Page:The World's Famous Orations Volume 7.djvu/198

 THE WORLD'S FAMOUS ORATIONS torn sails, splintered spars covered the sea. Was it possible that so much courage, such superhuman efforts, could be unavailing?

Wretched slaves of Pitt and George! think you that French Republicans will give themselves over into perfidious hands, and make terms with enemies so vile as you? No, hope it not; the eyes of the Republic are on them; they will conquer or die for her. Hours of combat have not exhausted their courage; still they fight; the enemy receives their last shots and their ship leaks through every seam.

What will become of our brothers? They must either fall into the tyrant's hands or be swallowed up by the sea. Have no fears for their glory; the Republicans who man this ship are greater in misfortune than in success. A stern resolution has succeeded to the heat of battle. Picture this ship, the Vengeur, pierced by cannon balls, gaping in every seam, hemmed in by English tigers and leopards, with her crew of wounded and dying, fighting against the waves and the cannon. The third tier of guns is almost at the water's edge, but still hurl death to the perfidious islanders. Suddenly cease the roar of battle, the terror of danger, the groans of the wounded; all hands ascend or are carried to the deck. All the flags, all the pennants are hoisted; the ensign is nailed to the staff; shouts of "Long Live the Republic!" "Long Live