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owing to the diabolical Anglomania of “modern ideas,” the âme français has in the end become so thin and emaciated, that at present one recalls its sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, its profound, passionate strength, its inventive excellency, almost with disbelief. One must, however, maintain this verdict of historical justice in a determined manner, and defend it against present prejudices and appearances: the European noblesse⁠—of sentiment, taste, and manners, taking the word in every high sense⁠—is the work and invention of France ; the European ignobleness, the plebeianism of modern ideas⁠—is England’s work and invention.