Page:The Royal Family of France (Henry).djvu/30

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The Royal Family of France.

But not the less they trust that the tendency of the times shortly will overcome the difficulties. And so we do. For theirs is that unselfish patriotism which comes from intelligent search, unpaid strife, and loving sacrifice:—

"Love thyself last; cherish those hearts that love thee;
Corruption wins not more than honesty."
"He is a free man whom the truth makes free,
And all are slaves beside."

And their lively and prudent direction — to-day the "faint tinges of a seemingly expiring sunset" — to-morrow will be "all the glory of the daybreak":—

"Never yet
Share of Truth was vainly set
In the world's wide fallow;
After hands shall sow the seed,
After hands, from hill and mead,
Reap the harvest yellow."

We give these Publicists' writings our ungrudged support, because, as far as they go, their writings are the result of an uncommon ability and a wide experience; because they are a simple and honest reproduction of truth and right, of fairness about the changes and trials of France; and because they truly tend thereby to promoting a solid, durable good in their country. Let us now consider their valuable suggestions.


I. How Stands Europe To-day?

Our first point is: What is the state of things in Europe just now?

It has been said that Sparta blinded Greece in one eye on the day she overthrew the power of Athens. As truly might it be said that Germany darkened an orb of Europe when she was allowed to dismember and to humble France. Since the Treaty of Vienna (October 30, 1864), since the battle of Sadowa (July 3, 1866); since that year of terror which beheld the Prussian Army under the walls of Paris, notwithstanding the peace of Paris and the Congress of Berlin, nations wrestle in darkness; shifting