Their monarchist colleagues were streaming over the frontiers to join the Austrian and Prussian invaders.

But National Guards were enrolling by tens of thousands to drive out the Prussian and Austrian invaders; and when Europe looked to see France fall for ever, it saw with wonder her strength renewed as by enchantment.

Later on it learnt that that strength was the strength of Antaeus, of a peasantry that stood firmly rooted in their native soil.

Organization and good leadership alone were needed to transform these ardent masses into the most formidable soldiery; and the brilliant military prospects now opened up certainly knit Buonaparte's feelings more closely with the cause of France.

Thus, on September 21st, when the new National Assembly, known as the Convention, proclaimed the Republic, we may well believe that sincere convictions no less than astute calculations moved him to do and dare all things for the sake of the new democratic commonwealth.[17] For the present, however, a family duty urges him to return to Corsica.