7 2 BACON 



The second precept is, that the cause of the war be just and honor- 

 able; for this adds alacrity both to the soldiers and the people who 

 find the supplies, procure aids, alliances, and numerous other con- 

 veniences. Now, there is no cause of war more just and laudable than 

 the suppressing of tyranny, by which a people are dispirited, be- 

 numbed, or left without life and vigor, as at the sight of Medusa. 

 Such heroic acts transformed Hercules into a divinity. It was un- 

 doubtedly a point of religion with the Romans to aid with valor and 

 speed such of their allies and confederates as were in any way dis- 

 tressed. So just and vindictive wars have generally met with success; 

 as the war of the triumvirate in revenge for the death of Caesar, the 

 war of Severus for the death of Pertinax, and of Junius Brutus for the 

 death of Lucretia; for they who take up arms to relieve and revenge 

 the calamities of men fight under the standard of Perseus. 



Lastly, it is prudently added, that as there were three of the Gorgons 

 who represent war, Perseus singled her out for his expedition that 

 was mortal; which affords this precept, that such kind of wars should 

 be chosen as may be brought to a conclusion without pursuing vast 

 and infinite hopes. 



Again, Perseus's setting out is extremely well adapted to his under- 

 taking, and in a manner commands success he received despatch from 

 Mercury, secrecy from Pluto, and foresight from Pallas. It also con- 

 tains an excellent allegory, that the wings given him by Mercury 

 were for his heels, not for his shoulders, because expedition is not so 

 much required in the first preparation for war as in the subsequent 

 matters that administer to the first; for there is no error more frequent 

 in war than, after brisk preparations, to halt for subsidiary forces and 

 effective supplies. 



The allegory of Pluto's helmet rendering men invisible and secret, 

 is sufficiently evident of itself; for secretness appertains to celerity, 

 inasmuch as speed prevents the disclosure of counsels: it therefore 

 succeeds in importance. Pluto's helmet also seems to imply, that 

 authority over the army is to be lodged in one chief; as directing 

 committees in such cases are too apt to scatter dissensions among the 

 troops, and to be swayed by paltry freaks and jealousies rather than 

 by patriotism. It is not of less importance to discover the designs of 

 the enemy, for which purpose the mirror of Pallas must be joined to 

 the helmet of Pluto to disclose the weakness, the divisions, counsels, 

 spies, and factions of the enemy. But as these arms are not sufficient 

 to cope with all the casualties of war, we must grasp the shield of 

 Pallas, i.e., of Providence, as a defence from the caprices of fortune. 

 To this belong the despatch of spies, the fortification of camps, the 

 equipment and position of the army, and whatever tends to promote 

 the success of a just defensive war. For in the issue of contests the 

 shield of Pallas is of greater consequence than the sword of Mars. 



But though Perseus may now seem extremely well prepared, there 

 still remains the most important thing of all before he enters upon the 

 war he must of necessity consult the Greae. These Grese are treasons, 

 half but degenerate sisters of the Gorgons, who are representatives 

 of wars; for wars are generous and noble, but treasons base and vile. 



