His finances alone opposed the execution of this bold design.

He negotiated a loan with the court of Spain, attached to him the French emigrants renowned for their military talents, requested plans from the Marquis de Bouille, solicited the courts of St.Petersburg and Berlin to unite with him in this crusade of kings.

He asked of England nothing but neutrality.

Russia encouraged him; Austria temporised; Spain trembled; England looked on.

Each new shock of the Revolution at Paris found Europe undecided and always behind-hand in counsels and resolutions.