CHARLES II.

21 *

prorogued, the peace was proclaimed in London,to the great joy of the people. Spain had declared,that slie could no longer remain neuter , if hostil-ities were continued against Holland ; and a sen-sible decay of trade was foreseen , in case a ruptureshould ensue with that kingdom. The prospectof this loss contributed very much to increase thenational aversion to the present war , and toenliven the joy for its conclusion.

There was in the French service a great bodyof English , to the number of ten thousand men,who had acquired honor in every action, andhad greatly contributed to the successes of Lewis.These troops, Charles said, he was bound bytreaty not to recal ; but he obliged himself tothe States by a secret article not to allow themto be recruited. His partiality to France preventeda strict execution of this engagement.

H A P.

LXV.

1674.