I disarmed him in a twinkling; and as I sent his sword flying over his head, said to him, 'Kurz, did ever you know a man guilty of a mean action who can do as I do now ?' This silenced the rest of the grumblers; and no man ever sneered at me after that.
No man can suppose that to a person of my fashion the waiting in antechambers, the conversation of footmen and hangers-on, was pleasant.
But it was not more degrading than the barrack-room, of which I need not say I was heartily sick.

My protestations of liking for the army were all intended to throw dust into the eyes of my employer.

I sighed to be out of slavery.

I knew I was born to make a figure in the world.

Had I been one of the Neiss garrison, I would have cut my way to freedom by the side of the gallant Frenchman; but here I had only artifice to enable me to attain my end, and was not I justified in employing it?
My plan was this: I may make myself so necessary to M.de Potzdorff, that he will obtain my freedom.