though suffering from the gout, had set the example of strenuous
exertion. His household troops, the finest body of soldiers in
Europe, had, under his eye, surpassed themselves. The young
nobles of his court had tried to attract his notice by exposing
themselves to the hottest fire with the same gay alacrity with
which they were wont to exhibit their graceful figures at his
balls. His wounded soldiers were charmed by the benignant
courtesy with which he walked among their pallets, assisted while
wounds were dressed by the hospital surgeons, and breakfasted on
a porringer of the hospital broth. While all was obedience and
enthusiasm among the besiegers, all was disunion and dismay among
the besieged. The duty of the French lines was so well performed
that no messenger sent by William was able to cross them. The
garrison did not know that relief was close at hand. The burghers
were appalled by the prospect of those horrible calamities which
befall cities taken by storm. Showers of shells and redhot
bullets were falling in the streets. The town was on fire in ten
places at once. The peaceful inhabitants derived an unwonted
courage from the excess of their fear, and rose on the soldiers.
Thenceforth resistance was impossible; and a capitulation was
concluded. The armies then retired into quarters. Military
operations were suspended during some weeks; Lewis returned in
triumph to Versailles; and William paid a short visit to England,
where his presence was much needed.9

He found the ministers still employed in tracing out the
ramifications of the plot which had been discovered just before
his departure. Early in January, Preston, Ashton and Elliot had
been arraigned at the Old Bailey. They claimed the right of
severing in their challenges. It was therefore necessary to try