He thought it would prove, in a manner, that he had fled early because of his superior powers of perception.

A serious prophet upon predicting a flood should be the first man to climb a tree.

This would demonstrate that he was indeed a seer.
A moral vindication was regarded by the youth as a very important thing.

Without salve, he could not, he though, were the sore badge of his dishonor through life.

With his heart continually assuring him that he was despicable, he could not exist without making it, through his actions, apparent to all men.
If the army had gone gloriously on he would be lost.