TO THE LOVERS OF THE

HANDLING OF ARMS, JACOB DE GHEYN DESIRES HEALTH

AND PROSPERITY.

An ornamental initial 'C' features intertwined scrolls, foliage, and architectural motifs.

It is a matter beyond doubt that the tranquility of a Republic cannot subsist without arms, nor arms without exercise. This was not only very well noted by the wise ancients, who strove to provide examples through institutions and laws; but it is also proven by the effective experience of the most celebrated cities and peoples who have preserved their State. Especially by these means—indeed, looking at the Histories of the entire universal World—one will find that dominion and authority have always belonged to those who (in this matter) have most surpassed their neighbors. The Greeks, in the time of their greatest splendor, took this part very much to heart, and by their ingenuity, advanced it in no small way. And the Romans surpassed both them and all others by far, making their youth constantly and continually exercise in the use of all sorts of arms, under those they called Masters of the Fieldoriginal: "Campidoctores"; Roman military officers responsible for teaching drill and maneuvers, as is clearly seen by the writings that remain to us from them. The same reasons endure always, and for everyone. But as arms have changed significantly since the invention of gunpowder, so the old accounts cannot serve us without new instruction. The Excellence of Prince MAURICE of Nassau, etc., to whose care is committed (by the most powerful Lords the States General of the United Provinces) the preservation of such a powerful state, and the conduct of a war which has been held and reputed as a school for the whole world, has raised, embellished, and improved the entire order of war (which was much debased before his time). He did this partly following the Rules of the ancients, and partly of his own invention, taking very careful regard of the handling of arms as being a most important part of the order of war. From this have followed the fruits known not only in these Lands, but in the most distant parts of the earth.

This is the occasion that led me to bring to light through figures (as the most suitable representation) the order that His Excellency makes observed in the handling of the Arquebusoriginal: "Harquebuse"; an early muzzle-loading firearm, smaller and lighter than a musket, Musket, and Pike, as much to accommodate those who make a profession of following said order, as to make all others participants in such necessary instruction. To this end, I have represented in said figures the pattern of everything that is relevant to the handling and use of each kind of weapon, through successive parts, with the required explanations, and clarified the ordinary words of command. This work (as I think and do not doubt) is very proper for young and new Soldiers for whom it is fitting to exercise themselves diligently; most necessary to all Captains and Commanders, so they may better and more carefully watch over the exercise of their Soldiers; and very convenient for all Princes and peoples, whether in time of war, to preserve themselves and damage their enemies, or in time of peace, so that through such exercise they may be more at rest, and more dreaded and formidable to others.

As our intention goes no further than to teach inexperienced Soldiers, and to reinforce through inspection and reading the memory of those who are already expert, let no one find it strange that in the representation of the Pikes, we have put nothing other than what (for their use) seems most necessary in war, passing over many flourishes that are practiced as a pastime and do not serve in wars or military exercise. Regarding the difference or resemblance of the clothing and arms of these figures, it must be known that the Arquebusiers are represented with morionsoriginal: "morions"; open-faced helmets with a crest or comb, typical of the 16th and 17th centuries, and the Musketeers with hats and dressed diversely—not because that is necessary, but to embellish the portraits by this variety, and to show the fashion of the clothing of the soldiers of this time to those who will come after us. On the other hand, the fact that the Pikemen are all armed with one kind of weapon is for no other reason than to show the fashion of the arms that His Excellency makes his bodyguards carry. You will also notice with the Arquebusiers and Musketeers that the first figure demonstrates how to hold the Arquebus or Musket already loaded on the shoulder, and the following ones, what must be done thereafter until having fired, and consequently until having reloaded. Also shown is how each person (as needed) while steady and standing, must hold themselves. In the last figure of each kind, the manner of standing sentry is shown. Mark above all things that though this seems to proceed slowly—because the representation could only be made through small fragments—the young Soldier must, through long exercise, accustom himself to doing everything promptly, and nonetheless with decorum and foresight, to damage the enemy and preserve himself, along with his companions. The rest will be taught by the written demonstration and the figure.