I ask whether their majesties will then keep my rear open?
England, completely surrounded by sea, and France, happening to be covered by strong places, consider themselves pretty safe, whilst the greater part of my dominions are exposed to anything it shall seem good to attempt.

By this last treaty, then, I engage in war for the benefit of Mr.Hollander and Co., that they may be able to sell their tea, coffee, cheese, and crockery dearer; those gentlemen will not do the least thing for me, and I am to do everything for them.

Gentlemen, tell me, is it fair?
If you deprive the emperor of his ships and ruin his Ostend trade, will he be a less emperor than he is at this moment?
The pink of all (_le pot aux roses_) is to deprive the emperor of provinces, but which?
And to whose share will they fall?
Where are the troops?
Where is the needful, wherewith to make war?
Since it seems good to commence the dance, it must of course be commenced.

After war comes peace.

Shall I be forgotten?
Shall I be the last of all?
Shall I have to sign perforce ?" The coarse common sense of the Vandal soon prevailed over family alliances; Frederick William broke with France and England in order to rally to the emperor's side.