The whole history of ancient and of modern times records no other such triumph of statesmanship.
The task would indeed have been too arduous even for such a statesman as the Prince of Orange, had not his chief adversaries been at this time smitten with an infatuation such as by many men not prone to superstition was ascribed to the special judgment of God.

Not only was the King of England, as he had ever been, stupid and perverse: but even the counsel of the politic King of France was turned into foolishness.
Whatever wisdom and energy could do William did.

Those obstacles which no wisdom or energy could have overcome his enemies themselves studiously removed.
On the great day on which the Bishops were acquitted, and on which the invitation was despatched to the Hague, James returned from Hounslow to Westminster in a gloomy and agitated mood.

He made an effort that afternoon to appear cheerful: [428] but the bonfires, the rockets, and above all the waxen Popes who were blazing in every quarter of London, were not likely to soothe him.

Those who saw him on the morrow could easily read in his face and demeanour the violent emotions which agitated his mind.