[344] Ibid., II. p. 144.
[345] Ibid., II. pp. 196, 197.
[346] Ibid., II. pp. 188, 189.
[347] As an example of the straits to which d'Argenson was reduced through the failure of the French Government to support his policy, we may cite some remarks of his to the French representative at Frankfort in reference to the retreat of Conti.
"It appears that the King of Poland, having always regarded the continuance of the French army in the neighbourhood of Frankfort as an obstacle to the success of the views which he has formed from the beginning in regard to the imperial crown, is on the point of declaring himself a candidate."
It is absurd to suppose that d'Argenson really meant this, or looked upon the retreat as a subject of congratulation. It was simply one of the kaleidoscopic movements by which events, affected as they were by successive disasters, might still be made to look beautiful.
The resource, perhaps, was a little ridiculous; but it is hard to see what he would have done without it.
[348] De Broglie, "Marie Thérèse," Appendix, II. pp. 407, 408.
[349] Ibid., II. p. 195.
[350] Ibid., II. p. 201.