Anybody who says he’s never been afraid is a liar, an idiot, and an asshole. [….] I’ve always been afraid of war, as I told [Napoleon] more than once. I get over it by concentrating on what I’m supposed to do. Hear that regimental band outside? As long as the music’s playing, the troops aren’t supposed to care that they’re marching toward death. And I’m supposed to show up on the battlefield in front of my men, looking like I’m going to nothing more exciting — or dangerous — than a wedding.
Marshal Jean Lannes, quoted in The Emperor’s Friend by Margaret S. Chrisawn (via ladycashasatiger)