CHAPTER II.

Now such being the universal spirit of Chris-tendom, a consequence somewhat analogous couldnot but ensue. It is the only time that historypresents us a simultaneous unison of so manynations; and who knows if such a sight will evercome again ? With all its defects, it has certainly anair of majesty that cannot be put down by anysneer. Sneers are the trophies of what is grand.Homer and Virgil (but not their inferiors) havebeen travestied. What was so often in Napoleon’smouth is eminently true; “From the sublimeto the ridiculous is but a step.’’ It may beridiculous to call ridicule a test of truth. Yetis it the sincerest homage to truth—unwillinghomage.