nations which fight their way to freedom.  The unfortunate king of Bohemia, when a refugee in Holland, was one day hunting; and, in the heat of the chase, he followed his dogs, which had pursued a hare, into a newly sown corn-field:  he was quickly interrupted by a couple of peasants armed with pitchforks.  He supposed his rank and person to be unknown to them; but he was soon undeceived, and saluted with unceremonious reproaches.  “King of Bohemia!  King of Bohemia!” shouted one of the boors, “why do you trample on my wheat which I have so lately had the trouble of sowing?” The king made many apologies, and retired, throwing the whole blame on his dogs.  But in the life of Marshal Turenne we find a more marked trait of manners than this, which might be paralleled in England at this day.  This great general served his apprenticeship in the art of war under his uncles, the princes Maurice and Frederick Henry.  He appeared one day on the public walk at The Hague, dressed in his usual plain and modest style.  Some young French lords, covered with gold, embroidery, and ribbons, met and accosted him:  a mob gathered round; and while treating Turenne, although unknown to them, with all possible respect, they forced the others to retire, assailed with mockery and the coarsest abuse.

[Footnote 5:  Carleton.]

But one characteristic, more noble and worthy than any of those thus briefly cited, was the full enjoyment of the liberty of the press in the United Provinces.  The thirst of gain, the fury of faction, the federal independence of the minor towns, the absolute power of Prince Maurice, all the combinations which might carry weight against this grand principle, were totally ineffectual to prevail over it.  And the republic was, on this point, proudly pre-eminent among surrounding nations.

CHAPTER XIX

FROM THE PEACE OF MUNSTER TO THE PEACE OF NIMEGUEN

A.D. 1648—­1678

The completion of the peace of Munster opens a new scene in the history of the republic.  Its political system experienced considerable changes.  Its ancient enemies became its most ardent friends, and its old allies loosened the bonds of long-continued amity.  The other states of Europe, displeased at its imperious conduct, or jealous of its success, began to wish its humiliation; but it was little thought that the consummation was to be effected at the hands of England.

While Holland prepared to profit by the peace so brilliantly gained, England, torn by civil war, was hurried on in crime and misery to the final act which has left an indelible stain on her annals.  Cromwell and the parliament had completely subjugated the kingdom.  The unfortunate king, delivered up by the Scotch, was brought to a mock trial, and condemned to an ignominious death.  Great as were his faults, they are almost lost sight of in the atrocity of his opponents; so