In one of these missives the King cordially accepted, and in the other he politely declined Egmont's recent offer to visit Spain.

He also forwarded a private letter in his own hand-writing to the Cardinal.

Armenteros, who travelled but slowly on account of the state of his health, arrived in Brussels towards the end of February.

Five or six days afterwards, on the 1st March, namely, the courier arrived bringing the despatches for the seigniors.

In his letter to Orange, Egmont, and Horn, the King expressed his astonishment at their resolution to abstain from the state council.