48

HISTORY OF ENGLAND.

CITAP.

XVilJL

Battle ofLallogue.

worse offence than rash and angry talk over their wine. Theywere as yet only grumblers. If they had fancied that they weremarked men, they might in selfdefence have become traitors.They became enthusiastically loyal as soon as they w r ere assuredthat the Queen reposed entire confidence in their loyalty. Theyeagerly signed an address in -which they entreated her tobelieve that they would, with the utmost resolution and alacrity,venture their lives in defence of her rights, of English freedomand of the Protestant religion, against all foreign and Popishinvaders. “God,” they added, “preserve your person, directyour counsels, and prosper your arms; and let all your peoplesay Amen.” *

The sincerity of these professions was soon brought to thetest. A few hours after the meeting on board of the Britanniathe masts of Tourville’s squadron were seen from the cliffs ofPortland. One messenger galloped with the news from Wey-mouth to London, and roused Whitehall at three in the morn-ing. Another took the coast road, and carried the intelligenceto Russell. All was ready; and on the morning of the seven-teenth of May the allied fleet stood out to sea. **

Tourville had with him only his own squadron, consisting offorty four ships of the line. But he had received positive ordersto protect the descent on England, and not to decline a battle.Though these orders had been given before it was known atVersailles that the Dutch and English fleets hadjoined, he wasnot disposed to take on hims.elf the responsibility of disobe-dience. He still remembered with bitterness the reprimandwhich his extreme caution had drawn upon him after the fight ofBeachy Head. He would not again be told that he was a timidand unenterprising commander, that he had no courage but thevulgar courage of a common sailor. He w r as also persuaded

* London Gazette, May 16. 1692; Burchett.

** Narcissus Luttrell’s Diary; Lon-don Gazette, May 19. 1692.