he crown, all which he spent in a splendid and
courtly manner. Ramsay obtained the title of earl of Holderness;
and many others being raised on a sudden to the highest elevation,
increased, by their insolence, that envy which naturally attended them
as strangers and ancient enemies.

* Wilson, in Kennet, p. 665.

** Wilson, in Kennet, p. 662.

It must, however, be owned, in justice to James, that he left almost all
the chief offices in the hands of Elizabeth's ministers, and trusted the
conduct of political concerns, both foreign and domestic, to his English
subjects. Among these, Secretary Cecil, created successively Lord
Effindon, Viscount Cranborne, and earl of Salisbury, was always regarded
as his prime minister and chief counsellor. Though the capacity and
penetration of this minister were sufficiently known, his favor with
the king created surprise on the accession of that monarch. The secret
correspondence into which he had entered with James, and which had
sensibly contributed to the easy reception of that prince in England,
laid the foundation of Cecil's credit; and while all his former
associates, Sir Walter Raleigh, Lord Grey, Lord Cobham, were
discountenanced on account of their animosity against Essex, as well
as for other reasons, this minister was continued in employment, and
treated with the greatest confidence and regard.

The capacity of James and his ministers in negotiation was immediately
put to trial on the appearance of ambassadors from almost all the
princes and states of Europe, in order to congratulate him on his
accession, and form with him new treaties and alliances. Besides
ministers from Venice, Denmark, the Palatinate; Henry Frederic of
Nassau, assisted by Barnevelt, the pensionary of Holland, was ambassador
from the states of the United Provinces. Aremberg was sent by Archduke
Albert, and Taxis was expected in a little time from Spain. But he who
most excited the attention of the public, both on account of his own
merit and that of his master, was the marquis of Rosni, afterwards duke
of Sully, prime minister and favorite of Henry IV. of France.

When the dominions of the house of Austria devolved on Philip II., all
Europe was struck with terror, lest the power of a family, which had
been raised by fortune, should now be carried to an immeasurable height
by the wisdom and conduct of this monarch. But never were apprehensions
found in the event to be more groundless. Slow wi