At one time the Prince might have taken the crown by acclamation.

He was almost _rude_ about it when he was in Tuscany.

And even after the peace, members of the present Government were not averse, were much the contrary indeed.

At that time the autonomy was still dear, we had not made up our minds to the fusion.

Now, _e altra cosa_, and to imagine that a man like the French Emperor would have waited till now, producing, by the opportunities he has given, the present complication, _in order_ to impose the Prince, is absurd on the very face of it.
While standers-by guess, the comfort is that circumstances ripen.