The king ordered Vendome to disarm the five thousand Piedmontese who were serving in his army.

That operation effected, the prince sent Victor- Amadeo this note, written by Louis XIV.'s own hand:-- "Sir: As religion, honor, and your own signature count for nothing between us, I send my cousin, the Duke of Vendome, to, explain to you my wishes.

He will give you twenty-four hours to decide." The mind of the Duke of Savoy was made up, from this day forth the father of the Duchess of Burgundy and of the Queen of Spain took rank amongst the declared enemies of France and Spain.
Whilst Louis XIV.

was facing Europe, in coalition against him, with generals of the second and third order, the allies were discovering in the Duke of Marlborough a worthy rival of Prince Eugene.

A covetous and able courtier, openly disgraced by William III.