The nation had a master, and sate by, indifferent spectators; while he, under whose sway life and property were considered safe, disposed of political rights and privileges according to his pleasure.[42] This year was distinguished by events of another order, and not likely to be contemplated with indifference by the powers of Europe.

After the peace of Amiens was ratified, certain treaties which the Chief Consul had concluded with Turkey, Spain, and Portugal, and hitherto kept profoundly secret, were made known.

The Porte, it now appeared, had yielded to France all the privileges of commerce which that government had ever conceded to the most favoured nations.

Spain had agreed that Parma, after the death of the reigning prince, should be added to the dominions of France: and Portugal had actually ceded her province in Guyana.

In every quarter of the world the grasping ambition of Buonaparte seemed to have found some prey.
Nearer him, in the meantime, he had been preparing to strike a blow at the independence of Switzerland, and virtually unite that country also to his empire.