some respect, before a power which
nothing can withstand had found means to destroy them by dreadful
showers of bombs, and by destructive batteries of hundreds of pieces of
cannon. Before these furious storms which drive governors underground
and reduce their garrisons to powder, repeated sallies bravely repulsed,
and vigorous attacks nobly sustained, signalized both the art of the
besiegers and the courage of the besieged; consequently, sieges were of
some length, and young men had an opportunity of gaining some knowledge.
Many brave actions were performed on each side during the siege of
Trino; a great deal of fatigue was endured, and considerable losses
sustained; but fatigue was no more considered, hardships were no more
felt in the trenches, gravity was at an end with the generals, and the
troops were no longer dispirited after the arrival of theinsisted that the Chevalier should take up his quarters with him;
to which he only consented on condition of equally contributing to the
expense. As they were both liberal and magnificent, at their common cost
they gave the best designed and most luxurious entertainments that had
ever yet been seen. Play was wonderfully productive at first, and the
Chevalier restored by a hundred different ways that which he obtained
only by one. The generals, being entertained by turns, admired their
magnificence, and were dissatisfied with their own officers for not
keeping such good tables and attendance. The Chevalier had the talent of
setting off the most indifferent things to advantage; and his wit was so
generally acknowledged, that it was a kind of disgrace not to submit to
his taste. To him Matta resigned the care of furnishing the