Alva’s administration, William had written to his brothers, urging them speedily to arrange the details of a campaign, of which he forwarded them a sketch.  As soon as a sufficient force had been levied in Germany, an attempt was to be made upon Maestricht.  If that failed, Louis was to cross the Meuse, in the neighbourhood of Stochem, make his way towards the Prince’s own city of Gertruidenberg, and thence make a junction with his brother in the neighbourhood of Delft.  They were then to take up a position together between Harlem and Leyden.  In that case it seemed probable that the Spaniards would find themselves obliged to fight at a great disadvantage, or to abandon the country.  “In short,” said the Prince, “if this enterprise be arranged with due diligence and discretion, I hold it as the only certain means for putting a speedy end to the war, and for driving these devils of Spaniards out of the country, before the Duke of Alva has time to raise another army to support them.”

In pursuance of this plan, Louis had been actively engaged all the earlier part of the winter in levying troops and raising supplies.  He had been assisted by the French princes with considerable sums of money, as an earnest of what he was in future to expect from that source.  He had made an unsuccessful attempt to effect the capture of Requesens, on his way to take the government of the Netherlands.  He had then passed to the frontier of France, where he had held his important interview with Catharine de Medici and the Duke of Anjou, then on the point of departure to ascend the throne of Poland.  He had received liberal presents, and still more liberal promises.  Anjou had assured him that he would go as far as any of the German princes in rendering active and sincere assistance to the Protestant cause in the Netherlands.  The Duc d’Alencon—­soon, in his brother’s absence, to succeed to the chieftainship of the new alliance between the “politiques” and the Huguenots—­had also pressed his hand, whispering in his ear, as he did so, that the government of France now belonged to him, as it had recently done to Anjou, and that the Prince might reckon upon his friendship with entire security.

These fine words, which cost nothing when whispered in secret, were not destined to fructify into a very rich harvest, for the mutual jealousy of France and England, lest either should acquire ascendency in the Netherlands, made both governments prodigal of promises, while the common fear entertained by them of the power of Spain rendered both languid; insincere, and mischievous allies.  Count John, however; was indefatigable in arranging the finances of the proposed expedition, and in levying contributions among his numerous relatives and allies in Germany, while Louis had profited by the occasion of Anjou’s passage into Poland, to acquire for himself two thousand German and French cavalry, who had served to escort that Prince, and who, being now thrown out of employment, were glad