Liber III, Pars III — Quae et quot sunt consideranda in bello, si debeat publica pugna committi. Cap. IX.

Liber III, Pars III — Quae et quot sunt consideranda in bello, si debeat publica pugna committi. Cap. IX.

As is clear, when dealing with military matters, utmost caution must be exercised. For since the circumstances of war can be irreparable, all matters concerning war must be carefully considered before engaging in public battle; it is better not to fight than to expose oneself to fortune and chance without proper foresight. We see that there are two aspects in warfare. Namely, the fighting men and the other necessary support troops required for battle. From the perspective of the fighting men, there are six factors to consider; similarly, from the perspective of the auxiliary and support troops for the war, six other factors can also be enumerated that need attention. Therefore, the king, or prince, or commander of the army must be vigilant, sober, prudent, and industrious, and must consider twelve factors: six from the side of the fighting men and six from the side of the support troops, before deciding to engage in public battle. There are six factors from the side of the fighting men that contribute to achieving victory. The first is the number of those engaged in battle. For where there are more fighters (all else being equal), they ought to obtain victory. It is said. The quantity in battle is useful, just as a greater weight pulls more. Secondly, the training of the warriors must be considered. For those who have untrained arms for striking and unpracticed limbs for fighting fail to sustain the battle; for habit is like a second nature, so that each man performs his usual tasks more vigorously and efficiently, with less effort and pain. Thirdly, the tolerance towards the necessities of the body must be considered. For those in the army must endure many inconveniences; therefore, if there are some who are soft and womanly, refusing to endure any discomfort, they will be defeated because of the hardships they cannot bear, and they will refuse to fight and flee from training. Fourthly, the strength and toughness of the body must be considered. There's a significant difference between the hardness of iron and the softness of silk, as well as between the pleasure of games and the harshness of battle. When considering war in general, everyone wants to be a good warrior, but once they face the reality of specific battles and experience the hardness of iron, the weight of arms, the labor of fighting, and the wounds inflicted by enemies, they often find that they are tough in body and spirit, unless they are deterred from fighting by such things. For if those who are soft in body happen to desire battle even after they have tasted war, it is rare. For those who have soft bodies are more inclined to understand, but generally they are less capable of fighting; for such individuals find it harder to endure the weight of arms and suffer more intensely from the wounds they receive. Fifth, one must consider the cunning and skill of those engaged in battle. For the more cautious the warriors are, the quicker they achieve victory. Sixth, one must pay attention to the strength and courage of the mind. For the more daring and courageous they are, the more likely they are to achieve victory in battle. Therefore, a king, prince, or leader of an army must first consider seven things before engaging in public battle. First, from which side there are more soldiers. Second, who are more experienced in battle. Third, who are stronger in enduring hardships and difficulties. Fourth, who are more robust and tougher in body. Fifth, who are more industrious and shrewd in mind. Sixth, who are bolder and more courageous at heart. And then, a sober and vigilant leader, as he sees his army thriving or lacking in these conditions, can hasten the battle or delay it, and engage in open combat or through ambush and stealth. Having listed the seven conditions that must be considered before engaging in public war from the perspective of the warriors, it remains to enumerate six additional conditions that are taken from the perspective of the auxiliaries and those who assist in the war. In war, indeed, horses, weapons, provisions, locations for fighting, timing, and assistance are important. Therefore, the commander of the army must first consider from which side there are more and better horses. Secondly, he should consider from which side there are better archers, more armed men, and those with superior weapons. Thirdly, he should note where provisions are more abundant; for sometimes, without injury and without battle, the enemy yields when they are deficient in supplies and due to poverty, unable to sustain a delay. Fourthly, the location for fighting must be considered, especially if it is in a higher position or more advantageous for battle. Fifthly, attention must be paid to the timing of the battle, whether at the time the battle is to be engaged, the sun is opposite their faces or those of the enemy; and whether there is any wind blowing and raising dust against them or against the adversaries; for those having the sun and wind or dust against them will be hindered in their sight so that they cannot fight. Lastly, it must be considered who expects more auxiliaries. If the enemy expects more reinforcements, then either there's no need to engage in battle, or the fight should be hastened. But if they expect more reinforcements, then the battle should be postponed. Therefore, after carefully considering all these factors, a wise leader can determine whether to engage in public battle. For as he sees himself either abundant or lacking in the aforementioned conditions, so he can assess his stance toward war: indeed, it would never happen that all the aforementioned conditions align on one side; yet where more and better conditions converge, that side is stronger for battle.