would not be affected by an union between
Spain and Austria, but would be most seriously deranged by an union
between Spain and France.

Pomponne and Torcy declared that every thing should be done to quiet the
apprehensions which Portland had described. It was not contemplated, it
was not wished, that France and Spain should be united. The Dauphin
and his eldest son the Duke of Burgundy would waive their rights. The
younger brothers of the Duke of Burgundy, Philip Duke of Anjou and
Charles Duke of Berry, were not named; but Portland perfectly understood
what was meant. There would, he said, be scarcely less alarm in England
if the Spanish dominions devolved on a grandson of His Most Christian
Majesty than if they were annexed to the French crown. The laudable
affection of the young princes for their country and their family,
and their profound respect for the great monarch from whom they were
descended, would inevitably determine their policy. The two kingdoms
would be one; the two navies would be one; and all other states would
be reduced to vassalage. England would rather see the Spanish monarchy
added to the Emperor's dominions than governed by one of the younger
French princes, who would, though nominally independent, be really
a viceroy of France. But in truth there was no risk that the Spanish
monarchy would be added to the Emperor's dominions. He and his eldest
son the Archduke Joseph would, no doubt, be as ready to waive their
rights as the Dauphin and the Duke of Burgundy could be; and thus
the Austrian claim to the disputed heritage would pass to the younger
Archduke Charles. A long discussion followed. At length Portland plainly
avowed, always merely as his own private opinion, what was the opinion
of every intelligent man who wished to preserve the peace of the world.
"France is afraid," he said, "of every thing which can increase the
power of the Emperor. All Europe is afraid of every thing which can
increase the power of France. Why not put an end to all these uneasy
feelings at once, by agreeing to place the Electoral Prince of Bavaria
on the throne of Spain?" To this suggestion no decisive answer was
returned. The conference ended; and a courier started for England with
a despatch informing William of what had passed, and soliciting further
instructions.

William, who was, as he had always been, his own Secretary for Foreign
Affairs, did not think it necessary to discuss the contents of this
despatch w