If we could leave them among their own fogs with such a quarrel as would keep them busy for a few years, then indeed we might crush this Dutch prince at our leisure.

Their last civil war lasted ten years, and their next may do as much.

We could carry our frontier to the Rhine long ere that.

Eh, Louvois ?" "Your armies are ready, sire, on the day that you give the word." "But war is a costly business.

I do not wish to have to sell the court plate, as we did the other day.