noon
How am I to get to Paris if I do not rout his forces ? how am I to pull him down if the present state of affairs goes on as heretofore ? A blow must be struck now ; we must take revenge for Brienne today ! '' `` Wrede will be here with his troops at noon , '' said Gneisenau , thoughtfully ; `` let us , therefore , attack the enemy at twelve o'clock , and make all necessary dispositions for it . Above all , couriers should be sent to headquarters . '' `` Yes , Gneisenau , it is your province to attend to all that , for you know well that you are the head and I am the arm . Consider all that is necessary ; I know only that Bonaparte contemplates a retreat , and that I must compel him to accept battle .