I admit that by this policy of devastation if, indeed, it be true--added to a stubborn contesting of every foot of ground, the French advance may be retarded.
But the process will be costly to Britain in lives and money." "And more costly still to Portugal," croaked the Marquis of Minas.
"And, as you, say, Monsieur le Marquis, more costly still to Portugal.
Let me for a moment show you another side of the picture.

The French administration, so sane, so cherishing, animated purely by ideas of progress, enforcing wise and beneficial laws, making ever for the prosperity and well-being of conquered nations, knows how to render itself popular wherever it is established.

This Portugal knows already--or at least some part of it.

There was the administration of Soult in Oporto, so entirely satisfactory to the people that it was no inconsiderable party was prepared, subject to the Emperor's consent, to offer him the crown and settle down peacefully under his rule.

There was the administration of Junot in Lisbon.