Page:History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella the Catholic Vol. III.djvu/188

162 ITALIAN WARS. PART and tactics, he paid equal attention to the formation — ^ — of a suitable character in his soldiery. The cir- cumstances in which he was placed at Barleta, and on the Garigliano, imperatively demanded this. Without food, clothes, or pay, without the chance even of retrieving his desperate condition by ven- turing a blow at the enemy, the Spanish soldier was required to remain passive. To do this de- manded patience, abstinence, strict subordination, and a degree of resolution far higher than that required to combat obstacles, however formidable in themselves, where active exertion, which tasks the utmost energies of the soldier, renews his spirits and raises them to a contempt of danger. It was calling on him, in short, to begin with achieving that most difficult of all victories, the victory over himself. Influence All this thc Spauish commander effected. He over the '■ array. infuscd iuto his men a portion of his own invincible energy. He inspired a love of his person, which led them to emulate his example, and a confidence in his genius and resources, which supported them under all their privations by a firm reliance on a fortunate issue. His manners were distinguished by a graceful courtesy, less encumbered with eti- quette than was usual with persons of his high rank in Castile. He knew well the proud and in- dependent feelings of the Spanish soldier ; and, far from annoying him by unnecessary restraints, showed the most liberal indulgence at all times. But his kindness was tempered with severity, which displayed itself, on such occasions as required inter-