CHARLES II. 27 l

rations wore a hostile appearance. But the Stateshad been too often deceived to trust him anylonger. They ratified the treaty signed at Nime-guen; and all the other powers of Europe wereat last , after much clamor and many disgusts,obliged to accept of the terms prescribed to them.

Lewis had now reached the height of thatglory, which ambition can afford. His ministersand negociators appeared as much superior tothose of all Europe in the cabinet, as his generalsand armies had been experienced in the field.A successful war had been carried on against analliance , composed of the greatest potentates inEurope. Considerable conquests had been made,and his territories enlarged on every side. Anadvantageous peace was at last concluded , wherehe had given the law. The allies were so enragedagainst each other , that they were not likely tercement soon in any new confederacy. And thushe had , during some years , a real prospect ofattaining the monarchy of Europe , and of ex-ceeding the empire of Charlemagne , perhapsequalling that of ancient Rome. Had Englandcontinued much longer in the same condition ,and under the same government, it is not easyto conceive, that he could have failed of hispurpose.

In proportion as these circumstances exaltedthe French, they excited indignation among theEnglish , whose animosity , roused by terror,mounted to a great height against that rival nation.Instead of -taking the lead in the affairs of

c n A i>.LXVI.> 678 .

Peace ofNimeguen.