“Only four battalions, your Highness, and six independent companies.”
“Any Irish among them?” and his Highness again had recourse to his snuff-box.
“None, sir.”
“Sure?”
“Certain, your Highness.”
“So much the better. Those fighting devils upset the best laid plans, as I learned to my cost at Cremona. And pardieu, they can fight!” And Prince Eugene of Savoy, for it was he, shook his head, causing some of the snuff he was taking to fall down, and increase the stain on his doublet.
“But, let me see. Four battalions and six independent companies. What time are the gates open in the morning?”
“At daybreak, your Highness. Many of the labourers live outside the town.”
Prince Eugene remained silent for a few moments.