"I remember it," replied De Commercy. "I had been telling you that, after hearing of your heroic deeds in the emperor's service, Louvois had said: 'Let Prince Eugene beware how he attempts to return to France!' And your reply was this: 'I shall return, but it shall be sword in hand.'" [Footnote: Historical.—See Armath, "Prince Eugene of Savoy," vol. i.]
"And we are here—my good sword and I. Nine years ago, I left my native country, a miserable and despairing youth."
"And you return a great general, and one of the happiest men alive," cried De Commercy.
"Ay," murmured Eugene, "one of the happiest men alive!—so happy, that methinks the contrarieties of life are so many vaporous clouds, that throw but a passing shadow over the face of heaven, and then melt into the azure of resplendent day. From my heart I thank indulgent Destiny for her blessings!"
"Destiny that was mightier than the puny enmity of a Louvois! Well— we have had our fill of glory in Hungary and Italy. I hope we shall find a few laurels here in France."
"I hope so," said Eugene, moodily, "though oftentimes I—"
"Why do you hesitate? What do you fear?" asked De Commercy.
"I fear," replied Eugene, lowering his voice, "that we will not be allowed to pluck laurels that grow on French soil."
"Do you think the French will outnumber us?"
"No," sighed Eugene, "the enemy's numbers give me no uneasiness: I am afraid of our own weakness. We lack the morale—the will to conquer."