The anger and hatred of a people are perspicacious.
The insensate pride of king and nation was to be put to other trials; the campaign of 1689 had been without advantage or honor to the king's arms.
Disembarrassed of the great Conde, of Turenne, and even of Marshal Luxembourg, who was compromised in some distressing law proceedings, Louvois exercised undisputed command over generals and armies; his harsh and violent genius encountered no more obstacles.

He had planned a defensive war which was to tire out the allies, all the while ravaging their territories.

The Palatinate underwent all its horrors.

Manheim, Heidelberg, Spires, Worms, Bingen, were destroyed and burned.

"I don't think," wrote the Count of Tesse to Louvois, "that for a week past my heart has been in its usual place.