CHARLES II.

25 r

cc the growth and power of the French king, chap.« and for the preservation of the Spanish Nether- txvi.

V lands ; and to make such other alliances with 16 7>

“ the confederates as should appear fit and useful“ to that end. ’’ They supported their advicewith reasons; and promised speedy and effectualsupplies, for preserving his majesty’s honor andensuring the safety of the public. The king pre-tended the highest anger at this address, whichhe represented as a dangerous encroachment uponhis prerogative. He reproved the commons insevere terms; and ordered them immediately tobe adjourned.

I r is certain, that this was the critical moment, sth Ma$r>when the king both might with ease have pre-served the balance of power in Europe, whichit has since cost this island a great expense ofblood and treasure to restore , and might byperseverance have at last regained , in some toler-able measure, after all past errors, the confidenceof his people. This opportunity being neglected,the wound became incurable ; and notwithstand-ing his momentary appearances of vigor againstFrance and popery, and their momentary inclina-tions to rely on his faith : he was still believedto be at bottom engaged in the same interests,and they soon relapsed into distrust and jealousy,

The secret memoirs of this reign, which havesince been published 7 , prove beyond a doubt,

7 Such as the letters, which passed betwixt Danby andMontague , the king’s ambassador at Paris ; Temple’^ Me.