ce;
thirdly, the neutralization of Austria by inviting her to sit down at
the feast; lastly, the consolidation of Napoleon's dynasty for the
ultimate completion of his designs in the Orient either with or
without Russia's aid. The alternative would be a war of hitherto
unknown dimensions, including not only all Europe, but Asia Minor and
northern Africa; out of such a conflict might result a permanent order
the foundation and copestone of which would be French supremacy.
England would of course rush to the assistance of Sweden, the only
land now left in Europe that had never fallen into the orbit of the
French system. At that moment Spain and Portugal, abandoned to their
fate, must drop into French hands. If England should still prove
resolute, then an expedition to Egypt would sail from Corfu, while
simultaneously the united armies of Russia, France, and Austria would
march to the conquest of Turkey and the seizure of India. It was a
scheme so vast, so logical, so imperial, that it left far behind the
dreams of a Corsican patriot or the visions of an ardent Frenchman.
Successful as a soldier, the Emperor was carried by each new victory
into widening circles of enterprise which could have no relation to
narrow national limits.

CHAPTER IX

FRENCH EMPIRE AND EUROPEAN NATIONALITY[20]

[Footnote 20: See Oman: Peninsular War. Martins: Historia de
Portugal. Delagrave: La Campagne de Portugal. Also Memoirs,
etc., by Barkhaeusen, Brandt, Gomm, Moore, Naylies, Roverea,
Savary, Miot de Melito.]

Diplomatic Fencing with Russia -- Caulaincourt and Rumianzoff --
Plight of the Czar -- Napoleon and the Papacy -- The Pope a
Prisoner -- The House of Braganza -- Partition of Portugal --
Flight of the Royal Family -- Junot's Aspirations -- The
Condition of Spain -- The Court -- The Crown Prince -- The
Popular Factions -- Napoleon's Plans -- Quarrel of Charles and
Ferdinand -- Trial of Ferdinand -- Invasion of Spain -- Napoleon
and Lucien at Mantua -- Napoleon and Joseph at Venice -- Godoy
Thwarted -- The French Armament -- The Humiliation of Spain --
Fall of Godoy -- Abdication of the King.

[Sidenote: 1808]

The instructions issued by Napoleon to Caulaincourt in this crisis
reveal the writer's entire political system during the turning-point
of his career: they show him at the height of his powers, promising,
cajoling, suggesting, proc