古德明《征服英语》之英语军事故事，古德明，香港英语教育作家，他开了一个《征服英语专栏》，在专栏中专门用英语写了世界近代史上的军事小故事，用英语讲述历史中那些惊心动魄的战争。
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the battle of bailen was fought in 1808 between napoleonic troops and the spanish army under general reding. on the evening before the battle, several dragoons brought before reding about 20 peasants, who were arrested for trying to provide water to the enemy. the peasants knew well that death was to be their punishment, but one of them made bold to say to reding,"general, we have done wrong. however, our huts and corn were a prey to the flames. no prospect but starvation remained to us for the approaching winter, and the french paid two reales for a glass of water."

tears sparkled in reding's eyes. he gave every peasant a piece of gold worth five ducats, saying,"divide the water among your countrymen, and leave the french to me." he would not stop to receive their thanks, but immediately withdrew.