DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.11636#0039
AND LOWER EGYPT. 13
nihilate shall be restored to their ancient lustre,
while others shall re-appcar which now lie buried
in the sand. The image of splendour shall every-
where resume the place of the hideous picture of
destruction. Science is about to advance with the
pace of a giant. Canals, that copious source of
prosperity, are going to be cut or repaired. The
commerce of the world will naturally fall back into
its ancient channel; and what the Pharaohs, in
the plenitude of their power, were afraid to under-
take, the junction of the two seas, Frenchmen,
conducted by a new Alexander, whom victory and
the sciences are emulous to crown, shall present to
the astonishment and admiration of future ages.
The mind is lost and confounded in contemplating
that immensity of glory with which the French na-
tion is encircling itself. Proud of belonging to it,
I feel an additional satisfaction in being able to
consecrate to my country the fruit of my labours*.
* As our Author had suppressed the history of his travels for
twice nine years, he would perhaps have acted prudently in
suppressing his prediction concerning the approaching state of
Egypt, till events had given him a firmer foundation whereon
to rest them. The Gallic expedition to that country is assur-
edly of very uncertain issue. The vain-glory of a Frenchman
is truly ridiculous, and the idea of the French nation giving
liberty, happiness and the means of illumination to the coun-
tries which they overrun as a pestilence, is an insult to the
common sense of mankind. It merits the silent smile of indig-
nation and contempt.—H. H.
nihilate shall be restored to their ancient lustre,
while others shall re-appcar which now lie buried
in the sand. The image of splendour shall every-
where resume the place of the hideous picture of
destruction. Science is about to advance with the
pace of a giant. Canals, that copious source of
prosperity, are going to be cut or repaired. The
commerce of the world will naturally fall back into
its ancient channel; and what the Pharaohs, in
the plenitude of their power, were afraid to under-
take, the junction of the two seas, Frenchmen,
conducted by a new Alexander, whom victory and
the sciences are emulous to crown, shall present to
the astonishment and admiration of future ages.
The mind is lost and confounded in contemplating
that immensity of glory with which the French na-
tion is encircling itself. Proud of belonging to it,
I feel an additional satisfaction in being able to
consecrate to my country the fruit of my labours*.
* As our Author had suppressed the history of his travels for
twice nine years, he would perhaps have acted prudently in
suppressing his prediction concerning the approaching state of
Egypt, till events had given him a firmer foundation whereon
to rest them. The Gallic expedition to that country is assur-
edly of very uncertain issue. The vain-glory of a Frenchman
is truly ridiculous, and the idea of the French nation giving
liberty, happiness and the means of illumination to the coun-
tries which they overrun as a pestilence, is an insult to the
common sense of mankind. It merits the silent smile of indig-
nation and contempt.—H. H.