What is wanting to assist this heroic ardor is a battalion of young and free lieutenants who would rush to the fight with enthusiasm, and fall, crying: '_Vive le Roi!_' instead of 'Adieu, my dear wife.' You understand that, Raoul.

However brutal my reasoning may appear, I conjure you, then, to believe me, and to turn away your thoughts from those early days of youth in which you took up this habit of love--days of effeminate carelessness, which soften the heart and render it incapable of consuming those strong bitter draughts called glory and adversity.

Therefore, Raoul, I repeat to you, you should see in my counsel only the desire of being useful to you, only the ambition of seeing you prosper.

I believe you capable of becoming a remarkable man.

March alone, and you will march better, and more quickly." "You have commanded, monsieur," replied Raoul, "and I obey." "Commanded!" cried Athos.