[22] The vigorous intellect, and the intrepid spirit, remained; but on the body fifty years had done the work of ninety.

In a few months the vaults of Westminster would receive the emaciated and shattered frame which was animated by the most far-sighted, the most daring, the most commanding of souls.

In a few months the British throne would be filled by a woman whose understanding was well known to be feeble, and who was believed to lean towards the party which was averse from war.

To get over those few months without an open and violent rupture should have been the first object of the French government.

Every engagement should have been punctually fulfilled; every occasion of quarrel should have been studiously avoided.