I could be content to lose a limb, could her Majesty see these countries and towns as I have done." He was in truth excessively elated, and had already, in imagination, vanquished Alexander Farnese, and eclipsed the fame of William the Silent.

"They will serve under me," he observed, "with a better will than ever they served under the Prince of Orange.

Yet they loved him well, but they never hoped of the liberty of this country till now." Thus the English government had every reason to be satisfied with the aspect of its affairs in the Netherlands.

But the nature of the Earl's authority was indefinite.

The Queen had refused the sovereignty and the protectorate.