But if James should venture openly to oppose Spain, what would the Count of Gondemar say, and what would become of the Infanta and the two millions of dowry?
It was not for want of some glimmering consciousness in the mind of James of the impending dangers to Northern Europe and to Protestantism from the insatiable ambition of Spain, and the unrelenting grasp of the Papacy upon those portions of Christendom which were slipping from its control, that his apathy to those perils was so marked.

We have seen his leading motives for inaction, and the world was long to feel its effects.
"His Majesty firmly believes," wrote Secretary Winwood, "that the Papistical League is brewing great and dangerous plots.

To obviate them in everything that may depend upon him, My Lords the States will find him prompt.

The source of all these entanglements comes from Spain.

We do not think that the Archduke will attack Julich this year, but rather fear for Mulheim and Aix-la-Chapelle." But the Secretary of State, thus acknowledging the peril, chose to be blind to its extent, while at the same time undervaluing the powers by which it might be resisted.