' and then I raised my
arm up, as if to strike, whereat the king smiled. Sir,' said I, 'I have
heard from wise captains that it is not the great number that wins, but
the stout heart; on a day of battle, a moiety doth not fight at all.
We desire no more; leave it to us.' The king, who had very favorably
listened to me, and who took pleasure in seeing my impatience, turned his
eyes towards M. de St. Pol, who said, 'Sir, would you change your opinion
at the words of this madcap, who has no thought for the calamity it would
be if we were to lose the battle? It is a matter too important to be
left for settlement to the brains of a young Gascon.' I answered him,
'Sir, let me assure you that I am no braggart, nor so hare-brained as you
consider me. All we have to do is not to go and attack the enemy in a
stronghold, as we did at La Bicocca; but M. d'Enghien has too many good
and veteran captains about him to commit such an error. The only
question will be to find means of coming at them in open country, where
there is neither hedge nor ditch to keep us from setting to work; and
then, sir, you shall hear talk of the most furious fights that ever were.
I do entreat you most humbly, sir, to admit no thought of anything but a
victory.' The dauphin," continues Montluc, "went on more and more
smiling, and making signs to me, which gave me still greater boldness in
speaking. All the rest spoke and said that the king must not place any
reliance upon my words. Admiral d'Annebaut said not a syllable, but
smiled; I suppose he had seen the signs the dauphin was making to me.
M. de St. Pol turns to speak to the king, and says, 'How, sir! You seem
disposed to change your opinion, and listen to the words of this rabid
madman!' To whom the king replied, 'On my honor as a gentleman, cousin,
he has given me such great and clear reasons, and has represented to me
so well the good courage of my men, that I know not what to do.' 'I see
quite well,' said the Lord of St. Pol, 'that you have already turned
round.' Whereupon the king, addressing the admiral, asked him what he
thought about it. 'Sir,' answered the admiral, 'you have a great mind to
give them leave to fight. I will not be surety to you, if they fight,
for gain or loss, since God alone can know about that; but I will
certainly pledge you my life and my honor that all they whom he has
mentioned to you will fight, and like good men and true, for I know what
they are worth from h