Instruction on the Fortification of Cities

...so that the artillery may stand securely. One may also set up gabions original: "geschutzte korb"; large baskets filled with earth or stones used to provide cover from enemy fire. or employ other means of protection, as experienced soldiers daily devise new methods. However, care must be taken that such structures do not fly apart in splinters original: "vmb sich schlahen" if they are struck by enemy fire.

Next, one should draw the square openings original: "fierung" for the stairways where they emerge at the top of the building on both sides. This is done so that on both sides—between the stairs and the two ends marked .l. and .m.—three additional embrasures original: "schießlocher" may be placed on each side in the straight wall for the culverins culverin: original "schlange" (snake); a long-barreled, medium-range cannon valued for its accuracy.. These should be constructed in the exact same form as those located next to the stairs. Position them so that each stairway stands between two embrasures. The distance between these mentioned embrasures should be made equal to the length from one stairway to the closest embrasure, ensuring they are placed at equal intervals from one another on each side.

Furthermore, one should prepare for diligent defense on this bastion original: "pastey" using falconets falconet: original "falkanetlein"; a small, lightweight cannon used for anti-personnel defense., arquebuses arquebus: original "hacken" or "hakenbüchse"; an early muzzle-loaded firearm supported on a hook or tripod to absorb recoil., and hand-held firearms alongside the heavy artillery. While the heavy guns are being reloaded original: "lette"; referring to the time-consuming process of clearing and recharging a large cannon., one must work steadily against the enemy so that if they approach too closely, they may be driven off with force. On this bastion, ten powerful siege guns original: "haupt stuck" and ten long culverins are to be positioned to provide long range. If one does not intend to defend such a bastion boldly—especially when all the necessary equipment is at hand—then not much else will be accomplished. On this bastion, all the embrasures original: "schieß zinnen" are marked with numbers from 1 to 20. By these, one can track which master gunner original: "puchsenmeyster" is stationed at a specific numbered opening. However, if one does not build crenellations original: "zinnen"; the notched tops of a wall.—which is better for men in the open original: "freien leuten"; possibly referring to the tactical advantage of visibility or avoiding flying stone debris from shattered battlements.—then no numbers are needed. I have provided the drawing for the first design with crenellations further below.

A decorative calligraphic flourish consists of intertwined loops and scrolls, serving as a visual conclusion to this section of the text.