But, in Europe, powers have often said to belligerents, Make up your quarrels.

We propose to give terms of pacification which we think fair and equitable.

If you accept them, well and good.

But, if your adversary accepts them and you refuse them, our mediation is at an end, and you may expect to see us your enemies.

France would be quite ready to hold this language with us.
"If such a policy were to be adopted the time for it would be the end of the year, or immediately before the meeting of Parliament[392]." Apparently Russell under the irritations of the moment was somewhat carried away by Mercier's suggestion.