nister towards a system diametrically opposite. Neither the
sovereign nor the minister, indeed, was of a temper to pursue any object
with undeviating constancy. Each occasionally yielded to the importunity
of the other; and their jarring inclinations and mutual concessions gave
to the whole administration a strangely capricious character. Charles
sometimes, from levity and indolence, suffered Danby to take steps which
Lewis resented as mortal injuries. Danby, on the other hand, rather
than relinquish his great place, sometimes stooped to compliances which
caused him bitter pain and shame. The King was brought to consent to a
marriage between the Lady Mary, eldest daughter and presumptive heiress
of the Duke of York and William of Orange, the deadly enemy of France
and the hereditary champion of the Reformation. Nay, the brave Earl of
Ossory, son of Ormond, was sent to assist the Dutch with some British
troops, who, on the most bloody day of the whole war, signally
vindicated the national reputation for stubborn courage. The Treasurer,
on the other hand, was induced not only to connive at some scandalous
pecuniary transactions which took place between his master and the court
of Versailles, but to become, unwillingly indeed and ungraciously, an
agent in those transactions.

Meanwhile the Country Party was driven by two strong feelings in two
opposite directions. The popular leaders were afraid of the greatness
of Lewis, who was not only making head against the whole strength of the
continental alliance, but was even gaining ground. Yet they were afraid
to entrust their own King with the means of curbing France, lest those
means should be used to destroy the liberties of England. The conflict
between these apprehensions, both of which were perfectly legitimate,
made the policy of the Opposition seem as eccentric and fickle as that
of the Court. The Commons called for a war with France, till the King,
pressed by Danby to comply with their wish, seemed disposed to yield,
and began to raise an army. But, as soon as they saw that the recruiting
had commenced, their dread of Lewis gave place to a nearer dread. They
began to fear that the new levies might be employed on a service in
which Charles took much more interest than in the defence of Flanders.
They therefore refused supplies, and clamoured for disbanding as loudly
as they had just before clamoured for arming. Those historians who
have severely reprehended this inconsist