4 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN.

c H A. p. event, which could suddenly disturb the balancein. °f power between them. The Spanish monarch ,1630. deemed the most powerful, lay at greatest distance :and the English , by that means , possessed theadvantage of being engaged by political motiv esinto a more intimate union and confederacy withthe neighbouring potentate. The dispersed situationof the Spanish dominions rendered the navalpower of England formidable to them, and keptthat empire in continual dependence. France,more vigorous and more compact, was every dayrising in policy and discipline; and reached at lastan equality of power with the house of Austria:But her progress, stow and gradual, left it stillin the power of England , by a timely interpositionto check her superiority. And thus Charles, couldhe have avoided all dissensions with his ownsubjects , was in a situation to make himself becourted and respected by every power in Europe;and, what has scarcely ever since been attainedby the princes of this island, he could either beactive with dignity, or neutral with security.

A NEUTRALITY was embraced by the king;and, during the rest of his reign , he seems tohave little regarded foreign affairs, except so faras he was engaged by honor, and by friendshipfor his sister and the Palatine, to endeavour theprocuring .of some relief for that unhappy family.He joined his good offices to those of France,and mediated a peace between the kings ofSweden and Poland, in hopes of engaging theformer to embrace the protection of the opptessed