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LUIGI<br />
Since an engagement has been won so honorably under my Rule, I<br />
think it is well if I do not tempt fortune further, knowing how changeable<br />
and unstable it is. And, therefore, I desire to resign my speakership,<br />
and that, wanting to follow the order that belongs to the youngest, Zanobi<br />
now assume this <strong>of</strong>fice <strong>of</strong> questioning. And I know he will not refuse<br />
this honor, or we would rather say, this hard work, as much in order to<br />
(give) pleasure, as also because he is naturally more courageous than I:<br />
nor should he be afraid to enter into these labors, where he can thus be<br />
overcome, as he can overcome.<br />
ZANOBI<br />
I intend to stay where you put me, even though I would more willingly<br />
stay to listen, because up to now I am more satisfied with your<br />
questions than those which occurred to me in listening to your discussions<br />
pleased me. But I believe it is well, Lords, that since you have time<br />
left, and have patience, we do not annoy you with these ceremonies <strong>of</strong><br />
ours.<br />
FABRIZIO<br />
Rather you give me pleasure, because this change <strong>of</strong> questioners<br />
makes me know the various geniuses, and your various desires. Is there<br />
anything remaining <strong>of</strong> the matter discussed which you think should be<br />
added?<br />
ZANOBI<br />
<strong>The</strong>re are two things I desire before we pass on to another part: the<br />
one is, that you would show me if there is another form <strong>of</strong> organizing the<br />
Army which may occur to you: the other, what considerations ought a<br />
Captain have before going to battle, and if some accident should arise<br />
concerning it, what remedies can be made.<br />
FABRIZIO<br />
I will make an effort to satisfy you, I will not reply to your questions in<br />
detail; for, when I answer one, <strong>of</strong>ten it will also answer another. I have<br />
told you that I proposed a form for the Army which should fill all the requirements<br />
according to the (nature <strong>of</strong>) the enemy and the site, because<br />
in this case, one proceeds according to the site and the enemy. But note<br />
this, that there is no greater peril than to over extend the front <strong>of</strong> your<br />
army, unless you have a very large and very brave Army: otherwise you<br />
have to make it rather wide and <strong>of</strong> short length, than <strong>of</strong> long length and<br />
very narrow. For when you have a small force compared to the enemy,<br />
you ought to seek other remedies; for example, arrange your army so<br />
that you are girded on a side by rivers or swamps, so that you cannot be<br />
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