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And whoever shall fortify his town well, and shall have managed

the other concerns of his subjects in the way stated above, and

to be often repeated, will never be attacked without great

caution, for men are always adverse to enterprises where

difficulties can be seen, and it will be seen not to be an easy

thing to attack one who has his town well fortified, and is not

hated by his people.

The cities of Germany are absolutely free, they own but little

country around them, and they yield obedience to the emperor when

it suits them, nor do they fear this or any other power they may

have near them, because they are fortified in such a way that

every one thinks the taking of them by assault would be tedious

and difficult, seeing they have proper ditches and walls, they

have sufficient artillery, and they always keep in public depots

enough for one year's eating, drinking, and firing. And beyond

this, to keep the people quiet and without loss to the state,

they always have the means of giving work to the community in

those labours that are the life and strength of the city, and on

the pursuit of which the people are supported; they also hold

military exercises in repute, and moreover have many ordinances

to uphold them.