This page needs to be proofread.
lvi
INTRODUCTION.
the Machiavelli of our age, divide the palm with their sovereign[1].
Thus we see, agreeably to the position of our author, that every difficulty Buonaparte experienced was in his progress to the throne, which he preserves without any molestation whatever. Once, indeed, the assassin's dagger was raised against his life, but that is no proof of a want of the general affection of the people towards
- ↑ Talleyrand is worthy of his entire confidence: he possesses a profound knowledge in science and politics; he knows the systems and the springs of action of foreign courts; he follows them, weighs them, and knows how to direct them at his pleasure. He knows those true principles which constitute the essence of political strength. He is well skilled in the human heart, because he has studied it in turbulent times, in the conflicts of opposing interests, in the concussions of parties, and in the course of a revolution fertile in crimes. His genius never reposes, his mind is always in action—all his labours are consecrated to the good of the state, and the glory of the government."—Du Chas.Such is the portrait of Talleyrand, which even his enemies will allow to be correct. As to his moral virtues, I will pass them over, as I know an English reader will not admit their existence.
