our day, long resist the force of
public opinion.

While, therefore, Nicholas or Metternich may precipitate the nations
they rule over into a war, where there is neither the sympathy nor the
prejudices of a people involved, _we_ never draw the sword without a
hearty good will to wield it.

To what end all this in reference to Lucy Howard's question? None
whatever; for, in truth, I was half flattered by the notion that the
shattered, storm-beaten wreck, could be supposed sea-worthy, and so I
promised amendment. How pleasant it was, sitting Tityrus-like, to dream
over high rewards and honours! She, at least, seemed to think so; for
whether to stimulate my ardour, or merely following the impulse of her
own, I know not, but she certainly dwelt with animation and delight on
the advantages of a career that placed one almost _au pied d'egal_ with
sovereigns. "I am sure," said she, "that you cannot look upon those who
started in the race with yourself, without some repinings that others,
whom you know to be inferior to you, have passed you; and that men whom
you would never have thought of as competitors, are now become more than
equals."

If I accede to this opinion to a certain extent, still I must protest
against any feeling of real regret when I think that success is much
oftener obtained by what is called a "lucky hit," than by years of
zealous and intelligent exertion. I have known a man obtain credit for
stopping a courier--waylaying him, I might rather call it--and taking
by force a secret treaty from his hand, while the steady services of a
life-long have gone unrewarded. These things have an evil influence upon
diplomacy as a "career;" they suggest to young men to rely rather on
address and dexterity than upon "prudence and forethought." Because Lord
Palmerston discourses foreign politics with a certain gifted and very
beautiful Countess, or that M. Guizot deigns to take counsel from a most
accomplished Princess of Russian origin, every small _Attache_ thinks
he is climbing the short road to fame and honours by listening to the
_fadaise_ of certain political _boudoirs_, and hearing "pretty ladies
talk" about Spielberg and Monkopf. When the Northern minister sent his
son to travel through the world, that he might see with his own eyes
by what "commonplace mortals states were governed," he might have
recommended to his especial notice Plenipo's and Envoys Extraordinary.
From time to time, it is otherwise. Lord Castle