The weary struggle was evidently about to close in a stalemate.
For political and financial reasons the two Powers needed repose.
Bonaparte's authority was not as yet so firmly founded that he could afford to neglect the silent longings of France for peace; his institutions had not as yet taken root; and he needed money for public works and colonial enterprises.

That he looked on peace as far more desirable for France than for England at the present time is clear from a confidential talk which he had with Roederer at the close of 1800.

This bright thinker, to whom he often unbosomed himself, took exception to his remark that England could not wish for peace; whereupon the First Consul uttered these memorable words: "My dear fellow, England ought not to wish for peace, because we are masters of the world.

Spain is ours.

We have a foothold in Italy.