CHAP. III - Dynastic and political alliance of Charles II with the Prince of Orange

Summary

Charles II's connexion with France was in itself by no means so close as it had been before and during the war of 1672. At that time all his ambition was bound up with it; he flattered himself that he would humble Holland, and by the accomplishment of his Catholic scheme, gain the mastery over Parliament. Now the whole position of affairs was different; peace had been concluded with Holland and the Catholic scheme abandoned; the old ministers had fallen, and their successors again paid attention to the public temper. Thanks to the very advantages which France procured from the alliance with England, the continuation of that alliance offered day by day greater difficulties; the national feeling opposed it all the more passionately.

If formerly the dynastic considerations in favour of the Prince of Orange had contributed to the alliance with France, this connexion also was now quite changed. The Prince disdained a union with the two Kings, but made this difference, that he set himself up as the opponent of Louis XIV, while on the other hand he was intent upon drawing Charles II over to his side. We know how the internal affairs of England tended to incline the King towards him, how he felt himself moved to propose to the Prince a marriage with his niece.