The Duke of Savoy had become one of the most experienced and successful commanders of the age, and an especial favorite with the Emperor.

He had served with Alva in the campaigns against the Protestants of Germany, and in other important fields.

War being his element, he considered peace as undesirable, although he could recognize its existence.

A truce he held, however, to be a senseless parodox, unworthy of the slightest regard.

An armistice, such as was concluded on the February following the abdication, was, in his opinion, only to be turned to account by dealing insidious and unsuspected blows at the enemy, some portion of whose population might repose confidence in the plighted faith of monarchs and plenipotentiaries.