THE arbitrary and tyrannical ruler of France, was rapidly extending his territories, and acquiring, by treachery, plunder, and cruelty, an immensity of riches. As no one good principle seemed to actuate the breast of Louis XI., he was feared by many, but / loved by none. His conduct become every day more atrocious and enormous; and he was universally deprecated and detested, as the scourge and destroyer of the human race.

When the unhappy Duke of Burgundy, before his fatal overthrow, allied himself solely to Louis, and, in a dastardly manner, left his former ally, the King of England, the English sent off the duke's chief minister, in that way, which, to the everlasting honour of the country, has ever characterized the British nation. Louis observed neither decency nor the laws of nations in his outward behaviour; when the cruel caprice of mortifying a generous enemy, or even an imbecile ally, happened to be the predominant / inclination, which darted across his wayward mind. He therefore, did not suffer the Duke of Burgundy's confidential minister to land in his dominions; so he was obliged to sail back to Dover, with his accompanying suite.

The world, sick of his enormities, prayed heaven to rid them of this desolating monster, who seemed sent, in the wrath of heaven, as a punishment for the sins of mankind. But more than half of the civilized world, were sunk in popish superstition; and Louis was a careful observer of Romish rites and ceremonies.

An half frantic-female, from the north of Germany, had, however, / foretold some remarkable events, which should, and did befal the tyrant; but she had wisdom; and the wise generally foresee events in their causes.