In my way home, I remarked that few houses were illuminated, except those of the rich in the streets which are great thorough-fares. People here, in general, I suppose, consider themselves dispensed from lighting up their private residence from the consideration that they collectively contribute to the public illumination, the expenses of which are defrayed by the government out of the national coffers.
Several songs have been composed and published in commemoration of this joyful event. Among those that have fallen under my notice, I have selected the following, of which our friend M---s, with his usual facility and taste, will, I dare say, furnish you an imitation.
_"Reviens pour consoler la terre, Aimable Paix, descends des cieux, Depuis assez long-tems la guerre Afflige un peuple généreux, Ah! quell' aurore pure & calme S'offre à nos regards satisfaits! Nous obtenons la double paline De la victoire & de la paix._ bis.
_"Disparaissez tristes images, D'un tems malheureux qui n'est plus, Nous réparerons nos dommages Par la sagesse & les vertus. Que la paix enfin nous rallie! Plus d'ingrats ni de mécontens, O triomphe de la patrie! Plus de Français indifférens._ bis.
_"Revenez phalanges guerrières, Héros vengeurs de mon pays, Au sein d'une épouse, d'un père, De vos parens, de vos amis, Revenez dans votre patrie Après tant d'effrayans hazards, Trouver ce qui charme la vie, L'amitié, l'amour, et les arts._ bis.
_"Oh! vous qui, sous des catacombes, Etes couchés au champ d'honneur, Nos yeux sont fixés sur vos tombes, En chantant l'hymne du vainqueur, Nous transmettrons votre mémoire Jusqu' aux siécles à venir, Avec le burin de l'histoire, Et les larmes du souvenir."_ bis.
_In honor of peace._ Imitated from the French.
To the same tune: _de la Marche Triomphante._
Come, lovely Peace, from heav'n descending, Thy presence earth at length shall grace; Those terrible afflictions ending, That long have griev'd a gen'rous race: We see Aurora rise refulgent; Serene she comes to bless our sight; While Fortune to our hopes indulgent, Bids victory and peace unite.
Be gone, ye dark imaginations, Remembrances of horrors past: Virtue's and Wisdom's reparations Shall soon be made, and ever last. Now peace to happiness invites us; The bliss of peace is understood: With love fraternal peace delights us, Our private ease, and country's good.