Nevertheless, the arrangement was maintained, and the troops finally took their departure from the country, in the latter days of April.

A vast concourse of citizens witnessed their departure, and could hardly believe their eyes, as they saw this incubus at last rolling off, by which the land had so many years been crushed.

Their joy, although extravagant, was, however, limited by the reflection that ten thousand Germans still remained in the provinces, attached to the royal service, and that there was even yet a possibility that the departure of the Spaniards was a feint.

In truth, Escovedo, although seconding the orders of Don John, to procure the removal of these troops, did not scruple to express his regret to the King, and his doubts as to the result.

He had been ever in hopes that an excuse might be found in the condition of affairs in France, to justify the retention of the forces near that frontier.