that it may promote the designs of their master. You must likewise acquaint the Prince and the Pensioner that, as to the apprehensions they have in Holland that the French King will not evacuate Wesel, but may fall upon them immediately, if they should not agree to an alliance with him, the King has directed you to tell them that, in case France should break with the States, by the consideration of the long prorogation of the Parliament, or for any other reason or pretence, that his Majesty will assist them with all his forces, as well as knowing how nearly he is concerned, and how much it is his interest not to suffer those provinces to be invaded; and that the better to enable himself to do it, he will that very moment call the Parliament, how far distant soever it may appear by the prorogation, he having it always in his power to do so; and it is not in the least to be doubted but that the Parliament will be ready to support him on such an occasion. I have, by the King's order, let Monsieur Van Lewin know as much, to whom his Majesty would have told it himself, if the Ambassador had been in a condition of going abroad.
The King will be impatient to hear from you after the receipt hereof, and therefore you may, if
