Page:Voices of Revolt - Volume 1.djvu/87

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ROBESPIERRE
83

confidence in our caution and in our fate, and it is time that all our enemies may no longer have any doubts as to our might or our courage.

The French Revolution has shaken the world; the soaring flight to liberty of a great people was naturally displeasing to the kings who live about us. But to proceed from such displeasure to a declaration of war, to an establishment of the monstrous alliance of powers hostile to us, this was indeed a long journey.

Those fighting against us have no common interest and only the policy of two powerful countries, only an alliance with the French King himself, has rendered possible the creation of this federation. The treason of many conspirators in our own country was necessary before this alliance so full of contradictions could come to life. …

It is now known to all the world that the policy of the London Cabinet gave a mighty impulse to our Revolution. London's plans were extensive, the English Cabinet desired to lead a ruined and mutilated France through the political storms into the meshes of the English monarchy. It desired to set a Duke of York on the throne of Louis XVI.

The English plans were bold. But genius consists not in the outlining of great plans, but rather in the ability to adapt those means that are available to the realization of these plans. …

And Pitt was crudely mistaken as to our Revolution. He was as much mistaken as Louis XVI and