senseless and criminal again to
endanger the existence of the monarchy. We have suffered such immense
losses, that we must have peace to recover what we have lost. Hence we
must be reconciled with France, and this reconciliation strengthens us
against Russia. The very fact that Napoleon desires to conclude an
alliance with Austria indicates a change in his political system, by
which we should try to profit, and if (what is unavoidable) a rupture
with Russia ensues, Austria ought to derive as much benefit therefrom as
possible, and enlarge her territories. We ought to render our present
position toward France as profitable as possible. The archduchess will
be a precious guaranty to Napoleon, for he will feel convinced that the
emperor will be unwilling to sacrifice his child, and this conviction
will fill him with confidence and a feeling of security. Austria becomes
closely connected with the political interests of Napoleon, and shares
the hatred which all Europe feels against the Emperor of the French. But
this very hatred incurred by Austria will be regarded by Napoleon as
another surety for his fidelity. He will ally himself more closely with
us, and become more hostile to Russia, the natural enemy of Austria;
hence it is better for us to fight in company with France against Russia
than to allow Russia and France to fight against us. Moreover, our
finances are in such a deplorable condition, that a bankruptcy of the
state would be the inevitable consequence of another war; not only the
future of the emperor's dynasty, but the fortunes of his subjects would
be endangered. In consideration of this, the emperor, in his wisdom, has
preferred to secure peace, the source of prosperity, to his beloved
subjects, and, like the patriarch, he sacrifices his own child willingly
and joyously. The noble emperor ought to be blessed and praised for
this, and his wisdom, which despises prejudice, and only weighs and
respects the benefits to be secured by such a measure, should be
gratefully acknowledged. That, sire," said Metternich, concluding his
speech, "is what I would reply to him who would dare in my presence
censure the marriage of the archduchess to the Emperor Napoleon."

"It sounds well enough," said the emperor, thoughtfully, "but it is
still an unpalatable dish for me, and my tongue will cling to the roof
of my mouth when I am to say, 'My son-in-law the Emperor Napoleon!' He
is no real emperor, although he has placed three