Marshal Boufflers

: War.

A few days previous to the battle of Malplaquet, it was
publicly talked of at Versailles, that a very important battle would soon

take place between the French army commanded by Marshal Villars, and the

allied army under Prince Eugene and Marlborough. Louis XIV., who for some

years had met with many mortifying repulses, seemed to be very uneasy about

the event. Marshal Boufflers, in order to quiet in some degree the

perturbat
on of his sovereign's mind, offered, though a senior officer to

Villars, to go and serve under him, sacrificing all personal considerations

to the glory of his country. His proposal was accepted, and he repaired to

the camp. On his arrival, a very singular contest took place between the

two commanders. Villars desired to have Boufflers for his leader; but the

latter persisted in yielding him all the glory, while he shared the danger.

No event in the life of Boufflers ever contributed more to render his name

illustrious. Marshal Villars, who commanded the left wing at the battle,

being obliged to retire on account of a wound he had received, Marshal

Boufflers charged the enemy six times after this accident; but finding they

had made themselves master of a wood through which they penetrated into the

centre of the French army, he yielded them the field of battle, and made a

retreat in such good order, that the allies declined pursuing him.



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