During his time with the French army, years before, one of the sergeants had explained to the younger mercenaries the trick of falling asleep the night before a battle. Make yourself comfortable, examine your conscience, and make a good Act of Contrition. Father Hugo says that in time of war, even if there is no priest to shrive you, your sins can be forgiven this way. Since you cannot commit sins while asleep--not even you, Simenon!--you will awake in a state of grace, ready to fall on the bastards. And with nothing to look forward to but victory or heaven-- how can you be afraid.
In "Dragonfly in Amber," a soldier reflects on advice given by a sergeant about coping with the fear of battle. The sergeant suggested that one can find peace before a fight by making oneself comfortable and engaging in an Act of Contrition, which can bring forgiveness of sins even without a priest present. This approach allows the soldier to sleep peacefully, awakening in a state of grace, ready for whatever lies ahead.
This mindset emphasizes the idea that when faced with the inevitability of battle, individuals can release their fears by focusing on the dichotomy of victory or divine salvation. With this perspective, the weight of fear is diminished, allowing the soldier to embrace the impending confrontation without trepidation. It highlights a coping mechanism that blends personal reflection and spiritual reassurance in the context of war.
