Two days after this defeat (though their loss was not very great) the pride and insolence of this silly people were strangely abated. However indeed, be it who it may, it is an act of imprudence and rashness for any to expose their fortunes to the hazard of a battle if they can possibly avoid it; for the loss of a small number of men oftentimes occasions an incredible change and alteration in the courage of the army that has been defeated, not only in possessing their minds with a dread of the enemy, but by infusing a disrespect and contempt of their commander and his privy councillors. It also makes them inclinable to mutiny and rebel, and emboldens them to demand with more confidence than they were wont, and to resent with more insolence when they are denied; and three crowns would not satisfy them so well as one would have done before. Wherefore that general who has lost one battle, if he be wise, ought to be cautious how he engages suddenly again with those men who have been lately beaten; but he should rather act defensively, or, at least, enter upon some trifling action, in which there is a probability of succeeding, in order to revive their courage by dispelling their fears. In all cases, the loss of a battle is always attended with ill consequences, especially to him that is beaten. However, those who are conquerors, and those whose infantry is better than their neighbours’ (as may be said of the English and Swiss), may fight as they please to put an end to the war. I name not those nations with any design to reflect upon the rest, but only because they have gained extraordinary victories, and are not to be kept long in the field without action, as the French and the Italians, who are either more grave and sober, or more easily commanded. On the other hand, that prince who is so fortunate as to gain the victory, acquires greater esteem and reputation in his army than he had before, and the obedience of his subjects increasing in proportion, they give him whatever he desires, and his soldiers become more daring and courageous. Sometimes also princes are so immoderately vain-glorious, and puffed up with their victories, that they turn afterwards to their prejudice, as I have seen; but moderation, and a just use of success, is a blessing which proceeds only from God.