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I-IISTORV OP ENGLAND.

CHAP.

XXIII.

than if they were annexed to the French crown. Thelaudable affection of the young princes for their countryand their family, and their profound respect for thegreat monarch from whom they were descended,-wouldinevitably determine their policy. The two kingdomswould be one; the two navies would be one; and allother states would be reduced to vassalage. Englandwould rather see the Spanish monarchy added to theEmperor’s dominions than governed by one of theyounger French princes, who would, though nominallyindependent, be really a viceroy of France. But in truththere was no risk that the Spanish monarchy Avould beadded to the Emperor’s dominions. He and his eldestson the Archduke Joseph would, no doubt, be as readyto waive their rights as the Dauphin and the Duke ofBurgundy could be; and thus the Austrian claim to thedisputed heritage would pass to the younger ArchdukeCharles. A long discussion followed. At length Port-land plainly avowed, always merely as his own privateopinion, what was the opinion of every intelligent manwho wished to preserve the peace of the world. “Franceis afraid,” he said, “ofeverything which can increasethe power of the Emperor. All Europe is afraid of every-thing which can increase the power of France. Why notput an end to all these uneasy feelings at once, byagreeing to place the Electoral Prince of Bavaria on thethrone of Spain?” To this suggestion no decisive an-swer was returned. The conference ended; and a