narrow community of regimental society-a society which should be bound together by a common interest in the honour and welfare of the corps, and in the conduct and character of every one of his members.

It is this interest which forms the best foundation of the admirable sentiment, to express which we borrow a word (esprit de corps) from the French.

Every one who is conversant with the constitution of the British service must be aware, however, that, if we possess not any appropriate English term, yet we possess the feeling in a very high degree-a feeling which not only produces the most valuable unity of action, but also fosters the spirit of true loyalty and patriotism, for which the officers and soldiers of our army have so long been remarkable.

196

ESSAY XI.

ON DRINKING AND GAMBLING.

THE habit of excessive drinking is equally dangerous and disgraceful to an officer. What reliance can be placed on him who delivers himself up to this deplorable weakness? If entrusted with a secret commission, he may unconsciously divulge it. If detached to an advanced post, where he should watch over the security of the army, he may not only lose his picquet, but expose the safety of the whole. How can he be sent on a foraging party, to reconnoitre a country, surprise an important post, or to gain a march on the enemy, on which may depend the fate of a great body of troops? All these commissions require an activity, a presence of mind, and a discretion, of which a man subject to frequent intoxication is utterly incapable.

The example of a commanding officer addicted to

this vice, is too generally followed by those who serve under him, and if at any time, when invited to these indulgences, they should, either from inclination or complaisance, have been led to imitate it, what dependance can be placed on them, or what kind of orders, or what exercise of the judgment, can be expected from officers whose heads are confused with the vapours of a night passed in excess.

Again, how is it possible that officers who thus offend against the very essence of discipline, and set the worst example to their men, can hope to be respected on ordinary occasions, or looked up to and obeyed on hazardous emergencies, when both their honour and the success of their country's arms depends on the way in which they are able to inspire those under their command with spirit, firmness, and confidence.

Respect is one of the first ingredients of good discipline, and the soldier is an acute and observant judge of the title of his officer to that first tribute to real merit.

History, both ancient and modern, furnishes us numberless examples of the misfortunes which this vice has occasioned, and of the disgraceful acts and unpardonable crimes which some of the most renowned persons have been led to commit, from having unhappily contracted this dangerous and seductive habit, for drinking not only brings the greatest

danger in its train, but it frequently urges to actions which are followed by a remorse that accompanies the offender to his grave. It tarnished the lustre of the victories of Alexander; who has left an indelible stain upon his memory by the murder which he committed in his drunkenness, the remembrance of which distressed him to the last moment of his life.

Often as the story has been told, it is too appropriate to be here passed over. Clytus was one of Alexander's best friends; an old officer, who had fought under his father Philip, and signalised himself on many occasions. At the battle of the Granicus, as Alexander was fighting bareheaded, and Rosaces had his arm raised in order to strike him behind, Clytus covered the king with his shield, and cut off the barbarian's head. Hellenice, his sister, had nursed Alexander, who loved her with as much tenderness as if she had been his own mother. As the king, from all these considerations, had a very great friendship for Clytus, he entrusted him with the government of one of the most important provinces of his empire, and ordered him to depart for his command on the ensuing day. In the evening, Clytus was invited to an entertainment, in which the King, after drinking to excess, began to celebrate his own exploits; and was so lavish of self-commendation, that he even shocked those very persons who

knew that what he spoke was in general true. Clytus, who by this time, as well as the rest of the company, was completely intoxicated, began to relate the actions of Philip, and his wars in Greece; preferring them to all that had been done by Alexander. Though the King was extremely vexed, he stifled his resentment; and it is probable that he would have quite suppressed his passion, had Clytus stopped here; but the latter growing more and more talkative, as if determined to exasperate and insult the King, he was commanded to leave the table. "He

is right," said Clytus, as he rose up, "not to hear free-born men at his table, who can only tell him truth. He will do well to pass his life among barbarians and slaves, who will pay adoration to his Persian girdle and his white robe." Alexander, no longer able to restrain his rage, snatched a javelin from one of the guards, and would have killed Clytus on the spot, had not the courtiers withheld his arm, and forced Clytus with much difficulty out of the hall. He, however, returned the next moment by another door; singing, with an air of insolence, verses reflecting highly on the King, who, seeing his insulter near him, struck him dead at his feet with his javelin, crying at the same time, "Go now to Philip!"

As soon as Alexander was capable of reflecting seriously on what he had done, his crime displayed