Page:Readings in European History Vol 2.djvu/334

 296 Readings in European History 345. Atti- tude of Eng- land at the opening of the war. (From the Memoirs of Torcy.) grace the duke of Anjou had already arrived. Then, pointing to the duke, he told the ambassador he might salute him as king of Spain. The ambassador, thereupon, threw him- self upon his knees after the fashion of his country, and addressed to the duke a tolerably long compliment in the Spanish language. Immediately afterwards the king, contrary to all custom, opened the two folding doors of his cabinet, and commanded everybody to enter. It was a very full court that day. The king, majestically turning his eyes towards the numerous company, and showing them the duke of Anjou, said: "Gen- tlemen, behold the king of Spain. His birth called him to that crown; the late king has called him to it by his will; the whole nation desired him, and has eagerly asked me for him ; it is the will of Heaven ; I have obeyed it with pleasure." And then, turning towards his grandson, he said to him : " Be a good Spaniard: that is your first duty; but remember that you are a Frenchman born, in order that in this way the union between the two nations may be preserved. By this means you will be able to render both peoples happy, and preserve the peace of Europe." The attitude of England at the opening of the War of the Spanish Succession is described by the marquis of Torcy, who, as an active diplomat, was well acquainted with the policy of the various countries. During the first year [of the war] the emperor stood his ground alone. By the treaty signed at The Hague, his allies had engaged to send him speedy succor ; but to render King William's promises effectual, the Parliament of England had first to approve of that prince's engagements. The English are a people rarely unanimous in their sen- timents. At that time the disputes ran very high between Whigs and Tories. The king of Great Britain favored the former, and trusted them with the chief posts and employ- ments. He was sure indeed of their votes in Parliament ;