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OF DANGER IN WAR.
USUALLY before we have learnt what danger really is, we form an idea of it which is rather attractive than repulsive.

In the intoxication of enthusiasm, to fall upon the enemy at the charge--who cares then about bullets and men falling?
To throw oneself, blinded by excitement for a moment, against cold death, uncertain whether we or another shall escape him, and all this close to the golden gate of victory, close to the rich fruit which ambition thirsts for--can this be difficult?
It will not be difficult, and still less will it appear so.

But such moments, which, however, are not the work of a single pulse-beat, as is supposed, but rather like doctors' draughts, must be taken diluted and spoilt by mixture with time--such moments, we say, are but few.
Let us accompany the novice to the battle-field.

As we approach, the thunder of the cannon becoming plainer and plainer is soon followed by the howling of shot, which attracts the attention of the inexperienced.
Balls begin to strike the ground close to us, before and behind.