The volumes of M. Gravière are interesting; but he must unlearn his prejudices; or, if that be nationally impossible, he must palliate them into something like probability. He must do this even in consideration of the national passion for "glory." To be beaten by eminent military qualities softens the shame of defeat; but to be beaten by mere _passiveness_,--to be driven from a scene of possession by _phlegm_, and to be stript of laurels by the hand of indolence and inaptitude,--must be the last aggravation of military misfortune. Yet, this stain they must owe to the pen of men who subscribe to the doctrine, that the great soldier of England conquered simply by his _incapacity for action_! We think differently of the French people and of the French soldiery. The people are intelligent and ingenious; the soldiery are faithful and brave. England has _no_ prejudices against either. Willing to do justice to the merits of all, she rejoices in making allies of nations, whom she has never feared as _enemies_. She wants no conquest, she desires no victories. _Her_ glory is the peace of mankind. But, she will not suffer the tombs of her great men to be defaced, nor their names to be taken down from the temple consecrated to the renown of their country. FOOTNOTE: [8] _Sketches of the Last Naval War_; from the French of Captain GRAVIÈRE. By the Hon. Captain PLUNKET. 2 vols. Longman. DANUBE AND THE EUXINE. "Danube, Danube! wherefore comest thou Red and raging to my caves? Wherefore leap thy swollen waters Madly through the broken waves? Wherefore is thy tide so sullied With a hue unknown to me? Wherefore dost thou bring pollution To the old and sacred sea?"