Even under the delay, it was distinctly in his power to renew the fight; and that he did not do so forfeits all claim to victory.

Not to speak of the better condition of the French ships, Keppel, by running off the wind, had given his opponent full opportunity to reach his fleet and to attack.

Instead of so doing, d'Orvilliers drew up under the British lee, out of range, and offered battle; a gallant defiance, but to a crippled foe.
Time was thus given to the British to refit their ships sufficiently to bear down again.

This the French admiral should not have permitted.
He should have attacked promptly, or else have retreated; to windward, or to leeward, as seemed most expedient.

Under the conditions, it was not good generalship to give the enemy time, and to await his pleasure.