His wrath exploded in his first interview with Leyton, the English envoy, whom Queen Elizabeth had despatched to calm, if possible, his inevitable anger at her recent treaty with the states.

He knew nothing of England, he said, nor of France, nor of the Emperor.

His Catholic Majesty had commissioned him now to make war upon these rebellious provinces.

He would do it with all his heart.

As for the Emperor, he would unchain the Turks upon him for his perfidy.