ticular more happy than the queen, and I wish I could serve some cam-
paigns under so great a general as your majesty, that I might learn what
I yet want to know in the art of war." ^*

This flattering address from so illustrious a commander
pleased the monarch, whose foible was a passion for military
glory. His satisfaction was visible in his countenance, and
he returned, through Count Piper, an answer unusually
gracious.

"The queen of Great Britain's letter and your person are both very
acceptable to me, and I shall always have the utmost regard for the in-
terposition of her Britannic majesty, and the interests of the Grand
Alliance. It is, likewise, much against my will if I have been obliged
to give the least umbrage to any of the parties engaged in it. But your
excellency cannot fail to be convinced that I had just cause to come into
this country with my troops. On the other hand, you may assure the
queen, my sister, that my design is to depart from hence, as soon as I
have obtained the satisfaction I demand, but not sooner. However, I
shall do nothing that can tend to the prejudice of the common cause in
general, or the Protestant religion in particular, of which I shall al-
ways glory to be a zealous protector."

At the conclusion of this reply, the duke continued the
conversation in the French tongue, which the king under-
stood, but did not speak, either from prejudice or timidity.
The discourse turned on military and political subjects, and
lasted till mid-day, the usual hour of dinner, when the king
graciously invited the duke to partake of his repast. At
table he was placed on the right hand of the monarch, and
Count Piper on the left, and the sitting was prolonged more
than half an hour beyond the usual time, in honour of so
distinguished a guest. On rising from table, Charles again
retired with Marlborough into his closet, accompanied by

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