Page:The Letters Of Queen Victoria, vol. 2 (1908).djvu/170

150 BRUSSELS, 27th February 1848. My DEARLY BELOVED VicToRIA,—I understand by an ac- count arrived this morning, and which seems to be correct, that my unfortunate parents arrived in England before yesterday evening: but I don’t know where they are. (I don’t know anything of them since the 23rd, evening!!!) But you will surely know, and kindly forward the letter to my poor mother. I have just received your kind letter of the 25th, but I am unable to say more to-day. You will easily conceive my agony and anguish. What an unbelievable clap of thunder! I know still nothing of what Nemours and Montpensier are become. I rely on your interest and sympathy, and remain as ever, yours most devotedly, LOUISE.

I hear this moment with an extreme relief that my parents were to arrive yesterday at London, and thank God from the bottom of my heart for their safety ! In my agony I did not wish for anything else. [ Translation. ] 27th February 1848. Most GRACIOUS QUEEN AND SISTER,—Even at this midnight hour of the day, on the evening of which the awful news from Paris has arrived, I venture to address these lines to your Majesty. God has permitted events which decisively threaten the peace of Europe.

It is an attempt to “‘ spread the principles of the Revolution by every means throughout the whole of Europe.” This programme binds together both these individuals and their parties. The consequences for the peace of the world are clear and certain. If the revolutionary party carries out its pro- gramme, “ The sovereignty of the people,’ my minor crown will be broken, no less certainly than the mighty crowns of your Majesty, and a fearful scourge will be laid upon the na- tions ; a century [will follow] of rebellion, of lawlessness, and of godlessness. The late King did not dare to write “‘ by the Grace of God.’ We, however, call ourselves King “ by the Grace of God,” because it is true. Well, then, most gracious Queen, let us now show to men, to the peoples threatened with disruption and nameless misery, both that we understand our