he may alwaies receiue information and order of all such things as be necessarie for seruice of his band and of him he may learne to proceed by conformitie in that which is conuenient for his office For he that is in company with men of vertue and valour that be of more excellent qualitie than he himselfe shall euer reape some profit and the rather for that he is bound to be in the sight and neere about the Sargeant maior at all such times as any thing is to be done where he ought with a good eare and diligent eye giue ready attendance to execute such commission as shall be giuen him especially those which appertaines to the ordering of the rankes and euery thing else whatsoeuer without doing any thing vpon his owne iudgment but conferre with that great officer towards whom he must alwaies be courteous and conformable and with an obedient and beneuolent minde diligently imitate him I suppose it moreouer necessarie as I said before that he be able to write and read considering the infinite number of things which are to passe through his hands and which he ought to execute for the benefit of his company which cannot be alwaies ordered disposed and guided only by memory So consequently the Sargeant is to take diligent heed and care of all the foresaid things to execute the points of his office speedily and to rebuke and teach such as do amisse with lenitie and although he cannot violently strike and hurt any man yet neuerthelesse no man can resist his authoritie but obserue the same as to the Captaines owne person if he were present He is not to heare any mutinous or rebellious words amongst the company but immediatly to reueale the same that speedy reformation may be had and faults amended And thus must he be still occupied to reform mens manners mispence of munition broken araies and to be ready day and night to seruice by the Captaine or Lieutenants commandment and to instruct the Company to march traine and trauaile as well by signes from him framed as otherwise by words spoken and to haue speciall regard to the company to see that their armour and weapons be in a readinesse alwaies for seruice for the diligent and skilfull vsage of this office is of no small moment to any good order throughout the whole band no lesse than the Centurion amongst the Romanes who was Captaine ouer a hundreth and so likewise euery hundreth in each band ought to haue a seueral Sargeant to direct and gouerne CHAP. II. The Office of an Alfierus or Ensigne-bearer IF it be a thing most requisite that a priuate soldier should haue a speciall zeale ouer his proper honor and credit how much more is the same necessarie for a valiant Alfierus or Ensigne-bearer Therefore he must with all carefull diligence due discretion ascend the 4th degree of this honorable discipline being already trained vp in the three first degrees which is of a priuate soldier a Corporall and a Sargeant whereby to his great commendation he may sufficiently merit the sway of this office Hauing solemnly receiued the Ensigne of his Captaine like a noble and expert soldier he ought carefully to keepe the same and beare a certaine reuerent respect to it as to a holy thing yea to be iealous ouer the safetie thereof no lesse than an amorous person ouer his louing mistresse since that onely with the sacred shade of the Ensigne being well guided the generall reputation of all the band and company is conserued Therefore the Alfierus ought to be endowed with such custome and vse himselfe with such curtesie and ciuilitie that he may not only procure the loue of his confederates and friends but of all the entire company Besides it is necessarie to haue neere vnto him a couple of assistants at the least that be practised and good soldiers which may be of the number of the Halberdiers that go next his Ensigne to the end that when he is constrained to absent himselfe from the same through some vrgent and necessarie occasion for otherwise it is not to be permitted he may cause one of them take care and charge of his Ensigne in what accident soeuer might fall out during that time for that thing ought neuer to be left alone or abandoned to a slender and loose guard which is of such a great importance whereupon euery mans honor and estimation dependeth wherefore it ought of all to be carefully kept and well accompanied Note that the Alfierus to defend his Ensigne and himselfe at one instant must haue in his one hand his drawne sword and in the other the Ensigne which thing is conuenient of him particularly to be performed when it is time to assault the enemies vpon a wall Trench Scalade Bulwarke Breach or in any strait passage or enterprise since that with the point of yron of the Ensigne staffe small defence can be made as well for the weaknes of the staffe as through the trouble and continuall wauering of the silke which is about it so that in bearing the same displayed he ought rather to haue regard where he shall set his foote than to the top of the staffe or any other place lesse necessarie as well thereby to flie affectation which in carying thereof is made manifest as also to conduct the same with more assured courage Moreouer note that the most honorable place of the threde or ranke is the right hand and the second the left hand which degrees likewise be obserued in all the rankes of other soldiers aswell as when diuers Ensignes do march togither in one ranke for amongst the bands and squares of soldiers the flanks do alwaies resist the assaults and furie of the enemie as the sides which be neerest to them be alwaies guarded of those that be most practised and the middle part not only except the first and last ranke of the ordinance or battaile where the middest is the place of greatest estimation for the head or backe of the square being assaulted they then withstand the greatest furie And by good reason for this place of the midst is euer much more broken and endomaged of the enemies armes and force than any other part wherefore amongst expert and valiant soldiers this roome is of greatest honor and of most estimation as the place that hath greatest neede of defence which being subiect to more open and manifest perill than the rest be is of greatest dignitie For Captaines are accustomed to shew notable and singular fauor to that soldier which they prefer to an enterprise of perill and danger
but we shall be cited and called without appeale CHAP. VI. Briefe Notes of other meane offices as Drummes Fifes Surgeons and the Clarke of the Band. DRummes and Fifes must be chosen of able qualities and personage secret and ingenious skilfull in the sound and vsing of their instruments which must warne as the mouth of a man to all intents of seruice diligent in times conuenient to instruct Souldiers in the same that none by ignorance neglect their duties These be oftentimes sent on messages importing charge which of necessitie require languages somtimes to summon or command the enemies to render sometimes carie ransomes or redeeme or conduct Prisoners Many other things to them doe appertaine as before is rehearsed c. A Chyrurgion is necessarie to be had in euery band who ought to be an honest man sober and of good counsell skill in his science able to heale and cure all kind of sores wounds and griefes to take a bullet out of the flesh and bone and to slake the fire of the same and that he haue all his tooles and instruments with other necessary stuffe as oyles balmes salues stepres roulers bolsters splenters and all other things to the science belonging which also ought to haue courage for his patient and allowed stuffe he shall readily imploy his industrie vpon the sore and wounded and not intermedling with others to his owne charge noisome Such be placed with the Ensigne and lodged neere to the Captaine and neere their baldrickes in time of fight which by law of the field is their charter The Clarke of a band would be a man chosen of a discreete behauiour such a one as hath the vse of his penne and skilfull in Arithmetike who must haue a booke in the which he must write all the names of the Souldiers appertaining to the band diuiding euery weapon by themselues that they may be the readier to be mustred and otherwise to be placed in order of march at watch and ward the clarke must be attentiue with his booke to call uery mans name to see who is absent and that certificate thereof be made vnto the Captaine who must as before is rehearsed without sicknesse or some licence of the head Officers see him or them punished to the example of all others He must sometimes in the watch and ward read vnto the souldiers the Military lawes and directions causing first a solemne silence to be made and then proceed in reading examining and conferring with euery particular and common souldier touching his memorie of these things for his full instruction Also the Clarke is to take charge of the Captaines munition who seeing it deliuered vnto the souldiers must take note how much is deliuered vnto whom and what day of the moneth it is deliuered with the prise Likewise he must repaire to the Clarke of the victuals and by the Captaines warrant receiue such bread beere and other victuals as is to be had and to deliuer it to those that shall be thought by the Captaine to be of credit to victuall the band by the Princes price and to take tickets of them as well for that it is deliuered vnto them as what they doe deliuer vnto souldiers Also he must in the Captaines name and by his warrant repaire vnto the Merchants and other Artificers and take such wares as the Officers and souldiers haue need of who must at the pay day by the Captaine be answered Also prouided that the Victualler alloweth but the Souldier six-pence a day the ouerplus goeth to their paiment of furniture and apparell The Clarke must oft peruse the tickets to see that no more be deliuered then their wages come to that the Captaines thereby receiue no losse The Clarke ought to inquire when any be departed this world also when any be slaine and discharged the band and to make a iust note thereof whereby certificate may be made to the Muster-master that the Prince in no waies may be hindered neither the Captaines by the Victuallers receiue any detriment or losse Finally he must vpon the report of the Corporals or other Officers finde and procure of the Captaines reliefe for the sicke and wounded Souldiers and Prisoners which ought to be redeemed out of the enemies hand CHAP. VII The Prelates charge that takes care of SOVLDIERS of the BAND TO knit vp this first discourse of Militarie Directions and Martiall lawes speciall care must be had to prouide one man amongst the many scores of Souldiers that may gouerne and direct in spirituall causes who ought to be wise learned honest sober patient and of exemplar life who must offer vp daily praiers for his whole companie must instruct them to be penitent and to restore to euery man his right to communicate in Catholike and Christian manner so often as they can chiefly at speciall times appointed by the Church and before any dangerous attempt to feede them with holesome foode of learned instructions wherein they may learne how to liue and so consequently to teach their companies their duties towards God and their Prince and to giue ghostly counsell and spirituall reliefe vnto the sicke wounded weake in body or in conscience and that such be well armed with spirituall armour that is with good knowledge and good liuing ready to perswade them manfully to withstand their enemies the flesh the deuill the world and desperation putting them in sure hope through the equitie of their cause their conformitie to the Church and their firme faith in our Sauiour Iesus Christ to enter into the campe of euerlasting life where they shall ride amongst the Souldiers on white Horses clothed in white and pure silke crowned with bright triumphant garlands as the Scriptures doe witnes This and such like belongs vnto such personages as take care of the souldiers in a warlike band Now then to conclude and to make an end of my first discourse I would wish all valiant minded souldiers carefully to carrie in minde those precepts which are proper and due vnto a priuate Souldier which I partly haue collected and set downe in this short pamphlet that when he shall be called vnto an hier office he may deseruedly ascend the third step of Martiall office and so by degrees rise to the height of supreame gouernment CHAP. VIII How Pikes are to be carried in aray march or battaile THose that are appointed to carie Pikes in aray of rankes or battell must know that Pikes amongst all other weapons that belongs to Souldiers is of greatest honour and credite and truely whosoeuer doth carie and manage the same weapon well and with good grace doth make a very beautifull and pleasant shew to the Beholders and chiefly when it is caried vpon the shoulder sustained and supported with a good grace and the hand that doth sustaine it be on that side the shoulder where it is placed and with il Gombedo alto They must likewise be aduertised which march in the formost rankes if they be vpon the right side to
The first is when euery one is distant from his fellow 6 foote square that is in File and Ranke 6 foote The second is when euery soldier is 3 foote distant one from another as well in File as in Ranke And in respect the measure of such distances cannot alwaies be taken euenly by the racke of the eye the distance of 6 foote betweene the files is measured when the soldiers stretching out their armes doe touch one anothers hands and betwixt the Rankes when that the ends of their pikes come very neere to the hams of them that march before them And the distance of 3 foot betwixt the Files is when their elbowes touch one another and betwixt their Rankes when they come to touch the ends of one anothers Rapiers or swords In marching in the field the distance of 3 foote from File to File is kept and of 6 foote from Ranke to Ranke when the soldiers order themselues in battell and also when they march towards the enemie the distance of 3 foote both in File and Ranke is to be obserued And likewise in conuersion or wheeling The musketiers making ready to shoote by rankes keepe the same distance of 3 foote but going to skirmish they goe a la disabande that is out of order There is also vsed another order of distance which is seldome obserued but for to receiue the enemie with a firme stand and serueth for the pikes onely for the musketiers cannot stand so close in files because they must haue their armes at liberty and that is when euery distance from file to file is a foote and a halfe and 3 foote from Ranke to Ranke and this last distance is thus commanded Close your selues throughly But it is not to be taught the soldiers for that when necessitie shall require it they will close themselues too much of their owne accord without command How Pikes are to be raised vp and abased in closing and opening of a battaile I Will not omit to put in memorie vnto them that know not of the particulars of those things and order that are required in making a battell of footmen Therefore those which would make a battell of footmen must be aduertised that in shutting vp the said battell the ranks of pikes as well armed as vnarmed must not raise vp confusedly but with order that is when the Sargeant maior Captaine or Lieutenant shall say Raise or right vp your Pikes then it is requisite that the first and formost Ranke must begin to raise vp it selfe and that the second doe not moue to raise vp it selfe till the first be raised vp and so the third and fourth the same order is to be obserued in all the other Rankes from one Ranke to an other The like Rule is to be obserued by them in laying downe of their pikes vpon their shoulders for so much as Ranke by Ranke in order and without confusion they ought to let fall their pikes appointing the first Ranke to fall after the second the third after the fourth and so is all the rest of the Rankes to follow the same order till the hindermost Ranke of all And by obseruing that order they cannot commit disorder but rather make a gallant shew and preuent many confusions How Pikes are to be carried in aray march or battell with also other necessarie notes THose that are appointed to carry pikes in array of Rankes or battell must know that pikes amongst all other weapons that belong to soldiers is of greatest honor and credit And truely whosoeuer doth carry and manage the same weapon well and with good grace doth make a very beautifull and pleasant shew to the beholders and chiefly when it is caried with a good grace as I haue said before and with il combedo alto And as touching the obseruation of shouldring of pikes to wit that there is a new order obserued in the Low Countries now of late the Commanders there will haue the pikes to be carried vpon the right shoulder and not to remoue or change to the left shoulder at all Note also that the Pike-man doe march then with a good grace holding vp his head gallantly his pace full of grauitie and estate and such as is fit for his person And let his body be straight and as much vpright as is possible And that which most imports is that they haue alwaies their eyes vpon their companions which are in ranke with them and before them going iust one with the other and keeping perfit distance without committing error in the least pace or step and euery pace and motion with one accord and consent they ought to make at one instant time And in this sort all the rankes intirely are to march sometimes softly sometimes fast according to the strokes of the drumme the heele and the tippe of their pikes would be equally holden both of length and height as neere as is possible to auoid that they fall not out to be seeme by bearing them otherwise like vnto Organ-pipes some long some short The measure and propertie thereof to hold the heele of the pike is this it is necessarie for him to haue an eie to the ranke that doth march before him and so carrie the Butt-end or heele of his pike that it may be iust ouer against the ioynt of the hamme of the souldier that in march shall be straight before him And so euery one from hand to hand must obserue the proportion of that height And that is right behind vpon the ioynt of the knee for by doing so they cannot commit errour carying in their march that legge that is vnder that arme that sustaines and caries the Pike of iust and euen proportion by mouing their pace right-vnder the staffe of the pike going in their march as I haue said before iust and euen with a stately and sumptuous pace for by doing so they shall be esteemed honoured and commended of all the Lookers on and they will take wonderfull delight to behold them march in that order And whereas I haue said before that the Souldiers should march forward with one consent I meane not onely that the Pike men ought to obserue that order but also that the musketeares are to follow the same rule of order because that the whole company must be ready to march forward at one instant time obseruing the true strokes or battery of the drumme which actiue obseruation may well be compared to a Dancer for the one by hearing his musicke is prepared to tread the measure answerable to the time And the other by hearing the warlike and comfortable stroke of the drum is ready to aduance his pace and march forward The Officer is to pace towards his people so to giue the word and so to lead march and also obseruing the strokes of the drum the first ranke being the file leaders it to follow their Leader The second ranke euery one to follow his pile-leader also The third fourth and fift rankes and so the
your right hand Put on your bandeleers Take vp your Musket Bring your Rest to your Musket Open your pann Prime your pann Shut your pann Cast off your loose powder Beare ouer your Musket into your left hand Traile your Rest Charge your Musket Draw forth your skowring stick Short your scowring flick against your right side Ram downe your powder Draw forth your skowring stick Short your skowring sticke Returne your skowring sticke Bring forward your Musket into your right hand Recouer your Rest Poyse your Musket Bring your Rest to the right side of your Musket Beare your Rest and Musket in your left hand Draw your match Blow your match Cock your match Try your match Guard your pann Blow your match Present to the Front Giue fire Take downe your Musket Vncock your match Returne your match Blow your pann Prime your pann Shut your pann Shoulder your Musket carrying your Rest in your left hand Slope your Musket Vnshoulder your Musket Rest your Musket Stand to your saluting Posture Lay downe your Musket The first order of exercising Musketiers FIrst vnderstand that they are three foote in File and three foote in Rancke hauing a diuision in the middest of six foote then the Captaine bids the two first Ranckes Make ready and marcheth with them some fiue or six paces before the rest of the Company and bids the first Rancke Giue fire which it doth and then marcheth away turning to the right hand the one halfe marching by the right hand Flancke and the other halfe through the middest of the body and so fall euery one into his owne File in the Reare and then the Captaine commands the second Rancke to giue fire which performes all as aforesaid and then two Ranckes more aduance in the former order and so they may continue discharging with ten Ranckes a long time The Demonstration pag. 201. makes this very plaine to which I refer you for speculation This order is of great vse to winne ground vpon an enemie The second Order of Exercising Musketiers IN the former Demonstration was shewed an Order of winning ground vpon an enemy in this the contrary of loosing ground or retraiting is shewed and yet to offend the enemy The distances and diuision being obserued as in the former Figure the Captaine in the Reare commands To the right hand about and giue fire and then the Rancke in the Reare performes the same and presently after they march into the Front euery man into his owne File the one halfe march on the left hand File and the other halfe through the middest of the body Then the Captaine commands againe To the right hand about and giue fire which the Rancke then in the Reare performes as aforesaid and so forth infinitely all which in the Demonstration pag. 203. is made plaine and easie The thrid Order of exercising Musketiers THe whole Company being three foote distant in Files and Ranckes without any diuision as aforesaid the Captaine marching in the Front commands Right Flanck to the right hand giue fire then the right hand File turneth towards the right hand and performes the same and the rest of the body continues marching till they be cleare of that File which gaue fire and then the Captaine commands againe as before which the then right File performes the rest of the body marching and so in like manner till all the Files haue discharged The order hereof is demonstrated pag. 205. If there be occasion to discharge on the left hand Flancke the same order is to be obserued as on the right hand Flancke Note that when the second File hath discharged that then the first File marcheth vp to Front with it and both those with the third File when it hath discharged and so forth till all front with the last File and then they are ready to discharge againe if occasion require The fourth Order of Exercising Muskettieres THis fourth way in vse is all one with the third order the difference is onely in the manner of performing the same for according to this order the depth of the Company is diuided by making the fift and sixt Ranckes sixe foote distance each from other The Captaine marching in the Front commands Right Flancke to the right hand and giue fire which the right File doth and then halfe thereof march through the Diuision and the other halfe in the Reare and so march on the left hand of the left hand Flancke euery man into his owne Rancke the order whereof is plainly demonstrated in the Figure marked pag. 207. The fift Order of Exercising Muskettieres THis Order is another kinde of loosing ground the Captaine in the Front commands Make ready altogether and then saith to the first Rancke giue fire which done the one halfe of that Rancke marcheth downe into the Reare on the right hand of the right hand Flancke and the other halfe through the midst of the body which for that end is diuided euery man falling into his owne File Then the Captaine saith likewise to the second Rancke Giue fire which it doth and fals into the Reare as the first did and so the third fourth fift c. The manner whereof is demonstrated in the Figure marked with 209. Note that here the whole body stands still and are onely in motion by particular Ranckes when they haue discharged till they come againe into their proper Files in the Reare and then stand still againe till they haue redischarged Close your Files both waies at a foote and halfe IF a charge of Horse be expected then the foote are to be in the closest order which is one foote and a halfe in Rancke and three foote in File The words of command for closing Files are diuers as Close your Files to the right hand or Close your Files to the left hand or Close your Files both waies the last whereof is most commonly vsed and therefore I haue demonstrated that order as you may perceiue in the Figure marked pag. 211. Note also that because I desired to obserue the distances precisely in all the Figures that therefore the Printer was forced to change the Letters in this and some other Figures and in steed of M. for Muskettiere hath placed S. for Shot which I thought good to giue notice of for thy better vnderstanding Close your Ranckes at three foote THe Files being closed at a foote and halfe demonstrated in the Figure marked in pag. 211 the Captaine then commands Close your Ranckes at three foote or at Swords point which is the closest order for Ranckes the which is plainly demonstrated in the Figure marked in pag. 213. To the right hand wheele VPon occasion of the Enemies charge on the right hand Flancke to receiue him with the most able men which are vsually in the Front it may be performed by commanding them To the right hand wheele and then the Leader of the right hand File standeth fixed onely turning his body and all the rest moue vpon him as the centre according to the Demonstration pag. 215. Note that the Officers must be very carefull to command and see them to keepe their distances in Rancke and File without which this Motion will not bee gracefully acted To the left hand wheele THis Motion differeth from the former pag. 215 only in this that here the Leader of the left hand File standeth fixed as there the Leader of the right hand File did which by the forme of the Demonstration marked with A. you may easily vnderstand THere is another way which I haue seene Graue Maurice his guard to wheele viz. to moue vpon the middle of the Front and then if they wheele to the right hand All to the right hand of the middle of the Front go backwards and the rest forward and if they wheele to the left hand then all to the left hand of the middle of the Front goe backwards and the rest forwards All which is most plainely vnderstood by obseruing the Demonstration marked with B. In which and the two former Figures is a Starre placed neere the centre on which the Company moues A B Open your Ranckes backwards TO open the Ranckes vnderstand that the Front or first Rancke standeth still and the other nine Rancks fall backwards altogither till the second Rancke be six foote distant from the Front and then it stands still and the rest of the body moues till the third Rancke be six foote distant from the second Rancke and so till the fourth Rancke be distant six foote from the third and all the rest of the Ranckes in order The manner whereof I haue demonstrated in the Figure marked M. and the thing done in the Figure marked N. M N Open your Files both wayes IN opening the Files halfe the body moues towards the right hand and the other halfe towards the left hand in grosse and then the two middle-most Files when they are 6 foote distant stand still the rest of the body continues mouing both wayes till the next two Files are distant six foote from the former which stood still and so the Motion continues in this order till all the Files haue taken their distance of six foote each from other The manner whereof is demonstrated in the Figure marked with E. and the thing done in the Figure marked with F. Thus much for the manner of exercising footemen fully performed after the right order and moderne vse of Theoricke Rules accustomed in these dayes Now lastly you are to lead forth your souldiers by fiue and fiue in Rancke in like order as is set downe in the Figure of the order how a Company should march Note that the Captaine marching out of the field most commonly doth march in the Reare of his Company and his Lieutenant in the Front the rest of the Officers are to march in like order as is demonstrated in the order of march except you do troope out of the Field for then you are to alter c. howsoeuer you are to conduct the Colours to the place where they are to be laid vp where hauing made a guard the Captaine and his Officers repairing to the Colours being within the said guard and towards the Front he saith to the Drum or Drums Beat vp a discharge which being done with sometimes a volley of shot giuen and the Colours wrapped and folded vp euery man departs to his home c. E F FINIS