For they are necessary to have above all else, especially money

First of all, he [the wise prince] will consider how much strength he has or can obtain, how many men are available and how much money. For unless he is well supplied with those two basic elements, it is folly to wage war, for they are necessary to have above all else, especially money.

Christine de Pizan, cited in J. Barker, Agincourt (2005), 103