Politics, by being encourag'd to rise up and Precipitate themselves into
Ruin, by the Motions of Fleets and Armies upon sham Pretences of making
Descents. I own Sir, I am transported when I find an Opportunity to vent
my self upon this Subject. Had _Lewis_ XIV been streightned by the
Allies, he might have some pretence of not affording so much Assistance
as otherwise he might; but in the last War, he was always Victorious
both upon the _Rhine_ and in _Flanders_, and if after the Battle of
_Steenheer, Fleurs, Landen_, and Victories at Sea, besides the vast
number of Towns he reduced, he did not think fit to employ his Arms
towards restoring King _James_, I must take the Liberty to think the War
was not begun upon his Account, nor that it can be judg'd the Interest
of _France_ (unless they act against their own interest, which they are
too wise a Nation to do) to have him reestablish'd. But all this, Sir, I
speak under the Rose; the Honour of the _French_ Court is too much
touch'd by such Reflections as these to suffer them to go unpunish'd if
I should be discover'd. But I conclude from my worthy Friend at _Paris_
who gave me your Character, that I might use any freedom in your
Company. It may perhaps look like Ingratitude in me to reflect upon a
Person by whose Benevolence I possess this Post I have in the Church,
which does not only afford me a decent Maintenance, but the Opportunity
of obliging a Friend, but as I was a greater sufferer in _Ireland_, by
giving too much into _French_ Projects, so I look upon both this or any
other Kindness they can do me, as a piece of Restitution. The Frank and
open Satyr of this Clergyman against the _French_ Conduct was very
agreeable to my Temper, and I was not backward in seconding him in the
same Key. But while we were entertaining our selves with these dismal
Reflections, a Servant knock'd at the Chamber Door, so the Gentleman
step'd to know his Business, and after about half a Quarter of an Hour
return'd again. I have been, says he, this Fortnight engaged in a very
troublesome Affair, which is like to have an ill Consequence to the