_. My resolution makes my vision clear. Baron de Kalb, mark
you my words in this prophetic hour: the character of Washington will
free one day the world, and lead the Aryan race and liberty and peace.
It is not his genius--minds as great have been; it is not his
heart--there have been hearts as large; it is not his sword, for swords
have been as brave, but it is himself that makes sure the cause. He
shall win liberty, and give to men their birthright and to toil a field
of hope; to industry the wealth that it creates, and to the toiler his
dues. So liberty to brotherhood shall lead, and brotherhood to peace,
and brotherhood and peace shall bring to unity all human families, and
men shall live no more in petty strife for gain, but for the souls of
men. The destinies then, as in Virgil's eye, shall spin life's web, and
to their spindles say, 'Thus go forever and forever on!' He is the
leader appointed by Heaven for sublime events. I am sent to him as a
knight of God. I go to York. I was true at Metz to liberty, and in the
council hall I shall be true, whatever is offered me, to Washington, our
Washington beloved! to the world's great commoner! Farewell."

The feast for Lafayette was spread at York in a blazing hall; red wine
filled the crystal cups. Silken banners waved and disclosed the magic
name of "Lafayette." The Board of War was there, proud Gates, and the
men of state. The _Fleur de lis_ was there and blew across the national
banners. Lafayette came. A shout arose as he appeared. The Board of War
was merry, and the wine was spilled and toasts were drunk to all the
heroes of the war except Washington. The name of Lafayette was hailed
with adulation; then all was still. The grand commissioner had waved his
hand. He bowed, and gave to Lafayette a sealed paper; he raised his cup,
and rose and bowed, and said, "Now drink ye all to him, our honored
guest, commander of the Army of the North." The oak room rang with
cheers; the glasses clinked and gleamed.

The board and guests sat down. There, tall and grand above the council,
towered the form of Lafayette. He stood there silent, then raised a
crystal cup, and said: "I thank you, friends, and I would that I were
worthier of your applause. You have honored many worthy names, but there
is one name that you have omitted in your many toasts, and that one name
to me stands above all the other heroes of the world! _I_ drink to him!"
He lifted high the cup, and said, "I pledge m