CHARACTER OF A BRITISH SOLDIER. 131 



by those who, in 1815, observed his powerful frame, 

 distinguished amidst the united armies of Europe, and, 

 notwithstanding his habitual excess in drinking, he 

 sustains fatigue, and wet, and the extremes of cold and 

 heat with incredible vigour. When completely disci- 

 plined, and three years are required to accomplish 

 this, his port is lofty, and his movements free; the 

 whole world cannot produce a nobler specimen of mili- 

 tary bearing, nor is the mind unworthy of the outward 

 man. He does not, indeed, possess that presumptuous 

 vivacity which would lead him to dictate to his com- 

 manders, or even to censure real errors, although he 

 may perceive them ; but he is observant, and quick to 

 comprehend his orders, full of resources under difficul- 

 ties, calm and resolute in danger, and more than usually 

 obedient and careful of his officers in moments of 

 imminent danger. 



It has been asserted that his undeniable firmness in 

 battle, is the result of a phlegmatic constitution unin- 

 spired by moral feeling. Never was a more stupid calum- 

 ny uttered ! Napoleon's troops fought in bright fields, 

 where every helmet caught some beams of glory, but 

 the British soldier conquered under the cold shade of 

 aristocracy ; no honours awaited his daring, no dispatch 

 gave his name to the applauses of his countrymen ; 

 his life of danger and hardship was uncheered by hope, 

 his death unnoticed. Did his heart sink therefore ! 

 Did he not endure with surpassing fortitude the sorest 

 of ills, sustain the most terrible assaults in battle un- 

 moved, and, with incredible energy overthrow every 

 opponent, at all times proving that, while no physical 

 military qualification was wanting, the fount of honour 

 was also full and fresh within him ! 



The result of a hundred battles and the united tes- 

 timony of impartial writers of different nations have 

 given- the first place, amongst the European infantry, 

 to the British ; but, in a comparison between the troops 

 of France and England, it would be unjust not to admit 

 that the cavalry of the former stands higher in the es- 

 timation of the world. 



