The Duel Between France and Germany

Delivered to a packed Boston hall in October 1870, this powerful lecture turns the raging Franco‑German conflict into a grand “duel” between nations. Drawing on classical sources—from Livy’s Roman duels to Plautus’s theatrical battles—the speaker frames war as a formal contest judged by fortune, where armies become the lawyers and the battlefield the courtroom. The orator’s language is vivid and measured, inviting listeners to contemplate the ancient roots of modern warfare.

Beyond the grand metaphor, the essay probes the legal and moral codes that supposedly govern such national duels, contrasting them with the brutal realities of combat. A striking anecdote about the legendary Chevalier Bayard illustrates how chivalric ideals clash with harsh violence, highlighting the thin line between honor and barbarism. Listeners will gain a window into 19th‑century thought on conflict, law, and civilization, all delivered with the rhetorical flair of a historic public address.