e,
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