It was certainly superfluous upon Philip’s part to inform his sister that his object was to gain time.  Procrastination was always his first refuge, as if the march of the world’s events would pause indefinitely while he sat in his cabinet and pondered.  It was, however, sufficiently puerile to recommend to his sister an affectation of ignorance on a subject concerning which nobles had wrangled, and almost drawn their swords in her presence.  This, however, was the King’s statesmanship when left to his unaided exertions.  Granvelle, who was both Philip and Margaret when either had to address or to respond to the world at large, did not always find it necessary to regulate the correspondence of his puppets between themselves.  In order more fully to divide the nobles, the King also transmitted to Egmont a private note, in his own handwriting, expressing his desire that he should visit Spain in person, that they might confer together upon the whole subject.

These letters, as might be supposed, produced any thing but a satisfactory effect.  The discontent and rage of the gentlemen who had written or sustained the 11th of March communication, was much increased.  The answer was, in truth, no answer at all. “’Tis a cold and bad reply,” wrote Louis of Nassau, “to send after so long a delay.  ’Tis easy to see that the letter came from the Cardinal’s smithy.  In summa it is a vile business, if the gentlemen are all to be governed by one person.  I hope to God his power will come soon to an end.  Nevertheless,” added Louis, “the gentlemen are all wide awake, for they trust the red fellow not a bit more than he deserves.”

The reader has already seen that the letter was indeed “from the Cardinal’s smithy,” Granvelle having instructed his master how to reply to the seigniors before the communication had been despatched.

The Duchess wrote immediately to inform her brother that Egmont had expressed himself willing enough to go to Spain, but had added that he must first consult Orange and Horn.  As soon as that step had been taken, she had been informed that it was necessary for them to advise with all the gentlemen who had sanctioned their letter.  The Duchess had then tried in vain to prevent such an assembly, but finding that, even if forbidden, it would still take place, she had permitted the meeting in Brussels, as she could better penetrate into their proceedings there, than if it should be held at a distance.  She added, that she should soon send her secretary Armenteros to Spain, that the King might be thoroughly acquainted with what was occurring.