Two days after seeking their counsel, he took the decisive step of declaring Modena and Reggio to be under the protection of France.

This act formed an exceedingly important departure in the history of France as well as in that of Italy.

Hitherto the Directory had succeeded in keeping Bonaparte from active intervention in affairs of high policy.

In particular, it had enjoined on him the greatest prudence with regard to the liberated lands of Italy, so as not to involve France in prolonged intervention in the peninsula, or commit her to a war _a outrance_ with the Hapsburgs; and its warnings were now urged with all the greater emphasis because news had recently reached Paris of a serious disaster to the French arms in Germany.

But while the Directors counselled prudence, Bonaparte forced their hand by declaring the Duchy of Modena to be under the protection of France; and when their discreet missive reached him, he expressed to them his regret that it had come too late.