the memoirs of
Generals or of those in their confidence, or by reason of some special
historical inquiry directed to a particular circumstance, that a portion
of the many threads composing the whole web is brought to light. The
reflections, mental doubts, and conflicts which precede the execution
of great acts are purposely concealed because they affect political
interests, or the recollection of them is accidentally lost because they
have been looked upon as mere scaffolding which had to be removed on the
completion of the building.

If, now, in conclusion, without venturing upon a closer definition of
the higher powers of the soul, we should admit a distinction in
the intelligent faculties themselves according to the common ideas
established by language, and ask ourselves what kind of mind comes
closest to military genius, then a look at the subject as well as at
experience will tell us that searching rather than inventive minds,
comprehensive minds rather than such as have a special bent, cool rather
than fiery heads, are those to which in time of War we should prefer to
trust the welfare of our women and children, the honour and the safety
of our fatherland.

CHAPTER IV. OF DANGER IN WAR

USUALLY before we have learnt what danger really is, we form an idea
of it which is rather attractive than repulsive. In the intoxication of
enthusiasm, to fall upon the enemy at the charge--who cares then about
bullets and men falling? To throw oneself, blinded by excitement for a
moment, against cold death, uncertain whether we or another shall escape
him, and all this close to the golden gate of victory, close to the rich
fruit which ambition thirsts for--can this be difficult? It will not be
difficult, and still less will it appear so. But such moments, which,
however, are not the work of a single pulse-beat, as is supposed, but
rather like doctors' draughts, must be taken diluted and spoilt by
mixture with time--such moments, we say, are but few.

Let us accompany the novice to the battle-field. As we approach, the
thunder of the cannon becoming plainer and plainer is soon followed by
the howling of shot, which attracts the attention of the inexperienced.
Balls begin to strike the ground close to us, before and behind. We
hasten to the hill where stands the General and his numerous Staff. Here
the close striking of the cannon balls and the bursting of shells is so
frequent that the seriousness of life makes itself vis