第17章

But suppose the chance should occur of entering the lists against an equal number of the enemy's cavalry, according to my judgment it were no bad plan to split the squadron into divisions,[17] the first of which should be commanded by the squadron-leader, and the other by the ablest officer to be found.This second-officer will for the time being follow in rear of the leading division with the squadron leader; and by and by, when the antagonist is in near proximity, and when the word of command is passed,form squadron to the front and charge the hostile ranks[18]--a manouvre calculated, as I conceive, to bring the whole mass down upon the enemy with paralysing force, and to cause him some trouble to extricate himself.Ideally speaking, both divisions[19] will be backed by infantry kept in rear of the cavalry; these will suddenly disclose themselves, and rushing to close quarters, in all probability clench the nail of victory.[20] So at any rate it strikes me, seeing as I do the effects of what is unexpected-- how, in the case of good things, the soul of man is filled to overflowing with joy, and again, in the case of things terrible, paralysed with amazement.In proof of what I say, let any one reflect on the stupor into which a body of men with all the weight of numerical advantage on their side will be betrayed by falling into an ambuscade; or again, on the exaggerated terror mutually inspired in belligerents during the first few days, of finding themselves posted in face of one another.

[17] Or, "troops."

[18] Possibly on flank.See Courier, p.35, on Spanish cavalry tactics.

[19] Lit."supposing both divisions to be backed by footmen," etc.

[20] Or, "achieve a much more decisive victory." Cf."Cyrop." III.

iii.28.

To make these dispositions is not hard; the difficulty is to discover a body of men who will dash forward[21] and charge an enemy as above described intelligently and loyally, with an eager spirit and unfailing courage.That is a problem for a good cavalry general to solve.I mean an officer who must be competent to so assert himself in speech or action[22] that those under him will no longer hesitate.They will recognise of themselves that it is a good thing and a right to obey,[23] to follow their leader, to rush to close quarters with the foe.A desire will consume them to achieve some deed of glory and renown.A capacity will be given them patiently to abide by the resolution of their souls.

[21] {parelontas}, in reference to S.18 above, {parelaunoi}, "form squadron to the front."[22] "To be this, he must be able as an orator as well as a man of action." Cf."Mem." II.ii.11.

[23] Cf.Tennyson's "The Charge of the Light Brigade":

Their's not to make reply, Their's not to reason why, Their's but to do and die.

To turn to another matter, take the case in which you have two armeis facing one another in battle order, or a pair of fortresses[24] belonging to rival powers, and in the space between all kinds of cavalry manouvres are enacted, wheelings and charges and retreats.[25] Under such circumstances the custom usually is for either party after wheeling to set off at a slow pace and to gallop full speed only in the middle of the course.But now suppose that a commander, after making feint[26] in this style, presently on wheeling quickens for the charge and quickens to retire--he will be able to hit the enemy far harder, and pull through absolutely without scathe himself most likely; through charging at full speed whilst in proximity to his own stronghold (or main body), and quickening to a gallop as he retires from the stronghold (or main body) of the enemy.If further, he could secretly contrive to leave behind four or five troopers, the bravest and best mounted of the squadron, it would give them an immense advantage in falling upon the enemy whilst wheeling to return to the charge.[27]

[24] Al."fields and farmsteads between."[25] Or, "retirements," see "Horsemanship," viii.12; "Cyrop." V.iv.8; "Hell." IV.ii.6; "Ages." ii.3.

[26] Or, "having precluded in this fashion.See Theocr.xxii.102:

{ton men anax ataraxen etosia khersi prodeiknus Pantothen}, "feinting on every side" (A.Lang).Al."having given due warningof his intention." Cf.Aristot."H.A." ix.37.

[27]Cf.Aristoph."Knights,"244(Demosthenescallstothe hipparchs[?]):

{andres eggus.all' amunou, kapanastrephou palin}.