Such then was the character of the people, for no man was better enabled to form an opinion on the subject than was Gilpin.  Had it not been as well, then, for Englishmen—­who were themselves in that age, as in every other, apt to “perform to the uttermost promises once taken and made,” and to respect those endowed with the same wholesome characteristic—­to strike hands at once in a cause which was so vital to both nations?

So soon as the definite refusal of Henry III, was known in England, Leicester and Walsingham wrote at once to the Netherlands.  The Earl already saw shining through the distance a brilliant prize for his own ambition, although he was too haughty, perhaps too magnanimous, but certainly far too crafty, to suffer such sentiments as yet to pierce to the surface.

“Mr. Davison,” he wrote, “you shall perceive by Mr. Secretary’s letters how the French have dealt with these people.  They are well enough served; but yet I think, if they will heartily and earnestly seek it, the Lord hath appointed them a far better defence.  But you must so use the matter as that they must seek their own good, although we shall be partakers thereof also.  They may now, if they will effectually and liberally deal, bring themselves to a better end than ever France would have brought them.”

At that moment there were two diplomatic agents from the States resident in England—­Jacques de Gryze; whom Paul Buys had formerly described as having thrust himself head and shoulders into the matter without proper authority, and Joachim Ortel, a most experienced and intelligent man, speaking and writing English like a native, and thoroughly conversant with English habits and character.  So soon as the despatches from France arrived, Walsingham, 18th March, 1585, sent for Ortel, and the two held a long conference.

Walsingham.—­“We have just received letters from Lord Derby and Sir Edward Stafford, dated the 13th March.  They inform us that your deputies—­contrary to all expectation and to the great hopes that had been hold out to them—­have received, last Sunday, their definite answer from the King of France.  He tells them, that, considering the present condition of his kingdom, he is unable to undertake the protection of the Netherlands; but says that if they like, and if the Queen of England be willing to second his motion, he is disposed to send a mission of mediation to Spain for the purpose of begging the King to take the condition of the provinces to heart, and bringing about some honourable composition, and so forth, and so forth.

“Moreover the King of France has sent Monsieur de Bellievre to Lord Derby and Mr. Stafford, and Bellievre has made those envoys a long oration.  He explained to them all about the original treaty between the States and Monsieur, the King’s brother, and what had taken place from that day to this, concluding, after many allegations and divers reasons, that the King could not trouble himself with the provinces at present; but hoped her Majesty would make the best of it, and not be offended with him.