PROLOGO AL LECTOR.

PROLOGUE TO THE READER.

SI las ciencias aquieren la nobleza por ſu antiguedad, ninguna ſe ha de preferir à de las Armas, pueſto que antes de la creacion del Mundo huvo guerra en los Cielos entre los Angeles buenos, y malos: ſi por la vtilidad, ninguna haſta aora ſe ha hallado de quien ſe pueda ſaca mas fruto, que de las Armas, atento que con ellas ſe ganan Ciudades, Reynos, Provincias, y Monarquias: ſi por los hechos, en ninguna ſe hallaràn mas heroycos, que entre las ſacciones Militares: ſi por el objeto, ellas ſe llevaràn la palma, porque ſiendo la paz el ſin de la guerra, no ay que deſear mas en la tierra, ſegun el Cantico del Angel: Gloria in altiſsimis Deo, & in terra pax homnibus bonæ voluntatis. Si por la neceſsidad, que ay de ellas, el miſmo Dios darà la ſentencia en favor de las Armas, no queriendo ſu Divina Sabiduria otro medio mas eficaz, que el de la guerra, para conſervar, y mantener en ſu ſer al Univerſo. Los Elementos, batallando entre sì, hazen y deshazen quanto ſe halla en lo viſible, y mas recondito de la naturaleza. La opinion mas recibida entre los Philoſophos, es que ellos ſon quatro, mas la pelea ſe reconoce ſolo entre dos, que ſon el Fuego, y el Agua, ſirviendo los otros dos (Ayre, y Tierra) ò de campos de batalla, ò de medianeros entre eſtos dos combatientes. Las Armas con que pelean ſon las quatro primeras calidades, con ſon calor, ſequedad, frialdad, y humedad: las dos primeras pertenecen al Fuego, y las otras dos al Agua.

IF sciences acquire nobility by their antiquity, none should be preferred over that of Arms, given that even before the creation of the World there was war in Heaven between good and evil Angels: if by utility, none has been found so far from which more fruit can be derived than from Arms, considering that with them Cities, Kingdoms, Provinces, and Monarchies are won: if by deeds, none will find more heroic actions than among the Military factions: if by objective, they will take the palm, because being peace the end of war, there is nothing more to desire on earth, according to the Angel’s Canticle: Gloria in excelsis Deo, & on earth peace to men of good will. If by necessity, God Himself will deliver the verdict in favor of Arms, His Divine Wisdom wanting no other more effective means than war to conserve and maintain the Universe in its being. The Elements, battling among themselves, make and unmake everything found in the visible and most hidden aspects of nature. The most accepted opinion among Philosophers is that there are four, but the fight is recognized only between two, which are Fire and Water, with the other two (Air and Earth) serving as either battlefields or intermediaries between these two combatants. The Arms with which they fight are the first four qualities, which are heat, dryness, coldness, and humidity: the first two belong to Fire, and the other two to Water.

El govierno deſta milica fue cometido à los dos Luminares Sol, y Luna: al Sol toca el Elemento de el Fuego, y à la Luna el de las Aguas. El Sol tiene por Capitan General al miſmo Marte, y la Luna tiene al Planeta Venus por compañero, ò aſſociado. Jupiter, cuyo nombre ſe deriva del verbo Iuvare, que ſignifica ayudar, predomina ſobre el Elemento del Ayre, tiene por Armas el calor, y la humedad: con el calor auxilia al Fuego, y con la humedad favorece al Agua. Saturno, que predomina ſobre la tierra, tiene orden de no tomar el partido de ninguno de eſtos dos combatientes; ſus Armas ſon frialdad, y ſequedad: con la frialdad ſe opone al calor de el Fuego, y con la ſequedad à la humedad de las Aguas. Mercurio no tiene Armas ſeñaladas, y aſsi en qualquiera ocaſion las toma en favor de el Planeta con quien ſe halla.

The governance of this militia was committed to the two Luminaries Sun and Moon: the Sun corresponds to the Element of Fire, and the Moon to that of Water. The Sun has Mars himself as its General Captain, and the Moon has the Planet Venus as a companion or associate. Jupiter, whose name is derived from the verb Iuvare, which means to help, presides over the Element of Air, has heat and humidity as Arms: with heat it assists Fire, and with humidity it favors Water. Saturn, who rules over the Earth, has orders not to take the side of any of these two combatants; its Arms are coldness and dryness: with coldness it opposes the heat of Fire, and with dryness the humidity of the Waters. Mercury has no designated Arms, and thus on any occasion takes them in favor of the Planet with whom it is found.

Alguna deſigualdad parece que cay entre eſtos dos campos de batalla; porque el Sol y Marte, que predominan ſobre el Fuego, ſon muchos mayores y mas poderoſos, que la Luna y Venus, à cuyo cargo eſtàn las Aguas: pero el ſupremo Artifice, y Architecto Militar ſabiendo, que en eſte mundo inferior avia de aver muchas guerras, batallas, y contiendas, quiſo deſde luego darnos documentos de eſta ciencia, moſtrandonos como ſe han de aver los mas flacos con los mas fuertes.

Some inequality seems to lie between these two battlefields; because the Sun and Mars, which predominate over Fire, are much greater and more powerful than the Moon and Venus, which are in charge of the Waters: but the supreme Artisan and Military Architect, knowing that in this inferior world there were to be many wars, battles, and conflicts, wanted from the beginning to give us documents of this science, showing us how the weaker ones must deal with the strongest.

Hizo la Divina providencia en favor del Agua, como inferior en fuerzas, vna fortificacion grandioſa, com la qual rodeando toda la tierra, defiende las Agunas de las Armas del Sol, que ſon ſus rayos. Eſta fortificacion eſtà ſituada en la media Region del Ayre, ſus muros ſon ctiſtalinos, pero tan ſrios, que no ſolo hacen reſiſtencia à las Armas del Sol, pero tambien eſtorvan que las exalaciones calidas, que ſe levantan de la tierra, puedan paſſar à la ſuprema Region del Ayre, adonde quieren ſubir para hazerſe Cometas, y alli como vandidos revelarſe, y en compañia dèl ò debaxo de las vanderas del Sol, haer la guerra à ſu ſeñor natural, que es la Tierra de donde ſubieron, y juntamente à las aguas. En ciertos tiempos ſuelen algunas forzar los muros; pero como ſon raras, no tardan mucho en morir, como traydoras, à mano del miſmo fuego, de quien juzgaron ſer amparadas. Las que quedan priſioneras, y no pueden ſubir, tambien quedan caſtigadas de ſu inobediencia; porque de la ſuerte que en la tierra ſe condenan los delinquentes à las Galeras, para que remando lleven las Armadas adonde neceſsita el Principe hazer la guerra; aſsi tambien allà arriba à eſtas exalaciones (que ſe llaman vientos) las condenan à que llevan por los Ayres los Eſquadrones de nubes à diferentes partes del Mundo, adonde convertidas en agua, pueden pelear haſta deſtruir, ò deſvaratar à ſu enemigo. Tambien ſucede algunas veces, que eſtas exalaciones (ò porque los opueſtos las apremian demaſiado, ò porque ſe ſienten muy fuertes) fuelen hazer reſiſtencia, de que ſe ſiguen grandes alborotos, haſta diſparar ſu artilleria, deſpidiendo rayos contra el Cielo, y contra la Tierra; pero al ſin les es fuerza amaynar, y bolver otra vez à la tierra, hechos agua, piedra, ò ceniza.

The Divine Providence made in favor of Water, as inferior in strength, a grand fortification, with which surrounding the whole Earth, it defends the Waters from the Arms of the Sun, which are its rays. This fortification is situated in the middle Region of the Air, its walls are crystalline, but so cold, that they not only resist the Arms of the Sun, but also prevent the hot exhalations, which rise from the Earth, from passing to the supreme Region of the Air, where they want to ascend to become Comets, and there like rebels reveal themselves, and in company of it or under the banners of the Sun, wage war on their natural lord, which is the Earth from where they ascended, and also on the waters. At certain times some manage to breach the walls; but as they are rare, they don’t take long to die, like traitors, at the hand of the very fire, from whom they thought they were sheltered. Those that remain prisoners, and cannot ascend, are also punished for their disobedience; because just as on Earth offenders are condemned to the Galleys, to row the Armadas to where the Prince needs to wage war; so also up there these exhalations (which are called winds) are condemned to carry through the Airs the Squadrons of clouds to different parts of the World, where, turned into water, they can fight until they destroy or defeat their enemy. It also happens sometimes that these exhalations (either because the opposites press them too hard, or because they feel very strong) tend to resist, which results in great tumults, until they discharge their artillery, firing rays against Heaven, and against Earth; but in the end they are forced to calm down, and return again to the Earth, turned into water, stone, or ash.

Todo eſto coſiente el Ayre en ſu juriſdicion, porque como es neutral, y pueſto en medio de dos Principes poderoſos, neceſsita de grande politica para conſervarſe; y aſsi ya que dà tranſito, y alojamiento à los rayos de el Sol, tambien por otra parte conoce, que por ſus intereſes particulares, y para ſu conſervacion propria, conviene admitir aquella fortificacion en medio de ſu region, en favor de las aguas.

All of this is permitted by the Air in its jurisdiction, because as it is neutral, and positioned between two powerful princes, it requires great diplomacy for its preservation; and so, while it gives transit and lodging to the rays of the Sun, it also recognizes, for its own interests and for its own preservation, the necessity to admit that fortification in the middle of its region, in favor of the waters.

No parece Saturno menos atento à la Politica, que ſu vezino, ò confinante Jupiter, porque ya que aloja à las aguas en ſus ſoſos, y trincheras, como ſe veè en los Mares, Lagos, Rios, Eſtanques, &c. que ſe hallan en todas las partes de la Tierra; tambien, por no hazerſe ſoſpechoſo, y por no parecer que ſe avna de todo punto con las aguas, permite que el Fuego tenga ſus Caſtillos, ò cuerpos de guardia, en diferentes volcane, que ay repartidos en el Mundo, los quales por la mayor parte eſtàn cerca de las aguas, ò en medio de ellas, como por exemplo, el Monte Etna en Sicilia, el Hecla en Islandia, el Veſubio junto à Napoles, otro en la Jaba, en las Badanas, Molucas, Felipinas, Sumatra, Mauricias, y en el Japon, &c. Y ſi conſiente algunas vezes que el Fuego mine à las agues, como ſucediò el año de 1638. que rebentò vna, que eſtava diſtante dos leguas de la Mar en la Isla de S. Miguel en las Terceras; tambian dà lugar à que el Agua haga ſus contraminas por conductos ſubterranoes, para impedir los deſignios de ſu enemigo, que ſon de apoderaſe de todo, y convertirlo debaxo de ſu imperio, y dominio.

Saturn doesn’t seem any less attentive to politics than its neighboring or adjacent Jupiter, because while it hosts the waters in its caves and trenches, as seen in the Seas, Lakes, Rivers, Ponds, etc. that are found in all parts of the Earth; also, in order not to appear suspicious, and not to seem wholly united with the waters, it allows Fire to have its Castles, or guard bodies, in different volcanoes that are scattered around the World, which for the most part are near the waters, or in the midst of them, like for example, Mount Etna in Sicily, Hecla in Iceland, Vesuvius near Naples, another in Java, in the Bandas, Moluccas, Philippines, Sumatra, Mauritius, and in Japan, etc. And if it sometimes allows the Fire to mine the waters, as happened in 1638 when a volcano erupted two leagues away from the Sea in the Island of St. Michael in the Azores; it also allows the Water to counter-mine through subterranean conduits, to thwart the designs of its enemy, which are to seize everything, and convert it under its empire and dominion.

Todo quanto ſe haze de mas importancia en la milica que oy ſe practica, y ſe ha practicado entre los hombres, mas ha de ſeis mil años, ſe halla obrado, y executado entre eſtos dos valeroſos combatientes. Las dos coſas principales à que mira eſta ciencia, ſon ante todas coſas, la defenſa propria, y luego la ofenſa del contrario, ò enemigo: à la defenſa pertenece las fortificaciones de las Ciudades, y Caſtillos, &c. A la ofenſa toca la Artilleria, y demàs eſpecies de Armas.

Everything of greater importance in the warfare that is practiced today, and has been practiced among men for over six thousand years, is found worked out and executed between these two valiant combatants. The two main things that this science looks to are, above all things, self-defense, and then offense against the adversary or enemy: to defense belong the fortifications of the Cities and Castles, etc. To the offense pertains Artillery, and other types of Arms.

Las principales de eſtas Armas, à que eſtàn ſubordinadas las demàs, ſon la fortificacion, y la Artilleria. La fortificacion (que es la primera) ſabemos por diſcurſos Philoſophicos, y à poſteriori, que la ay (aunque de fuyo ſea inviſible) en medio de la region del Ayre, por cuyo medio no ſolo ſe conſiguen las coſas referidas, tocantes à los rayos del Sol, y à las exalaciones que ſuben de la tierra; pero tambien quedan con ella preſos los vapores, que ſuben del Agua, los quales no hallando el paſſo franco, les es fuerça volver à baxar à la tierra hechos agua, nieve, granixo, niebla, eſcarcha, ò rocio.

The main of these Weapons, to which the others are subordinate, are fortification and Artillery. The fortification (which is the first) we know through Philosophical discourses and a posteriori, exists (even though it is invisible) in the middle of the Air region, by whose means not only are the things referred to regarding the rays of the Sun and the exhalations that rise from the earth achieved; but also the vapors that rise from the Water are kept captive, which not finding a clear passage, are forced to return to the earth made into water, snow, hail, fog, frost, or dew.

La otra, que toca à la Artilleria, y à todas las Armas de guego, vemos que no es mas que vna imitacion de lo que haze los Elementos, quando con truenos, rayos, ò relampagos llegan à pelear, ò combatir aquella foraleza, que eſtà en la media Region del Ayre.

The other, pertaining to the Artillery and all the fire weapons, we see is nothing more than an imitation of what the Elements do, when with thunder, lightning, or flashes they get to fight or combat that fortress that is in the middle region of the Air.

Las tres acciones militares, à que ſe refieren todas las demàs de vn Exercito, ſon el marchar, aloxar, y pelear. El Marchar pueder ſer por tierra de amigos, ò de enemigos; y de qualquiera fuerte que ſea, ſiempre el orden es neceſſario ſobre todo. El Aloxar puede ſer en campaña raſa, ò abierta; y eſto lexos, ò à viſta del enemigo; pero de qualquiera modo que ſea, la maxima general es, que ſe de ſuerte, que el campo ſe aſegure por todas partes, y que ſe quiten al enemigo todas las ocaſiones de ventajas de que ſe puede aprovechar. La tercera, que es el Pelear, es la accion de mas peſo, y de mayor conſideracion, y à que van dirigidas las demàs de vn Exercito; y para que ſe pueda hazer con acierto, es neceſſario tener grande noticia, no ſolo del numero, y fuerças de los Eſquadrones, y Batallones, de que ſe compone; pero tambien de las del enemigo, juntamente con todas las ventajas, de que ſe puede valer, reſpecto del numero, y calidad, aſsi de la gente, como de las Armas, y del terreno: y como ſon coſas dificultoſas de alcançar, es neceſſario muchas prudencia, y experiencia, para el acierto de ellas.

The three military actions to which all the others of an Army refer, are marching, encamping, and fighting. Marching can be through friendly or enemy territory; and whatever the type, order is always necessary above all. Encamping can be in open or flat terrain; and this can be far from or within sight of the enemy; but however it may be, the general maxim is that it should be done in such a way that the camp is secure on all sides, and all occasions for advantages that the enemy can take advantage of are taken away. The third, which is Fighting, is the action of greatest weight and consideration, and to which the others of an Army are directed; and in order for it to be done correctly, it is necessary to have great knowledge, not only of the number and forces of the Squadrons and Battalions that it comprises; but also of those of the enemy, along with all the advantages, which can be used, regarding the number and quality, both of the people and the Weapons, and the terrain: and as these are difficult things to achieve, much prudence and experience are necessary for their success.

Lo que nos toca aora (para confirmacion de lo que hemos dicho acerca de aquellos celeſtes, y valientes campeadores) ſerà examinar, ſi en ſu forma, ò politica miltar, guardan eſtas maximas, tan neceſſarias en las guerras, y batallas inferiores; y miradas todas atentamente, no ſolo hallaremos practicadas eſtas tres reglas; pero tambien otras muchas, que no podemos alcançar: porque aſsi como las Armas en la Tierra ſe llaman: Vltima ratio Regum, aſsi aquellas lo ſon del Rey de los Reyes; y no quiere la ſuma providencia deſcubrir tan altos, ymiſterioſos ſecretos, como ſon los que encierra la noble ciencia de las Armas, por no dar ocaſion à los hombres à que por el demaſiado poder ſe hagan adorar como à Dioſes de la Tierra, como hizo Alexandro, &c.

What concerns us now (for the confirmation of what we have said about those celestial and valiant champions) will be to examine whether in their form, or military policy, they observe these maxims, so necessary in the lower wars and battles; and looking at all of them carefully, we will not only find these three rules practiced; but also many others that we cannot reach: because just as the Weapons on Earth are called: Vltima ratio Regum (the last resort of kings), so are those of the King of Kings; and the supreme providence does not wish to reveal such high and mysterious secrets, such as those enclosed in the noble science of Arms, so as not to give occasion to men to be adored as Gods of the Earth, through too much power, as Alexander did, etc.

La primera accion, qu ees marchar, ſe halla entre el Sol, y la Luna, con todo lo reſtante del Exercito de las Eſtrellas (que por eſſo en phraſe de la Eſcriptura ſe llama Milicia) obſervado con tanto orden, y concierto, que haſta aora ninguno ha mudado, ni alterado vn punto la forma conque empezò ſus primeros movimientos, aſsi naturales, como violentos, ò accidentales, obſervando en ellos miſmos vna cierta contrariedad, y opoſicion, porque al tiempo que todos ſon llevados con el movimiento rapto de el primer Mobil de Oriente à Poniente, cada vno de ellos pelea, y forceja para moverſe à la parte contraria, que es de Poniente à Oriente, y de Mediodia al Septentrion, ò de Septentrion à Mediodia.

The first action, which is to march, is found among the Sun and the Moon, along with the rest of the Army of Stars (which is why in the phrase of Scripture it is called Militia). This is observed with such order and harmony that, so far, none of them has changed or altered a point in the form with which they began their first movements, both natural and violent or accidental, observing within themselves a certain contrariety and opposition, because at the time that they are all carried with the movement of the First Mobile from East to West, each one of them fights and strives to move to the opposite side, which is from West to East, and from South to North, or from North to South.

La ſegunda accion, que es el aloxar, ò aquartelar, ſe halla obſervada entre los Planetas, con tanto primor, que de ninguna ſuerte ſe pueden mejorar ſus pueſtos: aſsi ſe dize, que peleando las Eſtrellas contra Siſara, guardaron ſus pueſtos. Para que ſe pueda hazer deſtro mejor juicio, vea el curioſo las quatro hipoteſis, que han ſido mas recibidas entre los Philoſophos, Mathematicos, mas inſignes de eſtos tiempos, y de los paſſados. La primera es de Ptolomeo, la ſegunda ſue antiguamente de Ariſtarcho, y aora nuevamente ſuſcitada por Nicolao Copoernico. La tercera es de Tichonio, y la quarta es de Marciano Capella.

The second action, which is to lodge or quarter, is observed among the planets with such precision, that in no way their positions could be improved: thus it is said that when the stars fought against Sisera, they held their positions. For a better judgement, the curious reader may consider the four hypotheses that have been most accepted among the most illustrious philosophers and mathematicians of these times and those of the past. The first is from Ptolemy, the second was originally from Aristarchus, and now newly revived by Nicolaus Copernicus. The third is from Tycho Brahe, and the fourth is from Martianus Capella.

En la primera (que ha ſido bien recibida por muchos Siglos entre los mas doctos) vemos à la Tierra, que juntamente con el Agua, hazen vn globo, que por eſtar enmedio, viene à eſtar como cercado de todos aquellos famoſos combatientes: eſtà todo al rededor ceñido del Elemento del Ayre, en cuya media Region eſtà aque lla fortificacion (de que hablamos) repreſentada con la ſeñal de las nubes: y deſpues de la ſuprema Region del Ayre, ſe ſigue la del Fuego; y ſea que eſte Elemento ſe halle junto al concavo de la Luna, ò que ſegun la opinion de algunos, no aya mas Elemento del Fuego, que el miſmo Sol: de qualquiera ſuerte que ſea, vemos que la Luna (à cuyo cargo toca el defender à las aguas) ocupa ſu debido lugar, que es eſtar luego inmediatamente junto à la Region Elemental, y la mas proxima à las aguas, para que ninguno de los demàs pueda impedir el ſorcorro, que ha meneſter embiar à todas horas à ſu camp. Tiene à Venus muy cercana, que es de quien puede recibir auxilo, por ſer ambas de vna naturaleza, que aunque Mercurio eſtà por medio en el ſegundo Cielo, no tiene fuerzas para eſtorvar la comunicacion de eſtos dos Planetas. En el quarto Cielo tiene el Sol pueſta ſu Tienda Real, y junto à èl inmediamente, eſtà el Campo de Marte, el qual ocupa eſte pueſto, para dar à entender à los Reyes, que para conſervar la Mageſtad, la obſervancia de las leyes, y la reputacion, tanto entre ſus ſubditos, y vaſallos, como entre los eſtraños, neceſsita preciſamente tener las Armas muy promptas, y muy à mano, para valerſe dellas en qualquiera ocaſion, que ſe ofreciere: con advertencia, que ſi faltaren, ſerà cierto faltar qualquiera deſtas tres coſas, y con ellas la Monarquia. Jupiter eſtà pueſto con mucho acuerdo en el ſexto lugar, entre Saturno, y Marte, para impedir la comunicacion deſtos dos enemigos de la naturaleza humana: porque ſi ſe llegàran à junta, aunque la frialdad de Saturno pudiera templar el calor de Marte, por otra parte juntandoſe la ſequedad de entrambos con la de el Sol, preſto deſecàran el humedo radical de todas las coſas, con que ſaliera vana, ò imperfecta la fabrica del Univerſo. Tambien ſe puede notar, que como el Ayre en la Region elemental ocupa el lugar que eſtà ente el Fuego, y la Tierra, y ſepàra eſtos dos Elementos, para que vnidos no conſuman el del Agua, es muy acertado el pueſto que ocupa Jupiter en la Region etherea, ò celeſte, para que ſe conſiga el miſmo efecto.

In the first one (which has been well received for many centuries among the most learned), we see the Earth, which along with the water, make a globe, which being in the middle, comes to be surrounded by all those famous combatants: everything around is surrounded by the element of the Air, in whose middle region is that fortification (of which we speak) represented by the sign of the clouds: and after the supreme region of the Air, the region of Fire follows; and whether this element is found next to the concavity of the Moon, or that according to the opinion of some, there is no more Element of Fire than the Sun itself: whatever the case may be, we see that the Moon (whose charge is to defend the waters) occupies its due place, which is to be immediately next to the Elemental Region, and the closest to the waters, so that none of the others can hinder the aid that it needs to send at all times to its camp. It has Venus very close, from whom it can receive help, for being both of the same nature, although Mercury is in between in the second Heaven, it has no strength to obstruct the communication of these two planets. In the fourth Heaven the Sun has its Royal Tent, and immediately next to it, is the Field of Mars, which occupies this position, to make it understood to the kings, that in order to preserve the Majesty, the observance of the laws, and the reputation, both among their subjects and vassals, and among strangers, it is necessary to have the Arms very ready and very handy, to use them on any occasion that may arise: with the caveat, that if they fail, it will certainly lack any of these three things, and with them the Monarchy. Jupiter is placed very wisely in the sixth place, between Saturn and Mars, to prevent the communication of these two enemies of human nature: because if they came together, although the coldness of Saturn could temper the heat of Mars, on the other hand, combining the dryness of both with that of the Sun, they would quickly dry up the radical moisture of all things, making the construction of the Universe vain or imperfect. It can also be noted that, just as the Air in the elemental Region occupies the place that is between Fire and Earth, and separates these two Elements, so that united they do not consume that of Water, Jupiter’s position in the ethereal or celestial Region is very appropriate, to achieve the same effect.

La ſegunda, que es de Copernico (aunque eſtà diſpueſta con grandioſa armonia) por contradezir à la ſagrada Eſcriptura, no eſtà recibida entre los Catolicos. Las otras dos, que ſuponen la Tierra immobil, ſe tiene por mas ajuſtadas. Aqui ſe ha de notar, que Venus eſtà en medio del Sol, y de Marte, para templar el calor, y ſequedad de ambos, con ſu frialdad, y humedad; y Jupiter, como en la de Ptolomeo, eſtà alojado entre Saturno, y Marte, para templar la ſequedad de ambos. Mucho avia que dezir à cerca de eſta hermoſa circnvalacion, en que la Luna guarda ſiempre ſu lugar junto à la Region Elementar; pero como nueſtro intento no es mas que de apuntar eſtos miſterios, dexarèmos diſcurrir deſta materia à los Aſtronomos, y Philoſophos, y paſſarèmos à la tercera accion, que no tiene menos que entender, que la primera, y ſegunda.

The second one, which is from Copernicus (although arranged with grand harmony), for contradicting the sacred Scripture, is not accepted among Catholics. The other two, which assume the Earth to be immobile, are considered more adjusted. Here it should be noted that Venus is between the Sun and Mars, to temper the heat and dryness of both, with its coldness and moisture; and Jupiter, as in Ptolemy’s, is lodged between Saturn and Mars, to temper the dryness of both. There is much to say about this beautiful circumvolution, in which the Moon always keeps its place next to the Elemental Region; but as our intention is only to point out these mysteries, we will leave the discourse of this matter to astronomers and philosophers, and move on to the third action, which has no less to understand than the first and second.

La tercera, y vltima accion, que es el Pelear, es tan alta, y tan ardua, que por ella ſe puede dezir: Hoc opus hic labor eſt. ella es materia tan oculta, y tan recondita, que apenas podemos diſcurrir en ella. Bien ſabemos que ay guerra entre los Elementos, y Planetas; pero el modo que tiene para hazerla, no es facil de conocer, ò percibir: es opinon muy recibida entre los Philoſophos, que el Sol con ſus rayos, que Dios le ha dado por armas, que por eſſo los Poetas las llaman flechas, peleando engendra el Oro en las entrñas de la tierra; pero ninguno ſe atreverà v dezir la forma de ſu obra. Lo miſmo haze la Luna, y los demàs Planetas, no ſolo con los metales, pero tambien con todo lo que ſe ecierra debaxo de lo animal, vejetal, y mineral, procurando cada vno à porfia hazer gente de ſu faccion, y favorecer à los de ſu parcialidad, y ofender à la contraria. Exemplos tenemos de eſta verdad en muchas coſas que tienen con otras ſimpatia, ò antipatia, como de la piedra imàan con los polos del mundo, y con el azero; el azogue con el oro, el ruybarbo con la colera, &c.

The third and final action, which is to Fight, is so high and so arduous, that for it one could say: This is the work, this is the task. It is such a hidden and recondite matter that we can hardly discourse on it. We know well that there is a war between the Elements and Planets; but the way they have to wage it is not easy to know or perceive: it is a very accepted opinion among philosophers that the Sun, with its rays, which God has given him for weapons, hence poets call them arrows, fighting generates gold in the bowels of the earth; but no one will dare to describe the form of his work. The same is done by the Moon, and the other Planets, not only with metals, but also with everything that is enclosed under the animal, vegetable, and mineral, each one striving to create people of their faction, favor those of their partiality, and offend the opposite. We have examples of this truth in many things that have sympathy or antipathy with others, such as the magnet stone with the poles of the world, and with steel; the quicksilver with gold, rhubarb with bile, etc.

Algunas particularidades, à cerca de eſte obrar, ò pelear, han obſervado, y raſtreado, los Judiciarios, aviendo alcanzado por experiencia, que por razon de diferentes pueſtos, que adquieren reſpecto de cada Orizonte, obran con mas fuerzas, reſpecto de ſus movimientos proprios, en quanto à ſer tardos, veloces, directos, retrogados, ò eſtacionarios, por hallarſe, ò aſpectuarſe en ſus caſas, exaltaciones, triplicidades, y terminos, y ſe hallan debiles en ſus detrimentos, y caìdas: el Sol ſe halla exaltado en el ſigno de Aries, que es caſa de Marte, ſu Capitan General; y la Luna en Tauro, que es caſa de Vens, ſu aydante. Tambien tienen fuerzas los Planetas, quando ſe hallan en conjuncion, ò aſpectos benevolos con los de ſu parcialidad, y los buenos reciben detrimento, quando ſe hallan cercados de los infortunos, y aſsi adquieren ferzas, ò debilidad, reſpecto de eſtàr en los Apogeos, ò Perigeos, aſsi de ſus Excentricos, como de ſus Epiciclos.

Some particularities, about this work or fight, have been observed and traced by the Judicial astrologers, having found by experience, that due to different positions that they acquire in relation to each Horizon, they act with more force, in regard to their own movements, as to being slow, fast, direct, retrograde, or stationary, for being or aspecting in their houses, exaltations, triplicities, and terms, and they are found weak in their detriments, and falls: the Sun is found exalted in the sign of Aries, which is the house of Mars, its General Captain; and the Moon in Taurus, which is the house of Venus, its assistant. The Planets also have strength when they are in conjunction, or benevolent aspects with those of their faction, and the good ones receive detriment when they are surrounded by the unfortunate, and thus acquire strength, or weakness, with respect to being in the Apogees or Perigees, both of their Eccentrics and their Epicycles.

Otras muchas paſsiones, y formas de obrar tienen los Planetas, cuyos efectos ſon ma conocidos à los que tratan deſta ciencia ex profeſſo; pero à todo el Mundo en general ſon conocidos los que cauſan los dos Luminares con ſus encuentros, ò aſpectos; y en particular los que cauſa la Luna en todos los enfermos, obligando à los humores à que tambien peleen los vnos contra los otros, que es lo que llaman criſis; y eſta ſe haze quando la Luna llega al aſpecto quadrado, ò de opoſicion al lugar adonde eſtaba en el principio del decubito. Tambien ſe vè muy clara eſta verdad en las conjunciones que el Sol haze con la Luna, y los demàs aſpectos quadrados y de opoſicion, que es lo que llamanos Luna nueva, quarto creciente, ò menguante, y Luna llena: y ſobre todo en las crecientes, y menguantes de la Mar, teniendo tanta juriſdicion, y ſimpatia con la aguas, que las obliga à que ſalgan de ſu centro à paſſar mueſtra, ò à rendir vaſallage; y eſto dos vezes cada dia, la vna en preſencia de la miſma Luna, y la otra en la de ſu lugarteniente, que es ſu punto opueſto: por otra parte parece que quiſieran ir à favorecer à la Luna, porque quando la vèn en conjuncion con el Sol, entonces hazen ſu mayor esfuerzo, que es lo que llamnos aguas vivas, porque ſuben mas que otras vezes, porque la juzgan en aquella ocaſion en mayor aprieto. Ay opinion entre los Aſtrologos, que las conjunciones magnas de Jupiter, y Saturno (que es quando paſſande la triplicidad del Fuego à la triplicidad del Agua) cauſan en el Mundo muy grandes alteraciones, tranſportando las Monarquias, ò Imperios de vnas regiones, ò de vnas caſas en otras: acontecen ſiempre en eſpacio de 794. años, y de ellas han paſſado ocho deſde la creacion del Mundo haſta aora, ſegun la quenta mas recibida. De aqui tenemos que ponderar, que eſtas mudanzas, y alteraciones grandes, ſolo ſe hazen quando eſtos Planetas ſe paſſan del campo del Fuego al del Agua; porque aunque hazen ſus conjunciones menores en eſpacio de veinte años, poco menos, y las medias en 198. y medio: en eſta conocida muda de triplicidad, como no es de la parcialidad contraria, no ſe ſienten en el Mundo tantas novedades, como en las que ſe hazen en los Signos de contraria naturaleza, y ſujetos à eſtos dos combatientes, ò alguno de ſu juriſdicion. No ſolo ſienten los efectos de eſta guerra, ò contienda los vientos, Mares, minerales, vejetales, humores, y Monarquias; pero tambien en las coſas de mayor guſto tiene ſu dominio la contrariedad; porque en la muſica evemos, que peleando lo grave con lo agudo, nunca ſe ſiente mayor ſuavidad, que quanto las vozes proceden con movimiento contrario; y en lo que ſe oye de mayor armonia, que ſon las clauſulas, ſe ha hallado por experiencia, que para que el oìod llegue à guſtar de la conſonancia, que llaman Falſa entre los Muſicos. De aqui ſe prueba la opinion del grande Homero, que quitada la contienda, ſe quita la hermoſura de el Univerſo.

The planets have many other passions and ways of acting, the effects of which are better known to those who study this science professionally; but the effects caused by the two Luminaries with their encounters or aspects are known to everyone in general, especially the effects that the Moon causes in all the sick, forcing the humors to also fight each other, which is what they call a crisis; and this occurs when the Moon reaches the square aspect or opposition to the place where it was at the beginning of the bedrest. This truth is also clearly seen in the conjunctions that the Sun makes with the Moon, and the other square aspects and oppositions, which is what we call the New Moon, the first quarter, or the last quarter, and the Full Moon: and above all in the tides, having such jurisdiction, and sympathy with the waters, that it forces them to leave their center to pass muster, or to render vassalage; and this twice each day, once in the presence of the same Moon, and the other in the presence of its lieutenant, which is its opposite point: on the other hand, it seems that they would want to go to favor the Moon, because when they see it in conjunction with the Sun, then they make their greatest effort, which is what we call spring tides, because they rise more than other times, because they judge it in that occasion in greater trouble. There is an opinion among astrologers that the great conjunctions of Jupiter and Saturn (which is when passing from the triplicity of Fire to the triplicity of Water) cause very great alterations in the World, transporting Monarchies or Empires from one region or house to another: they always occur in a space of 794 years, and eight of them have passed since the creation of the World until now, according to the most received count. From here we have to ponder that these changes, and great alterations, are only made when these Planets pass from the field of Fire to that of Water; because although they make their minor conjunctions in a space of twenty years, a little less, and the media in 198.5: in this known change of triplicity, as it is not of the opposite party, they are not felt in the World as many novelties as in those that are made in the Signs of opposite nature, and subjects to these two combatants, or someone of their jurisdiction. Not only do the effects of this war or strife feel the winds, Seas, minerals, vegetables, humors, and Monarchies; but also in the things of greater taste has its domain the contradiction; because in music we see, that fighting the low with the high, never is felt greater sweetness, than how much the voices proceed with contrary movement; and in what is heard of greater harmony, which are the clauses, it has been found by experience, that for the ear to reach to taste of the consonance, which they call False among the Musicians. From here the opinion of the great Homer is proved, that removed the contention, the beauty of the Universe is removed.

No era neceſſario todo eſte diſcurſo para perſuadir la grandez, y excelencia deſta ciencia; porque como la Mageſtad Divina ha criado al hombre à ſu imagen; y ſemejanza, y es todo poderoſo, cada vno es inclinado al manda, y al poder; y como no ay ningun mando ſoberamo ſin las Armas, es evidente el argumento; de donde ſe ſigue, que todos vinverſalmente dan mueſtras de eſte impulſo, è inclinacion à las Armas.

All of this discourse was not necessary to persuade the greatness and excellence of this science; because as the Divine Majesty has created man in His image and likeness, and is all-powerful, everyone is inclined to command and power; and as there is no sovereign command without Arms, the argument is evident; hence it follows that everyone universally shows signs of this impulse and inclination towards Arms.

Y confieſſo averme tocado mucha parte de eſta inclinacion, ò efecto generoſo, aun antes de tener vſo de razon, el qual ſe ha ido continuando de mi de tal ſuerte, que en medio de mis mayores ocupaciones, nunca he dexado de ſolicitar los medios poſsibles para alcanzar algun conocimiento de eſta ciencia; y aſsi he juzgado que antes de aſpirar à ſaber como ſe ha de aver vn numero grande, ò pequeño de combatientes, con otro igual, mayor, ò menor; era neceſſario ſaber como ſe ha de aver cada vno, ò en particular con otro de ſu igual, mayor, ò menor.

And I confess that I have been greatly affected by this inclination or generous effect, even before I had the use of reason, which has continued in me in such a way that in the midst of my greatest occupations, I have never ceased to seek all possible means to attain some knowledge of this science; and so I have judged that before aspiring to know how to have a large or small number of fighters, with another equal, greater, or smaller; it was necessary to know how each one, or in particular, is to have with another of his equal, greater, or smaller.

Aſſentado eſto, tratè de diſponer los medios para conſeguirlo, que ſon los buenos Maeſtros, procurando los mejores, y de mas opiniones de mi tiempo, y deſpues de ellos à todos los que juzguè adelantados en el conocimiento de eſta materia. Con el exercicio de el cuerpo hize tuviera parte el entendimiento, con la lectura de los mejores Autores, que ha ſido el Comendador Don Geronimo Sanches de Carranza, y Don Luis Pacheco de Narvaez, muy inſignes en eſta profeſsion, mediante la qual he querido pone la idèa de vna fortificacion, para ayuda an algo à los aficionados à eſta ciencia, juzgando que no ſerà de poco fruto, y vtilidad para los que quiſieren valerſe de ella: que aunque parece que eſtos Autores ha hechado el ſello, y que no ſe puede halla plus vltra; ſin embargo conſiderando que aun queda en opiniones, tanto en Eſpaña, como fuera obras à la perfeccion que ſe requiere. Lo qual aviendo y mirado, y conſiderado atentamente, he hallado, que la cauſa de eſto nace de no averlas tratado con el methodo que ſe requiere para cauſar evidencia, proque en lugar de tratarla como à mathematica, à quien eſtà ſubalternada eſta ciencia, ſe ha tratado con terminos Philoſophicos, los quales ſin demonſtraciones Mathematicas, antes ſirven de confuſion, que de claridad; eſto conſta con evidencia, porque aſsi como en toda Europa, Aſia, Africa, y America, ſe guarda el methodo de las reglas de la ciencia militar, obſervando en todas las partes de Eſpaña, Francia, Italia, Alemania, Flandes, è Inglaterra, la miſma form,a de fortificar, y expugnar las plazas, como tambien el de pelear en campaña con los Exercitos; figueſe que ſi en la Deſtreza de las Armas (que es vna parte de la ciencia militar) huvieran reconocido algunas propoſiciones, ò maximas vinverſales, y ſuperiores à las demàs, que tambien las huvieran admitido todos, como han hecho las de la milicia, por ſer natural à todos, buſcar lo que ſe conoce por bueno: y ſupueſto que no ſe ha hecho, es indicio que no ſe ha conocido haſta aora, en què conſiſte la Ciencia, y Deſtreza de la Eſpada, à la qual por excelencia le ha dado el vſo, que paſſa plaza de ley, el nombre de Armas en general, ò porque es el fundamento de toda la milicia, ò porque virtualmente encierra la contemplacion de los mas altos miſterios de vna ciencia, con cuyo medio ſe conſervan los Reynos, y ſe dilatan las Monarquias.

Having established this, I tried to arrange the means to achieve it, which are good teachers, seeking the best, and the most reputable of my time, and after them, all those I judged advanced in the knowledge of this subject. I made my understanding participate in the exercise of the body, with the reading of the best Authors, which has been the Commander Don Geronimo Sanchez de Carranza, and Don Luis Pacheco de Narvaez, very notable in this profession, through which I wanted to put the idea of a fortification, to help somewhat the enthusiasts of this science, judging that it will not be of little fruit, and utility for those who want to avail themselves of it: although it seems that these Authors have put the seal, and that plus ultra cannot be found; however considering that there is still room for opinions, both in Spain and abroad, works to perfection that is required. The cause of this, as I have observed and carefully considered, arises from not having treated them with the method that is required to cause evidence, because instead of treating it like a mathematical science, to which this science is subaltern, it has been treated with philosophical terms, which without mathematical demonstrations, rather serve confusion than clarity; this is evident, because just as in all of Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, the method of the rules of military science is observed, observing in all parts of Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Flanders, and England, the same form of fortifying, and besieging places, as well as fighting in the field with the Armies; it follows that if in the Skill of Arms (which is a part of military science) they had recognized some universal propositions, or maxims superior to the others, they would also have admitted them all, as they have done the ones of the militia, because it is natural to all, to seek what is known to be good: and since this has not been done, it is an indication that it has not been known until now, in what consists the Science, and Skill of the Sword, to which by excellence the use has given, that passes the plaza of law, the name of Arms in general, either because it is the foundation of all the militia, or because it virtually encloses the contemplation of the highest mysteries of a science, by means of which Kingdoms are preserved, and Monarchies are expanded.

Lo que hemos de procurar aora, es el remedio à eſte inconveniente, y hazer deſuerte, que ſupueſto que à la deſtreza de las Armas le pertenece el nombre de ciencia (como aquella de quien eſtà ſubalternada, que tambien como ella eſtà recibida por todas las partes adonde llega ſu noticia) ſea el rumbo que hemos de ſeguir, que para aver de poner en practica la ciencia de las Armas, ha de ſer teniendo conſideracion à ſus dos partes principales, que ſon la defenſa, y ofenſa.

What we must seek now is the remedy for this inconvenience, and do so, that assuming that the skill of Arms belongs to the name of science (like that of which it is subaltern, which like it is received by all parts where its news arrives) is the course we must follow, that to put into practice the science of Arms, it must be having consideration to its two main parts, which are defense, and offense.

La ofenſa en nueſtra Deſtreza ha de ſer con la Eſpada; pero la defenſa que la podia acompañar, parece avia de ſer el broquel, ò rodela; mas como nueſtro intento es tratar primero de la Eſpada ſola, y no acompañada, parece que no ſe puede conſeguir lo que ſe pretende, atento que la faltarà à eſta ciencia la vna de las partes principales en que ſe funda, que es la defenſa, que aunque tiene la guarnicion que repreſenta vn eſcudo, ò broquel pequeño, no es ſuſiciente para cubrir todo el cuerpo: con que ſe puede tener alguna imperfeccion en eſta cienca.

The offense in our Skill must be with the Sword; but the defense that could accompany it, seems it should be the buckler or round shield; but as our intention is to deal first with the Sword alone, and not accompanied, it seems that what is intended cannot be achieved, given that one of the main parts on which this science is based, which is the defense, will be missing. Although it has a hilt that represents a small shield or buckler, it is not enough to cover the entire body: so this science may have some imperfection.

Pero como el Criador, que ha hecho todas las coſas con tanto acuerdo, formando todos los animales, y dado à lod vnos Armas ofenſivas, à otros defenſivas, y à los otros ofenſivas, y defenſivas, conſtituyò al hombre ſuperior à todos; era evidente que no le avia de nergar lo que avia concedido à ſus ſubditos. Diò ſu Divina providencia al hombre con el alma racional, no ſolo la invencion de las ofenſivas, y defenſivas; pero tambien facultad para que de las miſmas ofenſivas formaſſe las defenſivas: eſto ſe verà evidente en nueſtra doctrina, porque moſtraremos en ſu lugar, que el dieſtro con ſu Eſpada, podrà forma vn eſcudo para ſu defenſa, tan grande, como el que vſaban los Romanos en ſu milicia; que por el miſmo caſo que eſta defenſa ha de ſer inviſible, eſſo miſmo la haze mas miſterioſa.

But as the Creator, who has made all things with such harmony, forming all animals, and given some offensive weapons, others defensive, and others both offensive and defensive, made man superior to all; it was evident that he was not going to deny him what he had granted to his subjects. His Divine providence gave man, along with the rational soul, not only the invention of offensive and defensive weapons; but also the faculty to form defensive ones from the very offensive: this will be evident in our doctrine, because we will show in its place, that the skilled fencer with his Sword, can form a shield for his defense, as large as the Romans used in their military; and because this defense must be invisible, this makes it even more mysterious.

El empeño es grande, pero eſte es el aſſumpto de la obra, en que eſpero deſempeñarme; y confieſſo, que ſi eſto no ſe pudiera conſeguir, que tampoco fuera demonſtrable vna ciencia tan neceſſaria, como de quien depende la conſervacion de la vida, honra, y hazienda de los hombres, y en quien ſe funda el exercicio de vna coſa, de quin ſe ſiguen todas las vtilidades, y grandezas, que ſe dejan conocer, y expreſſamos con idividualidad en eſtos Eſcritos.

The commitment is great, but this is the subject of the work, in which I hope to perform; and I confess that if this could not be achieved, then neither would a science as necessary as that upon which the preservation of life, honor, and property of men depends, and upon which the practice of a thing, from which all the utilities and greatness that can be known, are followed, and we express with individuality in these writings.

El modo que ſeguimos parece adequado à la materia, porque aſsi como los Mathematicos, y Coſmographos, quando han querido tratar de la fabrica del Univerſo, para poderlo hazer con mas vtilidad, y facilidad, han fingido, y formado vnos cuerpos, que tienen ſemejanza, y connexion con la materia de que han querido tratar (como ſon las Esferas, y los Globos celeſte y terreſtre) y en la Gnomionica ò Perſpectiva, han formando vnas Piramides, ò Conos, para repreſentar à la viſta las ideas de las que ſiendo inviſibles, ſon causadas el ayre de los objetos, y de los rayos viſuales; tambien noſotros, aviendo de tratar de ofenſa y defenſa, hemos juzgado conveniente, y aun neceſſario, valernos de alguna coſa material, como ſon el eſcudo, y fortificacion, para que por medio de eſtas dos coſas ſe pueda formar la idea de lo que realmente nos conviene hazer para nueſtra defenſa, ajuſtandonos en eſto à la opinion, y ſentencia de Ariſtoteles, que dize: Nihil eſt intellectu quin priùs fuerit in ſenſu.

The method we follow seems appropriate to the subject, because just as mathematicians and cosmographers, when they have wanted to deal with the structure of the Universe, in order to do so with more utility and ease, have imagined and formed bodies that have resemblance and connection to the matter they have wanted to deal with (like spheres, and celestial and terrestrial globes) and in gnomonics or perspective, they have formed pyramids, or cones, to represent to the sight the ideas of those which being invisible, are caused by the air of objects, and visual rays; we too, having to deal with offense and defense, have judged it convenient, and even necessary, to use something material, such as a shield and fortification, so that through these two things the idea of what we really need to do for our defense can be formed, adhering in this to the opinion and sentence of Aristotle, who says: Nothing is in the intellect that was not first in the senses.

Supeſto que en todo hemos de guardar la orden que obſervan los Mathematicos en ſus demonſtraciones, que es valerſe de lineas, quando no pueden de cuerpos, repreſentarèmos con ellas la forma de nueſtro Caſtillo, ajuſtandonos ſiempre à las maximas vinverſales que ſe guardan en la fortificacion de las Plazas, que ſon el proporcionarlas, no ſolo à la gente que ha de eſtar en ellas; pero tambien al numero de los enemigos, y al efecto de las Armas con que pudiera ſe acometidas. Como nueſtro intento es, que ſolo eſte Caſtillo ſea para la defenſa del Dieſtro, y que ſu adverſario con vna Eſpada ſola ſea el que le aya de acomete, tratarèmos de proporcionarlo en ſu lugar.

Assuming that in everything we must observe the order that mathematicians follow in their demonstrations, which is to use lines when they cannot use bodies, we will represent with them the form of our Castle, always adhering to the universal maxims that are observed in the fortification of the Places, which is to proportion them, not only to the people who are to be in them; but also to the number of enemies, and to the effect of the Weapons with which they could be attacked. Since our intention is that this Castle is only for the defense of the Skilled, and that his adversary with a Sword alone is the one who must attack him, we will try to proportion it in its place.