But the Archduke, of course, had not seen that correspondence.
The Advocate knew what was plotting, what was impending, what was actually accomplished, for he was accustomed to sweep the whole horizon with an anxious and comprehensive glance.

He knew without requiring to read the secret letters of the enemy that vast preparations for an extensive war against the Reformation were already completed.

The movements in the duchies were the first drops of a coming deluge.

The great religious war which was to last a generation of mankind had already begun; the immediate and apparent pretext being a little disputed succession to some petty sovereignties, the true cause being the necessity for each great party--the Protestant Union and the Catholic League--to secure these border provinces, the possession of which would be of such inestimable advantage to either.

If nothing decisive occurred in the year 1614, the following year would still be more convenient for the League.