I shall perfectly understand if you decline.

You will be acting as I should act myself--as any sane man would.

I would not press you for worlds.

If you wish it, I will not even make the proposal, but let you go here and now, and wish you good luck with your battalion.

I do not wish to perplex a good soldier with impossible decisions.' This piqued me and put me on my mettle.
'I am not going to run away before the guns fire.