As a result of this first campaign, and after the capture of Thionville—­a prize worthy of the victory gained at Rocroi—­he was regarded as an adversary equally to be feared in sieges and in battles.  But there is one trait in the character of the victorious young prince no less admirable than that which was brought out by victory.  The court, which at his arrival was prepared to welcome him with the plaudits he deserved, was surprized at the manner in which he received them.  The queen-regent assured him that the king was well pleased with his services.  This from the lips of his sovereign was a fitting recompense for his labors.  If others dared to praise him, however, he treated their eulogies as insults, and, impatient of flattery, he was in dread even of its semblance.  Such was the delicacy, or rather the solidity of character, of this prince.  Moreover his maxim was (listen, for it is a maxim which makes great men), that, in the performance of great deeds, one’s sole thought should be to perform them well, and leave glory to follow in the train of virtue.  It is this which he has endeavored to instil into others, and by this principle has he himself ever been guided.  Thus false glory had no temptation for him.  It was with truth and greatness alone that he was concerned.

Thus it came about that his glory was wrapt up in the service of his kind and in the happiness and well-being of the state; They were the objects nearest his heart; these were his first and most cherished desires.  The court had but little charm for him, or occupation suited to his talents, tho he was there regarded as its greatest hero.  It was deemed needful to exhibit everywhere in Germany, as in Flanders, the intrepid defender whom God had given us.  Remark well what is about to transpire:  There is being formed against the prince an enterprise of a more formidable nature than, that at Rocroi; and, in order to put his talents to the test, warfare is about to drain all its resources, and call to its aid every known invention.  What is it that is presented to my vision?  I see not merely men to meet in combat but inaccessible mountains:  on one side are ravines and precipices; on the other impenetrable forests in the heart of which are marshes, and in proximity to streams are impregnable intrenchments; everywhere are lofty fortresses and forests of felled trees lying across roads which are frightful; and there arises Merci, with his worthy Bavarians inflated by the large measure of success which has fallen to their arms and by the capture of Fribourg; Merci, whom none has ever seen retreat from the combat; Merci, whom the Prince de Conde and the vigilant Turenne have never surprized in a movement that was not in accord with the rales of warfare, and to whom they have conceded this great mark of admiration—­that never has he lost a single favorable opportunity, nor failed to anticipate their designs as tho he had taken part in their councils.