That alone does not require so great a league and such excessive and unnecessary expense." The King observed however that the question of the duchies would serve as just cause and excellent pretext to remove those troublesome fellows for ever from his borders and those of the States.

Thus the princes would be established safely in their possession and the Republic as well as himself freed from the perpetual suspicions which the Spaniards excited by their vile intrigues, and it was on this general subject that he wished to confer with the special commissioners.

It would not be possible for him to throw succour into Julich without passing through Luxemburg in arms.

The Archdukes would resist this, and thus a cause of war would arise.

His campaign on the Meuse would help the princes more than if he should only aid them by the contingent he had promised.