Yet the allies had not been able to prevent the French from taking Mons in 1691, Namur in 1692, Charleroy in 1693.

If the English troops were withdrawn, it was certain that Ostend, Ghent, Liege, Brussels would fall.

The German Princes would hasten to make peace, each for himself.

The Spanish Netherlands would probably be annexed to the French monarchy.

The United Provinces would be again in as great peril as in 1672, and would accept whatever terms Lewis might be pleased to dictate.