92

HISTORY OP ENGLAND.

cnAP.

xxv.

1702 .

The States General were in the best temper; the troops,the provisions and the magazines were in the best order.Every thing was in readiness for an early campaign.William received the intelligence with the calmness of aman whose work was done. He was under no illusion as tohis danger. “I am fast drawing,” he said, “to my end.”His end was worthy of his life. His intellect was not for amoment clouded. His fortitude was the more admirablebecause he was not willing to die. He had very lately saidto one of those whom he most loved: “You know that Inever feared death; there have been times when I shouldhave wished it; but, now that this great new prospect isopening before me, Ido wish to stay here a little longer.”Yet no weakness, no querulousness, disgraced the nobleclose of that noble career. To the physicians the Kingreturned his thanks graciously and gently. “I know thatyou have done all that skill and learning could do for me:but the case is beyond your art; and I submit.” Fromthe words which escaped him he seemed to be frequentlyengaged in mental prayer. Burnet and Tenison remainedmany hours in the sick room. He professed to them hisfirm belief in the truth of the Christian religion, and re-ceived the sacrament from their hands with great serious-ness. The antechambers were crowded all night withlords and privy councillors. He ordered several of them tobe called in, and exerted himself to take leave of them witha few kind and cheerful words. Among the English whowere admitted to his bedside were Devonshire and Ormond.