CHAPTER XXVIII .-- --FRANCIS I.AND CHARLES V.
The closer the study and the wider the contemplation a Frenchman bestows upon his country's history, the deeper will be his feelings of patriotic pride, dashed with a tinge of sadness.

France, in respect of her national unity, is the most ancient amongst the states of Christian Europe.

During her long existence she has passed through very different regimens, the chaos of barbarism, the feudal system, absolute monarchy, constitutional monarchy, and republicanism.

Under all these regimens she has had no lack of greatness and glory, material power and intellectual lustre, moral virtues and the charms of social life.

Her barbarism had its Charlemagne; her feudal system St.Louis, Joan of Arc, and Bayard; her absolute monarchy Henry IV.