WILLIAM AND MARY.

15

most accomplished statesmen of his kingdom were deficient, chap.He had long been preeminently distinguished as a negotiator. ^ -He was the author and the soul of the European coalitionagainst the French ascendency. The clue, without which it wasperilous to enter the vast and intricate maze of Continental poli-tics, was in his hands. His English counsellors, therefore,however able and active, seldom, during his reign, ventured tomeddle with that part of the public business which he had takenas his peculiar province.*

The internal government of England could be carried ononly by the advice and agency of English ministers. Thoseministers William selected in such a manner as showed that hewas determined not to proscribe any set of men who were will-ing to support his throne. On the day after the crown had beenpresented to him in the Banqueting House, the Privy Councilwas sworn in. Most of the Councillors were Whigs; but thenames of several eminent Tories appeared in the list.** Thefour highest offices in the state were assigned to four noblemen,the representatives of four classes of politicians.

In practical ability and official experience Danby had no Danby.superior among his contemporaries. To the gratitude of thenew Sovereigns he had a strong claim; for it was by his dexteritythat their marriage had been brought about in spite of difficul-ties which had seemed insuperable. The enmity which he hadalways borne to France was a scarcely less powerful recommen-dation. He had signed the invitation of the thirtieth of June, hadexcited and directed the northern insurrection, and had, in theConvention, exerted all his influence and eloquence in opposi-

* The following passage in a tract of that time expresses the generalopinion. “He has better knowledge of foreign affairs than we have; butin English business it is no dishonour to him to be told his relation to us,the nature of it, and what is fit for him to do.” — An Honest Commoner’sSpeech.

** London Gazette, Feb. 18. 1G8§.