The proposition, too, of the States for a close and general alliance was coldly repulsed.

"No resolution can be taken as to that," said Cecil; "the death of the French king has very much altered such matters." At a little later hour on the same day the commissioners, according to previous invitation, dined with the King.
No one sat at the table but his Majesty and themselves, and they all kept their hats on their heads.

The King was hospitable, gracious, discursive, loquacious, very theological.
He expressed regret for the death of the King of France, and said that the pernicious doctrine out of which such vile crimes grew must be uprooted.

He asked many questions in regard to the United Netherlands, enquiring especially as to the late commotions at Utrecht, and the conduct of Prince Maurice on that occasion.

He praised the resolute conduct of the States-General in suppressing those tumults with force, adding, however, that they should have proceeded with greater rigour against the ringleaders of the riot.