"If the Spaniard have such a May as he has had an April," said Lord North, "it will put water in his wine." Meantime, as St.George's Day was approaching, and as the Earl was fond of banquets and ceremonies, it was thought desirable to hold a great triumphal feast at Utrecht.

His journey to that city from the Hague was a triumphal procession.

In all the towns through which he passed he was entertained with military display, pompous harangues, interludes, dumb shows, and allegories.

At Amsterdam--a city which he compared to Venice for situation and splendour, and where one thousand ships were constantly lying--he was received with "sundry great whales and other fishes of hugeness," that gambolled about his vessel, and convoyed him to the shore.

These monsters of the deep presented him to the burgomaster and magistrates who were awaiting him on the quay.