The enemy will not hear of my march until ten days after I have started, and even then they will probably suppose that we have gone to Flanders.

By the time they find out what my intentions are, it will be too late for them to take advantage of my absence.
"Even then they would have to storm Philippsburg or some other strong place before they could cross the Rhine, and before they could do that Wrangel and I would be at their heels.

Moreover, as they would know that, instead of pursuing them, we might, after effecting a junction, make straight for Vienna, and that no army could be got together to oppose us, I consider that the movement is a perfectly safe one.

Now, I am going to send you to Mazarin with my despatch telling him of my intention.

I am choosing you for the purpose, because you will be able to explain and enforce the reasons that I have given him.