Bodman replied that these were merely the idle stories of quidnuncs; and that the Prince and all his counsellors were dealing with the utmost sincerity.

Burghley answered that he had intercepted the very letters, and had them in his possession.

A week afterwards, Bodman saw Walsingham alone, and was informed by him that the Queen had written an answer to Parma’s letter, and that negotiations for the future were to be carried on in the usual form, or not at all.  Walsingham, having thus got the better of his rivals, and delved below their mines, dismissed the agent with brief courtesy.  Afterwards the discomfited Mr. Comptroller wished a private interview with Bodman.  Bodman refused to speak with him except in presence of Lord Cobham.  This Croft refused.  In the same way Bodman contrived to get rid, as he said, of Lord Burghley and Lord Cobham, declining to speak with either of them alone.  Soon afterwards he returned to the Provinces!

The Queen’s letter to Parma was somewhat caustic.  It was obviously composed through the inspiration of Walsingham rather than that of Burghley.  The letter, brought by a certain Grafigni and a certain Bodman, she said, was a very strange one, and written under a delusion.  It was a very grave error, that, in her name, without her knowledge, contrary to her disposition, and to the prejudice of her honour, such a person as this Grafigni, or any one like him, should have the audacity to commence such a business, as if she had, by messages to the Prince, sought a treaty with his King, who had so often returned evil for her good.  Grafigni, after representing the contrary to his Highness, had now denied in presence of her counsellors having received any commission from the Queen.  She also briefly gave the result of Bodman’s interviews with Burghley and the others, just narrated.  That agent had intimated that Parma would procure authority to treat for peace, if assured that the Queen would lend her ear to any propositions.

She replied by referring to her published declarations, as showing her powerful motives for interfering in these affairs.  It was her purpose to save her own realm and to rescue her ancient neighbours from misery and from slavery.  To this end she should still direct her actions, notwithstanding the sinister rumours which had been spread that she was inclined to peace before providing for the security and liberty of her allies.  She was determined never to separate their cause from her own.  Propositions tending to the security of herself and of her neighbours would always be favourably received.