400 

 EUROPE AND HER DESPOTS. 



No. II. THE EMPEROR FRANCIS. 



AN astonishing change has of late years taken place in Europe. The 

 mysteries of courts have been laid open ; the influence of negociation on 

 the relative situation of states has declined,, and the studies of those men 

 whose public spirit or ambition devotes them to the service of their 

 country, have been diverted from the intrigues of cabinets and the 

 details of the diplomatic code to the liberal and manly pursuits of poli- 

 lical philosophy. It would, however, be inculcating error to advance 

 that the reign of diplomatic intrigue had entirely terminated ; it still, 

 unfortunately, exercises its evil influence on the destinies of Europe. 



Of all the sovereigns in Europe, or even out of it, there is not one 

 whose character is so antithetically mixed as that of the Emperor 

 Francis. It combines an unassuming simplicity with despotic hauteur, 

 a prepossessing frankness and bonhommie with Jesuitical craft ; while 

 under an affectation of kindhearted indifference there lurks the most 

 disgusting egotism and innate deceit. If to this singular admixture of 

 opposite qualities we can discern a predominating principle, it is that of 

 a phlegmatic indifference, " a toute epreuve" which amidst all the dis- 

 asters that have marked his reign, when his throne itself was tottering, 

 has never for an instant forsaken him. When quite a child his uncle 

 the Emperor Joseph read his character with a discerning eye. " This 

 good for nothing boy," said the reforming monarch, " will undo all that 

 we have done." Prophetic words; for the death of Francis will dis- 

 close scenes of which Europe little dreams. 



From the moment of his accession in 1792, vip to the year 1812, he 

 was solely guided by the Austrian oligarchy. All are aware of the 

 animosity evinced by this body to the principles of the French revolu- 

 tion. Francis, during this period, deserted by his allies, betrayed by 

 his generals, army after army scattered in the field by the all-spreading 

 power of Napoleon, continued the contests with an obstinate pertina- 

 city that neither treachery or defeat could weary. When the news of 

 the battle of Marengo was brought to him, which wrested the Lom- 

 bardo- Venetian kingdom from his grasp, and proved the grave of 

 Austria's military glory, Francis listened to the details of the fight with 

 a phlegmatic indifference, of which it is impossible to convey an idea; 

 and on the aid-de-camp's finishing his relation, he rose, and without 

 making the slightest comment, said to his chamberlain, " Come., let us 

 go, and feed the pigeons !" 



With such a prince at their head, we view with astonishment the 

 immense exertions and heroic sacrifices of every class of his people 

 during the fatal campaign of 1801. In the year 1813, Francis held the 

 fate of Europe in his hands, and heedless of the ties of consanguinity 

 that allied him to Napoleon, he decided it by joining the coalition 

 against France. This was the work of Metternich; who, taking ad- 

 vantage of a wily indolence of character, that, feeling its own inability, 

 throws itself on another, had gained an entire influence over his mind. 

 From the moment that he threw himself into the arms of this minister it 

 was observed that all his former simplicity forsook him, and was re- 

 placed by an overweening hauteur that could ill brook the slightest 

 encroachment on his imperial authority. The nobles were neglected 



