a promise of pardon for himself, his lady, Lord Godolphin,
and others, he adds: "So that, in fine, they were to be par-
doned and in security, in case the king returned, and yet to
suffer nothing in the interim, nor to give any other proofs of
their sincerity, than bare words and empty promises, which,
under pretence of being suspected, or doing greater service
afterwards, there was never found a suitable time to put the
least of them in execution. However, the king thought fit
to bear with this sort of double dealing," &c. ^*

This intercourse was either not suspected, or not re-
garded; for the success of Marlboroughin Ireland was the
prelude to his establishment in an honourable and confiden-
tial post under William himself. In May, 1691, he accom-
panied the king to the Continent; and was employed in
accelerating the military preparations, and assembling the
troops for the ensuing campaign. On this occasion he ex-
perienced that jealous opposition from the States General
and their officers, which afterwards defeated his more im-
portant undertakings. Among other suggestions he strongly
recommended measures for the security of Mons, the barrier
of Flanders; but his advice was rejected, and the place was
lost. During this campaign his merit attracted particular
notice; and induced discerning judges to prognosticate his
future celebrity. Among others, the prince of Vaudemont,
being asked by the king to give his opinion on the characters
of the English generals, replied, "Kirk has fire, Laneir
thought, Mackay skill, and Colchester bravery; but there is
something inexpressible in the Earl of Marlborough. All
their virtues seem to be united in his single person. I have
lost," he emphatically added, "my wonted skill in physiog-
nomy, if any subject of your majesty can ever attain such a
height of military glory, as that to which this combination
of sublime perfections must raise him." William acknow-
ledged the propriety of the observation by replying, with a
smile, "Cousin, you have done your part in answering my
question; and I believe the Earl of Marlborough will do his
to verify your prediction."

At the conclusion of the campaign Marlborough returned
to England, apparently high in the confidence and esteem of
the sovereign, for he was one of the generals appointed to

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