“The tragedy is ready to begin,” said Aerssens.  “They are only waiting now for the arrival of our ambassadors.”

On the 9th March the King before going to Fontainebleau for a few days summoned that envoy to the Louvre.  Impatient at a slight delay in his arrival, Henry came down into the courtyard as he was arriving and asked eagerly if Barneveld was coming to Paris.  Aerssens replied, that the Advocate had been hastening as much as possible the departure of the special embassy, but that the condition of affairs at home was such as not to permit him to leave the country at that moment.  Van der Myle, who would be one of the ambassadors, would more fully explain this by word of mouth.

The King manifested infinite annoyance and disappointment that Barneveld was not to make part of the embassy.  “He says that he reposes such singular confidence in your authority in the state, experience in affairs, and affection for himself,” wrote Aerssens, “that he might treat with you in detail and with open heart of all his designs.  He fears now that the ambassadors will be limited in their powers and instructions, and unable to reply at once on the articles which at different times have been proposed to me for our enterprise.  Thus much valuable time will be wasted in sending backwards and forwards.”

The King also expressed great anxiety to consult with Count Lewis William in regard to military details, but his chief sorrow was in regard to the Advocate.  “He acquiesced only with deep displeasure and regret in your reasons,” said the Ambassador, “and says that he can hope for nothing firm now that you refuse to come.”

Villeroy intimated that Barneveld did not come for fear of exciting the jealousy of the English.

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THE LIFE AND DEATH of JOHN OF BARNEVELD, ADVOCATE OF HOLLAND

WITH A VIEW OF THE PRIMARY CAUSES AND MOVEMENTS OF THE THIRTY YEARS’ WAR

By John Lothrop Motley, D.C.L., LL.D.

The Life and Death of John of Barneveld, v3, 1610

CHAPTER IV.

Difficult Position of Barneveld—­Insurrection at Utrecht subdued by the States’ Army—­Special Embassies to England and France—­Anger of the King with Spain and the Archdukes—­Arrangements of Henry for the coming War—­Position of Spain—­Anxiety of the King for the Presence of Barneveld in Paris—­Arrival of the Dutch Commissioners in France and their brilliant Reception—­Their Interview with the King and his Ministers—­Negotiations—­Delicate Position of the Dutch Government—­ India Trade—­Simon Danzer, the Corsair—­Conversations of Henry with the Dutch Commissioners—­Letter