Should the King either openly or secretly assist the Netherlands or allow them to be assisted, 'twould be a reason for all the Catholics now sustaining his Majesty's party to go over to the Guise faction.

The Provinces must remain firm, and make no pacification with the enemy.

Meantime the Queen of England is the only one to whom God has given means to afford you succour.

One of these days, when the proper time comes, his Majesty will assist her in affording you relief." Calvart, after this conference with the King of Navarre, and subsequently with the government, entertained a lingering hope that the French King meant to assist the Provinces.

"I know well who is the author of these troubles," said the unhappy monarch, who never once mentioned the name of Guise in all those conferences, "but, if God grant me life, I will give him as good as he sends, and make him rue his conduct." They were not aware after how many strange vacillations Henry was one day to wreak this threatened vengeance.