Military life in Italy : sketches - Societa italiana di storia militare

1 1 8 MILITAR Y LIFE.
our family ; every one liked us, and here, instead ... It
"
hurts us ;
it does hurt us !
These last words were uttered in a really disconsolate tone ;
and then he stopped and dropped his eyes, continuing to
mutter to himself.
I
The officer allowed some moments to pass in silence, lighted
a cigar, and then, in a careless way, as if he had not understood
or did not wish to understand any thing, he said :
" Draw up your cravat a little
(and he helped him to do so) ;
so ;
that 's right. Turn around."
The soldier turned ;
the officer seized and drew down the
"
end of his coat. Your coat must have no wrinkles ;
it must
be as smooth as a corset. Turn."
He turned ;
the officer arranged his cap,
" This way a
little sideways, for it looks better."
The conscript smiled.
" And stand erect, hold up your head, and when you walk,
step off freely and easily, as you did when you played at bowls
in our court, do you remember " ?
He smiled, and nodded in the affirmative."
"
Well, then," continued the officer, leaning against the wall
and putting one leg over the other ;
" look every one in the
face, because you need not fear any one, or be ashamed of
yourself. Do you understand ? Even if the king passed, you
are to raise your head and look him full in the eyes, as if to
'
say It is I.' It is :
self-respect, and we soldiers must always
show it in this way, remember."
The soldier nodded in the affirmative and began to grow
composed.
" And remember, too, that as soon as you enter the barracks,