XL. “Dissolved the bands of discipline, the mould
Of duty broke, restored barbarian life.”
Ναυτικὸν στράτευμ’, ἄναρχον, κᾴπὶ τοῖς κακοῖς θρασὺ,
Χρήσιμον δ’ ὅταν θέλωσιν.
Eurip. Iphig. in Aul. 914.
“An army come in ships, anarchical, and ferocious for evil deeds, but useful when it pleases.” A very close description of our San Sebastian heroes—written more than two thousand years since! I stood in September last upon the Chofre hills, on the very spot whence Graham directed the fearful cannonade, and subsequently beneath the branch where our gallant fellows entered, and in the recollection of their bravery could readily forget the tales of horror which I heard from Spaniards, who retain a more vivid memory of misdeeds, than of the most magnificent services.
I saw with little admiration the mediocre picture of San Sebastian over the high altar in the cathedral, and when I subsequently beheld the glorious picture of the same saint by Guido in the museum at Madrid, I sincerely regretted that the latter is not substituted for the former—a measure which would be well worthy an enlightened government.
IBERIA WON.