The presence of the Prussians at the gates, and the sound of the cannon, have at last sobered this frivolous people.
Frenchmen, indeed, cannot live without exaggeration, and for the last twenty-four hours they have taken to walking about as if they were guests at their own funerals.

It is hardly in their line to play the _justum et tenacem_ of Horace.

Always acting, they are now acting the part of Spartans.

It is somewhat amusing to see the stern gloom on the face of patriots one meets, who were singing and shouting a few days ago--more particularly as it is by no means difficult to distinguish beneath this outward gloom a certain keen relish, founded upon the feeling that the part is well played.

One thing, however, is certain, order has at length been evolved from disorder.