On Military Matters

and you would think you see a woman. Although the age of recruits is usually preferred over that of veterans, the veterans, by their habit, offer an example to be followed by the others. We often see many wounded men being carried out from the military crowd. That Recruit The Latin term is "tiro," referring to a newly enlisted soldier without combat experience., who is a stranger to the habit of battle, grows pale with fear at the mere suspicion of a light wound and lets out a most effeminate wailing. But the veteran is accustomed to battles and nourished by wounds. Having often obtained victory after shedding blood, even when he is heavily struck, hit, or thrown down, he rises again eager for the slaughter, spurning the surgeon and his ointments.

Since three things are required for the perfect execution of this matter, as we said before: nature, instruction, and practice, it is necessary that anyone who claims to be superior to others must be refined in all aspects. Therefore, the leader of this enterprise must be ingenious. He must be docile and versatile in grasping individual disciplines and the most important institutions. The force of genius without discipline and the practice of many great things cannot fashion a perfect leader. Likewise, discipline stripped of genius and practice cannot do so either. If any think otherwise, they are greatly deceived and wander in the greatest error.

No art or discipline is so absolute in its parts that it does not require the help of others. In this military matter, a very large part is occupied with instruments. While one man sharpens spikes, weapons, and arrows, others focus on the proportions and mechanical balance of ballistae and scorpions A "scorpion" was a Roman torsion siege engine that fired heavy bolts or stones with great precision.. Others are occupied with engraved bridles and other things of that kind which pertain to the equipment of men and horses.

It should not be considered out of place if many ornaments of the liberal and best arts are established for this military discipline. I believe a leader must adhere to these. Therefore, let the leader be first of all a literate man. Let him emulate the most healthful precepts of philosophy. He should embrace many histories in his memory. He should not be ignorant of the skills of oratory and poetry. He should have a functional knowledge of music, arithmetic, geometry, and the movements of the stars and the sky. He should be skilled in the variety of rights and laws of different nations. He should not despise the knowledge of healing. Finally, he should devote himself entirely to gymnastics, military exercise, and other warlike matters. These are most necessary for winning laurels and triumphs. The reasons why these things are required are as follows.

Chapter III. On literature and those who especially applied themselves to its study, containing many things worthy of remembrance.

IT IS necessary for the Leader to be primarily literate and erudite, as we have said. For letters are for the refinement of life and for...