William was not prone to fear; but, if there was anything on earth that he feared, it was Marlborough.

To treat the criminal as he deserved was indeed impossible; for those by whom his designs had been made known to the government would never have consented to appear against him in the witness box.

But to permit him to retain high command in that army which he was then engaged in seducing would have been madness.
Late in the evening of the ninth of January the Queen had a painful explanation with the Princess Anne.

Early the next morning Marlborough was informed that their Majesties had no further occasion for his services, and that he must not presume to appear in the royal presence.
He had been loaded with honours, and with what he loved better, riches.
All was at once taken away.
The real history of these events was known to very few.

Evelyn, who had in general excellent sources of information, believed that the corruption and extortion of which Marlborough was notoriously guilty had roused the royal indignation.