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OF GEORGE VI.
87

unjust attack on Frederick. He met with no opposition, and entered France, as he would have entered England. In three weeks the whole duchy of Lorraine was subdued; and Rheims opened its gates to the conqueror. George advanced towards Paris with hasty marches; the Court in the greatest terror retired to Orleans, and on the sixth of September, 1918, the King of England entered Paris at the head of his victorious army.

The whole French nation were astonished at the success of George, and a general despondency ensued every where, but in the breast of Charles. That Prince was in the neighbourhood of Lyons, at the head of a powerful army; but in doubt whether he should fight the English or no; his very crown was at stake; a defeat must inevitably strip him of his dominions; and on the otherhand,