But the ambassador was no OEdipus—­although a man of delicate perceptions and brilliant intellect—­and he turned imploringly to a wise counsellor for aid against the tormentor who chose to be so stony-faced and enigmatical.

“Touching the matter of peace,” said he to Walsingham, “I have written somewhat to her Majesty in cipher, so as I am sure you will be called for to decipher it.  If you did know how infinitely her Majesty did at my departure and before—­for in this matter of peace she hath specially used me this good while—­command me, pray me, and persuade me to further and hasten the same with all the speed possible that might be, and how, on the other side, I have continually been the man and the mean that have most plainly dehorted her from such post-haste, and that she should never make good peace without a puissant army in the field, you would then say that I had now cause to fear her displeasure for being too slow, and not too forward.  And as for all the reasons which in my last letters are set down, her Majesty hath debated them with me many times.”

And thus midsummer was fast approaching, the commonwealth was without a regular government, Leicester remained in England nursing his wrath and preparing his schemes, the Queen was at Greenwich, corresponding with Alexander Farnese, and sending riddles to Buckhurst, when the enemy—­who, according to her Majesty, was “quite unable to attempt the, siege of any town” suddenly appeared in force in Flanders, and invested Sluy’s.  This most important seaport, both for the destiny of the republic and of England at that critical moment, was insufficiently defended.  It was quite time to put an army in the field, with a governor-general to command it.

On the 5th June there was a meeting of the state-council at the Hague.  Count Maurice, Hohenlo, and Moeurs were present, besides several members of the States-General.  Two propositions were before the council.  The first was that it was absolutely necessary to the safety of the republic, now that the enemy had taken the field, and the important city of Sluy’s was besieged, for Prince Maurice to be appointed captain-general, until such time as the Earl of Leicester or some other should be sent by her Majesty.  The second was to confer upon the state-council the supreme government in civil affairs, for the same period, and to repeal all limitations and restrictions upon the powers of the council made secretly by the Earl.

Chancellor Leoninus, “that grave, wise old man,” moved the propositions.  The deputies of the States were requested to withdraw.  The vote of each councillor was demanded.  Buckhurst, who, as the Queen’s representative—­together with Wilkes and John Norris—­had a seat in the council, refused to vote.  “It was a matter,” he discreetly observed with which “he had not been instructed by her Majesty to intermeddle.”  Norris and Wilkes also begged to be excused from voting, and, although earnestly urged to do so by the whole council, persisted in their refusal.  Both measures were then carried.