The Provinces were represented as a collection of audacious rebels, a piratical scum of the sea.

But the Sultan knew his interests better than to incur the enmity of this rising maritime power.

The Dutch envoy declaring that he would sooner throw himself into the Bosphorus than remain to be treated with less consideration than that accorded to the ministers of all great powers, the remonstrances of envious colleagues were hushed, and Haga was received with all due honours.
Even at the court of the best friend of the Republic, the French king, men looked coldly at the upstart commonwealth.

Francis Aerssens, the keen and accomplished minister of the States, resident in Paris for many years, was received as ambassador after the truce with all the ceremonial befitting the highest rank in the diplomatic service; yet Henry could not yet persuade himself to look upon the power accrediting him as a thoroughly organized commonwealth.
The English ambassador asked the King if he meant to continue his aid and assistance to the States during the truce.

"Yes," answered Henry.
"And a few years beyond it ?" "No.