ffairs my _most serious_ attention: it would be indeed
_most_ desirable if France could _come back to us_, and I think what
Metternich suggests very sagacious and well-judged.[33] You must allow
me to state that _France_ has _put herself_ into this unfortunate
state. _I_ know (as I saw _all_ the _papers_) how she was engaged
to join us--and I know how strangely she refused; I know also, that
France _agrees_ in the _principle_, but only doubts the _efficacy_ of
the measures. Where then is "_La France outragee_"? wherefore arm when
there is _no_ enemy? wherefore raise the war-cry? But this has been
_done_, and has taken _more_ effect than I think the French Government
_now_ like; and _now_ she has to undo all this and to calm the general
agitation and excitement, which is not so easy. Still, though France
is in the wrong, and _quite_ in the wrong, still _I_ am most anxious,
as I am sure my Government also are, that France should be pacified
and should again take her place amongst the five Powers. I am sure she
might easily do this....

Albert, who sends his love, is much occupied with the Eastern affairs,
and is quite of my opinion....

[Footnote 33: Metternich's suggestion was that if other
means of coercion failed, the allies should renew their
deliberations in conjunction with France.]

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _30th September 1840._

Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He is quite
well, and will be ready at half-past one.

The Prince's[34] observations are just, but still the making an
advance to France now, coupled with our constant inability to carry
into effect the terms of our Convention, will be an humiliating step.

Lord Melbourne sends a letter which he has received this morning from
Lord Normanby, whom he had desired to see Lord Palmerston and Lord
John Russell, and try what he could do.

Lord Melbourne also sends a letter which he has received from Lord
Lansdowne.

Lord Melbourne would beg your Majesty to return them both.

[Footnote 34: Prince Metternich.]

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

DOWNING STREET, _1st October 1840._

Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty. We have had
the Cabinet and it has passed over quietly. We have agreed to make
a proposition to France founded upon the communication of Prince
Metternich to the King of the Belgians.[35] Palmerston will propose
to-morrow to N