'They are so heavy that they cannot raise more than a trot, so when they charge we manage that there shall be a brigade of chasseurs or hussars behind them to follow up the advantage.' 'Who is the civilian who is inspecting them ?' I asked.
'That is not a civilian, but it is General St.Cyr, who is one of those whom they called the Spartans of the Rhine.

They were of opinion that simplicity of life and of dress were part of a good soldier, and so they would wear no uniform beyond a simple blue riding coat, such as you see.
St.Cyr is an excellent officer, but he is not popular, for he seldom speaks to anyone, and he sometimes shuts himself up for days on end in his tent, where he plays upon his violin.

I think myself that a soldier is none the worse because he enjoys a glass of good wine, or has a smart jacket and a few Brandenburgs across his chest.

For my part I do both, and yet those who know me would tell you that it has not harmed my soldiering.

You see this infantry upon the left ?' 'The men with the yellow facings ?' 'Precisely.