'Tis these good and zealous patriots, trusting to a little favourable breeze that blew for a few days past, who have been the cause of all this disturbance, and who are ruining their miserable country--miserable, I say, for having produced such abortions as themselves." Notwithstanding what had passed, however, Richardot intimated that Alexander was still ready to negotiate.

"And if you, Sir," he concluded, in his letter to Aldegonde, "concerning whom many of our friends have at present a sinister opinion, as if your object was to circumvent us, are willing to proceed roundly and frankly, as I myself firmly believe that you will do, we may yet hope for a favourable issue." Thus the burgomaster was already the object of suspicion to both parties.
The Antwerpers denounced him as having been purchased by Spanish gold; the royalists accused him of intending to overreach the King.

It was not probable therefore that all were correct in their conjectures.
At last it was arranged that deputies should be appointed by the broad council to commence a negotiation with Parma.

Sainte Aldegonde informed Richardot, that he would (5th July, 1585) accompany them, if his affairs should permit.

He protested his sincerity and frankness throughout the whole affair.