While this eventful siege was proceeding, the negotiations with the Walloons were ripening.  The siege and the conferences went hand in hand.  Besides the secret arrangements already described for the separation of the Walloon provinces, there had been much earnest and eloquent remonstrance on the part of the states-general and of Orange—­many solemn embassies and public appeals.  As usual, the Pacification of Ghent was the two-sided shield which hung between the parties to cover or to justify the blows which each dealt at the other.  There is no doubt as to the real opinion entertained concerning that famous treaty by the royal party.  “Through the peace of Ghent,” said Saint Vaast, “all our woes have been brought upon us.”  La Motte informed Parma that it was necessary to pretend a respect for the Pacification, however, on account of its popularity, but that it was well understood by the leaders of the Walloon movement, that the intention was to restore the system of Charles the Fifth.  Parma signified his consent to make use of that treaty as a basis, “provided always it were interpreted healthily, and not dislocated by cavillations and sinister interpolations, as had been done by the Prince of Orange.”  The Malcontent generals of the Walloon troops were inexpressibly anxious lest the cause of religion should be endangered; but the arguments by which Parma convinced those military casuists as to the compatibility of the Ghent peace with sound doctrine have already been exhibited.  The influence of the reconciled nobles was brought to bear with fatal effect upon the states of Artois, Hainault, and of a portion of French Flanders.  The Gallic element in their blood, and an intense attachment to the Roman ceremonial, which distinguished the Walloon population from their Batavian brethren, were used successfully by the wily Parma to destroy the unity of the revolted Netherlands.  Moreover, the King offered good terms.  The monarch, feeling safe on the religious point, was willing to make liberal promises upon the political questions.  In truth, the great grievance of which the Walloons complained was the insolence and intolerable outrages of the foreign soldiers.  This, they said, had alone made them malcontent.  It was; therefore, obviously the cue of Parma to promise the immediate departure of the troops.  This could be done the more easily, as he had no intention of keeping the promise.

Meantime the efforts of Orange, and of the states-general, where his influence was still paramount, were unceasing to counteract the policy of Parma.  A deputation was appointed by the generality to visit the estates of the Walloon provinces.  Another was sent by the authorities of Brussels.  The Marquis of Havre, with several colleagues on behalf of the states-general, waited upon the Viscount of Ghent, by whom they were received with extreme insolence.  He glared upon them, without moving, as they were admitted to his presence; “looking like a dead man, from whom