I recently saw in my neighborhood of Mussidan that those forcibly dislodged by our army, and others of their party, cried out treason, because during the brokering of a peace agreement, while the cease fire was still in effect, they were surprised and smashed to pieces. This was an action that would not happen in another century. But our ways have entirely different rules. No trust should be placed in each other until the last signature has been signed, and even then there is reason for caution.
And it has always been a hazardous piece of advice to trust a victorious army to observe agreements made with conquered states, especially if they have surrendered by a gentle and favorable composition, and left the city’s gates open to the soldiers.
Roman Praetor Lucius Aemylius Regillus engaged in a time consuming and costly attack on Phocaea, but due to the remarkable prowess of its inhabitants, they defended themselves and negotiated a pact to be received as friends of the Roman people, considered a confederate city without fear of hostile action. But when the Regillus army tried to occupy the city and make a show of force, the Praetor was unable, no matter how hard he tried. to keep his men in check. They plundered large swaths of the city. Avarice and vengeance took hold of them and overrode his authority and military discipline.
Cleomenes said any harm inflicted on enemies at war is just and not subject to the rule of gods or men. Having arranged a seven day cease fire with the Argives, on the third night he attacked and defeated them in their sleep, later arguing that his truce made no mention of night. But the gods avenged his treachery. During a later parley, while both sides were musing on strategies, the city of Casilinum was seized by surprise, even though it was defended by centurions of the most just captains and perfect Roman militia. Nowhere is it written that an army cannot take advantage of an enemy’s folly, as we do their cowardice.
War has many privileges that are reasonable to the prejudice of reason; and here the rule must be:
No one should act in such a way as to take advantage of another’s ignorance. (Cicero)
I am astonished how Xenophon spins such descriptions and stories about his ”perfect emperor.” He is an author of marvelous weight in such matters, as a great captain and philosopher as the first disciples of Socrates. And do not consent to the extent of his dispensation, in everything and in all respects.
Monsieur d’Aubigny laid a furious battery attack on Capua. This led Lord Fabrizio Colonna, Captain of the City, to begin a parley from above a bastion. His people kept a more slack watch, leading our men to destroy it all.
As Lord Julian Rommero, fresh from Yvoy, took the fool’s step of parleying with the Lord High Constable, he found his place seized on his return. But so that we do not leave without revenge: the Marquis of Pesquaire, was laying siege to Genes, where Duke Octavian Fregose commanded under our protection. Their peace was nearly complete, but on the verge of conclusion, the Spaniards launched a sneak attack that they considered as good as a victory on the field.
In Ligny en Barrois, where the Count of Brienne commanded, the Emperor besieged him in person. Bertheuille, Lieutenant of the said Count, came out to talk. During the market, the town was seized.
Winning was always a praiseworthy thing, Win either by fortune or by talent, (Ariosto)
But the philosopher Chrisippus did not agree with this opinion, and neither do I. Chirisippus said that those who run in envy must use all their strength to achieve speed; but it is not permissible to lay hands on their adversary to stop him, nor to stretch out a leg to make him fall.
And even more generously still, Alexander the Great to Polypercon, who urged him to use the advantage that the darkness of night gave him to attack Darius: “No,” he said, “it is not for me to use stolen victories:”
I would rather regret my fortune than be ashamed of my victory. (Quintus Curtius)
And the same Orodes did not deign to turn back the fleeing Orodes, nor to strike him blind with a spear, He met him face to face, and man to man. He attacked, not better by stealth, but by brave arms. (Virgil)