When the fighting is over, there are no enemies, only men

November 21, 2011

Painting by Jean-Baptiste Santerre

Philip, Duke of Orleans, who later became Regent during the childhood of Louis XV, fought at the battle of Steinkerque under the command of the Marshal of Luxembourg.

Once victory had been won, the Duke labored personally in helping the wounded, including the English enemy. When someone suggested that it was unnecessary to apply himself so diligently to succor the enemy, the Duke replied: “When the fighting is over, no enemies remain on the battlefield, only men.”

 

Fernando Palazzi, Enciclopedia degli Aneddoti (Milan: Ceschino, 1946), 3 Vols., col. 5398. (Nobility.org translation.)

Short Stories on Honor, Chivalry, and the World of Nobility—no. 127

 

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