'[5]
This note of Lord Hawkesbury avows distinctly the spirit of the foreign
policy of England for the last two hundred years. She would not tolerate
any acquisition by her rival unless she obtained 'equivalents.' In
pursuance of this unchangeable policy, she again declared war against
France. Mr. Pitt resumed his position of prime minister, and soon formed
a new continental coalition to resist the mighty power and the
aggressions of the French emperor.
Thenceforward she listened to no overtures for peace, but prosecuted
with implacable resentment the war--until she finally prostrated her
imperial foe, and became his inglorious jailer, until death relieved her
from all apprehensions of danger.
But this triumph of a vindictive policy, so gratifying to the national
antipathy, was purchased at a price perhaps far exceeding its value.
The overthrow of Napoleon was an achievement which compelled England to
anticipate the resources of future generations. These generations have
come, and are coming, and they find themselves unable any longer to
contend with French ambition.
The first Napoleon, whom England fought with such relentless animosity,
won his throne by the display of matchless ability in the field and the
cabinet. The present Napoleon reached _his_ throne by perjury,
assassination, and crimes of the blackest atrocity. The first Napoleon
England pursued with her hatred to his grave.
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