I have lived to see the accomplishment of his predictions, I have seen the return of the banner of liberty, I have seen the nation grow in wealth, in prosperity, and in education. I have seen those who obstructed justice and who wished to establish the old regime, compelled to leave. I have seen that mind always progresses, and that even the peasants are willing to part with their last sou for the good of their children. Unfortunately we have not enough schoolmasters. If we had fewer soldiers and more teachers the work would go on much faster. But--patience--that will come. The people begin to understand their rights, they know that war brings them nothing but increased contributions, and when _they_ shall say, "Instead of sending our sons to perish by thousands under the sabre and cannon, we prefer that they should be taught to be men;" who will dare to oppose them? To-day the people are sovereign! In this hope, my friends, I embrace you with my whole heart, and bid you, Adieu! End of Project Gutenberg's Waterloo, by Emile Erckmann and Alexandre Chatrian