and pure should be upon the throne.

William was silent, grave, cold, reserved almost to sternness. He had
none of the qualities which awaken personal enthusiasm. He was one of
those great leaders who are worshipped from afar. Besides, it is not an
easy task to rule another's household. Benefits however great, reforms
however wise, are sure to be considered an impertinence by some. Then--
there might be another "Restoration," and wary ambitious nobles were
cautiously making a record which would not unfit them for its benefits
when it came. He lived in an atmosphere of conspiracy, suspicion, and
loyalty grudgingly bestowed. But these were only the surface currents.
Anglo-Saxon England recognized in this foreign King, a man with the
same race instincts, the same ideals of integrity, honor, justice and
personal liberty, as her own; qualities possessed by few of her native
sovereigns since the good King Alfred.

The expensive wars carried on against James and his confederate, Louis
XIV., compelled loans which were the beginning of the National Debt.
That and the establishing of the Bank of England, form part of the
history of this reign.

In 1702 William died, and Mary having also died a few years earlier,
the succession passed to her sister Anne, who was to be the last
Sovereign of the House of Stuart.




CHAPTER XI.