He had promised that he would not disgrace Denot, by telling of the cowardice he had shewn at the Bridge of Fouchard, and he was determined to keep his word; but he would not allow his cousin, his pupil, his bosom friend, the man whom he loved with the affection of a brother and a father, to sink himself to the same level as a coward.
"How absurd is this!" said he, angrily.

"I wonder, Henri, that you should be the first to create such foolish difficulties, when our very existence depends on perfect unanimity.

In proportion as our means of enforcing obedience is slender, should our resolution be firm, implicitly to obey the directions of those who are selected as our leaders.

We have made Cathelineau our General, and desired him to select his officers, and when he selects you as one, you object.

If you object from a proper modesty, it argues that those who accept, shew an improper degree of assurance.