[296] His prime minister Schoening, the most covetous and perfidious of mankind, was secured by a pension.

[297] For the Duke of Brunswick Lunenburg, William, not without difficulty, procured the long desired title of Elector of Hanover.

By such means as these the breaches which had divided the coalition were so skilfully repaired that it appeared still to present a firm front to the enemy.

William had complained bitterly to the Spanish government of the incapacity and inertness of Gastanaga.
The Spanish government, helpless and drowsy as it was, could not be altogether insensible to the dangers which threatened Flanders and Brabant.

Gastanaga was recalled; and William was invited to take upon himself the government of the Low Countries, with powers not less than regal.