on Defence agaittft Invafion. to bring thefe things with him (as if matters be well forefeen and a good plot laid, you may eafily do) a world of fliipping will fcarce fuffice for the tranfportation thereof; befidcs an infinite mafs and charge, that muft be provided beforehand ; yea, and what wafte and lofs thereof will fall out, though wind, weather, and fhipping, were had, to pafs without diftufbance, experience remaineth yet frcfh in memory. Again, if fcarcity of victuals and unfavourinefs thereof once grow, the peftilencc and other ficknefs which doth aiTail the beft victualled and ordered army that ever was, will then be doubled and trebled in fuch fort, as it will in mort time fight and get the victory for you. And here, by the way, I would put you in remembrance, that there be continual letts and difturbances by your^navy of the quiet palling of their victuals, which fhould come unto them, whereof you fhall oftentimes take advantage alfo by ftorms and contrary winds. Wherefore I hold it for the beft and xtireft way (fo that your navy be upon the fea, and not prifoned within land) to fuffer the enemies coming to invade, to land quietly at his pleafure, which he will otherwise do whether you will or no, only fronting him in the plains with your horfemen, and by all means and diligence to draw the victuals, cattells, carriages, and corn, behind your back, and that which you cannot to wafte and fpoil, that the enemy take no advantage thereof, keeping in your power fuch ftraits and paflages with your footmen as may be kept. The which with fmall number of your horfmen affiftant you may fafely do, until greater power do come to back you. And though they win fome ftraight, (which they cannot do without great lofs) yet by keeping back-receipts in ftraits you mall always, if you fhall be fo driven, retire without any great lofs or danger. And always remember to leave a ward in every place meet to be trenched and guarded, though it be but of twenty or thirty perfons, which will be an occafion for the enemy to ftop and to ftay at the winning of A a 2, them
