204 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN.

chap. thing, powder, shot, provisions, beer, and eveni.xv. water ; and he went into harbour, that he might

1673. refit his ships, and supply their numerous neces-

sities. After some weeks he was refitted, and heti th of Au- again put to sea. The hostile fleets met at theAnother niouth of the Texel, and sought the last battle,si* fight. which, during the course of so many years, theseneighbouring maritime powers have disputed witheach other. De Ruyter, and under him, Tromp,commanded the Dutch in this action , as in thetwo former : For the prince of Orange had re-conciled these gallant rivals ; and they retainednothing of their former animosity, except thatemulation, which made them exert themselveswith more distinguished bravery against theenemies of their country. Brankert was opposedto d’Etrees, de Ruyter to prince Rupert, Trompto Sprague. It is to be remarked , that in allactions these brave admirals last mentioned hadstill selected each other, as the only antagonistsworthy each other’s valor ; and no decisive ad-vantage had as yet been gained by either of them.They fought in this battle , as if there were nomean between death and victory.

D’Etrees and all the French squadron , exceptrear admiral IVlartel , kept at a distance ; andBrankert, instead of attacking them, bore downto the assistance of de Ruyter, who was engagedin furious combat with prince Rupert. On nooccasion did the prince acquire more deservedhonor : His conduct, as well as valor, shone outwith signal lustre. Having disengaged his squadron