Lords Sunderland and Halifax in the meaning of your letters. They think Monsieur Van Beuninghen desires only that they should make a defensive league with Spain, in some such manner as Holland has done already with that Crown; and consequently that Holland should have no part in
have equally offended both Crowns; and the sad effect of having both united against them, the States had but too lately felt, and still too sorely remembered.
"But France had been now so accustomed to give the law, that they would not suffer their high and mighty Lordships to demur, without giving them to know, by the Dutch Ambassador at Paris, how much the Grand Monarque was offended at it. The King was much surprised, they were told, to find they placed so little value on his friendship aa to hesitate whether they should close with his offers or those of England; that he should take any farther delay for a refusal; and that, though he would maintain the peace with them, he should no longer look upon them as worthy of his favour, as they would soon feel by the effects his displeasure would have on their commerce.
"This touched the States in the most sensible part, and the Lowestein faction made so dexterous a use of their apprehensions on that head, that Mr. Sidney's offers were first dismissed, though in the softest manner imaginable, their high and mighty Lordships, by way of a qualifier, directing Monsieur Van Lewen to return his Majesty their most humble and grateful thanks for having by his mediation procured a general peace, and to assure his Majesty that they would have a perpetual remembrance of his kindness and good will towards them, and that they would on all occasions shew their acknowledgement thereof."—Ralph, ii. 488.
