It was well known that there were great preparations in Spain, Portugal, and the obedient Netherlands, by land and sea.

But Sir Robert Sidney was persuaded that the expedition was intended for Africa; even the Pope was completely mystified--to the intense delight of Philip--and Burghley, enlightened by the sagacious De Loo, was convinced, that even in case of a rupture, the whole strength of the Spanish arms was to be exerted in reducing Friesland and Overyssel.
But Walsingham was never deceived; for he had learned from Demosthenes a lesson with which William the Silent, in his famous Apology, had made the world familiar, that the only citadel against a tyrant and a conqueror was distrust.
Alexander, much grieved that doubts should still be felt as to his sincerity, renewed the most exuberant expressions of that sentiment, together with gentle complaints against the dilatoriness which had proceeded from the doubt.

Her Majesty had long been aware, he said, of his anxiety to bring about a perfect reconciliation; but he had waited, month after month, for her commissioners, and had waited in vain.

His hopes had been dashed to the ground.

The affair had been indefinitely spun out, and he could not resist the conviction that her Majesty had changed her mind.