I reserve explanations until it shall please your Mightinesses to hear me by word of mouth." For it was now taken into consideration by the States' government whether Aerssens was to remain at his post or to return.

Whether it was his wish to be relieved of his embassy or not was a question.

But there was no question that the States at this juncture, and in spite of the dangers impending from the Spanish marriages, must have an ambassador ready to do his best to keep France from prematurely sliding into positive hostility to them.

Aerssens was enigmatical in his language, and Barneveld was somewhat puzzled.
"I have according to your reiterated requests," wrote the Advocate to the Ambassador, "sounded the assembly of My Lords the States as to your recall; but I find among some gentlemen the opinion that if earnestly pressed to continue you would be willing to listen to the proposal.

This I cannot make out from your letters.