so conspicuous in all these transactions, his reliance on Spain, his
confidence in her friendship, that he had at last obtained the cordial
alliance of that nation, so celebrated for honor and fidelity. Or,
if politics must still be supposed the ruling motive of all public
measures, the maritime power of England was so considerable, and the
Spanish dominions so divided, as might well induce the council of Philip
to think, that a sincere friendship with the masters of the sea could
not be purchased by too great concessions.[*] And as James, during so
many years, had been allured and seduced by hopes and protestations, his
people enraged by delays and disappointments, it would probably occur,
that there was now no medium left between the most inveterate hatred and
the most intimate alliance between the nations. Not to mention that, as
a new spirit began about this time to animate the councils of France,
the friendship of England became every day more necessary to the
greatness and security of the Spanish monarch.

All measures being, therefore, agreed on between the parties, nought was
wanting but the dispensation from Rome, which might be considered as a
mere formality.[**] The king, justified by success, now exulted in his
pacific counsels, and boasted of his superior sagacity and penetration;
when all these flattering prospects were blasted by the temerity of a
man whom he had fondly exalted from a private condition, to be the bane
of himself, of his family, and of his people.

* Franklyn, p. 72.

** Rushworth, vol. i. p. 66.

Ever since the fall of Somerset, Buckingham had governed, with an
uncontrolled sway, both the court and nation; and could James's eyes
have been opened, he had now full opportunity of observing how unfit
his favorite was for the high station to which he was raised. Some
accomplishments of a courtier he possessed: of every talent of a
minister he was utterly destitute. Headlong in his passions, and
incapable equally of prudence and of dissimulation; sincere from
violence rather than candor; expensive from profusion more than
generosity; a warm friend, a furious enemy, but without any choice or
discernment in either; with these qualities he had early and quickly
mounted to the highest rank; and partook at once of the insolence which
attends a fortune newly acquired, and the impetuosity which belongs to
persons born in high stations and unacquainted with opposition.

{1623.} Among th