There was a lady at Santarem--but my lips are sealed.

It is the part of a gallant man to say nothing, though he may indicate that he could say a great deal.
One day Massena sent for me, and I found him in his tent with a great plan pinned upon the table.

He looked at me in silence with that single piercing eye of his, and I felt by his expression that the matter was serious.

He was nervous and ill at ease, but my bearing seemed to reassure him.

It is good to be in contact with brave men.
"Colonel Etienne Gerard," said he, "I have always heard that you are a very gallant and enterprising officer." It was not for me to confirm such a report, and yet it would be folly to deny it, so I clinked my spurs together and saluted.
"You are also an excellent rider." I admitted it.
"And the best swordsman in the six brigades of light cavalry." Massena was famous for the accuracy of his information.
"Now," said he, "if you will look at this plan you will have no difficulty in understanding what it is that I wish you to do.
These are the lines of Torres Vedras.