Why do I choose him?
Has he not saved me from the loss of about four or five thousand men, and probably a total defeat?
A young fellow who can do that, ought to be able to cope with Jewish traders, and to throw dust in the eyes of the Poles.
"I have chosen him for this service for two reasons.

In the first place, because I know he will do it well, and even those who consider that I am rash and headstrong, admit that I have the knack of picking out good men.

In the next place, I want to reward him for the service he has done for us.

I cannot, at his age, make a colonel of him, but I can give him a chance of distinguishing himself in a service in which age does not count for so much, and Count Piper, knowing my wishes in the matter, will push him forward.

Moreover, in such a mission as this, his youth will be an advantage, for he is very much less likely to excite suspicion than if he were an older man.' "The king's manner did not admit of argument, and I had only to wait and ask what were his commands.