It may be doubted whether he has ever had a superior in the art of conducting those great negotiations on which the welfare of the commonwealth of nations depends.

His skill in this department of politics was never more severely tasked or more signally proved than during the latter part of 1691 and the earlier part of 1692.
One of his chief difficulties was caused by the sullen and menacing demeanour of the Northern powers.

Denmark and Sweden had at one time seemed disposed to join the coalition; but they had early become cold, and were fast becoming hostile.

From France they flattered themselves that they had little to fear.

It was not very probable that her armies would cross the Elbe, or that her fleets would force a passage through the Sound.