M. de Louvois spoke again—
“I hear there is some talk of a revolution at the Hague—M. de Witt has lost all prestige.”
The Dutchman avoided a direct answer.
“His Highness is very popular.”
Louis made a disdainful gesture with his hand.
“I can do better for my cousin than a confederacy of traders. Cadets of my House, Monsieur, need never lack glorious employment—the arms of France will always receive noble recruits.”
He smiled again.
“The Prince’s behaviour has pleased me; M. de Condé commended his generalship, it is thought that he might fashion into a fine soldier. He has made mistakes, notably in abandoning the Yssel, but I believe there were difficulties in his way——”
“Great difficulties, Sire.”
“He wastes his talents in these uninhabitable marshes, we shall look to see him at Versailles.”