And it must be ever borne in mind that Alexander was daily expecting the arrival of the invading fleets and armies of Spain, and was holding himself in readiness to place himself at their head for the conquest of England.

This was, of course, so strenuously denied by himself and those under his influence, that Queen Elizabeth implicitly.
believed him, Burghley was lost in doubt, and even the astute Walsingham began to distrust his own senses.

So much strength does a falsehood acquire in determined and skilful hands.
"As to the commissions, it will be absolutely necessary for, your Majesty to send them," wrote Alexander at the moment when he was receiving the English envoy at Ghent, "for unless the Armada arrive soon--it will be indispensable for me, to have them, in order to keep the negotiation alive.

Of course they will never broach the principal matters without exhibition of powers.

Richardot is aware of the secret which your Majesty confided to me, namely, that the negotiations are only intended to deceive the Queen and to gain time for the fleet; but the powers must be sent in order that we may be able to produce them; although your secret intentions will be obeyed." The Duke commented, however, on the extreme difficulty of carrying out the plan, as originally proposed.