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HISTORY OP EXGLAKD.

CHAP.

XI.

JtiSi).The co-alitionagainstFrauce.

Tho de-vastationoftlic Pa-latinate.

Meanwhile questions of external policy were every daybecoming more and more important. The work at whichWilliam had toiled indefatigably during many gloomy andanxious years was at length accomplished. The great coalitionwas formed. It was plain that a desperate conflict was at hand.The oppressor of Europe would have to defend himself againstEngland allied with Charles the Second King of Spain, withthe Emperor Leopold, and with the Germanic and Batavianfederations, and was likely to have no ally except the Sultan,Who was waging war against the House of Austria on theDanube.

Lewis had, towards the close of the preceding year, takenhis enemies at a disadvantage, and had struck the first blowbefore they were prepared to parry it. But that blow, thoughheavy, was not aimed at the part where it might have beenmortal. Had hostilities been commenced on the Batavianfrontier, William and his army would probably have beendetained on the continent, and James might have continuedto govern England. Happily, Lewis, under an infatuationwhich many pious Protestants confidently ascribed to therighteous judgment of God, had neglected the point on whichthe fate of the whole civilised world depended, and had madea great display of power, promptitude, and energy, in a quarterwhere the most splendid achievements could produce nothingmore than- an illumination and aTe.Deum. A French armyunder the command of Marshal Duras had invaded the Pala-tinate and some of the neighbouring principalities. But thisexpedition, though it had been completely successful, andthough the skill and vigour with which it had been conductedhad excited general admiration, could not perceptibly affectthe event of the tremendous struggle which was approach-ing. France would soon be attacked on every side. Itwould be impossible for Duras long to retain possession