But they had better remember (and I think they will), that out of the offers which these sixteen deputies of the Netherlands are bringing me--and I believe it to be carte blanche--I shall be able to pay myself.

'Twill be better to come promptly to a good bargain and a brief conclusion, than to spin the matter out longer." "Don Bernardino," said the Queen-Mother on the same day, "has been keeping us up to this hour in hopes of a good offer, but 'tis to be feared, for the good of Christendom, that 'twill be too late.

The deputies are come, bringing carte blanche.

Nevertheless, if the King of Spain is willing to be reasonable, and that instantly, it will be well, and it would seem as if God had been pleased to place this means in our hands." After the conferences had been fairly got under way between the French government and the envoys, the demands upon Philip for a good bargain and a handsome offer became still more pressing.
"I have given audience to the deputies from the Provinces," wrote Henry, "and the Queen-Mother has done the same.

Chancellor Chiverny, Villequier, Bellievre, and Brulart, will now confer with them from day today.