A NATION’S CONFIDENCE

The same logic saves them a vast amount of energy.  They knew Germany in ’70, when the world would not believe in their knowledge; they knew the German mind before the war; they know what she has done (they have photographs) during this war.  They do not fall into spasms of horror and indignation over atrocities “that cannot be mentioned,” as the English papers say.  They mention them in full and book them to the account.  They do not discuss, nor consider, nor waste an emotion over anything that Germany says or boasts or argues or implies or intrigues after.  They have the heart’s ease that comes from all being at work for their country; the knowledge that the burden of work is equally distributed among all; the certainty that the women are working side by side with the men; the assurance that when one man’s task is at the moment ended, another takes his place.

Out of these things is born their power of recuperation in their leisure; their reasoned calm while at work; and their superb confidence in their arms.  Even if France of to-day stood alone against the world’s enemy, it would be almost inconceivable to imagine her defeat now; wholly so to imagine any surrender.  The war will go on till the enemy is finished.  The French do not know when that hour will come; they seldom speak of it; they do not amuse themselves with dreams of triumphs or terms.  Their business is war, and they do their business.