If anything were to happen to the army you command, what would be your idea of the course I should adopt as regards my person ?" The marshal hesitated.

The king resumed: "This is what I think; you shall tell me your opinion afterwards.

I know the courtiers' line of argument; they nearly all wish me to retire to Blois, and not wait for the enemy's army to approach Paris, as it might do if mine were beaten.

For my part, I am aware that armies so considerable are never defeated to such an extent as to prevent the greater part of mine from retiring upon the Somme.

I know that river; it is very difficult to cross; there are forts, too, which could be made strong.