Attempt > Volume 1 and Select writings

THE ATTEMPT
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had many virtues, and was naturally both kind and generous. He also often proved
himself a most disinterested friend—as, for instance, in the generosity and delicacy of
his kindness to the exiled Stuarts, which was at once worthy of a good man and a
great king.
France was now prosperous both at home and abroad, as the King and Colbert
did much for the encouragement of commerce, manufactures, and the fine arts. Both
colonization and trade with India and America were encouraged; and in the latter
country the city of Quebec was founded. Under the direction of the famous artist
Le Brun, the wonderful manufactory of the Gobelin tapestry was established. Schools
at the Louvre, and elsewhere, were also instituted for painting and sculpture; and
everything was done by the King and his minister for increasing the glory and
prosperity of the French nation.
Louis about this time engaged again in a war with Spain, which was principally
carried on in the Spanish Netherlands. The Dutch, fearing and disliking the en¬
croachment on their territories, put a stop to it by the triple alliance, or league with
England and Sweden, and Louis was compelled to agree to a treaty of peace, signed at
Aix-la-Chapelle 2d May 1668. In 1672, however, he again declared war with
Holland, in which he was joined with England and Sweden, alleging as his reasons
the ingratitude and insolence of the Dutch. With Marshal Turenne as commander,
the French troops met with the most brilliant successes, until they penetrated to
Amsterdam, which, encircled by its canals, defied their utmost efforts, and completely
baffled their skill. Fortune from that time began to be less favourable, and the death
of their brave leader almost paralyzed them. The loss of this great and gallant general
was severely felt, and all mourned him sincerely. His talents and character were
universally respected even by his opponents; and, on hearing of his death, one of the
most distinguished among these is reported to have said, “ There died a man who did
honour to man.” In the Prince of Cond6 the French would have had a commander
worthy to succeed the lamented Turenne; but, his health being now much impaired,
he requested and obtained leave to give up the service altogether, and finally retired to
Chantilly. After this Louis conducted a brilliant campaign in person, and took many
important towns in Flanders. He was accompained by his brother the Duke of
Orleans, Marshal Luxembourg, Crequi, and other distinguished leaders; but the man
to whose wonderful genius and skill the French were principally indebted for the
success which attended their arms, was the celebrated engineer Yauban. Peace was at
last concluded between the Dutch and the other powers, by the treaty of Ninie'quen,
10th August 1678.