The secretary in his answer promised to take the first convenient opportunity of representing the affair to his majesty; but he said this could not be immediately expected, as the king was much engaged in the affairs of the English parliament.

This declaration the directors considered, as it really was, a mere evasion, which helped to alienate the minds of that people from the king's person and government.
{WILLIAM, 1688--1701.} HE EMBARKS FOR HOLLAND.
King William at this time revolved in his own mind a project of far greater consequence to the interest of Europe--namely, that of settling the succession to the throne of Spain, which in a little time would be vacated by the death of Charles IL, whose constitution was already exhausted.

He had been lately reduced to extremity, and his situation was no sooner known in France than Louis detached a squadron towards Cadiz, with orders to intercept the plate fleet, in case the king of Spain should die before its arrival.

William sent another fleet to protect the galleons; but it arrived too late for that service, and the nation loudly exclaimed against the tardiness of the equipment.
His catholic majesty recovered from his disorder, contrary to the expectation of his people; but continued in such an enfeebled and precarious state of health, that a relapse was every moment apprehended.
In the latter end of July king William embarked for Holland, on pretence of enjoying a recess from business which was necessary to his constitution.

He was glad of an opportunity to withdraw himself for some time from a kingdom in which he had been exposed to such opposition and chagrin.