You, the States and the United Provinces, may assist them if you like." The Envoy then reminded the Minister that the States-General had always agreed to go forward evenly in this business with the Kings of Great Britain and France and the united princes, the matter being of equal importance to all.

They had given no further pledge than this to the Union.
It was plain, however, that France was determined not to lift a finger at that moment.

The Duke of Bouillon and those acting with him had tried hard to induce their Majesties "to write seriously to the Archduke in order at least to intimidate him by stiff talk," but it was hopeless.
They thought it was not a time then to quarrel with their neighbour and give offence to Spain.
So the stiff talk was omitted, and the Archduke was not intimidated.

The man who had so often intimidated him was in his grave, and his widow was occupied in marrying her son to the Infanta.

"These are the first-fruits," said Aerssens, "of the new negotiations with Spain." Both the Spanish king and the Emperor were resolved to hold Wesel to the very last.