The Pontifical Government has 15,000 soldiers for L400,000.

France would pay half as much again for them: but then she would have the value of the extra cost.

The men who have completed three or four terms of service, are those who cost the most money; and yet there is an economy in keeping them, because every such man is worth three conscripts.

Do you then, or do you not, wish to create a national force?
Have you made up your mind on the subject?
If you do wish for it, you must pay for it, and make the sacrifices necessary to obtain it.

If, on the contrary, your Government prefers economy to security, begin by saving the L400,000, and sell to some foreign country the 15,000 muskets, more dangerous than useful, since you don't know whether they are for you or against you.