close of that year all Belgium obeyed the National Convention at Paris, and the kings of Europe, after the lapse of eighteen centuries, trembled once more before a conquering military republic.
Göthe’s description of the cannonade has been quoted. His observation to his comrades, and the camp of the allies at the end of the battle, deserves quotation also. It shows that the poet felt (and probably he alone, of the thousands there assembled, felt) the full importance of that day. He describes the consternation and the change of demeanor which he observed among his Prussian friends that evening, He tells us that "most of them were silent; and, in fact, the power of reflection and judgment was wanting to all. At last I was called upon to say what I thought of the engagement, for I had been in the habit of enlivening and arousing the troop with short sayings. This time I said, 'From this, place and from this day forth commences a new era in the world’s history, and you can all say that you were present at its birth.'"
Synopsis of Events between the Battle of Valmy, A.D. 1792, and the Battle of Waterloo, A.D. 1815.
A.D. 1793. Trial and execution of Louis XVI. at Paris. England and Spain declare war against France. Royalist war in La Vendée. Second invasion of France by the allies.
1794. Lord Howe’s victory over the French fleet. Final partition of Poland by Russia, Prussia, and Austria.
1795. The French armies, under Pichegru, conquer Holland. Cessation of the war in La Vendée.
1796. Bonaparte commands the French army of Italy, and gains repeated victories over the Austrians.
1797. Victory of Jervis off Cape St. Vincent. Peace of Campo Formio between France and Austria. Defeat of the Dutch off Camperdown by Admiral Duncan.
1798. Rebellion in Ireland. Expedition of the French under Bonaparte to Egypt. Lord Nelson destroys the French fleet at the battle of the Nile.
1799. Renewal of the war between Austria and France. The Russian emperor sends an army in aid of Austria under Suwar-
