And France, too, with assistance of this country, will command the land as well.

They are much astonished here, however, that I communicate nothing of the intention of your Majesty.

They say that if your Majesty does not accept this offer of their country, your Majesty puts the rope around their necks." The French envoy was more and more struck with the brilliancy of the prize offered to his master.

"If the King gets these Provinces," said he to Catharine, "'t will be the most splendid inheritance which Prince has ever conquered." In a very few weeks the assiduity of the envoy and of the French party was successful.

All the other provinces had very soon repeated the offer which they had previously made through Asseliers and La Mouillerie.