And the fine flourish is not altogether wanting even now. As some offset to the impression of pure blood and tears, let me quote a document showing that the courage of France still sometimes displays itself with the dash of purple. Before me is a copy of the official proclamation of the Mayor of Dunkirk, posted through the town after the stunning surprise of the first bombardments. It runs as follows:-- _DUNKERQUOIS_ _Les Bombardements que nous venons de subir ont fait surtout des victimes dans les rues._ _Je recommande_ ESSENTIELLEMENT _aux habitants de s'abriter dans les caves voutées et de ne pas se fier même à des écarts de tir assez longs pour sortir_. _Dunkerquois, nous avons à supporter les risques de la guerre, nous les supportons vaillamment._ _Notre ville peut avoir à payer son tribut au vandalisme de nos ennemis comme d'autres villes_, NOUS GARDERONS HAUT LES COEURS. _Les ruines seules seront allemandes, la terre restera française et après la_ VICTOIRE, _nous nous retrouverons_ PLUS FORTS, PLUS RESOLUS ET PLUS FIERS QUE JAMAIS. VIVE DUNKERQUE TOUJOURS ET VIVE LA FRANCE.[2] [2] [TRANSLATION] PEOPLE OF DUNKIRK: The bombardments to which we have been subjected have caused many casualties in the streets. I most emphatically urge all persons to seek shelter in vaulted cellars, and not to trust even to intervals in the firing long enough to go out. People of Dunkirk, we have to put up with the hazards of war, and we are doing so courageously. Our city may have to pay its tribute to the vandalism of our foes, like other cities; we will keep our hearts serene and high. The ruins alone will be German, the soil will remain French, and after the Victory, we shall meet again, stronger, more determined, and prouder than ever. _Vive_ Dunkirk forever, and _Vive la France_! And the best part of this ringing manifesto, as it seems to me, is that it is all quite true. Dunkirk will live long, and so will France; and after the victory the citizens will find themselves, we cannot doubt, prouder and more resolute than ever.