Most Christian Majesty was therefore desirous to employ the short
interval which might remain, in concerting with the King of
England the means of preserving the tranquillity of the world.

Portland made a courteous but guarded answer. He could not, he
said, presume to say exactly what William's sentiments were; but
this he knew, that it was not solely or chiefly by the sentiments
of the King of England that the policy of England on a great
occasion would be regulated. The islanders must and would have
their government administered according to certain maxims which
they held sacred; and of those maxims they held none more sacred
than this, that every increase of the power of France ought to be
viewed with extreme jealousy.

Pomponne and Torcy answered that their master was most desirous
to avoid every thing which could excite the jealousy of which
Portland had spoken. But was it of France alone that a nation so
enlightened as the English must be jealous? Was it forgotten that
the House of Austria had once aspired to universal dominion? And
would it be wise in the princes and commonwealths of Europe to
lend their aid for the purpose of reconstructing the gigantic
monarchy which, in the sixteenth century, had seemed likely to
overwhelm them all?

Portland answered that, on this subject, he must be understood to
express only the opinions of a private man. He had however now
lived, during some years, among the English, and believed himself
to be pretty well acquainted with their temper. They would not,
he thought, be much alarmed by any augmentation of power which
the Emperor might obtain. The sea was their element. Traffic by