It is easy to conceive the embarrassment of my situation; my
unpardonable negligence deserved that I should have been broken,
instead of which I was rewarded; an instance, this, of the great
influence of chance on the affairs of the world. How many generals
have gained victories by their very errors, which have been
afterwards attributed to their genius! It is evident the sergeant of
hussars, who retook me and my men by bringing up his party, was much
better entitled than myself to the recompense I received. On many
occasions have I since met with disgrace and punishment when I
deserved reward. My inquietude lest the truth should be discovered,
was extreme, especially recollecting how many people were in the
secret: and my apprehensions were incessant.

As I did not want money, I gave the sergeants twenty ducats each,
and the soldiers one, in order to insure their silence, which, being
a favourite with them, they readily promised. I, however, was
determined to declare the truth the very first opportunity, and this
happened a few days after.

We were on our march, and I, as cornet, was at the head of my
company, when the King, advancing, beckoned me to come to him, and
bade me tell him exactly how the affair I had so lately been engaged
in happened.

The question at first made me mistrust I was betrayed, but remarking
the King had a mildness in his manner, I presently recovered myself,
and related the exact truth. I saw the astonishment of his
countenance, but I at the same time saw he was pleased with my
sincerity. He spoke to me for half an hour, not as a King, but as a
father, praised my candour, and ended with the following words,