etius:[55]--

"Comme un aigle audacieux,
Il a vole jusqu'aux cieux,
_Et derobe le tonnerre_
Dont ils effrayaient la terre,
Heureux larcin
De l'habile Benjamin.

"L'Americain indompte
_Recouvre sa liberte_;
Et ce genereux ouvrage,
Autre exploit de notre sage,
Est mis a fin
Par Louis et Benjamin."

Mr. Sparks found among Franklin's papers the following paraphrastic
version:[56]--

"Franklin sut arreter la foudre dans les airs,
Et c'est le moindre bien qu'il fit a sa patrie;
Au milieu de climats divers,
Ou dominait la tyrannie,
Il fit regner les arts, les moeurs, et le genie;
Et voila le heros que j'offre a l'univers."

Nor should I omit a translation into English by Mr. Elphinstone:--

"He snatched the bolt from Heaven's avenging hand,
Disarmed and drove the tyrant from the land."

In concluding this sketch, I wish to say that the literary associations
of the subject did not tempt me; but I could not resist the inducement
to present in its proper character an interesting incident which can be
truly comprehended only when it is recognized in its political
relations. To this end it was important to exhibit its history, even in
details, so that the verse which has occupied so much attention should
be seen not only in its scholarly fascination, but in its wide-spread
influence in the circles of the learned and the circles even of the
fashionable in Paris and throughout France, binding this great nation by
an unchangeable vow to the support of American liberty. Words are
sometimes things; but never were words so completely things as those
with which Turgot welcomed Franklin. The memory of that welcome cannot
be forgotten in America. Can it ever be forgotten in France?

POSTSCRIPT.

And now the country is amazed by the report that the original welcome of
France to America and the inspired welcome of Turgot to Franklin are
forgotten by the France of this day, or, rather let me say, forgotten by
the Emperor, whose memory for the time is the memory of France. It is
said that Louis Napoleon is concerting an alliance with the Rebel
slavemongers of our country, founded on the recognition of their
independence, so that they may take their place as a new power in the
family of nations. Indeed, we have been told, through the columns of the
official organ, the "Moniteur," that he wishes to do this thing. Perhaps
he imagines that