een the two Crowns; and an expression
might be repeated of the pleasure which your Majesty has derived from
the selection of a person who possesses the confidence and esteem of
the Emperor so fully as Count Orloff is known to do.

It might, perhaps, be as well to avoid any allusion to your Majesty's
not being personally acquainted with the Emperor, or anything that
might be construed into an invitation to that Sovereign to come to
England, because Viscount Palmerston has reason to believe that any
such hint would be eagerly caught at, while at the same time such
a visit does not, under all circumstances, seem to be a thing
particularly to be desired....

[Footnote 62: The Russian Ambassador.]

[Pageheading: DISCRETION ADVISED]

_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

LAEKEN, _24th July 1837._

MY DEAREST CHILD,--... I hear that the Levee went off very well, and I
have no doubt that the Drawing-Room did the same. Your _spirit_ in all
these new and trying proceedings makes me _happy beyond expression_.
Believe me, with _courage_ and _honesty_, you will get on beautifully
and successfully. The firmness you displayed at the beginning of your
reign will be for your quiet of the utmost importance. People must
come to the opinion _it is of no use intriguing, because when her mind
is once made up, and she thinks a thing right_, no earthly power will
make her change. To these qualities must be added one which is of
great importance, this is _discretion_; humble as it seems, it has
often brought about successes in which talent failed and genius
did not succeed. Discretion in the great affairs of the world does
wonders, and safety depends frequently and is chiefly derived from
it....

Now I must quickly conclude, with the prayer that you will _not
permit_ anybody, be it even your Prime Minister, to speak to you on
matters that concern you _personally_, without _your_ having expressed
the wish of its being done. You have no idea of the importance of this
for your peace and comfort and safety. I always act on this principle,
and I can say with great success.

Believe me ever, my dearest Victoria, your devoted Uncle,

LEOPOLD R.

_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

LAEKEN, _29th July 1837._

MY DEAREST CHILD,--Your dear letter of the 24th inst. is, amongst _so
many kind letters_, _almost the kindest I yet received_ from your
dear hands. My happiness and my greatest pride will always