rman. Parisian boys of your own age will tell you that during
their sleep German squadrons used to fly over their city dropping bombs
at random upon it. And to what purpose? None, beyond useless murder.
This is the kind of war which Germany has waged from the first,
gradually compelling her opponents to adopt the same methods. But while
this loathsome work was being done, our airplanes, piloted by soldiers
not much older than you, cruised like moving stars above the city of
Genevieve, threatened now with unheard-of invasion from on high.

Little boy, do not forget that this war, blending all classes, has also
blended in a new crucible all the capacities of our country. They are
now turned against the aggressor, but they will have to be used in time
for union, love, and peace. _Omne regnum divisum contra se desolabitur;
et omnis civitas vel domus divisa contra se non stabit._ You can read
this easy Latin, but if necessary your teacher or village priest will
help you. The house, the city, the nation ought not to be divided. The
enemy would have done us too much evil if he had not brought about the
reconciliation of all Frenchmen. You, little boy, will have to wipe away
the blood from the bleeding face of France, to heal her wounds, and
secure for her the revival she will urgently need. She will come out of
the formidable contest respected and admired, but oh, how weary! Love
her with pious love, and let the life of Guynemer inspire you with the
resolve to serve in daily life, as he served, even unto death.

_December_, 1917, to _January_, 1918.

APPENDIX

APPENDIX

GENEALOGY OF GEORGES GUYNEMER

In _Huon de Bordeaux_, a _chanson de geste_ with fairy and romantic
elements, Huon leaves for Babylon on a mission confided to him by the
Emperor, which he was told to fulfil with the aid of the dwarf sorcerer,
Oberon. At the chateau of Dunotre, in Palestine, where he must destroy a
giant, he meets a young girl of great beauty named Sebile, who guides
him through the palace. As he is astonished to hear her speak French,
she replies: "I was born in France, and I felt pity for you because I
saw the cross you wear." "In what part of France?" "In the town of
Saint-Omer," replied Sebile; "I am the daughter of Count Guinemer." Her
father had lately come on a pilgrimage to the Holy Sepulchre, bringing
her with him. A tempest had cast them on shore near the town of the
giant, who had killed her father and kept her pris