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 ¬whilst I maintain firmly my own opinions, I admit that this was the answer of a most able statesman, of cool reflecting habits, not less re- markable for enlightened opinions than for elo- quence in their support, and I verily believe incapable of betraying the honour or interests of his country. — Were he now to hear what I am saying to you, he would, I am sure, give me credit for equal integrity, but from having long considered the subject in an opposite point of view, would wonder as much at my delusion as I have always wondered at his. — I must add, however, that he was not the minister, though he held the official pen, and I have never been able to persuade myself that it could have been a feather from his own wins:. ¬

" At this critical period, when mediation was thus rejected — critical even to a moment of time, if Armata had raised her voice amongst the nations, and had invited them to concur in the support of the party (no matter what else belonged to it) which then supported the throne, ¬or ¬