Lord Wellington demands the removal of Principal Souza from the Government, or, in the alternative, proposes himself to withdraw from Portugal.

In the national interest the Government can come to only one decision.

I am frank with you, General.

Myself I shall stand ranged on the side of the national interest, and what my influence in the Council can do it shall do.

But if you know Principal Souza at all, you must know that he will not relinquish his position without a fight.
He has friends and influence--the Patriarch of Lisbon and many of the nobility will be on his side.