Certainly it was an age of intrigue, in which nothing seemed worth getting at all unless it could be got by underhand means, and in which it was thought impossible for two parties to a bargain to meet together except as antagonists, who believed that one could not derive a profit from the transaction unless the other had been overreached.  This was neither good morality nor sound diplomacy, and the result of such trifling was much loss of time and great disaster.  In accordance with this crafty system, the agent expressed the opinion that it would “be good and requisite for the English government somewhat to temporise,” and to dally for a season longer, in order to see what measures the States would take to defend themselves, and how much ability and resources they would show for belligerent purposes.  If the Queen were too eager, the Provinces would become jealous, “yielding, as it were, their power, and yet keeping the rudder in their own hands.”

At the same time Gilpin was favourably impressed with the character both of the country and the nation, soon to be placed in such important relations with England.  “This people,” he said, “is such as by fair means they will be won to yield and grant any reasonable motion or demand.  What these islands of Zeeland are her Majesty and all my lords of her council do know.  Yet for their government thus much I must write; that during these troubles it never was better than now.  They draw, in a manner, one line, long and carefully in their resolution; but the same once taken and promises made, they would perform them to the uttermost.”

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.”