But was it of France alone that a nation so enlightened as the English must be jealous?
Was it forgotten that the House of Austria had once aspired to universal dominion?
And would it be wise in the princes and commonwealths of Europe to lend their aid for the purpose of reconstructing the gigantic monarchy which, in the sixteenth century, had seemed likely to overwhelm them all?
Portland answered that, on this subject, he must be understood to express only the opinions of a private man.

He had however now lived, during some years, among the English, and believed himself to be pretty well acquainted with their temper.

They would not, he thought, be much alarmed by any augmentation of power which the Emperor might obtain.
The sea was their element.

Traffic by sea was the great source of their wealth; ascendency on the sea the great object of their ambition.

Of the Emperor they had no fear.