pair and defense that it may
await, with courage and confidence (after the protection of God), any
attack whatever from surrounding enemies, who are known here--until,
with the lapse of time, and God opening His hand more generously,
and the city growing stronger with its power and forts, it may, not
contenting itself with only conserving that conquered in the name
of God and of its king, extend and enlarge itself, ever acquiring
greater dominion and authority. For this purpose, there is no surer
means than by repairs and preparations to have foreseen the danger
and extremity to which we might come, before such danger comes to
let fall its blow--since, if we await it until that time, the enemy
will give us no opportunity to take counsel or protect ourselves,
much less to make and prepare things, that, necessarily, to be of
use, should have been made and prepared much beforehand; for the
sword is worn many days in the belt, to but one that it proves its
worth by its aid. It would not suffice for me then, when the enemy
tried to kill me in the fort, to have my sword at home. Nor is it a
discreet state which, when expecting enemies, waits until they are
actually seen, before providing a fort, walls, artillery, galleys,
arms, and other preparations _[aparatos]_, which for that very reason
are called preparations: because they have to be made ready beforehand
_[aparejados]_ many days, and even years. Accordingly, not only should
the arms be ready, but the soldiers experienced in and accustomed to
them; the galley not only finished, but the rower skilful at the oar;
the food collected; and even the money, which is the sinew of war,
ready and assigned for the expenses of war--in order that the enemy,
who spies on all our actions, may see how well prepared and equipped
we are, and be restrained and intimidated. For many times battles are
fought as much by means of reputation as with forces, and since the
future danger, when it is assured, must be held as present, in order
to anticipate it and prepare for it, let us take counsel on the danger
expected as if we had it already at the doors of our houses. And with
the same diligence, let us set ourselves to the preparation, as if we
actually saw the enemy on that sea. I would wish to be judged as too
forearmed and assured, than, by negligence, over-confidence, and lack
of diligence to lose one palmo of land, or one iota of reputation. This
proposition, then, Fathers and Sirs, I hav