Never did statesmen know better how not to do that which they were ostensibly occupied in doing than Alexander Farnese and his agents, Champagny, Richardot, Jacob Maas, and Gamier.  The first pretext by which much time was cleverly consumed was the dispute as to the place of meeting.  Doctor Dale had already expressed his desire for Ostend as the place of colloquy. “’Tis a very slow old gentleman, this Doctor Dale,” said Alexander; “he was here in the time of Madam my mother, and has also been ambassador at Vienna.  I have received him and his attendants with great courtesy, and held out great hopes of peace.  We had conversations about the place of meeting.  He wishes Ostend:  I object.  The first conference will probably be at some point between that place and Newport.”

The next opportunity for discussion and delay was afforded by the question of powers.  And it must be ever borne in mind that Alexander was daily expecting the arrival of the invading fleets and armies of Spain, and was holding himself in readiness to place himself at their head for the conquest of England.  This was, of course, so strenuously denied by himself and those under his influence, that Queen Elizabeth implicitly. believed him, Burghley was lost in doubt, and even the astute Walsingham began to distrust his own senses.  So much strength does a falsehood acquire in determined and skilful hands.

“As to the commissions, it will be absolutely necessary for, your Majesty to send them,” wrote Alexander at the moment when he was receiving the English envoy at Ghent, “for unless the Armada arrive soon—­it will be indispensable for me, to have them, in order to keep the negotiation alive.  Of course they will never broach the principal matters without exhibition of powers.  Richardot is aware of the secret which your Majesty confided to me, namely, that the negotiations are only intended to deceive the Queen and to gain time for the fleet; but the powers must be sent in order that we may be able to produce them; although your secret intentions will be obeyed.”

The Duke commented, however, on the extreme difficulty of carrying out the plan, as originally proposed.  “The conquest of England would have been difficult,” he said, “even although the country had been taken by surprise.  Now they are strong and armed; we are comparatively weak.  The danger and the doubt are great; and the English deputies, I think, are really desirous of peace.  Nevertheless I am at your Majesty’s disposition—­life and all—­and probably, before the answer arrives to this letter, the fleet will have arrived, and I shall have undertaken the passage to England.”