canism, which resounds from every part of these
walls, ought to please, above all, the defenders of America. Can they
not love these soldiers who, after their example, repelled the enemies
of their country? We approach with pleasure those veterans, whose
trophies add lustre to these walls, and some of whom have gained laurels
with Washington in the wilds of Carolina and Virginia.

"But there is something more due to the memory of WASHINGTON: it is the
union of France and America.[150] It is the happiness of each; it is
peace between the two nations. It now seems to me that WASHINGTON calls
to all France from the very summit of this dome: 'Magnanimous people!
you, who know so well how to honor glory, I have conquered for
independence; the happiness of my country was the reward of that
victory. Imitate not the first half of my life; it is the second that
recommends me to posterity.'

"Yes, thy counsels shall be heard, O WASHINGTON! O warrior! O
legislator! O citizen without reproach! He who, _while yet young_,
rivals thee in battles, shall, like thee, with his triumphant hands,
heal the wounds of his country. Even now we have his disposition, his
character, for the pledge; and his warlike genius, unfortunately
necessary, shall soon lead sweet Peace into this temple of War. Then the
sentiment of universal joy shall obliterate the remembrance of
oppression and injustice. Already the oppressed forget their ills, in
looking to the future. The acclamations of every age will be offered to
the hero who gives happiness to France, and seeks to restore it to a
contending world."

[150] The new American envoys were then in Paris, on a mission of
reconciliation and brotherhood.

CHAPTER XLIII.

WASHINGTON'S CHARACTER.

Our chronicle of the career of Washington is finished. We have traced
the details of that career, from his birth through all the vicissitudes
of an eventful life of more than sixty years, with conscientious
fidelity to truth and justice.

We have seen him first a generous, truthful boy; and then a handsome,
robust, manly youth, perfectly self-reliant, bearing the implements of a
professional surveyor's vocation through the forests of Virginia, and
gaining that knowledge of woodcraft which afterward proved of essential
service to him.

We have seen him, at the age of twenty-one years, traversing a portion
of the same wilderness and beyond, bearing the commission and
responsibilities of a military