hall only provoke France to seize what
she would at least have spared some time longer.

But, my lords, if it be granted, that the Pragmatick sanction is
obligatory to us, though it is violated by every other power; that we
should labour to reduce the powers of Europe to an equipoise, whenever
accident or folly produces any alteration of the balance; and that we
are now not to preserve the house of Austria from falling, but raise
it from the dust, and restore it to its ancient splendour, even at the
hazard of a war with that power which now gives laws to all the
western nations; yet it will not surely be asserted, that we ought to
be without limits, that we ought to preserve the house of Austria, not
only by the danger of our own country, but by its certain ruin, and
endeavour to avert the possibility of slavery, by subjecting ourselves
to miseries more severe than the utmost arrogance of conquest, or the
most cruel wantonness of tyranny, would inflict upon us.

I have observed, that many lords have expressed in this debate an
uncommon ardour for the support of the queen of Hungary; nor is it
without pleasure, that I see the most laudable of all motives, justice
and compassion, operate in this great assembly with so much force. May
your lordships always continue to stand the great advocates for
publick faith, and the patrons of true greatness in distress; may
magnanimity always gain your regard, and calamity find shelter under
your protection.

I, likewise, my lords, desire to be remembered among those who
reverence the virtues and pity the miseries of this illustrious
princess, who look with detestation on those who have invaded the
dominions which they had obliged themselves by solemn treaties to
defend, and who have taken advantage of the general confederacy
against her, to enrich themselves with her spoils, who have insulted
her distress and aggravated her misfortunes.

But, my lords, while I feel all these sentiments of compassion for the
queen of Hungary, I have not yet been able to forget, that my own
country claims a nearer regard; that I am obliged both by interest and
duty to preserve myself and my posterity, and my fellow-subjects, from
those miseries which I lament; when they happen to others, however
distant, I cannot but remember, that I am not to save another from
destruction by destroying myself, nor to rescue Austria by the ruin of
Britain.

Though I am, therefore, my lords, not unwilling to assis