the world. For nearly three weeks we held back the enor-
mous German forces. They had counted on disposing of us
in three days. We knocked the most convincing holes in
their doctrine of invincibility. Like moving blocks, elbow
to elbow, cemented one to the other, they marched on our
forts. Before the assault they cried: "Kaiser! Kaiser!" And
the Belgian mitrailleuses replied with a dry, crackling noise.
One after another they fell, in rows, as a pack of cards. The
light from a wandering Zeppelin played over their agonizing
faces. A long wail arose and grew weaker. Soon all was
silence and death.

That our desperate resistance enabled France and Eng-
land to mass their forces and organize their campaign of
salvation, that is not for us to repeat or insist on.

If we only bear in mind the immense service which we
rendered the Occident and humanity, our hearts can be filled
with nothing but pride. Tears or lamentations would be a
dishonor. Let us say to ourselves that, of all nations, Bel-
gium was chosen to fulfill one of the greatest destinies; she
had the honor of forming the first and most decisive barrier
of the rampart which modern civilization erected against
ferocity and military barbarism, and her story will be in-
scribed with those of the few immortal peoples.

That is why many feel that Belgium dates from yesterday
only. Never has she been as real, as powerful, as now, when,
deprived of all territory, she has for emblem and standard
only the banner of her King.

The people of Belgium have one infinite compensa-
tion. They are the victims, not the aggressor.

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