in stronger terms the satisfaction with which he had witnessed
his success in forcing the lines behind which the French had
taken refuge at the mere news of his march. ^* But it was
from the court of Vienna, and from the new emperor, that
he received the most flattering marks of satisfaction and
regard. To his adjutant, Colonel Richards, who conveyed
the news of the victory, Joseph publicly testified his grati-
tude for the services of the duke to the common cause in
general, and to his family in particular, declaring that they
were such as should never be forgotten by himself or his
posterity. On the ensuing day an official letter of congratu-
lation issued from the chancery, to which Joseph added a
postscript in his usual style of cordiality and attachment.
"I cannot refrain from testifying to you myself the joy I
felt at the fortunate success of your arms, not doubting its
good effects for the common cause. I am much concerned
that I am not able to place myself at the head of the army,
to show in person the particular esteem I have for you, and
the confidence which I repose in you." ^†

In England the news of this almost bloodless success
excited the most lively satisfaction. It was celebrated by a
public Te Deum, like the battle of Blenheim, and the queen
herself went in person to St. Paul's, to return thanksgiving
for the victory.

Since the passage of the lines, no material change had
taken place in the respective positions of the contending
armies. The troops of Marlborough remained between
Vlierbeck and Corbeck Overloo, and the Dutch, who formed
the left, extending from Corbeck to the skirts of the wood of
Murdael. On the other hand, the enemy distributed their
force along the Dyle, from the Ische to Rosslaer, near the
Demer, retaining Louvain as a central point, from whence
they might succour either wing which might be threatened
with an attack. Marlborough burned with impatience to
follow up his success by an immediate attempt against the
French position; but his design was retarded by a succession
of heavy rains, which fell for eight or nine days, and not
only broke up the roads, but swelled into torrents the nu-
merous streams with which the country is intersected.

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