If these things were done, His Majesty might hope to have, in the approaching spring, an army with which the enemy would be unable to contend.

This was good advice; but James was so far from taking it that he would hardly listen to it with patience.

Before he had heard eight lines read he flew into a passion and accused the ambassador of exaggeration.

"This paper, Sir," said Avaux, "is not written to be published.

It is meant solely for Your Majesty's information; and, in a paper meant solely for Your Majesty's information, flattery and disguise would be out of place; but I will not persist in reading what is so disagreeable." "Go on," said James very angrily; "I will hear the whole." He gradually became calmer, took the memorial, and promised to adopt some of the suggestions which it contained.