stupid masses so much that they hail him as a new messiah of
liberty. Liberty, detestable word! that, like the fatal bite of the
tarantula, renders men furious, and causes them to rave about in
frantic dances until death strikes them down."

"This word is the talismanic charm with which Bonaparte has
conquered all Italy, and transformed the Italians into insurgents
and rebels against their legitimate sovereigns," said Count Saurau,
mournfully.

"All Italy? Not yet, my friend. A portion of it still stands firm.
The lion of St. Mark has not yet fallen."

"But he will fall. His feet are tottering already."

"Well, then, we must try to make him fall in a manner which will
entitle us to a portion of the spoils. And now, my dear little
count, we have reached the point which claims our immediate
attention. The preliminaries of the peace have been concluded at
Leoben, and until peace itself is established, we should pursue such
a policy that the peace, instead of involving Austria in serious
losses, will give her a chance to increase her strength and enlarge
her territory. We must keep our eyes on Bavaria--for Bavaria will
and must be ours as soon as a favorable opportunity offers. If
France should object and refuse to let us seize our prey, why, we
will be sure to revive the old quarrel about Belgium, which will
render her willing and tame enough."

"But what shall we do if Prussia should support the objections of
France? Shall we satisfy her, too, by giving her a piece of