She accepted the letters, which, however, owing to a bad cold with a defluxion in the eyes, she was unable at once to read; but she talked ambiguously with the messenger.

Yavasour took pains to show the immediate necessity of sending supplies, so that the armies in the Netherlands might take the field at the earliest possible moment.

"And what," said she, "if a peace should come in the mean time ?" "If your Majesty desireth a convenient peace," replied Vavasour, "to take the field is the readiest way to obtain it; for as yet the King of Spain hath had no reason to fear you.

He is daily expecting that your own slackness may give your Majesty an overthrow.

Moreover, the Spaniards are soldiers, and are not to be moved by-shadows." But the Queen had no ears for these remonstrances, and no disposition to open her coffers.