In such a case it may be attended with important results.

It was one of Napoleon's maxims, that "a line of operations, when once chosen, should never be abandoned." This maxim, however, must sometimes be disregarded by an army of undisciplined troops, in order to avoid entire destruction; but the total abandonment of a line of operations is always attended with great loss, and should be regarded as a mere choice of evils.

A regular army can always avoid this result, by changing the direction of its line; thus frequently gaining superior advantages in the new theatre of action.

If the plan of this change be the result of a good _coup d'oeil_, and it be skilfully executed, the rear of the operating army will be secure from the enemy; and moreover, he will be left in doubt respecting its weak points.

But such is the uncertainty of this manoeuvre, that it is very rarely taken by the best troops, unless actually forced upon them.