Page:The invasion of the Crimea vol. 1.djvu/132

 00 ORIGIN OF THE WAR OF 1653 CHAP. Emperor Nicholas approached him, and drew him ' into conversation. Hiscom-er- ' You know my feelings,' the Emperor said, sation with i tiieEm- ' with regard to England, "What I have told you peror. . . ' before I say again: it was intended that the two ' countries should be upon terms of close amity; ' and I feel sure that this will continue to be the ' case. ... I repeat that it is very essential that ' the two Governments — that is, that the English ' Government and I, and I and the English Gov- ' ernment — should be on the best terms; and the ' necessity was never greater than at present. I ' beg you to convey these words to Lord John Eus- ' sell. When we are agreed, I am quite without ' anxiety as to the West of Europe ; it is immate- ' rial what the others may think or do. As to Tur- ' key, that is another question ; that country is in a ' critical state, and may give us all a great deal of ' trouble. And now I will take my leave of you.' The Emperor then shook hands with Sir Hamil- ton Seymour, and believed that he had closed the conversation ; but the skilled diplomatist saw and grasped his opportunity; and whilst his hand was still held by the Emperor, Sir Hamilton Sey- mour said, ' Sir, with your gracious permission, T ' would desire to take a great liberty.' Certainly,' His Majesty replied ; 'what is it? let me hear.' Sir Hamilton said, ' I should be particularly glad ' that your Majesty should add a few words which ' may tend to calm the anxiety with respect to ' the affairs of Turkey which passing events are 'so calculated to excite on the part of Her