Louis was not only tired of the war, on account of the misery in which it had involved his kingdom; but in desiring a peace he was actuated by another motive.

The king of Spain had been for some time in a very ill state of health, and the French monarch had an eye to the succession: this aim could not bo accomplished while the confederacy subsisted; therefore he eagerly sought a peace, that he might at once turn his whole power against Spain as soon as Charles should expire.

The emperor harboured the same design upon the Spanish crown, and for that reason interested himself in the continuance of the grand alliance.

Besides, he foresaw he should in a little time be able to act against France with an augmented force.
The czar of Muscovy had engaged to find employment for the Turks and Tartars.

He intended to raise the elector of Saxony to the throne of Poland; and he had made some progress in a negotiation with the circles of the Rhine for a considerable body of auxiliary troops.