Since then there lives in the hearts of all (I would not exclude even the supporters of the anti-national party) a proud consciousness of strength, of regained national unity, and of increased political power.

This consciousness is supported by the fixed determination never to abandon these acquisitions.

The conviction is universal that every attack upon these conquests will rouse the whole nation with enthusiastic unanimity to arms.

We all wish, indeed, to be able to maintain our present position in the world without a conflict, and we live in the belief that the power of our State will steadily increase without our needing to fight for it.

We do not at the bottom of our hearts shrink from such a conflict, but we look towards it with a certain calm confidence, and are inwardly resolved never to let ourselves be degraded to an inferior position without striking a blow.
Every appeal to force finds a loud response in the hearts of all.