Marshal Saxe remarks, that no retreats are so favorable as those which
are made before a languid and unenterprising enemy, for when he pursues
with vigor, the retreat soon degenerates into a rout. “Upon this
principle it is a great error,” says the marshal, “to adhere to the
proverb which recommends us to build a bridge of gold for a retreating
enemy. No; follow him up with spirit, and he is destroyed!”