He had been ruined in fortune, stripped of all his dignities and possessions.

His son's only inheritance was his sword.

The young Prince of Piedmont, as he was commonly called in his youth; sought the camp of the Emperor, and was received with distinguished favor.

He rose rapidly in the military service.

Acting always upon his favorite motto, "Spoliatis arma supersunt," he had determined, if possible, to carve his way to glory, to wealth, and even to his hereditary estates, by his sword alone.