und on that
occasion. And not in a day, and merely saying to itself, "Let me do
summerset!" as idle readers suppose,--but with long months of agonistic
shuffle and struggle in all places, and such Diplomatic fiddling and
being fiddled to, as seldom was before. Of which, these two instances,
the Bernis and the Hanbury, are to serve as specimen; two and no more:
a universe of extinct fiddling compressed into two nutshells, if readers
have an ear.

Chapter III.--FRENCH-ENGLISH WAR BREAKS OUT.

The French, in reality a good deal astonished at the Prussian-Britannic
Treaty, affected to take it easy: "Treaty for Neutrality of Germany?"
said they: "Very good indeed. Perhaps there are places nearer us, where
our troops can be employed to more advantage!" [Their "Declaration" on
it (Adelung, vii. 613.)]--hinting vocally, as henceforth their silent
procedures, their diligence in the dockyards, moving of troops coastward
and the like, still more clearly did, That an Invasion of England itself
was the thing next to be expected.

England and France are, by this time, alike fiercely determined on War;
but their states of preparation are very different. The French have
War-ships again, not to mention Armies which they always have; some
skilful Admirals withal,--La Gallisonniere, our old Canada friend, is
one, very busy at present;--and mean to try seriously the Question of
Sea-Supremacy once more. If an Invasion did chance to land, the state
of England would be found handy beyond hope! How many fighting regiments
England has, I need not inquire, nor with what strategic virtue they
would go to work;--enough to mention the singular fact (recently true,
and still, I perceive, too like the truth), That of all their regiments,
"only Three are in this Country", or have Colonels even nominated.
Incredible; but certain. And the interesting point is, his Grace of
Newcastle dare not have Colonels, still less higher Officers nominated;
because Royal Highness of Cumberland would have the naming of them, and
they would be enemies to his Grace. [Walpole, _George the Second, _ii.
19 (date, "March 25th, 1755;" and how long after, is not said: but see
Pitt's Speeches, ib., all through 1756, and farther).] In such posture
stands the Envy of surrounding Nations at this moment.

"Hire Hessians," cry they; "hire Hanoverians; if France land on us,
we are undone!"--and continue their Parliamentary Eloquences in a most
distressful manner. "Apply to