Page:Diary of the times of Charles II Vol. I.djvu/228

112 any new measures in conjunction with his Majesty whilst the troops of that Crown were in this neighbourhood; and as to the latter, I do not doubt but it has been mentioned to you again and again. We all here know Monsieur Van Beuninghen's fermeté, or indeed opiniatreté, so well, that I fear it will be a hard matter to make him alter his mind, especially in a matter of his own projecting; but, however, you must tell the Prince and Pensioner, that the King has so great a contempt for the Spanish assistance, (being that the affairs of that Monarchy are, as is visible to all the world, in so miserable a condition,) that he wonders a person of so good understanding as Monsieur Van Beuninghen should enter upon such a notion, and fancy that his Majesty or the States can expect any thing from Spain; if the necessity of their affairs should require it. You will easily be able to enlarge upon this head by minding them of the condition of the affairs of that Crown in Flanders, and the state of their garrisons, which is so wretched, that the forces in them all are not able to defend any one of their places against a less power far than that of France. Besides, you will do well to remember, Monsieur Van Beuninghen, that when he was here and an alliance was discoursed of between