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440 RISE OF THE CONTINENTALThe first thoughts of the king were directed to Russia.In consequence of the subsidies furnished to Russia in thelast war, the presence of Russian troops in Germany was nostrange spectacle, and a treaty was concluded with Elizabeth to cover the electorate against the invasion of theFrench. 1 Itmay well be doubted whether in the relationsof Russia, as they soon developed themselves, this objectwould be attained, since the French-Austrian party prevailed also in Russia. But Frederic II., who understoodthese relations too well to admit Russian troops into Hanover, and was also too well aware of the consequences whichmight result from the occupation of that country by aforeign power, would not allow himself to be influenced bydistrust or petty feelings of any kind. He engaged himselfto protect the neutrality of Hanover;Russia and united with him/George II. abandonedas well as with several of theneighbouring princes of Northern Germany.The history of the ever memorable war which now brokeout belongs not to this place. The glorious days of theFrederics and Ferdinands are past, and the memory of themis all that is left to us. Followed by almost all their heroiccomrades, they have long descended to the shades, in orderto make room for a later generation, whose history will bemore easily learnt, from its containing fewer names worthremembrance.But to return to England. The administration of thiskingdom now devolved upon a man, "William Pitt, afterwards Lord Chatham,3whom the nation has never ceased toremember, and whom we, if for no other reason, must notomit to notice, as he was the main stay of the continentalrelations of England.H had entered parliament as early as 1735, and hadtaken office, under the Pelham administration, as paymaster of the forces, which he resigned in 1755. 4 He hadlong been a member of the opposition against Walpole jbuthis influence was now become so great, that not only couldno administration hold together without him, but even theformation of one was intrusted to him, because on no otherterms would he himself accept of place. Accordingly a1In the 2spring of 1755. By the treaty at Whitehall, Jan. 15, 1756.He was born on 17 Nov. 170S, was made Earl of Chatham 1766, anddied May 1 *i, 1778.Nov. 20.