Page:The Works of Honoré de Balzac Volume 29.djvu/90

62 showed unheard-of energy. A circular from the Minister of War and the Minister-General of Police gave out that active efforts were to be made through the officers in command to stifle the insurrection at its place of origin. But by this time the Chouans and Vendeans, profiting by the inaction of the Republic, had aroused the whole country and made themselves masters of it. So a new Consular proclamation had to be issued.

This time the General spoke to his troops:

"Soldiers, all who now remain in the West are marauders or emigrants in the pay of England.

"The army numbers more than sixty thousand heroes; let me learn soon that the rebel leaders exist no longer. Glory is only to be had at the price of fatigue; who would not acquire it if it were to be gained by stopping in town quarters?

"Soldiers, no matter what your rank in the army, the gratitude of the nation awaits you. To be worthy of that gratitude you must brave the inclemency of the seasons, frost and snow, and the bitter cold of winter nights; you must surprise your enemies at daybreak and destroy those wretches who disgrace the name of Frenchmen.

"Let the campaign be short and sharp; show no mercy to the marauders, and preserve strict discipline among yourselves.

"National Guards, add your efforts to those of the troops of the line.

"If you know of any partisans of the bandits among yourselves, arrest them! Let them nowhere find a refuge from the soldier who pursues them; and should traitors dare to receive and protect them, let both alike perish!"

"What a fellow!" cried Hulot; "it is just as it used to be in Italy; first he rings the bells for mass, and then he goes and says it. Isn't that plain speaking?"

"Yes, but he speaks for himself and in his own name," said Gérard, who began to feel some concern for the results of the eighteenth of Brumaire.