particular. Marlborough, however, on this as on other
occasions, acted with equal magnanimity and discretion. On
one side he allayed unreasonable jealousies and fears, and on
the other, by a generous confidence, conciliated the leading
members of the republic, and inspired even the opposite
party with a warmer sense of public spirit, and a higher
regard for their national honour. Some extracts from his
letters will show the empire which he maintained over his
own feelings as well as over those of others.

To Lord Godolphin.

"Ramey, August 27. 1705. -- I send you a letter I have received
since my last to you. You will observe that he*The pensionary. reasons much more
than formerly. The business itself is so very difficult, that let them
have never so much mind, they will not be able to bring it to per-
fection, for the people will never consent to what the French desire; so
that I believe neither side dares speak plainly; for should the French
offer what they have a mind to give, it might disgust the Spaniards, and
the Dutch cannot make proposals, but they will inevitably disoblige their
allies; so that I think we may depend upon another year's war.

"I see you have a mind I should be in England, if possible, before
the meeting of the parliament. It will be uneasy to me as things are
to be here; but some of my officers, already fearing I would take mea-
sures to leave the army as soon as possible, have represented to me, that
they fear, when I am gone, the French, knowing how little respect
would be paid to any officer that shall be left to command, may not only
attempt but succeed. However, be assured I shall turn my thoughts to
be able to do what may be an ease to you. I am very sorry for what
you tell me of 79 (the queen); but I am confident she esteems you
more than all the rest that talk to her, and you may imagine she is
pressed by people that do not judge so well as you; so that I pity her
extremely. However, I hope and am sure she will always be directed by
you in every thing that is good for her service."

After repeating his objections to the mission of Lord Pem-
broke, he adds:--

"Tirlemont, Sept. 2. 1705. -- I shall proceed to give you my farther
thoughts on what I lately sent you from the pensioner. It is true he
seems, by his letter, to lean too much to the proposals or preliminaries
for a peace; but I dare answer for him that he is as averse from having
it on those terms as we can wish, and that he is entirely in the interest
of England, being persuaded that he barely relates to me in secret what
he has from M. Wellandt and the pensioner of Amsterdam, who are at
the head of the faction, and would willingly draw him in, without any
other design than to prepare and arm me, against my coming to the
Hague, to join with him and our other friends in opposing what they

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