‘Slit throats’, ‘blood-soaked flags’ and ‘ploughed fields running red with enemy blood’. No this is not a terrorist video but some of the words from the French national anthem. Some French friends were really surprised when they watched an international rugby match and saw the words of our National Anthem translated. ‘God save our gracious Queen, long live our noble Queen’ etc. They were astonished that it was a prayer of blessing and that it contained nothing about fighting off our enemies or calls for the men of Britain to take up their arms. They were impressed by the fact that our national song is so peaceful and positive.