The balance of power in Europe, which no man in Christendom so well understood as he, was to be established by maintaining (he thought) the equilibrium between France and Spain.

In the antagonism of those two great realms lay the only hope for Dutch or European liberty.

Notwithstanding the treason of Anjou, therefore, it had been decided to renew negociations with that Prince.

On the death of the Duke, the envoys of the States were accordingly instructed to make the offer to King Henry III.

which had been intended for his brother.