Such a fiction was not likely to quiet consciences really sensitive, but it could scarcely fail to gall the national pride, already sore and irritable.

The English soldiers were in a temper which required the most delicate management.
They were conscious that, in the late campaign, their part had not been brilliant.

Captains and privates were alike impatient to prove that they had not given way before an inferior force from want of courage.

Some Dutch officers had been indiscreet enough to boast, at a tavern over their wine, that they had driven the King's army before them.

This insult had raised among the English troops a ferment which, but for the Prince's prompt interference, would probably have ended in a terrible slaughter.