Cinq Mars — Volume 3 by Alfred de Vigny
page 34 of 79 (43%)
page 34 of 79 (43%)
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"When he fell I held him on one side with one hand and M. de Locmaria with the other. I thought at first that both he and that gentleman would recover; but unhappily only one of them returned to life, and that was he whom I least knew. You seem to be laughing at what I say about your horse, Monsieur; you forget that in times of war the horse is the soul of the cavalier. Yes, Monsieur, his soul; for what is it that intimidates the infantry? It is the horse! It certainly is not the man, who, once seated, is little more than a bundle of hay. Who is it that performs the fine deeds that men admire? The horse. There are times when his master, who a moment before would rather have been far away, finds himself victorious and rewarded for his horse's valor, while the poor beast gets nothing but blows. Who is it gains the prize in the race? The horse, that sups hardly better than usual, while the master pockets the gold, and is envied by his friends and admired by all the lords as if he had run himself. Who is it that hunts the roebuck, yet puts but a morsel in his own mouth? Again, the horse; sometimes the horse is even eaten himself, poor animal! I remember in a campaign with Monsieur le Marechal, it happened that-- But what is the matter, Monsieur, you grow pale?" "Bind up my leg with something--a handkerchief, a strap, or what you will. I feel a burning pain there; I know not what." "Your boot is cut, Monsieur. It may be some ball; however, lead is the friend of man." "It is no friend of mine, at all events." "Ah, who loves, chastens! Lead must not be ill spoken of! |
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