Now was the time, so it was thought, to throw forward a strong force of Jesuits as skirmishers into the Provinces by whom the way would be opened for the reconquest of the whole territory.

“By the advices coming to us continually from thence,” wrote the King of Spain to Archduke Albert, “we understand that the disquiets and differences continue in Holland on matters relating to their sects, and that from this has resulted the conversion of many to the Catholic religion.  So it has been taken into consideration whether it would not be expedient that some fathers of the company of Jesuits be sent secretly from Rome to Holland, who should negotiate concerning the conversion of that people.  Before taking a resolution, I have thought best to give an account of this matter to your Highness.  I should be glad if you would inform me what priests are going to Holland, what fruits they yield, and what can be done for the continuance of their labours.  Please to advise me very particularly together with any suggestions that may occur to you in this matter.”

The Archduke, who was nearer the scene, was not so sure that the old religion was making such progress as his royal nephew or those who spoke in his name believed.  At any rate, if it were not rapidly gaining ground, it would be neither for want of discord among the Protestants nor for lack of Jesuits to profit by it.

“I do not understand,” said he in reply, “nor is it generally considered certain that from the differences and disturbances that the Hollanders are having among themselves there has resulted the conversion of any of them to our blessed Catholic faith, because their disputes are of certain points concerning which there are different opinions within their sect.  There has always been a goodly number of priests here, the greater part of whom belong to the Company.  They are very diligent and fervent, and the Catholics derive much comfort from them.  To send more of them would do more harm than good.  It might be found out, and then they would perhaps be driven out of Holland or even chastised.  So it seems better to leave things as they are for the present.”

The Spanish government was not discouraged however, but was pricking up its ears anew at strange communications it was receiving from the very bosom of the council of state in the Netherlands.  This body, as will be remembered, had been much opposed to Barneveld and to the policy pursued under his leadership by the States of Holland.  Some of its members were secretly Catholic and still more secretly disposed to effect a revolution in the government, the object of which should be to fuse the United Provinces with the obedient Netherlands in a single independent monarchy to be placed under the sceptre of the son of Philip iii.

A paper containing the outlines of this scheme had been sent to Spain, and the King at once forwarded it in cipher to the Archduke at Brussels for his opinion and co-operation.