He justly remarked that what Avaux had said, touching the alliance between France and Great Britain, was true according to the spirit, though perhaps not according to the letter.

There was not indeed a treaty digested into articles, signed, sealed, and ratified: but assurances equivalent in the estimation of honourable men to such a treaty had, during some years, been constantly exchanged between the two Courts.

Lewis added that, high as was his own place in Europe, he should never be so absurdly jealous of his dignity as to see an insult in any act prompted by friendship.
But James was in a very different situation, and would soon learn the value of that aid which he had so ungraciously rejected.

[473] Yet, notwithstanding the stupidity and ingratitude of James, it would have been wise in Lewis to persist in the resolution which had been notified to the States General.

Avaux, whose sagacity and judgment made him an antagonist worthy of William, was decidedly of this opinion.
The first object of the French government--so the skilful Envoy reasoned--ought to be to prevent the intended descent on England.