He was in absolute penury.

He could not negotiate a bill on the royal account, but had borrowed on his own private security a few thousand crowns which he had given to his soldiers.

He was pledging his jewels and furniture like a bankrupt, but all was now in vain to stop the mutiny at Courtray.

If that went on it would be of most pernicious example, for the whole army was disorganised, malcontent, and of portentous aspect.

"These things," said he, "ought not to surprise people of common understanding, for without money, without credit, without provisions, and in an exhausted country, it is impossible to satisfy the claims, or even to support the life of the army." When he sent the Flemish cavalry to Mayenne in March, it was under the impression that with it that prince would have maintained his reputation and checked the progress of the Bearnese until greater reinforcements could be forwarded.