and faithful Minister._ Parliaments and Chambers are
extremely fond of governing, particularly as long as it does not bore
themselves. We have had an instance of it recently. I was anxious
to keep the Chamber longer, as there are still many important things
which it ought to have finished; but they were hot, they got tired,
voted twelve _projets de loi_ in one day, and disappeared afterwards,
leaving one the trouble of managing the affairs of the State as best
one may....

As a general political event, the Emperor's visit in England can only
be useful; it is probable that he would _not_ have made the visit if
another had not been talked of. His policy is naturally to _separate_
as much as possible the two great Western Powers; he is too weak to
resist single-handed their dictates in the Oriental question; _but if
they act not in concert_, it is evident that _he is the master_; in
all this he acts wisely and in conformity with the great interests
of his Empire. England has greater interests at stake at the mercy of
Russia than at that of France. With France the questions are
sometimes questions of jealousy, but, on the other hand, a tolerable
understanding keeps France quiet and secures the peace of Europe, much
more in the sense of the European policy of England than of that of
France. The only consolation the French can find in it is that they
are aware that _together_ with England they have a great position,
but they always lament that they can _get nothing by it_. A bad
understanding with France opens not only the door to a European war,
but also to revolution; and that is perhaps the most serious and most
awfully dangerous part of the business. England wants nothing from the
Emperor than that he should leave the _status quo_ of Europe and
great part of Asia alone. At Paris they are not so much moved at the
Emperor's visit as perhaps they ought to be, but they have put the
flattering notion into their heads that he had made _fiasco_, which is
_not true_; as, in fact, he has so far been rather _successful_, and
has convinced people in England that he is a mild and good-natured
man, himself and his Empire, without any ambition. Now it is high time
I should finish my immense scrawl, for which I claim your forgiveness,
remaining ever your devoted Uncle,

LEOPOLD R.

[Pageheading: TAHITI]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _27th August 1844._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Many thanks for