128

HISTOET or ENGLAND.

CnAI>.

XI.

168 a.

character and administration of Charles the Second, whosememory, in spite of all his faults, was affectionately cherishedby the Tories. There were some very intelligible allusions toCharles’s dealings with the Court of Versailles, and to theforeign woman whom that Court had sent to lie like a snake inhis bosom. The House was with good reason dissatisfied. Thdaddress was recommitted, and, having been made more concise,and less declamatory and acrimonious, was approved and pre-sented.* William’s attention was called to the wrongs whichFrance had done to him and to his kingdom; and he was as-sured that, whenever he should resort to arms for the redressof those wrongs, he should be heartily supported by his people.He thanked the Commons warmly. Xmbition, he said, shouldnever induce him to draw the sword: but he had no choice:France had already attacked England; and it was necessary toexercise the right of selfdefence. A few days later war w r as pro-claimed.**

Of the grounds of quarrel alleged by the Commons in theiraddress, and by the King in his manifesto, the most serious wasthe interference of Lewis in the affairs of Ireland. In thatcountry great events had, during several months, followed oneanother in rapid succession. Of those events it is now time torelate the history, a history dark with crime and sorrow, yet fullof interest and instruction.

* Commons’ Journals, April 19. 24. 26. 3689.

** The Declaration is dated on llie 7th of May, but was not published inthe London Gazette till the 13th.