He could at any time denounce the negotiations which he was secretly prompting.

Meantime immense advantages could be obtained by the deception practised upon an enemy whose own object was to deceive.
The deliberate treachery of the scheme was cynically enlarged upon, and its possible results mathematically calculated: Philip was to proceed with the invasion while Alexander was going on with the negotiation.

If, meanwhile, they could receive back Holland and Zeeland from the hands of England, that would be an immense success.

The Prince intimated a doubt, however, as to so fortunate a result, because, in dealing with heretics and persons of similar quality, nothing but trickery was to be expected.

The chief good to be hoped for was to "chill the Queen in her plots, leagues, and alliances," and during the chill, to carry forward their own great design.