At Versailles the unfortunate Tourville soon presented himself, and was graciously received.

As soon as he appeared in the circle, the King welcomed him in a loud voice.

"I am perfectly satisfied with you and with my sailors.

We have been beaten, it is true; but your honour and that of the nation are unsullied." [308] Though Lewis had quitted the Netherlands, the eyes of all Europe were still fixed on that region.

The armies there had been strengthened by reinforcements drawn from many quarters.