s between France and Spain were also concluded by the treaty of
the Pyrenees. These animosities had long been carried on between the
rival states, even while governed by a sister and brother, who cordially
loved and esteemed each other. But politics, which had so long prevailed
over these friendly affections, now at last yielded to their influence;
and never was the triumph more full and complete. The Spanish Low
Countries, if not every part of that monarchy, lay almost entirely at
the mercy of its enemy. Broken armies, disordered finances, slow
and irresolute counsels by these resources alone were the dispersed
provinces of Spain defended against the vigorous power of France. But
the queen regent, anxious for the fate of her brother, employed
her authority with the cardinal to stop the progress of the French
conquests, and put an end to a quarrel which, being commenced by
ambition, and attended with victory, was at last concluded with
moderation. The young monarch of France, though aspiring and warlike in
his character, was at this time entirely occupied in the pleasures of
love and gallantry, and had passively resigned the reins of empire
into the hands of his politic minister. And he remained an unconcerned
spectator, while an opportunity for conquest was parted with, which he
never was able, during the whole course of his active reign, fully to
retrieve.

The ministers of the two crowns, Mazarine and Don Louis de Haro, met at
the foot of the Pyrenees, in the Isle of Pheasants, a place which was
supposed to belong to neither kingdom. The negotiation being brought
to an issue by frequent conferences between the ministers, the monarchs
themselves agreed to a congress; and these two splendid courts appeared
in their full lustre amidst those savage mountains. Philip brought his
daughter, Mary Therese, along with him; and giving her in marriage to
his nephew Louis, endeavored to cement by this new tie the incompatible
interests of the two monarchies. The French king made a solemn
renunciation of every succession which might accrue to him in right
of his consort; a vain formality, too weak to restrain the ungoverned
ambition of princes.

The affairs of England were in so great disorder, that it was not
possible to comprehend that kingdom in the treaty, or adjust measures
with a power which was in such incessant fluctuation. The king, reduced
to despair by the failure of all enterprises for his restoration, was
resolved t