For them it seemed a little debauch in glory.
The hero of the _fete_ grasped the hands of the colonel and officers with as much emotion as if he had found his old comrades again.

He cordially saluted the non-commissioned officers and soldiers, approached the flag, bent one knee to the earth, raised himself loftily, grasped the staff, turned toward the attentive crowd, and said, "My friends, under the shadow of the flag, a soldier of France, after forty-six years of exile, finds his family again to-day.

All honor to thee, symbol of our fatherland, old partner in our victories, and heroic support in our misfortunes! Thy radiant eagle has hovered over prostrate and trembling Europe.

Thy bruised eagle has again dashed obstinately against misfortune, and terrified the sons of Power.

Honor to thee, thou who hast led us to glory, and fortified us against the clamor of despair! I have seen thee ever foremost in the fiercest dangers, proud flag of my native land! Men have fallen around thee like grain before the reaper; while thou alone hast shown to the enemy thy front unbending and superb.