Suppose Wellington overwhelmed on the plateau
of Mont St. John; suppose Washington attacked and beaten at Valley
Forge--and either supposition is quite easy--and what becomes of the
heroes? They would have been as brave, honest, heroic, wise; but their
glory, where would it have been? Should we have had their portraits
hanging in our chambers? have been familiar with their histories? have
pondered over their letters, common lives, and daily sayings? There is
not only merit, but luck which goes to making a hero out of a gentleman.
Mind, please you, I am not saying that the hero is after all not so very
heroic; and have not the least desire to grudge him his merit because of
his good fortune.
Have you any idea whither this Roundabout Essay on some late great
victories is tending? Do you suppose that by those words I mean Trenton,
Brandywine, Salamanca, Vittoria, and so forth? By a great victory I
can't mean that affair at Farnham, for it was a drawn fight. Where,
then, are the victories, pray, and when are we coming to them?
My good sir, you will perceive that in this Nicaean discourse I have
only as yet advanced as far as this--that a hero, whether he wins
or loses, is a hero; and that if a fellow will but be honest and
courageous, and do his best, we are for paying all honor to him.
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