Bassompierre tells us that at that time he had no particular desire for the office of marshal, “since, in his opinion, it was that of an old man, while he wished to play the part of a gallant of the Court for some years longer.” He therefore assured his Majesty that he had been entirely misinformed, and that, so far from being annoyed at La Force’s appointment, he regarded it as a most proper one, since he was an old man and a soldier of great experience, who had been promised the bâton by the late King and would have received it, if Henri IV had lived another month; that, although he had been a rebel, he was one no longer; and that it was “a signal example of the kindness of the King to forget the faults of his servants, in order to remember and recompense their merits and their services.” And he added that he did not aspire to the office of marshal or any other charge, unless his Majesty “out of pure kindness and desire to recognise his service,” wished to confer it upon him, and that he “very humbly besought him never to allow any consideration for him to prevent him doing what he judged to be for the good of his service.” This diplomatic speech greatly pleased the King, who thanked Bassompierre and told him that he might rely on him to advance his interests. He then sent for Schomberg, who, much less tactful than his colleague, pressed his Majesty to make him a marshal conjointly with La Force, and proposed that Bassompierre should be created one also, “though this was chiefly in order to strengthen his own request.” CHAPTER XXVIII Condé and his allies offer to secure for Bassompierre the position of favourite, if he will join forces with them to bring about the fall of Puisieux--Refusal of Bassompierre--Condé complains to Louis XIII of Bassompierre’s hostility to him--Bassompierre informs the King of the proposal which has been made him--Louis XIII orders _Monsieur le Prince_ to be reconciled with Bassompierre--Siege of Négrepelisse--The town is taken by storm--Terrible fate of the garrison and the inhabitants--Fresh differences between Condé and Bassompierre--Discomfiture of _Monsieur le Prince_--Bassompierre placed temporarily in command of the Royal army, captures the towns of Carmain and Cuq-Toulza--Offer of Bassompierre to resign his claim to the marshal’s bâton in favour of Schomberg--Surrender of Lunel--Massacre of the garrison by disbanded soldiers of the Royal army--Bassompierre causes eight of the latter to be hanged--Lunel in danger of being destroyed by fire with all within its walls--Bassompierre, by his presence of mind, saves the situation--Schomberg and Bassompierre--The latter is promised the marshal’s bâton.