That had been, it is true, the aim of the Directors in their policy of balance and repression of extreme parties on both sides.

For the reasons above indicated, they had failed: but now a stronger and more tactful grasp was to succeed in a feat which naturally became easier every year that removed the passions of the revolutionary epoch further into the distance.

Men cannot for ever perorate, and agitate and plot.

A time infallibly comes when an able leader can successfully appeal to their saner instincts: and that hour had now struck.

Bonaparte's appeal was made to the many, who cared not for politics, provided that they themselves were left in security and comfort: it was urged quietly, persistently, and with the reserve power of a mighty prestige and of overwhelming military force.