56. What noted national hymn was composed (words and music) in a single night?
The Marseillaise, the name by which the grand song of the first French Revolution is known. The circumstances which led to its composition are as follows: In the beginning of 1792, when a column of volunteers was about to leave Strasburg, the mayor of the city, who gave a banquet on the occasion, asked an officer of artillery, named Rouget de Lisle, to compose a song in their honor. His request was complied with, and the result was the Marseillaise,—both verse and music being the work of a single night. De Lisle entitled the piece Chant de Guerre de l’Armee du Rhin. Next day it was sung with the rapturous enthusiasm that only Frenchmen can exhibit, and instead of six hundred volunteers, one thousand marched out of Strasburg. Soon from the whole army of the North resounded the thrilling and fiery words, “Aux armes! Aux armes!” Nevertheless the song was still unknown at Paris, and was first introduced there by Barbaroux, when he summoned the youth of Marseilles to the capital in July, 1792. It was received with transports by the Parisians, who, ignorant of its real authorship, named it Hymne des Marseillais, which name it has ever since borne.
57. Who was the “Queen of Tears”?
This name was given to Mary of Modena, the second wife of James II., of England. “Her eyes,” says Noble, “became eternal fountains of sorrow for that crown her ill policy contributed to lose.”
58. Who was called the “Bravest of the Brave”?
The celebrated Marshal Ney (1769–1815) was so called by the French troops at Friedland (1807), on account of his fearless bravery. He was in command of the right wing, which bore the brunt of the battle, and stormed the town. Napoleon as he watched him passing unterrified through a storm of balls, exclaimed, “That man is a lion!” and henceforth the army styled him, “Les Braves des Braves.”
59. What are the different colors used by different nations for mourning?
Black. The color of mourning in Europe, also in ancient Greece and Rome.
Black and White striped. Expressive of sorrow and hope combined; worn by the South Sea Islanders.
Grayish Brown. The color of the earth; worn in Ethiopia.