162 THE SQUIRE AND HIS YOLIINTEEES. 



after tlie healtli of tlie king, and "spoke of tke 

 British nation in terms of great respect, intimating 

 tkat as long as tkey remained friends there would 

 be no interruption to the peace of Europe." 

 One of the guests added — 



" And that I think's a reason fair to drink and fill again." 



It was clear to all, however, who looked beneath 

 the surface, that the peace was a hollow truce, and 

 that good grounds existed for timidity, if not for 

 fear, respecting a descent upon our shores : 



*' Sometimes the vulgar see and judge aright." 



Month by month, week by week, clouds were 

 gathering upon a sky which the Peace of Amiens 

 failed to clear. 



The First Consul declared against English com- 

 merce, and preparations on a gigantic scale were 

 beuig made by the construction of vessels on the 

 opposite shores of the Channel for invasion. 



The public spirit in France was invoked; the 

 spirit of this country was also aroused, and vigorous 

 efforts were made by Parliament and the people to 

 maintain the inviolability of our shores. IN'ews- 

 paper denunciations excited the ire of the First 



