This proposal, however contrary to the opinion of the ministers, I
take the liberty of recommending to the consideration of the house,
as, in my opinion, the most effectual method of preserving the remains
of the greatness of the house of Austria. It is well known, that these
troops are hired at a rate which they never expected before, that
levy-money is paid for forces levied before the commencement of the
bargain, that they are paid for acting a long time before they began
to march, and that, since they appeared to consider themselves as
engaged in the quarrel, their march has been their whole performance,
a march not against the enemy, but from him; a march, in which there
was nothing to fear, nor any thing to encounter; and, therefore, I
think it cannot be denied, that the publick treasure might have been
better employed.
The same sum remitted to the queen of Hungary, will enable her to hire
a much greater number of troops out of her own dominions, troops of
whose courage she can have no doubt, and whose fidelity will be
strengthened by common interest and natural affection; troops that
will fight like men, defending their wives and their children, and who
will, therefore, bear fatigue with patience, and face danger with
resolution; who will oppose the French as their natural enemies, and
think death more eligible than defeat.
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