France, and
united himself in all his counsels with that potent and ambitious
kingdom. Spain, having long courted in vain the friendship of the
successful usurper, was reduced at last to apply to the unfortunate
prince. Charles formed a league with Philip, removed his small court
to Bruges in the Low Countries, and raised four regiments of his own
subjects, whom he employed in the Spanish service. The duke of York, who
had with applause served some campaigns in the French army, and who
had merited the particular esteem of Marshal Turenne, now joined his
brother, and continued to seek military experience under Don John of
Austria, and the prince of Conde.

The scheme of foreign politics adopted by the protector was highly
imprudent, but was suitable to that magnanimity and enterprise with
which he was so signally endowed. He was particularly desirous of
conquest and dominion on the continent;[*] and he sent over into
Flanders six thousand men under Reynolds, who joined the French army
commanded by Turenne. In the former campaign, Mardyke was taken, and put
into the hands of the English. Early this campaign, siege was laid to
Dunkirk; and when the Spanish army advanced to relieve it, the combined
armies of France and England marched out of their trenches, and fought
the battle of the Dunes, where the Spaniards were totally defeated.[**]

* He aspired to get possession of Elsinore and the passage
of the Sound. See World's Mistake in Oliver Cromwell. He
also endeavored to get possession of Bremen. Thurloe, vol.
vi. p. 478.

* It was remarked by the saints of that time, that the
battle was fought on a day which was held for a fast in
London; so that, as Fleetwood said, (Thurloe, vol. vii. p.
159,) "while we were praying, they were fighting; and the
Lord hath given a signal answer. The Lord has not only owned
us in our work there, but in our waiting upon him in a way
of prayer, which is indeed our old experienced approved way
in all streights and difficulties." Cromwell's letter to
Blake and Montague, his brave admirals, is remarkable for
the same spirit. Thurloe, vol. iv. p. 744. "You have," says
he, "as I verily believe and am persuaded, a plentiful stock
of prayers going for you daily, sent up by the soberest and
most approved ministers and Christians in this nation; and,
notwithstanding some discouragements very much wrestling o