of commonplace schoolboy rant. Not venturing to rush in where
more eminent judges differ, we only beg to express the doubt whether any Sandhurst cadet of twenty-two years of age could write an essay in any way comparable to the young Corsican's theme. Certain passages read like a prologue of the impending drama. After speaking of the virtuous man who desires to promote the public happiness, Napoleon continues :—
"But ambition, the immoderate desire to satisfy pride or in, temperance—which is never satisfied—which leads Alexander from Thebes to Persia, from Granicus to Issus, from Issue to Arbela, and thence to India—ambition, which causes him to conquer and ravage the world without being able to satisfy it, the same flame consumes him ; in his delirium he knows not where to direct it, he becomes agitated, he is led astray The ambition which overturns States and private families, which is fed upon blood and crime ; the ambition which inspired
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