"The Fifth-of-the-Line, Sire."
"Your old regiment?"
"The same, Sire."
"It still stands."
"And it will stand."
"Good! Go to it. Tell them that I, the Emperor, devote them to death, for me and for the army. They must hold the Austrians in check and cover the retreat."
"Farewell, Sire," the young soldier had said, saluting.
"What mean you?"
"I shall not come back with the remainder."
"Adieu," said the Emperor, acknowledging the salute and understanding all.