History of the United Netherlands, 1607b | Page 3

had but to alter a single comma in the
draught, and, out of that comma, the stadholder's party would be certain
to manufacture for him as long a war as he could possibly wish.
In a subsequent letter to the king, Spinola observed that he was well
aware of the indignation created in Spain by the cessation of land
hostilities without the recal of the fleet, but that nevertheless John
Neyen had confidentially represented to the archdukes the royal assent
as almost certain. As to the mission of Ybarra, the marquis reminded
his master that the responsibility and general superintendence of the
negotiations had been almost forced upon him. Certainly he had not
solicited them. If another agent were now interposed, it was an
advertisement to the world that the business had been badly managed.
If the king wished a rupture, he had but to lift his finger or his pen; but
to appoint another commissioner was an unfit reward for his faithful
service. He was in the king's hands. If his reputation were now to be
destroyed, it was all over with him and his affairs. The man, whom
mortals had once believed incapable, would be esteemed incapable
until the end of his days.
It was too late to prevent the mission of Ybarra, who, immediately after
his arrival in Brussels, began to urge in the king's name that the words
in which the provinces had been declared free by the archdukes might
be expunged. What could be more childish than such diplomacy? What
greater proof could be given of the incapacity of the Spanish court to
learn the lesson which forty years had been teaching? Spinola again
wrote a most earnest remonstrance to the king, assuring him that this
was simply to break off the negotiation. It was ridiculous to suppose, he
said, that concessions already made by the archdukes, ratification of
which on the part of the king had been guaranteed, could now be
annulled. Those acquainted with Netherland obstinacy knew better. The
very possibility of the king's refusal excited the scorn of the
States-General.
Ybarra went about, too, prating to the archdukes and to others of
supplies to be sent from Spain sufficient to carry on the war for many
years, and of fresh troops to be forwarded immediately by Fuentes. As
four millions of crowns a year were known to be required for any
tolerable campaigning, such empty vaunts as these were preposterous.
The king knew full well, said Spinola, and had admitted the fact in his

letters, that this enormous sum could not be furnished. Moreover, the
war cost the Netherlanders far less in proportion. They had river
transportation, by which they effected as much in two days as the
Catholic army could do in a fortnight, so that every siege was managed
with far greater rapidity and less cost by the rebels than by their
opponents. As to sending troops from Milan, he had already stated that
their arrival would have a fatal effect. The minds of the people were
full of suspicion. Every passing rumour excited a prodigious sensation,
and the war party was already gaining the upper hand. Spinola warned
the king, in the most solemn manner, that if the golden opportunity
were now neglected the war would be eternal. This, he said, was more
certain than certain. For himself, he had strained every nerve, and
would continue to do his best in the interest of peace. If calamity must
come, he at least would be held blameless.
Such vehement remonstrances from so eminent a source produced the
needful effect. Royal letters were immediately sent, placing full powers
of treating in the hands of the marquis, and sending him a ratification of
the archduke's agreement. Government moreover expressed boundless
confidence in Spinola, and deprecated the idea that Ybarra's mission
was in derogation of his authority. He had been sent, it was stated, only
to procure that indispensable preliminary to negotiations, the
withdrawal of the Dutch fleet, but as this had now been granted, Ybarra
was already recalled.
Spinola now determined to send the swift and sure-footed friar, who
had made himself so useful in opening the path to discussion, on a
secret mission to Spain. Ybarra objected; especially because it would
be necessary for him to go through France, where he would be closely
questioned by the king. It would be equally dangerous, he said, for the
Franciscan in that case to tell the truth or to conceal it. But Spinola
replied that a poor monk like him could steal through France
undiscovered. Moreover, he should be disguised as a footman,
travelling in the service of Aurelio Spinola, a relative of the marquis,
then proceeding to Madrid. Even should Henry hear of his presence and
send for him, was it to be