History of the United Netherlands, 1584-85 | Page 5

as to a lady of all ladies." "Especially," said Herle,
"did the two Princesses in most humble and wise sort, express a certain
fervent devotion towards your Majesty."
Elector Truchsess was spoken of as "a prince well qualified and greatly
devoted to her Majesty; who, after many grave and sincere words had
of her Majesty's virtue, calling her 'la fille unique de Dieu, and le bien
heureuse Princesse', desired of God that he might do her service as she
merited."
And, finally, Count Hollock--who seemed to "be reformed in sundry
things, if it hold" (a delicate allusion to the Count's propensity for
strong potations), was said "to desire humbly to be known for one that
would obey the commandment of her Majesty more than of any earthly

prince living besides."
There can be no doubt that there was a strong party in favour of an
appeal to England rather than to France. The Netherlanders were too
shrewd a people not to recognize the difference between the king of a
great realm, who painted his face and wore satin petticoats, and the
woman who entertained ambassadors, each in his own language, on
gravest affairs of state, who matched in her wit and wisdom the deepest
or the most sparkling intellects of her council, who made
extemporaneous Latin orations to her universities, and who rode on
horseback among her generals along the lines of her troops in
battle-array, and yet was only the unmarried queen of a petty and
turbulent state.
"The reverend respect that is borne to your Majesty throughout these
countries is great," said William Herle. They would have thrown
themselves into her arms, heart and soul, had they been cordially
extended at that moment of their distress; but she was coy, hesitating,
and, for reasons already sufficiently indicated, although not so
conclusive as they seemed, disposed to temporize and to await the issue
of the negotiations between the Provinces and France.
In Holland and Zeeland especially, there was an enthusiastic feeling in
favour of the English alliance. "They recommend themselves," said
Herleo "throughout the country in their consultations and assemblies, as
also in their common and private speeches, to the Queen of England's
only favour and goodness, whom they call their saviour, and the
Princess of greatest perfection in wisdom and sincerity that ever
governed. Notwithstanding their treaty now on foot by their deputies
with France, they are not more disposed to be governed by the French
than to be tyrannized over by the Spaniard; concluding it to be alike;
and even 'commutare non sortem sed servitutem'."
Paul Buys was indefatigable in his exertions against the treaty with
France, and in stimulating the enthusiasm for England and Elizabeth.
He expressed sincere and unaffected devotion to the Queen on all
occasions, and promised that no negotiations should take place,
however secret and confidential, that were not laid before her Majesty.
"He has the chief administration among the States," said Herle, "and to
his credit and dexterity they attribute the despatch of most things. He
showed unto me the state of the enemy throughout the provinces, and

of the negotiation in France, whereof he had no opinion at all of
success, nor any will of his own part but to please the Prince of Orange
in his life-time."
It will be seen in the sequel whether or not the views of this
experienced and able statesman were lucid and comprehensive. It will
also be seen whether his strenuous exertions in favour of the English
alliance were rewarded as bountifully as they deserved, by those most
indebted to him.
Meantime he was busily employed in making the English government
acquainted with the capacity, disposition, and general plans of the
Netherlanders.
"They have certain other things in consultation amongst the States to
determine of," wrote Herle, "which they were sworn not to reveal to
any, but Buys protested that nothing should pass but to your liking and
surety, and the same to be altered and disposed as should seem good to
your Highness's own authority; affirming to me sincerely that Holland
and Zeeland, with the rest of the provinces, for the estimation they had
of your high virtue and temperancy, would yield themselves absolutely
to your Majesty and crown for ever, or to none other (their liberties
only reserved), whereof you should have immediate possession,
without reservation of place or privilege."
The important point of the capability of the Provinces to defend
themselves, about which Elizabeth was most anxious to be informed,
was also fully elucidated by the Advocate. "The means should be such,
proceeding from the Provinces," said he, "as your Majesty might
defend your interest therein with facility against the whole world." He
then indicated a plan, which had been proposed by the States of
Brabant to the States General, according to which