ch one can
neither fight nor live: and as for wine, every man must carry just
so much as will accustom him to drink water: the greater part of the
country will be absolutely devoid of wine, and the largest supply we
could take with us would not hold out. [27] But to avoid too sudden a
change and the sickness that might follow, this is what we must do. We
must begin by taking water with our food: we can do this without any
great change in our habits. [28] For every one who eats porridge has
the oatmeal mixed with water, and every one who eats bread has the wheat
soaked in water, and all boiled meat is prepared in water. We shall not
miss the wine if we drink a little after the meal is done. [29] Then we
must gradually lessen the amount, until we find that, without knowing
it, we have become water-drinkers. Gradual change enables every creature
to go through a complete conversion; and this is taught us by God, who
leads us little by little out of winter until we can bear the blazing
heat of summer, and out of heat back again into the depths of winter. So
should we follow God, and take one step after another until we reach our
goal. [30] What you might spend on heavy rugs and coverlets spend rather
on food: any superfluity there will not be wasted: and you will not
sleep less soundly for lack of bedclothes; if you do, I give you leave
to blame me. But with clothing the case is different: a man can hardly
have too much of that in sickness or in health. [31] And for seasoning
you should take what is sharp and dry and salted, for such meats
are more appetising and more satisfying. And since we may come into
districts as yet unravaged where we may find growing corn, we ought to
take handmills for grinding: these are the lightest machines for
the purpose. [32] Nor must we forget to supply ourselves with
medicines--they are small in bulk and, if need arises, invaluable. And
we ought to have a large supply of straps--I wonder what is not fastened
by a strap to man or horse? But straps wear out and get broken and then
things are at a standstill unless there are spare ones to be had. [33]
Some of you have learnt to shave spears, so that it would be as well not
to forget a plane, and also to carry a rasp, for the man who sharpens a
spearhead will sharpen his spirit too. He will feel ashamed to whet the
edge and be a coward. And we must take plenty of timber for chariots and
waggons; there is bound to be many a breakdown on the road. [