Were it otherwise our chances of advancement would be rare indeed, while as it is there are plenty of openings for men of determination and perseverance who will carry out precisely any order given to them, and who are always, whether in the field or in winter quarters, under the eyes of a commander like Turenne, who remains with his army instead of rushing off like d'Harcourt to spend his winter in the gaieties of the court, and to receive their smiles and praises as a reward for his successes." "I suppose, general, there is no doubt that we shall give battle to the Spaniards ?" "No doubt whatever.

It depends upon Enghien, though no doubt the marshal will throw every obstacle in the way.

In the first place, there can be no denying that the Spanish infantry are superb, and that Fuentes, who commands them, is a fine old soldier, while our infantry are largely composed of new levies.

Thus, though the armies are not unequal in strength, l'Hopital may well consider the chances of victory to be against us.

In the second place, in a battle Enghien will be in command, and though all of us recognize that he possesses extraordinary ability, his impetuosity might well lead to a disaster.