So soon as Menin had concluded his address, her Majesty instantly replied, with much earnestness and fluency of language.

“Gentlemen,” she said, “I will answer you upon the first point, because it touches my honour.  You say that I promised you, both by letters and through my agent Davison, and also by my own lips, to assist you and never to abandon you, and that this had moved you to come to me at present.  Very well, masters, do you not think I am assisting you when I am sending you four thousand foot and four hundred horse to serve during the war?  Certainly, I think yes; and I say frankly that I have never been wanting to my word.  No man shall ever say, with truth, that the Queen of England had at any time and ever so slightly failed in her promises, whether to the mightiest monarch, to republics, to gentlemen, or even to private persons of the humblest condition.  Am I, then, in your opinion, forsaking you when I send you English blood, which I love, and which is my own blood, and which I am bound to defend?  It seems to me, no.  For my part I tell you again that I will never forsake you.

“‘Sed de modo?’ That is matter for agreement.  You are aware, gentlemen, that I have storms to fear from many quarters—­from France, Scotland, Ireland, and within my own kingdom.  What would be said if I looked only on one side, and if on that side I employed all my resources.  No, I will give my subjects no cause for murmuring.  I know that my counsellors desire to manage matters with prudence; ‘sed aetatem habeo’, and you are to believe, that, of my own motion, I have resolved not to extend my offer of assistance, at present, beyond the amount already stated.  But I don’t say that at another time I may not be able to do more for you.  For my intention is never to abandon your cause, always to assist you, and never more to suffer any foreign nation to have dominion over you.

“It is true that you present me with two places in each of your Provinces.  I thank you for them infinitely, and certainly it is a great offer.  But it will be said instantly, the Queen of England wishes to embrace and devour everything; while, on the contrary, I only wish to render you assistance.  I believe, in truth, that if other monarchs should have this offer, they would not allow such an opportunity to escape.  I do not let it slip because of fears that I entertain for any prince whatever.  For to think that I am not aware—­doing what I am doing—­that I am embarking in a war against the King of Spain, is a great mistake.  I know very well that the succour which I am affording you will offend him as much as if I should do a great deal more.  But what care I?  Let him begin, I will answer him.  For my part, I say again, that never did fear enter my heart.  We must all die once.  I know very well that many princes are my enemies, and are seeking my ruin; and that where malice is joined with force, malice often arrives at its ends.  But I am not so feeble a princess that I have not the means and the will to defend myself against them all.  They are seeking to take my life, but it troubles me not.  He who is on high has defended me until this hour, and will keep me still, for in Him do I trust.