Metris. Sir, we can tie the two beasts by their bridles, and we can hang their bridles so tied to the branch of one of these trees.
Boutroux (frowning). I have a very short experience of warfare—I think I have said that before—and I hesitate to correct a man of your experience. But if you can really tie two bridles together and then have enough leather left to get it over the branch of a tree, you'll teach me something about the art of campaigning of which I was quite innocent.... (Getting down from his horse.) Come, I think in the French service we have a better way than that. (He unbuckles one end of the snaffle-rein.) You see (looking up genially), we leave the curb on. If I had time I would explain to you why.... Now, sir, will you not unbuckle the end of your snaffle-rein?
Metris (stiffly). No, sir, I will not.
Boutroux (sighing). They are all the same! The service simply fossilises them, especially, it would seem, the enemy; though I confess (turning courteously to Metris and bowing to him) you are the first of the enemy I have ever met.
Metris (restraining himself). Pray, sir, do not delay.
Boutroux (full of good humour). I will not! See, I pass my snaffle-rein in through the buckle of your horse's curb; and pardon me, sir, but what a fine horse! Is it yours or the Emperor's?
Metris (ominously). It is mine, sir.
Boutroux. Keep it. This (jerking his thumb at his weedy mount) belongs to the Republic—if it is still a Republic, for news travels slowly to the armies. At any rate, it doesn't belong to me. (He slowly takes the end of his snaffle-rein and looks for something to fasten it to; he shakes his head doubtfully. At last, holding the end of the snaffle-rein in his left hand while the two horses begin to browse peacefully, he draws his sword with his right, and putting himself in a theatrical posture, says): Come on, sir, I'm damned if I will let go of these horses.
Metris (solemnly). I do not jest upon these occasions.
Boutroux. Neither do I, sir. Indeed, I have not been in such an occasion before; and I make it a rule never to jest when I do anything for the first time. Come, draw, and put yourself in a posture of defence, or, by Heaven (so far as these two animals will allow me) I will make a mincemeat of you with my sword.