The Spanish Governor-General was assured that nothing but the warmest regard was entertained for him and his master on the part of the French court.

Parma had replied, however, that so many French troops had in times past crossed the frontier to assist the rebels, that he hardly knew what to think.

He expressed the hope, now that the Duke of Anjou was dead, that his Christian Majesty would not countenance the rebellion, but manifest his good-will.
"How can your Highness doubt it," said Malpierre, Henry's envoy, "for his Majesty has given proof enough of his good will, having prevented all enterprises in this regard, and preferred to have his own subjects cut into pieces rather than that they should carry out their designs.

Had his Majesty been willing merely to connive at these undertakings, 'tis probable that the affairs of your highness would not have succeeded so well as they have done." With regard to England, also, the conduct of Henry and his mother in these negotiations was marked by the same unfathomable duplicity.

There was an appearance of cordiality on the surface; but there was deep plotting, and bargaining, and even deadly hostility lurking below.