In a few months, he would be at liberty to put forth his whole strength against our island.

Then would come a struggle for life and death.

It might well be hoped that we should be able to defend our soil even against such a general and such an army as had won the battle of Landen.

But the fight must be long and hard.

How many fertile counties would be turned into deserts, how many flourishing towns would be laid in ashes, before the invaders were destroyed or driven out! One triumphant campaign in Kent and Middlesex would do more to impoverish the nation than ten disastrous campaigns in Brabant.