when the Chevalier arrived, it being scarce daylight. The Duke of
York did not at first recollect him; but the Marquis d'Humieres, running
to him with open arms, "I thought," said he, "if any man came from
court to pay us a visit upon such an occasion as this, it would be the
Chevalier de Grammont. Well," continued he, "what are they doing at
Peronne?"

[Louis de Crevans, Marechal of France. He died 1694. Voltaire says
of him, that he was the first who, at the siege of Arras, in 1658,
was served in silver in the trenches, and had ragouts and entremets
served up to his table.]

"They are in great consternation," replied the Chevalier. "And what do
they think of us?" "They think," said he, "that if you beat the Prince,
you will do no more than your duty; if you are beaten, they will
think you fools and madmen, thus to have risked everything, without
considering the consequences." "Truly," said the Marquis, "you bring
us very comfortable news. Will you now go to Monsieur de Turenne's
quarters, to acquaint him with it; or will you choose rather to repose
yourself in mine? for you have been riding post all last night, and
perhaps did not experience much rest in the preceding." "Where have you
heard that the Chevalier de Grammont had ever any occasion for sleep?"
replied he: "Only order me a horse, that I may have the honour to attend
the Duke of York; for, most likely, he is not in the field so early,
except to visit some posts."

The advanced guard was only at cannon shot from that of the enemy.
As soon as they arrived there, "I should like," said the Chevalier
de Grammont, "to advance as far as the sentry which is posted on that
eminence: I have some friends and acquaintance in their army, whom
I should wish to inquire after: I hope the Duke of York will give me
permission." At these words he advanced. The sentry, seeing him come
forward directly to his post, stood upon his guard the Chevalier stopped
as soon as he was within shot of him. The sentry answered the sign
which was made to him, and made another to the officer, who had begun to
advance as soon as he had seen the Chevalier come forward, and was soon
up with him; but seeing the Chevalier de Grammont alone, he made no
difficulty to let him approach. He desired leave of this officer to
inquire after some relations he had in their army, and at the same time
asked if the Duke d'Arscot was at the siege. "Sir," said he, "there he
is, just alighted under t