ABSTRACT
The nobility of Austria and of Lombardy called for feudality and vassalage; and the priests instigated both. As the progress of the revolution was observed directing its course towards the Alps, and threatening the Chinese government of Milan, every engine was set in motion to impede its influence, and to prejudice the people of Lombardy against its principles. The catastrophe approached; the French army descended the Alps, and, under the command of Bonaparte, became the arbitrators of Austrian Lombardy. In 1799, the return of the Austrians to Lombardy, and the horrible re-action at Naples, perpetrated by the intrigues of the Queen, assisted by the English, changed the face of things in Italy. An Imperial viceroy was sent to represent in the capital of Lombardy, with strict orders to resume the Spanish etiquette of that court, where queens fell in the fire, and courtiers, out of respect, dared not rescue them from the flames.
