e greater is the disorder in the retreat; and no man in the
world knew so well as the Prince de Conde how to make the best use of an
advantage. The army, commanded by Monsieur de Turenne, was considerably
weaker than that of the enemy; it was, likewise, the only resource they
had to depend upon. If this army was defeated, the loss of Arras was not
the only misfortune to be dreaded.

The Cardinal, whose genius was happily adapted to such junctures, where
deceitful negotiations could extricate him out of difficulties, was
filled with terror at the sight of imminent danger, or of a decisive
event: he was of opinion to lay siege to some other place, the capture
of which might prove an indemnification for the loss of Arras; but
Monsieur de Turenne, who was altogether of a different opinion from the
Cardinal, resolved to march towards the enemy, and did not acquaint him
with his intentions until he was upon his march. The courier arrived in
the midst of his distress, and redoubled his apprehensions and alarms;
but there was then no remedy.

The Marshal, whose great reputation had gained him the confidence of the
troops, had determined upon his measures before an express order from
the Court could prevent him. This was one of those occasions in which
the difficulties you encounter heighten the glory of success. Though the
general's capacity, in some measure, afforded comfort to the Court, they
nevertheless were upon the eve of an event, which in one way or other
must terminate both their hopes and their fears while the rest of
the courtiers were giving various opinions concerning the issue,
the Chevalier de Grammont determined to be an eye-witness of it; a
resolution which greatly surprised the court; for those who had seen as
many actions as he had, seemed to be exempted from such eagerness; but
it was in vain that his friends opposed his resolutions.

The king was pleased with his intention; and the queen appeared no less
satisfied. He assured her that he would bring her good news; and she
promised to embrace him, if he was as good as his word. The Cardinal
made the same promise: to the latter, however, he did not pay much
attention; yet he believed it sincere, because the keeping of it would
cost him nothing.

He set out in the dusk of the evening with Caseau, whom Monsieur de
Turenne had sent express to their majesties. The Duke of York, and the
Marquis d'Humieres, commanded under the Marshal: the latter was upon
duty