Towards the close of the year 1606 the French Government became still more eager to carry out their plans of alliance and absorption.  Aerssens, who loved a political intrigue better than became a republican envoy, was perfectly aware of Henry’s schemes.  He was disposed to humour them, in order to make sure of his military assistance, but with the secret intention of seeing them frustrated by the determined opposition of the States.

The French ministers, by command of their sovereign, were disposed to deal very plainly.  They informed the Dutch diplomatist, with very little circumlocution, that if the republic wished assistance from France she was to pay a heavy price for it.  Not a pound of flesh only, but the whole body corporate, was to be surrendered if its destruction was to be averted by French arms.

“You know,” said Sillery, “that princes in all their actions consider their interests, and his Majesty has not so much affection for your conservation as to induce him to resign his peaceful position.  Tell me, I pray you, what would you do for his Majesty in case anything should be done for you?  You were lately in Holland.  Do you think that they would give themselves to the king if he assisted them?  Do you not believe that Prince Maurice has designs on the sovereignty, and would prevent the fulfilment of the king’s hopes?  What will you do for us in return for our assistance?”

Aerssens was somewhat perplexed, but he was cunning at fence.  “We will do all we can,” said he, “for any change is more supportable than the yoke of Spain.”

“What can you do then?” persisted Sillery.  “Give us your opinion in plain French, I beg of you, and lay aside all passion; for we have both the same object—­your preservation.  Besides interest, his Majesty has affection for you.  Let him only see some advantage for himself to induce to assist you more powerfully.  Suppose you should give us what you have and what you may acquire in Flanders with the promise to treat secretly with us when the time comes.  Could you do that?”

The envoy replied that this would be tearing the commonwealth in pieces.  If places were given away, the jealousy of the English would be excited.  Certainly it would be no light matter to surrender Sluys, the fruit of Maurice’s skill and energy, the splendidly earned equivalent for the loss of Ostend.  “As to Sluys and other places in Flanders,” said Aerssens, “I don’t know if towns comprised in our Union could be transferred or pledged without their own consent and that of the States.  Should such a thing get wind we might be ruined.  Nevertheless I will write to learn what his Majesty may hope.”

“The people,” returned Sillery, “need know nothing of this transfer; for it might be made secretly by Prince Maurice, who could put the French quietly into Sluys and other Flemish places.  Meantime you had best make a journey to Holland to arrange matters so that the deputies, coming hither, may be amply instructed in regard to Sluys, and no time be lost.  His Majesty is determined to help you if you know how to help yourselves.”