All have the same words of
sacrifice and abnegation on their lips. All of them find words which
best fortify, exalt and console their men.
Read this letter I picked up on the field of battle, a letter written
by a humble peasant woman whose heart, after centuries of noble and
wise discipline, was in the right place:
MY DEAR BOY:
We got your letter, which gave us great pleasure. We waited
anxiously for it. You wrote it two days ago. Since that time
things have changed. Did you get my letter? I hope so. I
must reassure you about your father the very first thing. He
was away only three days, time enough to guide a detachment
to Bourges. So there is only one vacant place at the
fireside, but how big that one is.
My dear boy, you speak to me of sacrifice; yes, it is one.
And I can tell you it is the greatest one that has ever been
asked of me. However, I keep calm. I tell myself sometimes
that I have deserved it. I am ready to pay, but I wish so
much that you might not pay.
My dear boy, you speak to me of duty and of honor. I have
never doubted that you would do what you ought to. Yes, my
son, a soldier's honor lies in being on the battle field
when the country is in danger.
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