The resources of the Provinces were at leant equal to her own.

We have seen the astonishment which the wealth and strength of the Netherlands excited in their English visitors.

They were amazed by the evidences of commercial and manufacturing prosperity, by the spectacle of luxury and advanced culture, which met them on every side.

Had the Queen--as it had been generally supposed--desired to learn whether the Provinces were able and willing to pay the expenses of their own defence before she should definitely decide on, their offer of sovereignty, she was soon thoroughly enlightened upon the subject.

Her confidential agents all--held one language.