Spinola and the military party of Spain, while preaching peace, had been in truth most anxious for fighting.  “The only honour I desire henceforth,” said that great commander, “is to give battle to Prince Maurice.”  The generals were more anxious than the governments to make use of the splendid armies arrayed against each other in such proximity that, the signal for conflict not having been given, it was not uncommon for the soldiers of the respective camps to aid each other in unloading munition waggons, exchanging provisions and other articles of necessity, and performing other small acts of mutual service.

But heavy thunder clouds hanging over the earth so long and so closely might burst into explosion at any moment.  Had it not been for the distracted condition of France, the infatuation of the English king, and the astounding inertness of the princes of the German Union, great advantages might have been gained by the Protestant party before the storm should break.  But, as the French ambassador at the Hague well observed, “the great Protestant Union of Germany sat with folded arms while Hannibal was at their gate, the princes of which it was composed amusing themselves with staring at each other.  It was verifying,” he continued, bitterly, “the saying of the Duke of Alva, ’Germany is an old dog which still can bark, but has lost its teeth to bite with.’”

To such imbecility had that noble and gifted people—­which had never been organized into a nation since it crushed the Roman empire and established a new civilization on its ruins, and was to wait centuries longer until it should reconstruct itself into a whole—­been reduced by subdivision, disintegration, the perpetual dissolvent of religious dispute, and the selfish policy of infinitesimal dynasties.

CHAPTER XII.

James still presses for the Payment of the Dutch Republic’s Debt to him—­A Compromise effected, with Restitution of the Cautionary Towns—­Treaty of Loudun—­James’s Dream of a Spanish Marriage revives—­James visits Scotland—­The States-General agree to furnish Money and Troops in fulfilment of the Treaty of 1609—­Death of Concini—­Villeroy returns to Power.

Besides matters of predestination there were other subjects political and personal which increased the King’s jealousy and hatred.  The debt of the Republic to the British crown, secured by mortgage of the important sea-ports and fortified towns of Flushing, Brielle, Rammekens, and other strong places, still existed.  The possession of those places by England was a constant danger and irritation to the States.  It was an axe perpetually held over their heads.  It threatened their sovereignty, their very existence.  On more than one occasion, in foreign courts, the representatives of the Netherlands had been exposed to the taunt that the Republic was after all not an independent power, but a British province.