Page:The reign of George VI - 1763.djvu/167

 and convoys of the Duke, and trying to provoke him to a battle; but it was in vain, for the cautious Spaniard kept close in his camp, and very quietly saw the King victorious in every skirmish.

But this petite guerre was the King's aversion, though he understood it well; he loved hazardous actions in which fortune played a part; he was tired if a continued series of battles; rapid marches, or towns stormed, did not succeed quickly to each other; never more pleased, or more calm, than in the midst of all. It may be supposed this disposition made him long for an engagement with the Spaniards, and form a variety of projects to bring one about, but knowing the prudent enemy he had to deal with, he determined to surprise him by night. Previous to the execution of his project, he had detached parties to secure all the country round