It is both a literary enjoyment and a means of historical and political instruction to read after the lapse of centuries their reports and despatches.

They worthily compare as works of art with those diplomatic masterpieces the letters and 'Relazioni' of the Venetian ambassadors; and it is well known that the earlier and some of the most important treatises on public and international law ever written are from the pens of Hollanders, who indeed may be said to have invented that science.' The Republic having thus steadily shouldered its way into the family of nations was soon called upon to perform a prominent part in the world's affairs.

More than in our own epoch there was a close political commingling of such independent states as held sympathetic views on the great questions agitating Europe.

The policy of isolation so wisely and successfully carried out by our own trans-Atlantic commonwealth was impossible for the Dutch republic, born as it was of a great religious schism, and with its narrow territory wedged between the chief political organizations of Christendom.

Moreover the same jealousy on the part of established powers which threw so many obstacles in its path to recognized sovereignty existed in the highest degree between its two sponsors and allies, France and England, in regard to their respective relations to the new state.
"If ever there was an obliged people," said Henry's secretary of state, Villeroy, to Aerssens, "then it is you Netherlanders to his Majesty.