My dearest Victoria,—I write already to-day that it may not miss to-morrow's messenger. I came here yesterday by a mild sunshine, and the valley of the Meuse was very pretty. I love my solitude here, and though the house is small and not what it ought to have been, still I always liked it. There seems in most countries danger of agitation and convulsions arising. I don't know how it will end in Germany. In France it is difficult that things should not break up some way or other. I trust you may be spared religious agitation. These sorts of things begin with one pretext, and sometimes continue with others. I don't think Europe was ever in more danger, il y a tant d'anarchie dans les esprits. I don't think that can be cured à l'eau de rose; the human race is not naturally good, very much the contrary; it requires a strong hand, and is, in fact, even pleased to be led in that way; the memory of all the sort of Césars and Napoléons, from whom they chiefly got blows, is much dearer to them than the benefactors of mankind, whom they crucify when they can have their own way. Give my best love to Albert; and I also am very anxious to be recalled to the recollection of the children, who were so very friendly at Ostende. How far we were then to guess what has since happened.... My dearest Victoria, your devoted Uncle,
Leopold R.
Queen Victoria to the Countess of Gainsborough.46
Thursday morning [November ...] 1850.
Dearest Fanny,—This is a case of positive necessity, and as none of the ladies are forthcoming I fear I must call upon you to attend me to-night. You did so once in state before, and as it is not a matter of pleasure, but of duty, I am sure you will at once feel that you can have no scruple.
Whenever the Mistress of the Robes does not attend, I always have three ladies, as they must take turns in standing behind me. Ever yours affectionately,
Victoria R.
Footnote 46: Frances, Countess of Gainsborough, daughter of the third Earl of Roden, a Lady of the Bedchamber, and known till 1841 as Lady Barham.
Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.
ENGLAND AND GERMANY