A02572:85
The soldiers honour Wherein by divers inferences and gradations it is evinced, that the…The souldiers honour Wherein by diuers inferences and gradations it is euinced, that the…
The soldiers honour Wherein by divers inferences and gradations it is evinced, that the profession is just, necessary, and honourable: to be practised of some men, praised of all men. Together with a short admonition concerning munition, to this honoured city. Preached to the worthy company of gentlemen, that exercise in the artillery garden: and now on their second request, published to further use. By Tho. Adams.The souldiers honour Wherein by diuers inferences and gradations it is euinced, that the profession is iust, necessarie, and honourable: to be practised of some men, praised of all men. Together with a short admonition concerning munition, to this honour'd citie. Preached to the worthy companie of gentlemen, that exercise in the artillerie garden: and now on thier second request, published to further vse. By Tho. Adams.
London: printed by Adam Islip and Edward Blount, 1617
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
But let virtue be renowned, rewarded, wheresoever she dwells. Though Bion was the son of a Courtesan, I hope no man will censure him with Partus sequitur ventrem. Non genus sed genius: non gens sed mens. Never speak of thy blood, but of thy good: not of thy Nobility, thou art beholding to thy friends for it, but of thy virtue. Even the Duke fetcheth the honour of his name from the wars; and is but Dux, a Captain. And it seems ⟨p. 31⟩the difference was so small between a Knight and a common Soldier, among the Romans; that they had but one word, Miles, to express both their names.
But let vertue be renowned, rewarded, wheresoeuer shee dwells. Though Bion was the sonne of a Courtesan, I hope no man will censure him with Partus sequitur ventrem. Non genus sed genius: non gens sed mens. Neuer speake of thy bloud, but of thy good: not of thy Nobilitie, thou art beholding to thy friends for it, but of thy vertue. Euen the Duke fetcheth the honour of his name from the warres; and is but Dux, a Captaine. And it seemes ⟨p. 31⟩the difference was so small betweene a Knight and a common Souldier, among the Romanes; that they had but one word, Miles, to expresse both their names.
You then that have the places of Government in this honourable City, offer willingly your hands, your purses, your selves, to this noble Exercise. Your good example shall hearten others: be not ashamed to be seen among the people; upon such did Debora set her heart. Alexander would usually call his meanest soldiers, friends and companions. Tully writes of Caesar, that he was never heard speaking to his Soldiers; Ite illuc, Go thither: but Venite hu•, come hither: I will go with you. The inferior thinks that labour much easier, which he sees his Captain take before him. Malus miles qui Imperatorem gemens sequitur: He is an ill Soldier that follows a good Leader with a dull pace. So Gideon to his Soldiers,1