Her hatred of him, cooperating perhaps with better feelings, induced her to plead the cause of the unhappy people of the Rhine.

She appealed to those sentiments of compassion which, though weakened by many corrupting influences, were not altogether extinct in her husband's mind, and to those sentiments of religion which had too often impelled him to cruelty, but which, on the present occasion, were on the side of humanity.

He relented: and Treves was spared, [107] In truth he could hardly fail to perceive that he had committed a great error.

The devastation of the Palatinate, while it had not in any sensible degree lessened the power of his enemies, had inflamed their animosity, and had furnished them with inexhaustible matter for invective.

The cry of vengeance rose on every side.