The issue of a battle is the result of an instant, of a thought. There is the advance, with its various combinations, the battle is joined, the struggle goes on a certain time, the decisive moment presents itself, a spark of genius discloses it, and the smallest body of reserves accomplish victory.

Once you are so unfortunate as to be drawn into a war, no price is too great to pay for an early and victorious peace.

As we have triumphed, so we may be merciful; as we are strong, so we can afford to be generous.

In War: Resolution. In Defeat: Defiance. In Victory: Magnanimity. In Peace: Good Will.

There is no merit in putting off a war for a year if, when it comes, it is far worse or much harder to win.

When you are winning a war almost everything that happens can be claimed to be right and wise.