was a little, a very little, recognition of his sovereignty. "You will
do well to reflect on this delicate matter in time," wrote Aerssens to
the Advocate; "I know that the King of Spain is inclined to make this
offer, and that they are mad enough in this place to believe the thing
feasible. For me, I reject all such talk until they have got the
Infanta--that is to say, until the Greek Kalends. I am ashamed that they
should believe it here, and fearful that there is still more evil
concealed than I know of."

Towards the close of the year 1606 the French Government became still
more eager to carry out their plans of alliance and absorption.
Aerssens, who loved a political intrigue better than became a republican
envoy, was perfectly aware of Henry's schemes. He was disposed to humour
them, in order to make sure of his military assistance, but with the
secret intention of seeing them frustrated by the determined opposition
of the States.

The French ministers, by command of their sovereign, were disposed to
deal very plainly. They informed the Dutch diplomatist, with very little
circumlocution, that if the republic wished assistance from France she
was to pay a heavy price for it. Not a pound of flesh only, but the
whole body corporate, was to be surrendered if its destruction was to be
averted by French arms.

"You know," said Sillery, "that princes in all their actions consider
their interests, and his Majesty has not so much affection for your
conservation as to induce him to resign his peaceful position. Tell me,
I pray you, what would you do for his Majesty in case anything should be
done for you? You were lately in Holland. Do you think that they would
give themselves to the king if he assisted them? Do you not believe that