I would have you prepared for the worst.

Listen to me now calmly, love, and then I need not harrow you with these thoughts again.

It may be God's pleasure that I should outlive this war; but as, with His will, I am determined that I will never lay down my sword till the soldiers of the Republic are driven from the province, it is most improbable that I should do so.

You must teach yourself, Victorine, to look for my death, as an event certain to occur, which any day may bring forth; and when the heavy news is brought to you, bear it as a Christian woman should bear the afflictions of this, world.

I do not ask you not to weep for me, for that would be putting too violent a constraint upon your nature, but do not weep over much.