Page:History of the War between the United States and Mexico.djvu/562

504 But the unexampled success that has attended our arms in this struggle, should excite no vainglorious spirit, no boastful arrogance, no overweening confidence. Least of all — for this need not be — should it excite a thirst for extended empire. The glowing pages of Solís, the honest enthusiasm of Bernal Diaz, and the truthful eloquence of our own Prescott, may well be admired; but the career of Cortés is none the less unworthy of imitation, because it is adorned, on the pages of history, by the charms of composition, and the graces of intellect. Should a republic, founded as an asylum to which the wronged and the oppressed might flee for safety — a peaceful refuge from tyranny and wrong — forget its high mission, and seek for glory in foreign conquests, it would, indeed, provoke the scorn and derision of mankind.

War is an evil! — Its crimsoned fields, scented with slaughter, and steaming with corruption, speak volumes in its condemnation. Its pride and pomp are based on human misery. The attractions of martial renown are many; but — alas! — at what an enormous sacrifice are they purchased! The laurel-wreath of the victor may relieve, but it cannot conceal, the mournful cypress that droops beside it. Scattered all over our fair country, here are monuments, like the tumuli in the churchyards of the Tyrol. evidences of that affection which clings to its object beyond the grave, — of deep, sincere, and heartfelt gratitude; — yet do they also testify to the suffering and wretchedness that war has occasioned.