The occasion was favourable.

It was just to defend the oppressed princes with the promptly accorded assistance of the States-General.

The King of Great Britain was favourable.

The Duke of Savoy was pledged.

It was better to begin the war in his green old age than to wait the pleasure and opportunity of the King of Spain.
All this he said while racked with fever, and dismissed the Envoy at last, after a long interview, with these words: "Mr.Ambassador--I have always spoken roundly and frankly to you, and you will one day be my witness that I have done all that I could to draw the Prince out of the plight into which he has put himself.