CHARLES II.

iix

obtained; and thus was concluded in five daysthe triple league ; an event received with equalsurprise and approbation by the world. Notwith-standing the unfortunate conclusion of the lastwar, England now appeared in her proper station,and, by this wife conduct, had recovered allher influence and credit in Europe. Temple like-wise received great applause ; but to all thecompliments made him on the occasion , hemodestly replied , that to remove things fromtheir centre , or proper element, required forceand labor; but that of themselves they easilyreturned to it.

The French monarch was extremely displeasedwith this measure. Not only bounds were atpresent set to his ambition: Such a barrier wasalso raised as seemed for ever impregnable. Andthough his own offer was made the foundationof the treaty, he had prescribed so short a timefor the acceptance of it, that he still expected ,from the delays and reluctance of Spain, to findsome opportunity of eluding it. The court ofIVladrid showed equal displeasure. To relinquishany part of the Spanish provinces, in lieu ofclaims, so apparently unjust , and these urgedwith such violence and haughtiness, inspired thehighest disgust. Often did the Spaniards threatento abandon entirely the Low Countries ratherthan submit to so cruel a mortification ; and theyendeavoured , by this menace , to terrify themediating powers into more vigorous measuresfor their support. But Temple and de Wit were

hat.

rxiv.

1658 .