'Monsieur,' he said, 'doubtless means to console, but his hand is heavy.
To continue: we loved, and were happy in each other's love.
The birds in their little nest could not be happier than Alphonse and his Annette.

Then came the blow -- sapristi! -- when I think of it.

Messieurs will forgive me if I wipe away a tear.
Mine was an evil number; I was drawn for the conscription.

Fortune would be avenged on me for having won the heart of Annette.
'The evil moment came; I had to go.

I tried to run away, but I was caught by brutal soldiers, and they banged me with the butt-end of muskets till my mustachios curled with pain.