Non-Fiction > Books > London, 1878 - Inland voyage

Origny Sainte-Benoite, 1 1 9
expression. The martial and the patriotic
pieces, on the other hand, were tearful, woman-
ish productions one and all. The poet had
passed under the Caudine Forks ; he sang for
an army visiting the tomb of its old renown,
with arms reversed ; and sang not of victory,
but of death. There was a number in the
hawker's collection called Conscrits Francais^
which may rank among the most dissuasive
war-lyrics on record. It would not be possible
to fight at all in such a spirit. The bravest
conscript would turn pale if such a ditty were
struck up beside him on the morning of battle ;
and whole regiments would pile their arms to
its tune.
If FletcJicr of Saltoiin is in the right about
the influence of national songs, you would
say France was come to a poor pass. But the
thing will work its own cure, and a sound-
hearted and courageous people weary at length