The army of Egypt, after crossing burning deserts, surviving thirst and hunger, found itself before an enemy proud of his numbers and his victories, and believing that he saw an easy prey in our troops, exhausted by their march and incessant combats.

He had yet to learn that the French soldier is greater because he knows how to suffer than because he knows how to vanquish, and that his courage rises and augments in danger.

Three thousand Frenchmen, as you know, fell upon eighteen thousand barbarians, broke their ranks, forced them back, pressed them between our lines and the sea; and the terror of our bayonets is such that the Mussulmans, driven to choose a death, rushed into the depths of the Mediterranean.
"On that memorable day hung the destinies of Egypt, France and Europe, and they were saved by your courage, "Allied Powers! if you dare to violate French territory, and if the general who was given back to us by the victory of Aboukir makes an appeal to the nation--Allied Powers! I say to you, that your successes would be more fatal to you than disasters! What Frenchman is there who would not march to victory again under the banners of the First Consul, or serve his apprenticeship to fame with him ?" Then, addressing the "Invalids," for whom the whole lower gallery had been reserved, he continued in a still more powerful voice: "And you, brave veterans, honorable victims of the fate of battles, you will not be the last to flock under the orders of him who knows your misfortunes and your glory, and who now delivers to your keeping these trophies won by your valor.

Ah, I know you, veterans, you burn to sacrifice the half of your remaining lives to your country and its freedom!" This specimen of the military eloquence of the conqueror of Montebello was received with deafening applause.

Three times the minister of war endeavored to make reply; and three times the bravos cut him short.