Page:The World's Famous Orations Volume 7.djvu/199

 BARÈRE and France!" are heard on all sides; it is rather the touching and animated spectacle of a civic festival than the terrible moment of shipwreck.

For a moment they must have deliberated on their fate. But no, citizens, they deliberate no longer. They see the English, and they see their country; they prefer to founder rather than to dishonor her by surrender; they do not waver; their last wishes are for the Republic and liberty. They disappear.

Do not pity the Frenchmen who composed the crew of the Vengeur; do not pity them—they have died for their country; let us honor their fate and celebrate their virtues. A Pantheon rears itself in the midst of the central community of the Republic. This monument of national gratitude is visible from all the frontiers—let it be visible also from the midst of the ocean.

Until now we have conferred no honors upon the heroes of the sea; those of the land alone have obtained our homage. Why is it not