It was this young prince whom the policy of Louis XIV.

at that time opposed to Van Witt in the councils of the United Provinces, thus strengthening in advance the indomitable foe who was to triumph over all his greatness and vanquish him by dint of defeats.

The despatch of an ambassador to Spain, to form there an alliance offensive and defensive, was decided upon.

"M.

de Beverninck, who has charge of this mission, is without doubt a man of strength and ability," said M.de Pomponne, "and there are many who put him on a par with M.de Witt; it is true that he is not on a par with the other the whole day long, and that with the sobriety of morning he often loses the desert and capacity that were his up to dinner-time." The Spaniards at first gave but a cool reception to the overtures of the Hollanders.
"They look at their monarchy through the spectacles of Philip II.," said Beverninck, "and they take a pleasure in deceiving themselves whilst they flatter their vanity." Fear of the encroachments of France carried the day, however.