He could own, however, that the world had a right to the inspection of the Epic books before it awarded him his crown.

The celestial Theory likewise would have to be worked out to the last figure by the illustrious astronomers to whom he modestly ranked himself second as a benefactor of his kind, revering him.

So that, whatever we may think in our own hearts, Epic and Theory have to remain the exception.
Battles indeed have been fought, but when you survey the field in preparation for them you are summoned to observe the preluding courtesies of civilised warfare in a manner becoming a chivalrous gentleman.

It never was the merely flinging of your leg across a frontier, not even with the abrupt Napoleon.

You have besides to drill your men; and you have often to rouse your foe with a ringing slap, if he's a sleepy one or shamming sleepiness.