conduct in this respect we have a thousand examples: "the dearest object of his heart is universal peace and happiness," &c. &c.; and, whenever he goes to war, it is "to avenge the miseries of humanity, and punish the breach of the law of nations, &c.;" and he never forgets to proclaim, that "he owes his success to the justice of his cause, and that he only visits the vengeance of Heaven on broken faith, &c." But the reader may ask, Is he sincere? Quite as sincere in his religion as any other monarch. He knows the value of appearances, and that the world know, though a bad man may appear good, yet a good man cannot appear bad.[1] On this principle it is that he regularly attends divine service; and when on his last expedition to Austria, his first demand was for a priest, that he might hear mass, and implore a blessing on their arms. This had a powerful effect on those around him: it inspired them with awe and veneration, for it made
- ↑ The Prince, chap. 18.
