8.25
If, moreover, he can secretly leave behind him four or five of the best horses and men in each division, they will be at a great advantage in falling on the enemy as he is turning to renew the charge.
9.1
To read these suggestions a few times is enough; but it is always necessary for the commander to hit on the right thing at the right moment, to think of the present situation and to carry out what is expedient in view of it. To write out all that he ought to do is no more possible than to know everything that is going to happen.
9.2
The most important of all my hints, I think, is this: Whatever you decide to be best, see that it gets done. Whether you are a farmer,Oeconomicus 11.8. a skipper or a commander, sound decisions bear no fruit unless you see to it that, with heaven’s help,This expression undoubtedly comes here; compare especially the maxim “Act with god” (8), and the end of the Ways and Means. they are duly carried out.
9.3
Further, I am of opinion that the full complement of a thousand cavalry would be raised much more quickly and in a manner much less burdensome to the citizens if they established a force of two hundred foreign cavalry.The 200 mercenaries would be included in the total of 1000. For I believe that the presence of these men would improve the discipline of the whole force and would foster rivalry in the display of efficiency.
9.4
I know that the fame of the Lacedaemonian horse dates from the introduction of foreign cavalry: and in the other states everywhere I notice that the foreign contingents enjoy a high reputation; for need helps to produce great eagerness.
