On this technical defect the majority of the Councils at once fastened; and their complaints were redoubled when a large detachment of his troops came within the distance of the capital forbidden to the army.

The moderates could therefore accuse the triumvirs and Hoche of conspiracy against the laws; he speedily resigned the Ministry (July 22nd), and withdrew his troops into Champagne, and finally to the Rhineland.
Now was the opportunity for Bonaparte to take up the _role_ of Cromwell which Hoche had so awkwardly played.

And how skilfully the conqueror of Italy plays it--through subordinates.

He was too well versed in statecraft to let his sword flash before the public gaze.

By this time he had decided to act, and doubtless the fervid Jacobinism of the soldiery was the chief cause determining his action.