Throughout the winter the _Review_ expounded with brilliant clearness the only conditions on which an honourable peace could be founded, and prepared the nation to doubt the sincerity with which Louis had entered into negotiations.

Much dissatisfaction was felt, and that dissatisfaction was eagerly fanned by the Tories when the negotiations fell through, in consequence of the distrust with which the allies regarded Louis, and their imposing upon him too hard a test of his honesty.

Defoe fought vigorously against the popular discontent.

The charges against Marlborough were idle rhodomontade.

We had no reason to be discouraged with the progress of the war unless we had formed extravagant expectations.