The attention of Christendom was perpetually fixed upon him.

Nothing like his sieges, his encampments, his military discipline, his scientific campaigning had been seen before in modern Europe.

The youthful aristocracy from all countries thronged to his camp to learn the game of war, for he had restored by diligent study of the ancients much that was noble in that pursuit, and had elevated into an art that which had long since degenerated into a system of butchery, marauding, and rapine.

And he had fought with signal success and unquestionable heroism the most important and most brilliant pitched battle of the age.

He was a central figure of the current history of Europe.