IIRC! Napoleon's first choice for Admiral to lead his fleet against the English was a very successful and wily privateer named Robert Surcouf; the pirate, a man of 'independent means' and already fabulously wealthy, was not so inclined to be involved in Napoleans plans and ambitions, however. The Emperor, some what slighted, offered Surcouf a large payment in return for his service, but Surcouf replied in the negative, sayin to the effect, and somewhat dismissively:
"I have no need for more gold, I am already a wealthy man - my office floor is paved with gold coins"
At this rebuffal Napoleon was much angered, and wrote back to the pirate, making his displeasure plain: "I am not amused at the thought of you walking on my face" (which at that time adorned each gold coin);
Surcouf replied:
"My Emperor misunderstands - the coins are laid on their edges"....
On another occasion, When a British captive officer challenged Surcouf with the words "You French fight for money while we fight for honour", Surcouf replied "Each of us fights for what he lacks most"....