THE EMPIRE AT ITS HEIGHT Napoleon's star had now risen to its zenith.

After his marriage with a daughter of the most ancient of continental dynasties, nothing seemed lacking to his splendour.

He had humbled Pope and Emperor alike: Germany crouched at his feet: France, Italy, and the Confederation of the Rhine gratefully acknowledged the benefits of his vigorous sway: the Czar was still following the lead given at Erfurt: Sweden had succumbed to the pressure of the two Emperors: and Turkey survived only because it did not yet suit Napoleon to shear her asunder: he must first complete the commercial ruin of England and drive Wellington into the sea.

Then events would at last be ripe for the oriental schemes which the Spanish Rising had postponed.
He might well hope that England's strength was running out: near the close of 1810 the three per cent consols sank to sixty-five, and the declared bankruptcies averaged 250 a month.

The failure of the Walcheren expedition had led to terrible loss of men and treasure, and had clouded over the reputation of her leaders.