troops would be obtained; and therefore, with his usual
prudence insisted, that the troops should first march, and then be
paid. Thus for some time the treaty was at a stand; but the king being
equally in want of men, as the duke of money, and perceiving, perhaps,
that it was really impracticable for so indigent a prince to raise
troops without some pecuniary assistance, offered him at length a
small sum, which was gladly accepted, though much below the original
demand. The troops were engaged in the service of France; and the duke
of Hanover thought himself happy in being able to amuse himself at his
leisure with the rattle of money.

Such, my lords, were the conditions on which the troops of Hanover
were furnished in former times; and surely what could then be produced
by the love of money, or the awe of a superiour power, might now be
expected as the effect of gratitude and kindness.

But not to dwell any longer, my lords, upon particular circumstances
of measures, of which the whole scheme is contrary to the apparent
interest of this empire, I shall not inquire farther, why auxiliaries
are employed on this occasion rather than Britons, rather than those
whose bravery is celebrated to the most distant corners of the earth;
why, if mercenaries are necessary, those of Hanover are preferred to
others: or why, if they are, indeed, preferable, they are now to be
hired at a higher rate than at any former time? It appears to me of
far more importance to undermine the foundation, than to batter the
superstructure of our present system of politicks; and of greater use
to inquire, why we have engaged in a war on the continent, than why we
carry it on with ridiculous profusion.

It appears to me, my lords, that there are many reasons which, with
the same circumstances, would have withheld any nation but this from
such a dangerous interposition. The Dutch, we see, are content to look
on without action, though they are more interested in the event, and
less embarrassed on any other side. We are already engaged in a war,
of which no man can foresee the conclusion; but which cannot be ended
unsuccessfully, without the utmost danger to our most important
interests; and which yet has hitherto produced only losses and
disgrace, has impoverished our merchants, and intimidated our
soldiers. Whether these losses are the effects of weakness or
treachery, is a question which I am not ambitious of endeavouring to
decide, and of which the