JAMES TPIE SECOND.

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that her embarrassments had been caused by her prodigal c ^| p -bounty to her favourite. * mar.

At length the time had arrived when this singular friend-ship was to exercise a great influence on public afl'airs. Whatpart Anne would take in the contest which distracted Englandwas matter of deep anxiety. Filial duty was on one side. Theinterests of the religion to which she was sincerely attachedwere on the other. A less inert nature might well have re-mained long in suspense when drawn in opposite directions bymotives so strong and so respectable. But the influence ofthe Churchills decided the question; and their patronessbecame an important member of that extensive league ofwhich the Prince of Orange was the head.

In June 1687 Dykvolt returned to the Hague. He pro- Dyk/citsented to the States General a royal epistle filled with eulogies i 0 thoof his conduct during his residence in London. Theseeulogies however were merely formal. James, in private nus rromcommunications written with his own hand, bitterly com- eminentplained that the Envoy had lived in close intimacy with themost factious men in the realm, and had encouraged them inall their evil purposes. Dykvelt carried with him also a packetof letters from the most eminent of those with whom he hadconferred during his stay in England. The writers generallyexpressed unbounded reverence and affection for William,and referred him to the bearer for fuller information as totheir views. Halifax discussed the state and prospects of thecountry with his usual subtlety and vivacity, but took carenot to pledge himself to any perilous line of conduct. Danbywrote in a bolder and more determined tone, and could notrefrain from slily sneering at the fears and scruples of hisaccomplished rival. But the most remarkable letter was fromChurchill. It was written with that natural eloquence which,illiterate as he was, he never wanted on great occasions, andwith an air of magnanimity which, perfidious as he was, he

• It would be endless to recount all the books from which I haveformed my estimate of the duchess's character. Her own letters, herown vindication, and the replies which it called forth, have been mychief materials.