288 THE STORY OF THE KHEDIVATE.

whose shores might any day be invaded by an armed force, landed from the British fleet. His place, therefore, was in Egypt, with his own people, and with them he decided to remain, be the consequences what they might. Having made up his mind, he adhered to it * with a passive courage for which his previous vacillation, when active courage was required, had not prepared even those who knew him best.

/" His position, then, was this. He was virtually a prisoner in his own palace, yet, nominally, he was head of the State, and it was in his name that the Ministers, who had rebelled against his authority, issued the decrees and orders he was required to sign. It was With Tewfik's consent that Arabi collected an army round Alexandria and set to work manning the fortresses, which were supposed to defend the port and the ity. Whether with or without just cause, the Admiral /in command of the British fleet — then Sir Beauchamp Seymour, now Lord Alcester — held that these preparations endangered the safety of the squadron, ; and announced his intention of bombarding the forts, unless they were surrendered and their gims dismantled. The Khedive presided at a Cabinet Council, i at which it was determined to refuse this demand, j and continue the armament of the forts. At this council a reply was sent to the British Admiral, concluding with the following words : " If you persist in opening fire, the Government reserves its freedom of action, and leaves with you the responsibility of this act of aggression." In the course of the same i