PAULUS IOVIUS

and they fill them more skillfully, as they do not hold the lance pressed to their side, like other nations, but fixed and braced against the thigh, and tilted to the right they are carried against the enemy. Firearms have also come into use among the English, although they have not yet appeared in the battle line as being inexperienced; yet they obey camp laws with such diligence and discipline that, while foreign leaders require many things from the English soldier, they by no means desire the strength of an invincible and stubborn mind, because they do not fear death out of a sense of honor and shame. For no one would consider it honorable to fight again if it happened that he left his post or turned his back to avoid danger, since they consider it most glorious to escape dishonor through immediate death. Therefore, we observe an ancient custom flourishing among them, by which every most valiant and noble man leaves his horse at the sounding of the signals, so that, with the danger equalized for all and the hope of flight completely taken away, they may fight strenuously for both safety and praise. Today, those illustrious for military fame include Thomas Howard Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk, who, alongside his father Surrey in the front line, rendered very valiant service when that remarkable victory was gained at the Tweed Battle of Flodden upon the killing of James, King of the Scots; likewise Thomas Dacre, who in the same battle, being placed in charge of the cavalry, fought miraculously; and Charles Brandon, whom we see joined in marriage to Mary, sister of Henry, who had previously been married to Louis, King of France, because of his signal virtue. There remains an exceptional honor of a martial name in Arthur Plantagenet Arthur Plantagenet, 1st Viscount Lisle, often reputed to be an illegitimate son of Edward IV, Admiral of the fleet, who is considered to have been born of King Edward. Henry leads these commanders and soldiers to wars, his authority in the empire having been strengthened over many years; in peace, however, he governs quietly and easily through the marvelous obedience of the nation. Very ample wealth also accrues, by which he most successfully maintains the reputation of his power and forces; for every year more than one million gold coins are returned to the treasury and the exchequer, and this sum of money exceeds ten thousand pounds of gold. These revenues consist partly of ancient and fixed tributes of the provinces, partly of the Royal patrimony, in which is the Duchy of Lancaster, and likewise of harbor duties and taxes; for in the selling of wool and metal merchandise, the King has the prerogative of great profit at certain fairs, where it is not lawful for merchants' warehouses to be opened until the Royal goods are sold. The patrimonies of orphans also increase the Royal means in a marvelous way; for they do not enjoy their paternal inheritance before puberty. Indeed, boys live under the guardianship of the King by a certain law and are entrusted more to the nobles and to highly opulent sacred men, so that they may fully acquire the discipline of arms, of letters, and, in short, of the entire court among them. But it is incredible to say how much wealth Henry has recently amassed, when he plundered the patrimonies of the churches and the offerings of almost all the temples were subsequently diverted into the treasury by wicked rapacity, so that today, among other Kings, he holds the title of being the most moneyed, but with significant infamy; for in tranquil times he scarcely spends half of his legitimate revenue on household expenses. This consists entirely of the stipend of the praetorian guard, the custody of fortresses, the royal board, the preparation for hunting, and liberality toward the ambassadors of Kings, whom he is accustomed to adorn splendidly with gifts; for the bodyguard is small, since it is filled by two hundred mounted archers and one hundred foot spearmen. Furthermore, when the court moves to country houses and the King studies various hunts, it is seen to be rarely full in accordance with his dignity, but then it is filled with all the nobility and most ornate lords when embassies arrive or when it is necessary to consult about the Republic at the King’s summons. He supports no soldier in peace besides the praetorians, whom we have called bodyguards; but when the war trumpet sounds, with everyone’s spirits burning with huge hatred against the Scots and the French,