Peace was an impossibility.

It seemed to the most experienced statesmen of both countries even an absurdity.

It may well be imagined, therefore, that the idea of an underhand negotiation by Elizabeth would cause a frenzy in the Netherlands.

In Leicester's opinion, nothing short of a general massacre of the English would be the probable consequence.

"No doubt," said he, "the very way it is to put us all to the sword here.