"What is a victory like?" said a lady to the Duke of Wellington. "The
greatest tragedy in the world, madam, except a defeat." Even our great
war would be but a tragedy were it not for the warm feeling of
brotherhood it has left behind it, based on the hidden emotions of days
like these. The war has given peace to the nation; it has given union,
freedom, equal rights; and in addition to that, it has given to you and
me the sacred sympathy of these graves. No matter what it has cost us
individually--health or worldly fortunes--it is our reward that we can
stand to-day among these graves and yet not blush that we survive.

The great French soldier, de Latour d'Auvergne, was the hero of many
battles, but remained by his own choice in the ranks. Napoleon gave him
a sword and the official title "The First Grenadier of France." When he
was killed, the Emperor ordered that his heart should be intrusted to
the keeping of his regiment--that his name should be called at every
roll-call, and that his next comrade should make answer, "Dead upon the
field of honor." In our memories are the names of many heroes; we
treasure all their hearts in this consecrated ground, and when the name
of each is called, we answer in flowers, "Dead upon the field of honor."

FOOTNOTE:

[5] Delivered at Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, Mass., Decoration
Day, May 30, 1870.




FAITH IN MANKIND[6]