Was the King bewitched?
Were his ministers blind?
Was it possible that nobody at Whitehall was aware of what was passing in England and on the Continent?
Such foolhardy security could scarcely be the effect of mere improvidence.

There must be foul play.

James was evidently in bad hands.

Barillon was earnestly cautioned not to repose implicit confidence in the English ministers: but he was cautioned in vain.

On him, as on James, Sunderland had cast a spell which no exhortation could break.
Lewis bestirred himself vigorously.