He was in truth far better qualified to save a nation than to adorn a court.

In the highest parts of statesmanship, he had no equal among his contemporaries.

He had formed plans not inferior in grandeur and boldness to those of Richelieu, and had carried them into effect with a tact and wariness worthy of Mazarin.

Two countries, the seats of civil liberty and of the Reformed Faith, had been preserved by his wisdom and courage from extreme perils.

Holland he had delivered from foreign, and England from domestic foes.