e, we are also led to remark how
wide is the difference between an army which, having no ground for
discontent, fights in its own cause, and one which, being discontented,
fights to satisfy the ambition of others. For whereas the Romans were
always victorious under the consuls, under the decemvirs they were
always defeated. This helps us to understand why it is that mercenary
troops are worthless; namely, that they have no incitement to keep them
true to you beyond the pittance which you pay them, which neither is nor
can be a sufficient motive for such fidelity and devotion as would make
them willing to die in your behalf. But in those armies in which there
exists not such an attachment towards him for whom they fight as
makes them devoted to his cause, there never will be valour enough
to withstand an enemy if only he be a little brave. And since such
attachment and devotion cannot be looked for from any save your own
subjects, you must, if you would preserve your dominions, or maintain
your commonwealth or kingdom, arm the natives of your country; as we see
to have been done by all those who have achieved great things in war.

Under the decemvirs the ancient valour of the Roman soldiers had in no
degree abated; yet, because they were no longer animated by the same
good will, they did not exert themselves as they were wont. But so soon
as the decemvirate came to an end, and the soldiers began once more to
fight as free men, the old spirit was reawakened, and, as a consequence,
their enterprises, according to former usage, were brought to a
successful close.

CHAPTER XLIV.--_That the Multitude is helpless without a Head: and that
we should not with the same breath threaten and ask leave._

When Virginia died by her father's hand, the commons of Rome withdrew
under arms to the Sacred Hill. Whereupon the senate sent messengers to
demand by what sanction they had deserted their commanders and assembled
there in arms. And in such reverence was the authority of the senate
held, that the commons, lacking leaders, durst make no reply. "Not,"
says Titus Livius, "that they were at a loss what to answer, but because
they had none to answer for them;" words which clearly show how helpless
a thing is the multitude when without a head.

This defect was perceived by Virginius, at whose instance twenty
military tribunes were appointed by the commons to be their spokesmen
with the senate, and to negotiate terms; who, having ask