They did not disguise from these the extreme peril of the position, but they pointed out that it was only by holding together, and by defeating the Blues whenever they attacked them, that they could hope for safety.
"It was difficult to cross the Loire before," they said; "it will be tenfold more difficult now.

Every boat will have been taken over to the other side, and you may be sure that strong bodies of the enemy will have been posted, all along the banks, to prevent our returning.

You have fought well before.

You must fight even better in future, for there is no retreat, no home to retire to.

Your lives, and those of the women and children with you, depend upon your being victorious.