Thus, my lords, it appears, that the measures which have been pursued
are just, politick, and legal; that they have been prescribed by the
decrees of former senates, and therefore cannot be censured as
arbitrary; and that they have a tendency to the preservation of those
territories which it was once thought so much honour to acquire: and
it may be yet farther urged, that though they are to be considered
only as the first tendencies to secure greater designs, they have
already produced effects apparently to the advantage of the common
cause, and have obliged the French to desist from their pursuit of the
queen of Hungary, and rather to inquire how they shall return home
than how they shall proceed to farther conquests.
In condemnation of these measures, my lords, it has indeed been urged,
that a moderate conduct is always eligible; and that nothing but ruin
and confusion can be expected from precipitation and temerity.
Moderation, my lords, is a very captivating sound; but I hope it will
have now no influence on this assembly; because on this occasion it
cannot properly be employed. I have always been taught, that
moderation is only useful in forming determinations or designs, but
that when once conviction is attained, zeal is to take place; and when
a design is planned, it ought to be executed with vigour.
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