These important measures concluded, the double marriage was proposed to the Council, where the Prince de Conde and the Comte de Soissons, who had recently returned to the capital, occupied their appointed seats; and at the commencement of the proceedings, when the question of the projected alliance had been submitted to the Assembly, M. de Conde demanded that each should deliver his opinion according to his rank.  The Chancellor then opened the subject by a warm panegyric on the prudent administration of the Queen-Regent, dwelling at great length upon the extraordinary benefit which must accrue to the French nation from the contemplated alliance with Spain; and he was followed by the Duc de Guise, who, with more brevity but equal force, maintained the same argument.  “No deliberation,” concluded the Duke, “can be required upon so advantageous a proposal.  We have only to thank God that her Majesty has so happily accomplished the noble purpose with which heaven had inspired her.”  As he resumed his seat the Connetable de Montmorency and the Ducs de Nevers and d’Epernon warmly applauded his words; after which the Marechaux de Bouillon and de Lesdiguieres declared their approval of the alliance, simply expressing a hope that proper precautions would be taken to prevent the treaty with Spain from proving prejudicial to the interests of France in her more ancient alliances with other foreign powers; and finally it became the turn of M. de Conde to declare his sentiments.  The young Prince had, however, been so astonished by the fearless address of the Duc de Guise that he had entirely lost his self-possession, and merely said with great coldness:  “Since the affair is decided, it was unnecessary to ask our advice.”

The surprise was universal, as the general impression throughout the Council had been that the two Princes had determined to attend the meeting in order to oppose the projected marriages; a supposition which the words immediately afterwards addressed to M. de Conde by his uncle served to confirm.  “You see, sir,” said the Count, turning towards him with an impatient gesture, “that we are treated here like valets.”

The Regent, irritated by this remark, which was uttered so audibly as to be generally overheard, was about to make some bitter rejoinder, when Sillery, perceiving her intention, again possessed himself of the ear of the Assembly; and it was ultimately concluded that the double marriage should be proclaimed on the 25th of March, and that the young Duc de Mayenne[137] should proceed to Spain as Ambassador-Extraordinary to demand the hand of the Infanta.

At the close of the Council the general topic of discourse was the extraordinary part played by the two Princes.  It is well known that they were both strongly opposed to the measure which had just been carried, and their conduct was severally judged according to the particular feeling of those by whom it was discussed; some asserting that it was from a fear of the consequences of resistance, and others declaring that they indulged a hope of profiting largely by so unexpected a neutrality.  The Duc de Montmorency was meanwhile furious at the contempt incurred by the unmanly bearing of his son-in-law, M. de Conde.  “Sir,” he said, as the Prince shortly afterwards approached him, “you neither know how to resist with courage, or to yield with prudence.” [138]