Roundabout Papers - Penn State University

Thackerayhave enemies; have we hit them an unkind blow? Havewe sought to pursue party aims, to forward private jobs,to advance selfish schemes? The only persons to whomwittingly we have given pain are some who have volunteeredfor our corps—and of these volunteers we havehad thousands.” (Murmurs and grumbles.) “What commander,citizens, could place all these men!—could makeofficers of all these men?” (cries of “No—no!” and laughter)—”couldsay, ‘I accept this recruit, though he is tooshort for our standard, because he is poor, and has amother at home who wants bread?’ could enroll thisother, who is too weak to bear arms, because he says,‘Look, sir, I shall be stronger anon.’ The leader of suchan army as ours must select his men, not because theyare good and virtuous, but because they are strong andcapable. To these our ranks are ever open, and in additionto the warriors who surround me”—(the generalslook proudly conscious)—”I tell you, citizens, that Iam in treaty with other and most tremendous champions,who will march by the side of our veterans to theachievement of fresh victories. Now, blow, trumpets!Bang, ye gongs! and drummers, drub the thunderingskins! Generals and chiefs, we go to sacrifice to thegods.”Crowned with flowers, the captains enter the temple,the other Magazines walking modestly behind them.The people huzza; and, in some instances, kneel andkiss the fringes of the robes of the warriors. The Philosopherputs up his shutters, and retires into his shop,deeply moved. In ancient times, Pliny (apud Smith) relatesit was the custom of the Imperator “to paint hiswhole body a bright red;” and, also, on ascending theHill, to have some of the hostile chiefs led aside “to theadjoining prison, and put to death.” We propose to dispensewith both these ceremonies.39