My people are brave and do not fear death for the sake of their king, I would have you to know, Sir Abbe." "Noble praise, your Majesty, and beautiful in the mouth of a king who stands ready to march at the head of his own army, and to help fight the good fight of his own cause," returned the Abbe, bowing with deep humility.
"Sir, your words are bold and are in no way mitigated by your humble mien!" exclaimed the king.

"If you have no other offer to make, the audience will end, at least for the present." "May I crave one moment more ?" asked the Abbe.
"Yes, but be brief," returned the king.
"My instructions, your Majesty, are to leave London not later than sunrise on the day after making my king's offer.

That will be to-morrow morning, when I shall hasten back to Paris, whence no other messenger will come.

Twenty thousand troops are now within three hours' march of Dunkirk.

Your Majesty's ships cannot reach the city in time to save it.