There were others who meant to do their duty, but began with little hopefulness or zeal.

There were still others who did not hesitate to predict defeat and to avow that it was only for professional honor or advancement that they continued to serve under the National flag.

These last were confessedly soldiers of fortune.
The war was an education for all who were in it, and many a man began with reluctance and half-heartedness who was abundantly radical before the conflict was over.

There was, however, a considerable class who practised on Talleyrand's diplomatic motto, "point de zele," and limited their efforts to the strict requirement of duty.

Such men would see disaster occur for lack of a little spontaneity on their part, and yet be able to show that they literally obeyed every order received.