This is precisely what the character of men would become who had lived for thousands of years in the conditions of Northern society.

But you would find upon the other hand that nearly all nations would speak highly of certain other English qualities--energy, courage, honour, justice (between themselves).

They would say that although no man is so difficult to make friends with, the friendship of an Englishman once gained is more strong and true than any other.

And as the battle of life still continues, and must continue for thousands of years to come, it must be acknowledged that the English character is especially well fitted for the struggle.

Its reserves, its cautions, its doubts, its suspicions, its brutality--these have been for it in the past, and are still in the present, the best social armour and panoply of war.