For a while I was unable to articulate, but at length I said: "You are one of those who urged us to this fate.

You gave us every assurance that, in any crisis, you would be at our side.

We made the desperate trial which you recommended.

We have failed, because we were abandoned by those who were foremost in urging us on; and even now--here, where God alone sees us--you meet with reproaches one who has sacrificed his all on earth in a cause you pretended to bless.

Is not that fate worse than defeat--than flight--than death ?" "Tis a sad fate, no doubt," said he.