But the job was hard to do, and Sainte Aldegonde cared nothing for the offered bribe.  He was, however, most strangely confident of being able to overcome, on the one hand, the opposition of Holland and Zeeland to the hated authority of Spain, and, on the other, the intense abhorrence entertained by Philip to liberty of conscience.

Soon after the capitulation, he applied for a passport to visit those two Provinces.  Permission to come was refused him.  Honest men from Antwerp, he was informed, would be always welcome, but there was no room for him.  There was, however—­or Parma persuaded himself that there was—­a considerable party in those countries in favour of reconciliation with Spain.  If the ex-burgomaster could gain a hearing, it was thought probable that his eloquence would prove very effective.

“We have been making efforts to bring about negotiations with Holland and Zeeland,” wrote Alexander to Philip.  “Gelderland and Overyssel likewise show signs of good disposition, but I have not soldiers enough to animate the good and terrify the bad.  As for Holland and Zeeland, there is a strong inclination on the part of the people to a reconciliation, if some concession could be made on the religious question, but the governors oppose it, because they are perverse, and are relying on assistance from England.  Could this religious concession be made, an arrangement could, without doubt, be accomplished, and more quickly than people think.  Nevertheless, in such a delicate matter, I am obliged to await your Majesty’s exact instructions and ultimatum.”

He then proceeded to define exactly the position and intentions of the burgomaster.

“The government of Holland and Zeeland,” he said, “have refused a passport to Ste. Aldegonde, and express dissatisfaction with him for having surrendered Antwerp so soon.  They know that he has much credit with the people and with the ministers of the sects, and they are in much fear of him because he is inclined for peace, which is against their interests.  They are, therefore, endeavouring to counteract my negotiations with him.  These have been, thus far, only in general terms.  I have sought to induce him to perform the offices required, without giving him reason to expect any concession as to the exercise of religion.  He persuades himself that, in the end, there will be some satisfaction obtained upon this point, and, under this impression he considers the peace as good as concluded, there remaining no doubt as to other matters.  He has sent his wife to Zeeland, and is himself going to Germany, where, as he says, he will do all the good service that he can.  He hopes that very shortly the Provinces will not only invite, but implore him to come to them; in which case, he promises me to perform miracles.”

Alexander then proceeded to pay a distinct tribute to Sainte Aldegonde’s motives; and, when it is remembered that the statement thus made is contained in a secret despatch, in cipher, to the King, it may be assumed to convey the sincere opinion of the man most qualified to judge correctly as to this calumniated person’s character.