notwithstanding that the king and archdukes had so far derogated
from their reputation as to send their commissioners into the United
Netherlands, it having been easy enough to arrange for negotiations on
other soil. It had been their wish thus to prove to the world how
straightforward were their intentions by not requiring the States to send
deputies to them. They had accorded the first point in the negotiations,
touching the free state of the country. Their High Mightinesses had
taken offence upon the second, regarding the restoration of religion in
the United Provinces. Thereupon the father commissary had gone to Spain,
and had remained longer than was agreeable. Nevertheless, they had
meantime treated of other points. Coming back at last to the point of
religion, the States-General had taken a resolution, and had given them
their dismissal, without being willing to hear a word more, or to make a
single proposition of moderation or accommodation.

He could not refrain from saying that the commissioners had been treated
roughly. Their High Mightinesses had fixed the time for their dismissal
more precisely than one would do with a servant who was discharged for
misconduct; for the lackey, if he asked for it, would be allowed at least
a day longer to pack his trunk for the journey. They protested before
God and the assembly of the States that the king and princes had meant
most sincerely, and had dealt with all roundness and sincerity. They at
least remained innocent of all the disasters and calamities to come from
the war.

"As for myself," said Richardot, "I am no prophet, nor the son of a
prophet; yet I will venture the prediction to you, my lords the States-
General, that you will bitterly rue it that you did not embrace the peace
thus presented, and which you might have had. The blood which is
destined to flow, now that you have scorned our plan of reconciliation,