intercourse with that execrable French Republic. It would have been
a splendid example for all those hare-brained fools who are so fond
of repeating the three talismanic words of the republican regicides,
and who are crazy with delight when talking of Liberte, Egalite,
Fraternite. I would have liked to chastise a few of these madmen, in
order to put a stop to the prevailing republican enthusiasm. But
instead of that, you talk to me of a conspiracy only aimed at
myself!"

"Only at yourself!" repeated the count, with great indignation. "As
if it were not the most dreadful calamity for Austria if she should
be deprived of your services. You know that we are standing on the
verge of a precipice; in the interior, the liberal and seditious
desires which the senseless reforms of the Emperor Joseph have
stirred up, are still prevalent, and the people only submit with
reluctance and with spiteful feelings to the reforms which your
excellency has inaugurated with a view to the best interests of
Austria. Abroad, on the other hand, the blood-stained French
Republic incites the malecontents to imitate its own infamies; they
would like to see the victorious banners of General Bonaparte here
in order to have his assistance in establishing a republican
government in Austria."

"It is true," said Thugut, "the Austrian empire, at the present
time, is exposed to great dangers from within and without; the reins
must be held very firmly in order to conduct the ship of state
safely through the breakers, and I believe I am the man to do it.
You see, count, I do not underrate my own importance. I know only
too well that Austria needs me. Still, the plots and conspiracies
that are merely directed against myself, make me laugh. For let me