While in the antechamber, they had opportunity to read their letters from the States-General, his Majesty sending word that he was expecting them with impatience, but preferred that they should read the despatches before the audience.
They found the King somewhat out of humour.

He expressed himself as tolerably well satisfied with the general tenour of the despatches brought by de Bethune, but complained loudly of the request now made by the States, that the maintenance and other expenses of 4000 French in the States' service should be paid in the coming campaign out of the royal exchequer.

He declared that this proposition was "a small manifestation of ingratitude," that my Lords the States were "little misers," and that such proceedings were "little avaricious tricks" such as he had not expected of them.
So far as England was concerned, he said there was a great difference.
The English took away what he was giving.

He did cheerfully a great deal for his friends, he said, and was always ready doubly to repay what they did for him.

If, however, the States persisted in this course, he should call his troops home again.
The King, as he went on, became more and more excited, and showed decided dissatisfaction in his language and manner.