But, though he dissembled and yielded, from that time he set his mind upon the destruction of the republic.
This policy was directly contrary to that laid down by Richelieu, and to the true welfare of France.

It was to England's interest, at least just then, that the United Provinces should not be trodden down by France; but it was much more to the interest of France that they should not be subjected to England.

England, free from the continent, might stand alone upon the seas contending with France; but France, hampered by her continental politics, could not hope to wrest the control of the seas from England without an ally.

This ally Louis proposed to destroy, and he asked England to help him.

The final result is already known, but the outlines of the contest must now be followed.
Before the royal purpose had passed into action, and while there was still time to turn the energies of France into another channel, a different course was proposed to the king.