C II A R~L E S II,

LSZ

sequence of losing the affections of his subjects, chapand perhaps disgusted with the secret article pro- lxvi.posed by France, began to wish heartily for «78,war, which, he hoped, would have restoredhim to his ancient popularity. "

An opportunity unexpectedly offered itself forhis displaying these new dispositions. Whilethe ministers at Nimeguen were concerting theterms of a general treaty , the marquis de Bal-baces , the Spanish ambassador, asked the ambas-sadors of France, at what time France intendedto restore the six towns in Flanders. They madeno difficulty in declaring, that the king, theirmaster, being obliged to fee an entire restitutionmade to the Swedes of all they had lost in thewar , could not evacuate these towns till thatcrown had received satisfaction ; and that thisdetention of places was the only means to inducethe powers of the north to accept of the peace.

■ The States immediately gave the king intel-ligence of a pretension, which might be attendedwith such dangerous consequences. The kingwas both surprised and angry. He immediatelydispatched ^Temple to concert with the Statesvigorous measures for opposing France. Temple xethjuij.in six days concluded a treaty, by which Lewiswas obliged to declare within sixteen days afterthe date, that he would presently evacuate thetowns : And in cafe of his refusal, Holland wasbound to continue the war , and England todeclare immediately against France, in conjunction>yith the whole confederacy.