Liber III, Pars III — Quae, et quot habere debet homines bellicosi, ut bene pugnent, et ut eos strenue bellare contingat. Cap. IV.

Liber III, Pars III — Quae, et quot habere debet homines bellicosi, ut bene pugnent, et ut eos strenue bellare contingat. Cap. IV.

As far as the present situation is concerned, we can list eight qualities that warriors should possess: based on these, we can investigate what kind of warriors a king or prince should choose. First, warriors must be able to bear the weight of their burdens. Second, they should be able to endure the constant movements of their limbs and the heavy labors involved. Third, they must be able to tolerate the scarcity of food. Fourth, they should not be concerned about the discomfort of lying down or standing. Fifth, they should not overly value bodily life. Sixth, they should not fear the shedding of blood. Seventh, they must have the skill and diligence to protect themselves and strike down others. We can identify eight qualities that warriors should possess, according to which we can investigate what kind of fighters a king or prince should choose. First, it's necessary for warriors to be able to bear the weight of their armor. For if they are unarmed, they will succumb no matter where they are struck; thus, unless someone can endure the weight of arms, they are useless in battle. Second, it's beneficial for warriors to be able to endure the constant movements of their limbs. For it is sometimes necessary for fighters to be armed day and night; therefore, they find no comfort or rest in standing or lying down. Fifth, for the sake of justice and the common good, they should not value their physical lives too highly. For when the entire military operation is exposed to the dangers of death, no one is truly brave and a good warrior unless they are somewhat fearless regarding the perils of death. Thus, continuous movement of the limbs is necessary to avoid blows. Third, it's fitting for warriors not to worry about the comfort of their food. For it is serious if, beyond the weight of arms and what is required for the defense of an army, they must carry a surplus of provisions; indeed, even if there were an abundance of food for those fighting, they would still need to practice abstinence and not be weighed down by excessive food, so they could better endure the labor of fighting. Fourth, they should not be concerned about the discomfort of lying down or standing. For it is beneficial for those fighting to be in arms both day and night; therefore, neither in standing nor in lying down is there comfort or rest for them. Fifth, they should not value bodily life too highly for the sake of justice and the common good. For when the entire military operation is exposed to the dangers of death, no one is truly brave and a good warrior unless, in some way, he is fearless in the face of the dangers of death. For it pertains to a strong and good warrior, as the philosopher indicates. Ethic. Don't worry about dying well in battle. For someone is said to die well in battle when, fighting justly, they expose themselves to the dangers of death for the defense of their country or some other great good. But when someone loves bodily life more than they should, they easily choose a shameful flight. Sixth, those who fight should not be afraid of shedding blood. For if someone has a soft heart, being effeminate, they will be afraid to shed blood; they won't dare to inflict wounds on the enemy, and consequently, they cannot fight well. Seventh, they should have the ability and the skill to protect themselves and to strike others. For as it is said in Ethics. First, the end of military action is victory. But since all military action is contained within the military realm, as was shown above, and as is stated by the Philosopher. Regarding the principles of ethics. It will be said that the end of every military action is victory. Therefore, when it is most likely that warriors will win, if they know well how to protect themselves and strike others; the skill of protecting and striking is very advantageous for warriors. How such skill should be held, how one should strike the enemy, and what aids are necessary for these, will be explained below. Eighth, it is fitting for warriors to feel shame and to be embarrassed by a disgraceful flight. For, as it is said. Ethics. Among them are the strongest men, among whom the brave are honored. Among other things that make a man a warrior, it is important to love honor in battle and to be ashamed of a disgraceful flight. However, it should be noted that when we say warriors should not have bloodshed, they should not overly value their physical life, and other things we have discussed in detail: it must be understood that this applies if they are engaged in a just war. For the defense of justice and for the common good, physical life must be exposed to danger; the shedding of blood should not be avoided, and other things must be done through which justice and the common good can be defended. From these things, it is clear what kind of warriors and which fighting men the king or princes should choose. For those are to be chosen in whom many qualities are found that are required for battle.