He had long been preeminently distinguished as a negotiator.

He was the author and the soul of the European coalition against the French ascendency.

The clue, without which it was perilous to enter the vast and intricate maze of Continental politics, was in his hands.

His English counsellors, therefore, however able and active, seldom, during his reign, ventured to meddle with that part of the public business which he had taken as his peculiar province.

[11] The internal government of England could be carried on only by the advice and agency of English ministers.