Cochmchina its ancient domains, till the accomplishment of
which he is said to have made a vow to Tien never to sit
down in the quiet enjoyment of his conquests; exemplifying
the poet’s observation, that
« Fame is the sput that the dear spirit doth raise
« (That last infirmity of noble mind)
I « To scorn delights, and live laborious days.”
The progress' of his exertions suggests likewise other considerations,,
which are not undeserving of the attention of the
British government in India. If this Mqnarch, in the midst
of a struggle with powerful .rebels for the recovery of his
kingdom, and tinder the most adverse circumstances, could,
in the short period often years, find the means of raising and
equipping a fleet of 1200 armed vessels^'how much more formidable
an armament might the active subjects of Louis. XVI.
have prepared in the same- country, had the treaty been
carried into effect P And what may not the present, still more
active government of France be tempted to try in this only
remaining country in the East where they can entertain
any reasonable hope of acquiring a solid and permanent
establishment I