Certainly the Ambassador painted the condition of France in striking and veracious colours, and he was quite right in sending the information which he was first to discover, and which it was so important for the States to know.  It was none the less certain in Barneveld’s mind that the best, not the worst, must be made of the state of affairs, and that France should not be assisted in throwing herself irrecoverably into the arms of Spain.

“Refuge will tell you,” said Aerssens, a little later, “that these marriages will not interfere with the friendship of France for you nor with her subsidies, and that no advantage will be given to Spain in the treaty to your detriment or that of her other allies.  But whatever fine declarations they may make, it is sure to be detrimental.  And all the princes, gentlemen, and officers here have the same conviction.  Those of the Reformed religion believe that the transaction is directed solely against the religion which your Mightinesses profess, and that the next step will be to effect a total separation between the two religions and the two countries.”

Refuge arrived soon afterwards, and made the communication to the States-General of the approaching nuptials between the King of France and the Infanta of Spain; and of the Prince of Spain with Madame, eldest daughter of France, exactly as Aerssens had predicted four months before.  There was a great flourish of compliments, much friendly phrase-making, and their Mightinesses were informed that the communication of the marriages was made to them before any other power had been notified, in proof of the extraordinary affection entertained for them by France.  “You are so much interested in the happiness of France,” said Refuge, “that this treaty by which it is secured will be for your happiness also.  He did not indicate, however, the precise nature of the bliss beyond the indulgence of a sentimental sympathy, not very refreshing in the circumstances, which was to result to the Confederacy from this close alliance between their firmest friend and their ancient and deadly enemy.  He would have found it difficult to do so.

“Don Rodrigo de Calderon, secretary of state, is daily expected from Spain,” wrote, Aerssens once more.  “He brings probably the articles of the marriages, which have hitherto been kept secret, so they say.  ’Tis a shrewd negotiator; and in this alliance the King’s chief design is to injure your Mightinesses, as M. de Villeroy now confesses, although he says that this will not be consented to on this side.  It behoves your Mightinesses to use all your ears and eyes.  It is certain these are much more than private conventions.  Yes, there is nothing private about them, save the conjunction of the persons whom they concern.  In short, all the conditions regard directly the state, and directly likewise, or by necessary consequence, the state of your Mightinesses’ Provinces.  I reserve explanations until it shall please your Mightinesses to hear me by word of mouth.”