They sought to make amends to her for the ignorance they had all shown by passing over their little knowledge and talking of obstacles and expenses.

Her Highness, on the other hand, approved of it, and supported it as far as she was able.
"Seven years passed in discussion and nine in execution.

During this time very remarkable and noteworthy things occurred whereof no idea at all had been formed.

I have arrived at, and am in, such a condition that there is no person so vile but thinks he may insult me: he shall be reckoned in the world as valour itself who is courageous enough not to consent to it.
"If I were to steal the Indies or the land which lies towards them, of which I am now speaking, from the altar of Saint Peter, and give them to the Moors, they could not show greater enmity towards me in Spain.

Who would believe such a thing where there was always so much magnanimity?
"I should have much desired to free myself from this affair had it been honourable towards my Queen to do so.