his King and towards the Gentlemen of the Company.
But at his death he crowned his virtues with sentiments
of piety so lofty that he astonished us all. What
tears he shed! how ardent became his zeal for the
service of God! how great was his love for the families
here!--saying that they must be vigorously assisted
for the good of the Country, and made comfortable in
every possible way in these early stages, and that he
would do it if God gave him health. He was not taken
unawares in the account which he had to render unto
God, for he had long ago prepared a general Confession
of his whole life, which he made with great contrition
to Father Lalemant, whom he honoured with his friendship.
The Father comforted him throughout his sickness,
which lasted two months and a half, and did not leave
him until his death. He had a very honourable burial,
the funeral procession being farmed of the people,
the soldiers, the captains, and the churchmen. Father
Lalemant officiated at this burial, and I was charged
with the funeral oration, for which I did not lack
material. Those whom he left behind have reason to be
well satisfied with him; for, though he died out of
France, his name will not therefor be any less glorious
to posterity.

CHAPTER VI. CHAMPLAIN'S WRITINGS AND CHARACTER

There are some things that speak for themselves. In attempting to
understand Champlain's character, we are first met by the fact that
he pursued unflinchingly his appointed task. For thirty-two years he
persevered, amid every kind of hardship, danger, and discouragement,
in the effort to build up New France. He had personal ambitions as an
explorer, which were kept in strict subordination to his duty to the
king. He possessed concentration of aim without fanaticism. His
signal unselfishness was adorned by a patience which equalled that of
Marlborough. Inspired by large ideals, he did not scorn imperfect means.

Thus there are certain large aspects of Champlain's character that stand
forth in the high light of deed, and do not depend for their effect
either upon his own words or those of others. But when once we have
paid tribute to the fine, positive qualities which are implied by his
accomplishment, we must hasten to recognize the extraordinary value of
his writings as an index to his mind and soul. His narrative is not
an epic of disaster. It is a plain and even statement of gr