I mean you contemplate our possible exertions in Italy with more pleasure, merely because its dismembered state would probably keep it more under our sway--in other words, more at our mercy.

Now, I think there is nothing more unfortunate for Europe than the condition of Germany and Italy in these respects.

Could the barriers be dissolved which have divided the one nation into Neapolitans, Tuscans, Venetians, &c., and the other into Prussians, Hanoverians, &c., and could they once be taught to feel their strength, the French would be driven back into their own Land immediately.

I wish to see Spain, Italy, France, Germany, formed into independent nations; nor have I any desire to reduce the power of France further than may be necessary for that end.

Woe be to that country whose military power is irresistible! I deprecate such an event for Great Britain scarcely less than for any other Land.