But de Coeuvres firmly replied that the King would make no terms with his vassal nor allow Conde to prescribe conditions to him.

To leave him in Germany or Italy, he said, was to leave him in the dependence of Spain.

The King would not have this constant apprehension of her intrigues while, living, nor leave such matter in dying for turbulence in his kingdom.

If it appeared that the Spaniards wished to make use of the Prince for such purposes, he would be beforehand with them, and show them how much more injury he could inflict on Spain than they on France.
Obviously committed to Spain, Conde replied to the entreaties of the emissary that if the King would give him half his kingdom he would not accept the offer nor return to France; at least before the 8th of February, by which date he expected advices from Spain.

He had given his word, he said, to lend his ear to no overtures before that time.