said an author who points his observations so as to make them
remembered.

Observe, my Lord, that, from their invasion of Flanders and Holland to
this hour, they have never made the smallest signification of a desire
of peace with this kingdom, with Austria, or, indeed, with any other
power that I know of. As superiors, they expect others to begin. We have
complied, as you may see. The hostile insolence with which they gave
such a rebuff to our first overture, in the speech from the throne, did
not hinder us from making, from the same throne, a second advance. The
two Houses a second time coincided in the same sentiments, with a degree
of apparent unanimity, (for there was no dissentient voice but yours,)
with which, when they reflect on it, they will be as much ashamed as I
am. To this our new humiliating overture (such, at whatever hazard, I
must call it) what did the Regicide Directory answer? Not one public
word of a readiness to treat. No,--they feel their proud situation too
well. They never declared whether they would grant peace to you or not.
They only signified to you their pleasure as to the terms on which alone
they would in any case admit you to it. You showed your general
disposition to peace, and, to forward it, you left everything open to
negotiations. As to any terms you can possibly obtain, they shut out all
negotiation at the very commencement. They declared that they never
would make a peace by which anything that ever belonged to France should
be ceded. We would not treat with the monarchy, weakened as it must
obviously be in any circumstance of restoration, without a reservation
of something for indemnity and security,--and that, too, in words of the
largest comprehension. You treat with the Regicides without any
reservation at all. On their part, they assure you formally and
publicly, that they will give you nothing in the name of indemnity or
security, or for any other purpose.