And thus summer wore into autumn, Sluys fell, the States and their governor-general were at daggers-drawn, the Netherlanders were full of distrust with regard to England, Alexander hinted doubts as to the Queen’s sincerity; the secret negotiations, though fertile in suspicions, jealousies, delays, and such foul weeds, had produced no wholesome fruit, and the excellent De Loo became very much depressed.  At last a letter from Burghley relieved his drooping spirits.  From the most disturbed and melancholy man in the world, he protested, he had now become merry and quiet.  He straightway went off to the Duke of Parma, with the letter in his pocket, and translated it to him by candlelight, as he was careful to state, as an important point in his narrative.  And Farnese was fuller of fine phrases than ever.

“There is no cause whatever,” said he, in a most loving manner, “to doubt my sincerity.  Yet the Lord-Treasurer intimates that the most serene Queen is disposed so to do.  But if I had not the very best intentions, and desires for peace, I should never have made the first overtures.  If I did not wish a pacific solution, what in the world forced me to do what I have done?  On the contrary, it is I that have reason to suspect the other parties with their long delays, by which they have made me lose the best part of the summer.”

He then commented on the strong expressions in the English letters, as to the continuance of her Majesty in her pious resolutions; observed that he was thoroughly advised of the disputes between the Earl of Leicester and the States; and added that it was very important for the time indicated by the Queen.

“Whatever is to be done,” said he, in conclusion, “let it be done quickly;” and with that he said he would go and eat a bit of supper.

“And may I communicate Lord Burghley’s letter to any one else?” asked De Loo.

“Yes, yes, to the Seigneur de Champagny, and to my secretary Cosimo,” answered his Highness.

So the merchant negotiator proceeded at once to the mansion of Champagny, in company with the secretary Cosimo.  There was a long conference, in which De Loo was informed of many things which he thoroughly believed, and faithfully transmitted to the court of Elizabeth.  Alexander had done his best, they said, to delay the arrival of his fresh troops.  He had withdrawn from the field, on various pretexts, hoping, day after day, that the English commissioners would arrive, and that a firm and perpetual peace would succeed to the miseries of war.  But as time wore away, and there came no commissioners, the Duke had come to the painful conclusion that he had been trifled with.  His forces would now be sent into Holland to find something to eat; and this would ensure the total destruction of all that territory.  He had also written to command all the officers of the coming troops to hasten their march, in order that he might avoid incurring still deeper censure.