“That as for the rest of Germany, an ancient system of policy, as well as the recent intermarriages with Baden, Bavaria, and Austria, attached her to the interest of France; that he made sure of such of her kings as were indebted to him for their new titles:  that after having suppressed anarchy, and ranged himself on the side of kings, strong as he was, the latter could not attack him without inciting their people by the principles of democracy; but that it was scarcely probable that sovereigns would ally themselves with that natural enemy of thrones—­an enemy, which, had it not been for him, would have overthrown them, and against which he alone was capable of defending them.

“That, besides, the Germans were a tardy and methodical people, and that in dealing with them he should always have time on his side; that he commanded all the fortresses of Prussia; that Dantzic was a second Gibraltar.”  This was incorrect, especially in winter.  “That Russia ought to excite the apprehension of all Europe, by her military and conquering government, as well as by her savage population, already so numerous, and which augmented annually in the proportion of half a million.  Had not her armies been seen in all parts of Italy, in Germany, and even on the Rhine?  That by demanding the evacuation of Prussia, she required an impossible concession; since to abandon Prussia, morally ulcerated as she was, was to surrender her into the hands of Russia, in order to be turned against ourselves.”

Proceeding afterwards with more animation, he exclaimed, “Why menace my absence with the different parties still alleged to exist in the interior of the empire?  Where are they?  I see but a single one against me; that of a few royalists, the principal part of the ancient noblesse, superannuated and inexperienced.  But they dread my downfall more than they desire it.  This is what I told them in Normandy.  I am cried up as a great captain, as an able politician, but I am scarcely mentioned as an administrator:  that which I have, however, accomplished, of the most difficult and most beneficial description, is the stemming the revolutionary torrent; it would have swallowed up every thing, Europe and yourselves.  I have united the most opposite parties, amalgamated rival classes, and yet there exist among you some obstinate nobles who resist; they refuse my places!  Very well! what is that to me?  It is for your advantage, for your security, that I offer them to you.  What would you do singly by yourselves, and without me?  You are a mere handful opposed to masses.  Do you not see that it is necessary to put an end to the struggle between the tiers-etat and the noblesse, by a complete fusion of all that is best worth preservation in the two classes?  I offer you the hand of amity, and you reject it! but what need have I of you?  While I support you, I do myself an injury in the eyes of the people; for what am I but the king of the tiers-etat:  is not that sufficient?”