Liber III, Pars III — Quot, et quae sunt illa quae hostes potentiores reddunt, et quot modis, et qualiter debemus hostes invadere. Cap. XIV.

Liber III, Pars III — Quot, et quae sunt illa quae hostes potentiores reddunt, et quot modis, et qualiter debemus hostes invadere. Cap. XIV.

As was said above, what is beneficial to the enemy is harmful to us, and vice versa. Whatever makes the enemy stronger in battle is beneficial to them, because those things are advantageous to them, while their opposites are harmful to them and make them weaker so they cannot resist attackers. As for the present situation, we can identify seven factors that make the enemy stronger against attackers. The first is if they are properly arranged in battle formation. For when the strength is united (as was mentioned above), it is stronger than when it is scattered; if the enemy is well united and properly arranged in formation, they will be harder to defeat if attacked. The second factor that makes the enemy stronger in resistance is the location. For in one location, the enemy can defend themselves more easily than in another. For in the crossing of rivers between the cliffs of mountains and amid the difficulties of the roads, if the enemy happens to be found in such a situation, they will find it harder to defend themselves, because they will have to move about in a scattered manner. Therefore, just as an unsuitable location weakens the defense if enemies are found there, a suitable location makes them stronger in resisting. The third factor is the time itself. For when the wind is against the enemies, and the dust strikes their faces, and the sun's rays are opposed to their eyes, it is harder for the enemies to resist; however, when these conditions are reversed, the enemies are more capable of fighting. The fourth factor that makes the enemies braver and more ready to resist is foresight. For the more they are aware of the approach of the attackers, the better they prepare themselves, and the less they are frightened by their arrival. The fifth factor is proper and moderate rest. For the more the enemies are worn out by labors, watchings, and other hardships, if they are attacked then, they are more easily defeated than if they had rested properly. Proper rest makes the enemies stronger. The sixth factor is their love and unity. For if the enemies are divided in body, they are more easily defeated; much more so if they are divided in spirit and will, for the division of souls is greater than that of bodies. On the other hand, if the enemies are not scattered but are united in body, they are stronger for battle, and even more so if they love each other and are united in spirit and will, because they have greater confidence in themselves and will be more vigorous and ready for the fight. For all love is a certain unifying force, and love unites the hearts of lovers more than the unity of place unites the bodies of existing things. Therefore, if the unity of place and the gathering of warriors make them stronger, love and the unity of hearts make them even stronger. The seventh factor that makes enemies stronger in resisting is the hidden nature of their own conditions surrounding them. For the better the conditions of the enemies are known, the easier it is to choose a way to attack them; however, if their affairs are more hidden, the method of attack is more unknown. Thus, having enumerated the factors that make enemies stronger in resisting, it is easy to see how and in what manner the warriors should invade their enemies. For when the seven methods have been listed, the enemies are stronger; when they are in an opposite state, they must be attacked and defeated. First, the leader of the battle should carefully observe how the enemies are dispersed, and then he should attack them, for they will not have the power to resist. Second, he should diligently explore their routes. Third, he should consider the time: when the sun shines in the eyes of the enemies, and the dust blows into their faces, then he should attack them, for they will not be able to see well how they should fight. Fourth, the leader of the army should manage his troops in such a way that at the right time he allows his soldiers to eat and rest, and lets their horses pause, so they can attack the enemies unexpectedly; so that they can strike when the enemies are eating, or when they are sleeping, or when they are secure, unarmed, idle, and distracted, not suspecting their approach. Fifth, he should carefully observe when the enemies have made a great feast, are fatigued, and have relaxed their horses; for then, if they can be attacked, they will easily turn their backs. Sixth (according to Vegetius), the leader of the battle should sow discord among his enemies, either directly or through others, inciting them to quarrels or conflicts, so that they do not trust each other. Seventh, he should be aware of the conditions of the enemies, whether they are united or dispersed, for when they are divided, they are weaker. If this is done, when they are attacked, they won't have confidence in each other and will easily turn to flight. However, this caution, even if Vegetius suggests it, isn't much to be valued because it goes against good morals. Seventh, he should carefully explore the conditions of the enemy: how they behave, how they conduct themselves, who their leader is, and whom that leader trusts more, as well as their character. For when the individual conditions are explored, it becomes easier to find a way to invade and defeat the enemies.