of Englande, and Irelande, on yearth

next under God, the supreme

Governour.


Although commonlie every man, moste worthie and renoumed Soveraine,
seketh specially to commend and extolle the thing, whereunto he feleth
hymself naturally bent and inclined, yet al soche parciallitie and
private affection laid aside, it is to bee thought (that for the
defence, maintenaunce, and advauncemente of a Kyngdome, or Common weale,
or for the good and due observacion of peace, and administracion of
Justice in the same) no one thinge to be more profitable, necessarie, or
more honourable, then the knowledge of service in warre, and dedes of
armes; bicause consideryng the ambicion of the worlde, it is impossible
for any realme or dominion, long to continue free in quietnesse and
savegarde, where the defence of the sweard is not alwaies in a
readinesse. For like as the Grekes, beyng occupied aboute triflyng
matters, takyng pleasure in resityng of Comedies, and soche other vain
thinges, altogether neclecting Marciall feates, gave occasion to Philip
kyng of Macedonia, father to Alexander the Great, to oppresse and to
bring theim in servitude, under his subjeccion, even so undoubtedly,
libertie will not be kepte, but men shall be troden under foote, and
brought to moste horrible miserie and calamitie, if thei givyng theim
selves to pastymes and pleasure, forssake the juste regarde of their
owne defence, and savegarde of their countrie, whiche in temporall
regimente, chiefly consisteth in warlike skilfulnesse. And therefore the
aunciente Capitaines and mightie Conquerours, so longe as thei
florished, did devise with moste greate diligence, all maner of waies,