So I ordered Richardot, who is quite aware of your Majesty's secret intentions, from which we shall not swerve one jot, to show it privately to Croft, and afterwards to Dr.Dale, but without allowing a copy of it to be taken." "You have done very well," replied Philip, "but that commission is, on no account, to be used, except for show.

You know my mind thoroughly." Thus three months had been consumed, and at last one indispensable preliminary to any negotiation had, in appearance, been performed.

Full powers on both sides had been exhibited.

When the Queen of England gave the Earl of Derby and his colleagues commission to treat with the King's envoys, and pledged herself beforehand to, ratify all their proceedings, she meant to perform the promise to which she had affixed her royal name and seal.

She could not know that the Spanish monarch was deliberately putting his name to a lie, and chuckling in secret over the credulity of his English sister, who was willing to take his word and his bond.