He opposed the temporising policy of diplomacy to the contagion of new ideas; he was the Fabius of kings.

To afford the Revolution time was to ensure it the victory.

It could be only vanquished by surprise, and stifled in its own stronghold; the genius of the people was its negotiator and accomplice, and its increasing popularity was its army.

Its ideas found new adherents in princes, people, and cabinets.

Leopold would have given it a share, but the share of the Revolution is the conquest of every thing that opposes its principles.