"William III. is now termed a scoundrel, but was not James II. a fool? The character of William is generally considered on too small a scale. To estimate it properly, we must remember that Louis XIV. had formed a vast scheme of conquest, which would have overthrown the liberties of all Europe, have subjected even us to the caprice of French priests and French harlots. The extirpation of the Protestant religion, the abolition of all civil privileges, would have been the infallible consequence. I speak of this scheme not as a partisan, but from the most extensive reading and information on the topic. I say that William III. was the first, if not sole cause, of the complete ruin of this plan of tyranny. The English revolution was but a secondary object, the throne a mere step towards the altar of European liberty. William had recourse to all parties merely to serve this great end, for which he often exposed his own life in the field, and was devoured by constant cares in the cabinet."
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Anglicans from the United KingdomMonarchs from EnglandMonarchs from ScotlandPeople from The HagueMonarchs from the Netherlands
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
Horace Walpole, Walpoliana (1825), pp. 166-167
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/William_III_of_England
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
William III of England
1650 – 1702
William III of England (14 November 1650 – 8 March 1702), also known as William II of Scotland and William of Orange, was a Dutch aristocrat and the Prince of Orange from his birth, King of England and Ireland from 13 February 1689, and King of Scotland from 11 April 1689, in each case until his death.
34 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by William III of England →
Related Quotes
"Those great and insufferable Oppressions, and the open Contempt of all Law, together with the apprehensions of the sa…"
"And since the English Nation has ever testified a most particular Affection and Esteem, both to our Dearest Consort th…"
"[T]his our Expedition is intended for no other Design, but to have a free and lawful Parliament assembled, as soon as…"
"And We for our Part, will concur in every thing that may Procure the Peace and Happiness of the Nation, which a free …"
"We do in the last place invite and require all Persons whatsoever, all the Peers of the Realm, both Spiritual and Tem…"
"I think My Self obliged to take Notice, how well the Army there [Ireland] have behaved themselves on all Occasions, a…"
"Now, as I have neither spared My Person, nor My Pains, to do you all the Good I could; so I doubt not, but if you wil…"
"[I]t will well Deserve Your Consideration, Whether We are not defective both in the Number of Our Shipping, and in pr…"
"Upon this Occasion I cannot but take notice of the Courage and Bravery which the English Troops have shewn this last …"
"[T]he Greatness and Security, both of Kings, Royal Families, and of all such as are in Authority, as well as the Happ…"