“I will try to do so,” replied the valiant captain, earnestly.
“I am poor, as you know,” pursued Bayard, “for such money as I have won I have bestowed upon my soldiers, but if I fall, I bequeath you my sword—the sword with which I bestowed knighthood upon the king. Take it, and may it serve you as well as it has served me. Adieu!”
And, without another word, he rode back to the camp, while De Lorges returned to his post.
IX. THE RETREAT OF ROMAGNANO.
As Bayard had conjectured, Bonnivet's departure from Novara had not escaped the vigilance of Bourbon, who immediately started in pursuit with the whole of the Imperial army. The march endured from early morn till late at night, when men and horses became so much fatigued, that a few hours' rest appeared indispensable. But Bourbon would not consent to a halt.
“We are only a few leagues from Romagnano,” he said. “We must on.”
“The enemy cannot cross the Sesia,” urged Pescara. “The river is flooded, and there is no bridge.”
“A bridge of boats will enable them to cross,” said Bourbon. “I am certain Bonnivet will make the attempt to-night—or at daybreak, at latest. If we halt, we shall lose him.”
“But the men need repose. They are dropping with fatigue,” urged the Duke of Urbino.
“They shall rest after the battle,” rejoined Bourbon, peremptorily. “On! on!”