She avowed, in assuming the protection of the Netherlands, and in sending her troops to those countries, but three objects: peace, founded upon the recognition of religious freedom in the Provinces, restoration of their ancient political liberties, and security for England.

Never could there be tranquillity, for her own realm until these neighbouring countries were tranquil.

These were her ends and aims, despite all that slanderous tongues might invent.

The world, she observed, was overflowing with blasphemous libels, calumnies, scandalous pamphlets; for never had the Devil been so busy in supplying evil tongues with venom against the professors of the Christian religion.
She added that in a pamphlet, ascribed to the Archbishop of Milan, just published, she had been accused of ingratitude to the King of Spain, and of plots to take the life of Alexander Farnese.

In answer to the first charge, she willingly acknowledged her obligations to the King of Spain during the reign of her sister.