I assure you that I _do_ give these affairs my _most serious_ attention: it would be indeed _most_ desirable if France could _come back to us_, and I think what Metternich suggests very sagacious and well-judged.[33] You must allow me to state that _France_ has _put herself_ into this unfortunate state.

_I_ know (as I saw _all_ the _papers_) how she was engaged to join us--and I know how strangely she refused; I know also, that France _agrees_ in the _principle_, but only doubts the _efficacy_ of the measures.

Where then is "_La France outragee_"?
wherefore arm when there is _no_ enemy?
wherefore raise the war-cry?
But this has been _done_, and has taken _more_ effect than I think the French Government _now_ like; and _now_ she has to undo all this and to calm the general agitation and excitement, which is not so easy.

Still, though France is in the wrong, and _quite_ in the wrong, still _I_ am most anxious, as I am sure my Government also are, that France should be pacified and should again take her place amongst the five Powers.

I am sure she might easily do this....
Albert, who sends his love, is much occupied with the Eastern affairs, and is quite of my opinion....
[Footnote 33: Metternich's suggestion was that if other means of coercion failed, the allies should renew their deliberations in conjunction with France.] _Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._ WINDSOR CASTLE, _30th September 1840._ Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty.