their inability to offer any effectual resistance; but the French know,
that while they are in a condition to serve their government, they can
rely upon it for every possible exertion in their support; and this
reliance gives them hope and confidence to the last. Upon Hallowell's
report, Troubridge, who had now been made Sir Thomas for his services,
sent Captain Louis with a squadron to enforce the terms which he had
offered; and, as soon as he could leave Naples, he himself followed. The
French, who had no longer any hope from the fate of arms, relied upon
their skill in negotiation, and proposed terms to Troubridge with that
effrontery which characterises their public proceedings; but which is as
often successful as it is impudent. They had a man of the right stamp
to deal with. Their ambassador at Rome began by saying, that the Roman
territory was the property of the French by right of conquest. The
British commodore settled that point, by replying, "It is mine by
reconquest." A capitulation was soon concluded for all the Roman states,
and Captain Louis rowed up the Tiber in his barge, hoisted English
colours on the capitol, and acted for the time as governor of Rome. The
prophecy of the Irish poet was thus accomplished, and the friar
reaped the fruits; for Nelson, who was struck with the oddity of the
circumstance, and not a little pleased with it, obtained preferment for
him from the King of Sicily, and recommended him to the Pope.

Having thus completed his work upon the continent of Italy, Nelson's
whole attention was directed towards Malta; where Captain Ball, with
most inadequate means, was besieging the French garrison. Never was
any officer engaged in more anxious and painful service: the smallest
reinforcement from France would, at any moment, have turned the scale
against him; and had it not been for his consummate ability, and the
love and veneration with which the Maltese regarded him, Malta must have
remained in the hands of the enemy. Men, money, food--all things were
wanting. The garrison consisted of 5000 troops; the besieging force of
500 English and Portuguese marines, and about 1500 armed peasants. Long
and repeatedly did Nelson solicit troops to effect the reduction of
this important place. "It has been no fault of the navy," said he,
"that Malta has not been attacked by land; but we have neither the
means ourselves nor influence with those who have." The same causes of
demurral existed which pre