st
lively expressions of their joy and duty, that, as the noble historian
expresses it, a man could not but wonder where those people dwelt who
had done all the mischief, and kept the king so many years from enjoying
the comfort and support of such excellent subjects. The king himself
said, that it must surely have been his own fault, that he had not
sooner taken possession of the throne; since he found every body so
zealous in promoting his happy restoration.

The respect of foreign powers soon followed the submission of the king's
subjects. Spain invited him to return to the Low Countries, and embark
in some of her maritime towns. France made protestations of affection
and regard, and offered Calais for the same purpose. The states general
sent deputies with a like friendly invitation. The king resolved to
accept of this last offer. The people of the republic bore him a cordial
affection; and politics no longer restrained their magistrates from
promoting and expressing that sentiment. As he passed from Breda to the
Hague, he was attended by numerous crowds, and was received with the
loudest acclamations; as if themselves, not their rivals in power and
commerce, were now restored to peace and security. The states general
in a body, and afterwards the states of Holland apart, performed their
compliments with the greatest solemnity: every person of distinction was
ambitious of being introduced to his majesty; all ambassadors and public
ministers of kings, princes, or states, repaired to him, and professed
the joy of their masters in his behalf; so that one would have thought,
that from the united efforts of Christendom had been derived this
revolution, which diffused every where such universal satisfaction.

The English fleet came in sight of Scheveling. Montague had not waited
for orders from the parliament; but had persuaded the officers of
themselves to tender their duty to his majesty. The duke of York
immediately went on board, and took the command of the fleet as high
admiral.

When the king disembarked at Dover, he was met by the general, whom he
cordially embraced. Never subject in fact, probably in his intentions,
had deserved better of his king and country. In the space of a few
months, without effusion of blood, by his cautious and disinterested
conduct alone, he had bestowed settlement on three kingdoms, which had
long been torn with the most violent convulsions; and having obstinately
refused the most inv