When we read that Mahomet, having outrageously rated Chasan, chief leader of his Janizers, because he saw his troops well-nigh defeated by the Hungarians, and he to behave himself but faintly in the fight, Chasan without making other reply, alone as he was, and without more ado, with his weapon in his hand, rushed furiously in the thickest throng of his enemies that he first met withal, of whom he was instantly slain. This may haply be deemed rather a rash conceit than a justification, and a new spite than a natural prowess. He whom you saw yesterday so boldly venturous, wonder not if you see him a dastardly meacock to-morrow next; for either anger or necessity, company or wine, a sudden fury or the clang of a trumpet, might rouse up his heart and stir up his courage.

From Montaigne’s Essays, translated by J. Florio, Amherst, New York: Prometheus Books, 2005, p. 142.