“I shall not hinder you, captain,” said Bonnivet. “Dissuade them, if you can—if not, adieu!”
“It pains me to separate from you thus, my brave companions in arms, but there is no help for it,” rejoined Diesbach. And bowing to the Admiral and the assembled leaders, who returned his salutation coldly, he quitted the tent.
“By this desertion of the Swiss we shall lose five thousand auxiliaries,” said Bonnivet. “Nothing is left but retreat.”
“Tête-Dieu! we are not yet come to that pass,” cried Bayard. “Again I say, let us provoke the enemy to battle. If we do not conquer, we shall die with honour.”
“How say you, messeigneurs?” demanded Bonnivet. “I have every faith in the Chevalier Bayard, but he is sometimes too rash. I will be governed by the general voice. Shall we risk an engagement?”
“No,” replied the leaders, unanimously. “It is too hazardous.”
“You are overruled, you see, Chevalier Bayard,” said Bonnivet.
“You will regret your determination, my lord,” rejoined Bayard, chafing fiercely. “If you retreat, Bourbon will say you are afraid of him.”
“I shall not be turned from my purpose by a taunt,” said Bonnivet. “I will not sacrifice my men.”
“Then you decide upon immediate retreat?” demanded the Comte de Saint-Pol.