It would be certainly difficult to match in history the effrontery of such a question.  The republican envoy was asked point blank whether his country would resign her dearly gained liberty and give herself as a dowry for Philip the Second’s three-years-old grand daughter.  Aerssens replied cautiously that he had never heard the matter discussed in the provinces.  It had always been thought that the French king had no pretensions to their territory, but had ever advocated their independence.  He hinted that such a proposition was a mere apple of discord thrown between two good allies by Spain.  Rosny admitted the envoy’s arguments, and said that his Majesty would do nothing without the consent of the Dutch Government, and that he should probably be himself sent ere long to the Hague to see if he could not obtain some little recognition from the States.

Thus it was confidentially revealed to the agent of the republic that her candid adviser and ally was hard at work, in conjunction with her ancient enemy, to destroy her independence, annex her territory, and appropriate to himself all the fruits of her great war, her commercial achievements, and her vast sacrifices; while, as we have just seen, English politicians at the same moment were attempting to accomplish the same feat for England’s supposed advantage.  All that was wished by Henry to begin with was a little, a very little, recognition of his sovereignty.  “You will do well to reflect on this delicate matter in time,” wrote Aerssens to the Advocate; “I know that the King of Spain is inclined to make this offer, and that they are mad enough in this place to believe the thing feasible.  For me, I reject all such talk until they have got the Infanta—­that is to say, until the Greek Kalends.  I am ashamed that they should believe it here, and fearful that there is still more evil concealed than I know of.”

Towards the close of the year 1606 the French Government became still more eager to carry out their plans of alliance and absorption.  Aerssens, who loved a political intrigue better than became a republican envoy, was perfectly aware of Henry’s schemes.  He was disposed to humour them, in order to make sure of his military assistance, but with the secret intention of seeing them frustrated by the determined opposition of the States.

The French ministers, by command of their sovereign, were disposed to deal very plainly.  They informed the Dutch diplomatist, with very little circumlocution, that if the republic wished assistance from France she was to pay a heavy price for it.  Not a pound of flesh only, but the whole body corporate, was to be surrendered if its destruction was to be averted by French arms.

“You know,” said Sillery, “that princes in all their actions consider their interests, and his Majesty has not so much affection for your conservation as to induce him to resign his peaceful position.  Tell me, I pray you, what would you do for his Majesty in case anything should be done for you?  You were lately in Holland.  Do you think that they would give themselves to the king if he assisted them?  Do you not believe that Prince Maurice has designs on the sovereignty, and would prevent the fulfilment of the king’s hopes?  What will you do for us in return for our assistance?”