ABSTRACT
CHARLEShadthusmadehischoice,andonefrom whichinthedeepestsensehewasnevertoescape. "Catholicity",byceasingtobesecret,finallydivorced himfromhispeople,andenvelopedevenhisspasmsof independenceandnationalprideinaviciouscircleof suspicion,whichmadebothKingandParliamentthe victimsofLouisXIV,paralysedourpolicybythe Popishplot,andfortenyearssetFranceonapeak ofinsolentaggression.ByhisowndoingCharleshad lostthemostpreciousinstrumentofpolicy,thepower oftheinitiative,andsobecamethesportofstronger forces-ofFranceandtheDukeofYork,oftheWhig OppositionandWilliamofOrange.Anewphaseopens inhisforeignaffairswithwhichthisvolumeisnotconcerned,andherewesketchonlytheprocess,dictated bythosenewforces,leadingtothepeaceof1674; which,thoughanepiloguetothetwelveyearswehave described,wasintrinsicallyratherthepreludetoanew act.
