have heard from wise captains that it is not the great number that wins, but the stout heart; on a day of battle, a moiety doth not fight at all.  We desire no more; leave it to us.’  The king, who had very favorably listened to me, and who took pleasure in seeing my impatience, turned his eyes towards M. de St. Pol, who said, ’Sir, would you change your opinion at the words of this madcap, who has no thought for the calamity it would be if we were to lose the battle?  It is a matter too important to be left for settlement to the brains of a young Gascon.’  I answered him, ’Sir, let me assure you that I am no braggart, nor so hare-brained as you consider me.  All we have to do is not to go and attack the enemy in a stronghold, as we did at La Bicocca; but M. d’Enghien has too many good and veteran captains about him to commit such an error.  The only question will be to find means of coming at them in open country, where there is neither hedge nor ditch to keep us from setting to work; and then, sir, you shall hear talk of the most furious fights that ever were.  I do entreat you most humbly, sir, to admit no thought of anything but a victory.’  The dauphin,” continues Montluc, “went on more and more smiling, and making signs to me, which gave me still greater boldness in speaking.  All the rest spoke and said that the king must not place any reliance upon my words.  Admiral d’Annebaut said not a syllable, but smiled; I suppose he had seen the signs the dauphin was making to me.  M. de St. Pol turns to speak to the king, and says, ’How, sir!  You seem disposed to change your opinion, and listen to the words of this rabid madman!’ To whom the king replied, ’On my honor as a gentleman, cousin, he has given me such great and clear reasons, and has represented to me so well the good courage of my men, that I know not what to do.’  ’I see quite well,’ said the Lord of St. Pol, ’that you have already turned round.’  Whereupon the king, addressing the admiral, asked him what he thought about it.  ‘Sir,’ answered the admiral, ’you have a great mind to give them leave to fight.  I will not be surety to you, if they fight, for gain or loss, since God alone can know about that; but I will certainly pledge you my life and my honor that all they whom he has mentioned to you will fight, and like good men and true, for I know what they are worth from having commanded them.  Only do one thing; we know well that you are half brought round and inclined rather to fighting than the contrary; make, then, your prayer to God, and entreat Him to be pleased this once to aid you and counsel you as to what you ought to do.’  Then the king lifted his eyes towards heaven, and, clasping his hands and throwing his cap upon the table, said, ’O God, I entreat Thee that it may please Thee to this day give me counsel as to what I ought to do for the preservation of my kingdom, and that all may be to Thy honor and glory!’ Whereupon the admiral asked him, ‘Sir, what opinion occurs to you now?’