COCHINCHINA. 285 
Cochincliina its ancient domains, till the accomplishment of 
which he is said to have made a vow to Tie7i never to sit 
down in the quiet enjoyment of his conquests ; exemplifying 
the poet's observation, that 
" Fame is the spur that the clear spirit doth raise 
(That last infirmity of noble mind) 
" To scorn delights^ and live laborious days." 
The progress of his exertions suggests likewise other con- 
sidei:ati<:)ns, which are not undeserving of the attention of the 
British government in India. If this Monarch, in the midst 
of a struggle with powerful rebels for the recovery of his 
kingdom, and under the most adverse circumstances, could, 
in the short period of ten 3^ears, find the means of raising and 
equipping a fleet of 1200 armed vessels, how much more for- 
midable an armament might the active subjects of Louis XVI. 
have prepared in the same country, had the treaty been 
carried into effect ? And what may not the present still more 
active government of France be tempted to try in this only 
remaining counti'y in the East where they can entertain 
any reasonable hope of acquiring a solid and pcrniauent 
establishment ? 
