SOUTHERN A I' RICA. 
201 
fliould, at this moment, be upheld by every polfible feCurlty that 
may enable her to refift the overwhelming and infatiable ambi- 
tion of France. Do the other powers vainly hope to meet a better 
fate under her triumphant arms than Holland, Hanover, or Swit- 
zerland have experienced, where, before the palfying arm of 
French tyranny had deftroyed their health and vigour, the peo- 
ple were profperous, happy, and free ? Would Denmark or 
Sweden, Pruffia or the principalities of Germany, be treated 
with more confideration than the Italian provinces have been ? 
Will Spain and Portugal increafe their influence, wealth, and 
commerce by being degraded into tributary provinces of France, 
and do they promife themfelves a better fecurity of the'ir 
colonies by the humiliating alliance ? Nothing, furely, but the 
moft morbid apathy could prevent thefe and the reft of Europe 
from rifing in a mafs to wipe off the difgrace that has already 
fallen on fome, and momentarily threatens the reft. How is it 
poflible that thofe powers, who yet have the means of refcuing 
Europe from univerfal mifery, can remain inactive, and infen- 
fible of their own impending danger? A little ifland, animated 
with a great foul, is their only fecurity, and if that fhould fail, the 
tyrant's fell grafp will foon reach them all. The fyftem, deeply 
rooted in the mind of the Confular Government, appears to be 
that of univerfal and arbitrary dominion — to reduce all Europe 
into gallic provinces as Afia fell under the yoke of Rome. 
Nor would the dreadful efTeds of French aggrandizement be 
confined to Europe, were they not compietcly checked by the 
maritime power of Great Britain. Afia, Africa, and South 
America would foon be overrun with Frenchmen. No one can 
VOL. II. D D doubt, 
