Still I am not without
hopes, that a good rod is in soak for Prussia, and that England will
feel the end of it. It is known to some, that Russia made propositions
to the Emperor and France, for acting in concert; that the Emperor
consents, and has disposed four camps of one hundred and eighty
thousand men, from the limits of Turkey to those of Prussia. This court
hesitates, or rather its Premier hesitates; for the Queen, Montmorin,
and Breteuil are for the measure. Should it take place, all may yet come
to rights, except for the Turks, who must retire from Europe, and this
they must do, were France Quixotic enough to undertake to support them.
We, I hope, shall be left free to avail ourselves of the advantages of
neutrality: and yet, much I fear, the English, or rather their stupid
King, will force us out of it. For thus I reason. By forcing us into the
war against them, they will be engaged in an expensive land war, as well
as a sea war. Common sense dictates, therefore, that they should let
us remain neuter: ergo, they will not let us remain neuter. I never yet
found any other general rule for foretelling what they will do, but that
of examining what they ought not to do.
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