To confess my opinion without reserve, I am not so much inclined to
believe, that our ministers' designs are bad, as that they design
nothing; and suspect that this mighty army, so lavishly paid, and
collected from such distant parts, is to regulate its motions by
accident, and to wait without action, till some change in the state of
Europe shall make it more easy for our ministers to form their scheme.
I hope, my lords, that by some accident more favourable than we have
at present reason to expect, our German expedition will be retarded,
till our ministers shall awaken from their present dream of delivering
Europe from the French ambition, and of restoring the ancient
greatness of the house of Austria. I hope every day, as it adds to
their experience, will diminish that ardour which is generally the
effect of imperfect views, which is commonly raised by partial
considerations, and ends in inconsiderate undertakings. I hope they
will in time think it no advantage to their fellow-subjects to be
doomed to fight the battles of other nations, and to be called out
into every field, where they shall happen to hear that blood is to be
shed. I hope they will be taught, that the only business of Britain is
commerce; and that while our ships pass unmolested, we may sit at
ease, whatever be the designs or actions of the potentates on the
continent; that none but naval power can endanger our safety, and that
it is not necessary for us to inquire, how foreign territories are
distributed, what family approaches to its extinction, or where a
successour will be found to any other crown than that of Britain.
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