The prudent Marquis of Pescara himself was for bringing on a battle, which was indispensable.
"A hundred years in the field," said he, in the words of an old Italian proverb, "are better than one day of fighting, for one may lose in a doubtful melley what one was certain of winning by skilful manoeuvres; but when one can no longer keep the field, one must risk a battle, so as not to give the enemy the victory without a fight." The same question was being discussed in the French camp.

The veteran captains, La Tremoille and Chabannes, were of opinion that by remaining in the strong position in which they were encamped they would conquer without fighting.
Bonnivet and De Montmorency were of the contrary opinion.

"We French," said Bonnivet, "have not been wont to make war by means of military artifices, but handsomely and openly, especially when we have at our head a valiant king, who is enough to make the veriest dastards fight.

Our kings bring victory with them, as our little king Charles VIII.

did at the Taro, our king Louis XII.