'German born and German king as I am, I get on but badly when I try my native tongue, for from a child I have spoken nothing but French.

Still, it is well that he should know the language.

In my case it matters but little, seeing that all my court and all my generals speak French.

But one who has to give orders to soldiers should be understood by them.
"'Well, what do you want me to do for the lad ?' "'I propose to make him one of my own aides-de-camp,' I replied, 'and therefore I care not so much to what regiment he is appointed; though I own that I would far rather see him in the uniform of the guards, than any other.' "'You are modest, marshal; but I observe that it is a common fault among your countrymen.

Well, which shall it be--infantry or cavalry ?' "'Cavalry, since you are good enough to give me the choice, sire.
The uniform looks better, for an aide-de-camp, than that of the infantry.' "'Very well, then, you may consider him gazetted as a cornet, in my third regiment of Guards.