This does not mean that no blame attaches to them.

Very probably in most such cases there has been carelessness or miscalculation, for which somebody merits either punishment or censure.

But the Commander-in-Chief and the nation concerned have to reckon upon such mishaps; and, without affecting {p.314} indifference, or neglecting to exact responsibility, they are to be regarded merely as the bruises and the barked limbs that men get in any rough sport.

These they are, and usually they are nothing more.

The player does not bleed to death in consequence; he simply goes on with the game.