The punishment of heretics by some new method, so as to secure the pains but to take away the glories of martyrdom, was also slightly discussed, and here again Egmont was so unfortunate as to misconceive the royal meaning, and to interpret an additional refinement of cruelty into an expression of clemency.

On the whole, however, there was not much negotiation between the monarch and the ambassador.

When the Count spoke of business, the King would speak to him of his daughters, and of his desire to see them provided with brilliant marriages.

As Egmont had eight girls, besides two sons, it was natural that he should be pleased to find Philip taking so much interest in looking out husbands for them.

The King spoke to him, as hardly could be avoided, of the famous fool's-cap livery.