drive us from the Peninsula.  We have the point to stand upon which Archimedes wished for, and we may move the Continent if we persevere.  Let us prepare to exercise in Spain a military influence like that which we already possess in Portugal, and our affairs must improve daily and rapidly.  Whatever money we advance for Portugal and Spain, we can direct the management of it, an inestimable advantage which, with relation to Prussia, Russia or Austria, we never possessed.  Besides, how could we govern the purposes of those States, when that inherent imbecility and cowardice leave them no purpose or aim to which they can steadily adhere of themselves for six weeks together?  Military Powers!  So these States have been called.  A strange Misnomer! they are Weaknesses—­a true though ill-sounding Title!—­and not Powers!  Polybius tells us that Hannibal entered into Italy with twenty thousand men, and that the aggregate forces of Italy at that time amounted to seven hundred and sixty thousand foot and horse, with the Roman discipline and power to head that mighty force.  Gustavus Adolphus invaded Germany with thirteen thousand men; the Emperor at that time having between two and three hundred thousand warlike and experienced Troops commanded by able Generals, to oppose to him.  Let these facts and numerous others which history supplies of the same kind, be thought of; and let us hear no more of the impossibility of Great Britain girt round and defended by the Sea and an invincible Navy, becoming a military Power; Great Britain whose troops surpass in valour those of all the world, and who has an army and a militia of upwards of three hundred thousand men!  Do reflect my dear Sir, upon the materials which are now in preparation upon the Continent.  Hannibal expected to be joined by a parcel of the contented barbarian Gauls in the north of Italy.  Gustavus stood forth as the Champion of the Protestant interest:  how feeble and limited each of these auxiliary sentiments and powers, compared with what the state of knowledge, the oppressions of their domestic governments, and the insults and injuries and hostile cruelties inflicted by the French upon the continental nations, must have exerted to second our arms whenever we shall appear in that Force which we can assume, and with that boldness which would become us, and which justice and human nature and Patriotism call upon us to put forth.  Farewell, most truly yours,

W. WORDSWORTH.

Shall we see you this Summer?  I hope so.

IV.  TWO ADDRESSES TO THE FREEHOLDERS OF WESTMORELAND.

1818.

NOTE.

On the occasion of these ‘Two Addresses,’ and other related matters, see
Preface in the present volume.  G.

     TWO ADDRESSES TO THE FREEHOLDERS OF WESTMORELAND.

* * * * * Kendal: 

PRINTED BY AIREY AND BELLINGHAM. 1818.

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