|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FLAVIUS
VEGETIUS RENATUS BOOK
THREE THE SENTIMENTS OF THE TROOPS SHOULD BE DETERMINED BEFORE BATTLE It is necessary to know the sentiments of the soldiers on the day of an engagement. Their confidence or apprehensions are easily discovered by their looks, their words, their actions and their motions. No great dependence is to be placed on the eagerness of young soldiers for action, for fighting has something agreeable in the idea to those who are strangers to it. On the other hand, it would be wrong to hazard an engagement, if the old experienced soldiers testify to a disinclination to fight. A general, however, may encourage and animate his troops by proper exhortations and harangues, especially if by his account of the approaching action he can persuade them into the belief of an easy victory. With this view, he should lay before them the cowardice or unskillfulness of their enemies and remind them of any former advantages they may have gained over them. He should employ every argument capable of exciting rage, hatred and indignation against the adversaries in the minds of his soldiers. It is natural for men
in general to be affected with some sensations of fear at the beginning of an
engagement, but there are without doubt some of a more timorous disposition who
are disordered by the very sight of the enemy. To diminish these apprehensions
before you venture on action, draw up your army frequently in order of battle
in some safe situation, so that your men may be accustomed to the sight and appearance
of the enemy. When opportunity offers, they should be sent to fall upon them and
endeavor to put them to flight or kill some of their men. Thus they will become
acquainted with their customs, arms and horses. And the objects with which we
are once familiarized are no longer capable of inspiring us with terror.
Site
Map |
